From Riches to Rags, and Back Again

Our new Classic Corduroy Trousers got us thinking . . . where does corduroy come from? It's such a British staple that conjures images of country gentleman in tweed caps, but has it always been that way?

Turns out that it's the Egyptians who can lay claim to the first incarnation of this hard wearing fabric. We know that it was being made in 200 AD in the city of Fustat, near Cairo. The growth of the cotton trade between the 12th and 14th centuries begins the cloths popularity throughout Europe, where it becomes known as fustian; part of a family of exotic tufted and velvety textiles, coveted by wealthy Europeans.

By the late 16th century fustians were being produced in the UK, but it's not until the late 18th century that it becomes known as corduroy and begins to look more like the ribbed fabric we're familiar with today.

Ironically the fabric once worn by kings becomes known as poor man's velvet in the 19th century as it's mass production, durable and fast drying nature make it a popular choice with working men.

Today it's a popular smart-casual cloth. Wear a Corduroy Jacket with Jolliman Jeans to dress them up for a night in the pub, or Classic Corduroy Trousers with a Tattersall Shirt and a Penrith Diamond Quilted Jacket for that dapper country gent look!

Severe Weather Causes Disruption to Couriers

Due to adverse weather conditions, our couriers have reported disruption to delivery and collection services on some routes. This includes Ipswich, Guernsey, Jersey, the Isle of Wight, Dagenham and Chelmsford. We apologise for any inconvenience this will cause and hope that a normal service will resume from tomorrow, Tuesday 29^th October. If you have any queries, please contact our customer care line on 01903 766400, between 9am-5pm.

Technical Issues

Unfortunately we are currently experiencing technical difficulties that are affecting our website, sales and customer care departments.

We hope to have resolved the matter by lunchtime on Friday 18th October.

If you have sent and email or left a voicemail message for our sales or customer care teams, we will be in touch with you shortly to help deal with your enquiry.

We'd like to say a very big thank you to all of our customers for your patience while we deal with this matter.

David Bowie Named As Fashion Hero

David Bowie has beat some of the biggest names in history, including members of the Royal family, to be crowned Best Dressed Briton by BBC History Magazine.

It's another feather in the cap of the 66 year old singer whose recent album, his first in over a decade, has been nominated for a Mercuary Award. And who was the subject of the fastest-selling V&A exhibition of all time.

"David Bowie has received many accolades in his glittering career, but surely none of them compare to being voted the best-dressed Briton of all time. Bowie had to overcome a king, two queens and a political heavyweight to triumph in our poll, and in doing so has struck a blow for 20th and 21st-century fashions" said BBC History Magazine editor, Rob Attar.

For a full list of the finalists, visit www.historyextra.com/bestdressedbriton

NEW Winter 2013 Catalogue Out Now

The Jolliman Winter 2013 Catalogue is out now!

Featuring lots of new winter warmers to see you through the colder months, including our new and improved Classic Lincoln Cords, now with an elasticated waist for a comfortable fit.

Back by popular demand are a few old favourites such as our Kilbeggan Shirt and Chenille Cardigan - both sold out within a matter of weeks when we introduced them last year. So order now while stock lasts!

We've also extended our FreeStandard Delivery offer on all orders over £40 (for delivery to UK Mainland only, worth £4.95). Visit www.jolliman.co.uk/970 to take advantage of this fantastic offer, but hurry it's only valid until the 17th November 2013 - just in time for all you early birds who want to get ahead with the Christmas shopping!

Singles Champion Andrew Walters Wins the Jolliman Cup

Congratulations to Andrew Walters, winner of the Bowls England Men’s National Singles Championship

Worcestershire based Andrew, from Broadway BC, defeated England International John Rednall from Felixstowe and Suffolk BC, Suffolk, in the final at Beach House Park, Worthing, to claim the coveted Jolliman Cup and in doing so avenge his previous defeat to the same player in the final of the National Champion of Champions in 2009.

We're proud our years of sponsoring this fantastic event has ended on such a high and wish Bowls England the best of luck in their new Royal Leamington Spa HQ.

Jolliman Autumn Collection & Free Standard Delivery*

The Jolliman Autumn 2013 Catalogue is out now, and it's packed with fresh and exciting products for the new season including the unisex JC59 Storm Full Length Mac which comes folded in a bag so you can keep it on standby in the boot of your car or handbag for those unexpected downpours.

There's also a few old favourites back by popular demand such as the 100% cotton JB78 Kilbeggan Shirt. which sold out within weeks when we introduced it last year.

And for the first time ever, on the Jolliman website, we're taking pre-orders for our popular JF34 Chenille Cardigan (with Chevron Trim) and the brand new JF45 Chenille Cardigan (with Diamond Trim), both due in on the 21st October. We expect them to be bestsellers, so order now to reserve your mens cardigan.

Plus for a limited time only, you can get Free Standard Delivery* on all orders over £40 to UK Mainland. Simply shop online at www.jolliman.co.uk/960 or enter promotional code MT960 in the basket to claim this offer.

*Offer valid on all orders over £40 to UK Mainland only, based on £4.95 Standard UK Delivery. Offer valid until midnight on the 6th October 2012.