Last year we took a big step after the success of the Dubarry footwear in store and added Dubarry clothing to our repertoire; this year we are taking it up a notch and adding MUSTO!
In 1964 Keith Musto fed up of the uncomfortable and unsuitable “sailing clothes” of the time 
decided to take on the mammoth and aspirational job of designing appropriate, comfortable and water proof sailing attire. MUSTO & Hyde started production in 1965 in a former prisoner of war hut in Rawreth, Essex. Initially the business was focused on sail making, with just two full time staff and family members helping out whenever they could. Slowly but surely the company and its employees grew along with the popularity of sailing which produced more demand for their products. In 1974 their famous “three layer system” was produced based on the idea of having the ability to move freely while keeping protected and warm.
Having established MUSTO's reputation (by word of mouth to begin with) for producing technical sailing clothing of the highest order, Keith Musto’s eye was caught by a new range of fabric that was growing in popularity in the United States and Canada - In 1978, prototype garments were made of a fleece shirt and a blouson jacket called The Snug.
“MUSTO was one of the first companies to bring fleece into the UK. We thought it was perfect for us, particularly as we were starting to branch off into the country markets with the equestrian and shooting areas.” Keith Musto.
MUSTO were also the first the produce and bring to market the ‘one piece dry suit’ and were recognised for this by winning an award in 1988.
After becoming a well known name in the sailing industry Keith Musto, along with the help of his daughter’s passion, took the company into new territory – equestrian clothing. MUSTO’s equestrian range along with the help of key industry figures (such as William Fox-Pitt, Tina Cook and Zara Phillips) became a hit in no time and MUSTO’s customer base increased dramatically.
“MUSTO was always product-led. If you’ve got the right product you’ll succeed. And we did.” Keith Musto
In 1992 MUSTO developed a prototype for a dry suit with the aim of keeping a sailor dry and warm for up to two hours, at the time the maximum was 15minutes and these suits were only worn in very extreme circumstances. The relationship between MUSTO and the leading sailors in their field has been crucial right from the beginning. Not only have they tested the kit to its very limits, but their diligent and extremely detailed feedback has helped MUSTO push the boundaries of innovation. Skip Novak even gave the MUSTO staff a slideshow to illustrate just how important their work was in keeping him and his crew safe and warm.
In 1994 MUSTO collaborated with WL Gore to develop a new range of clothing that was breathable and waterproof even in the toughest of conditions – their MUSTO HPX range with Gore-Tex.
Having established a reputation in the sailing and equestrian markets, in 1999 MUSTO decided it was time to adopt the innovative approach to its country clothing that had made it the best-loved brand in sailing. So knowing how important it is to take part in the activity and research your target audience properly they went shooting and within a short time recognised the challenges, embraced tradition and adopted MUSTO’s renowned reputation for innovation by producing their country range.
In 2006 MUSTO launched their Evolution collection of sailing wear comprising of 3 layers for men and women. An entirely new take on clothes for boating, the capsule collection included fabrics from WL Gore, Polartec, Primaloft and incorporating Lycra, Spandex, SPF technology.
MUSTO was the official technical clothing partner to the British sailing team in the Olympic and Paralympic classes, Skandia Team GBR. The partnership is the perfect illustration of the long journey that began nearly five decades ago when Keith Musto set out on realising his own personal Olympic ambitions.
“Sailors today, they’re very, very good. I’d still like to have a go at them if I was sixty years younger.” Keith Musto.
Below are some images of the clothing we are stocking from Musto – going along to their stock 
room and viewing the pieces was very exciting, we got a background talk on the brand and our rep who has been working there for 10 years knew every aspect of the clothing pieces she was showing us – making our buy a lot easier! After trying on numerous coats, jackets and jumpers we can confirm that the fit is very good – snug and cosy on all levels! To view our full range please click for Men's or Women's.
We really hope you give MUSTO a try if you never have before or continue to shop with them in one of their new locations, Hoads!
The Dubarry Lavery boots in warm walnut are Gore-Tex lined making them 100% waterproof and breathable - no matter what weather you get caught in your feet will stay dry and cosy! The quilted Barbour boot as an alternative is weather resistant with the waxed upper - buckle detailing on both boots give a more casual feel and nod at the biker boot trend. Add a Dubarry faux fur cuff boot liner for extra warmth on those cold mornings watching the children (or partner!) playing sport or walking the dog in bitter temperatures. 
