Wetlands Parka

by Saul Wilks February 28, 2026

If you’re here reading this then you’re obviously interested in the pre order for the first jacket release of 2026. Up until now I hadn’t thought of a name but seeing as the majority of the photography work was done at Newport Wetlands and the jacket is designed to keep you dry then the name Wetlands parka seems appropriate.

This design was originally intended for last A/W’s release but due to time constraints I couldn’t finish it so rather than waste the work that had gone into it I have reimagined it as a spring summer jacket. Therefore the jacket is a light / medium weight and geared towards the warmer (and wetter) months.

Constructed from a specially treated cotton fabric with emulsified aero tumbling, the weatherproofing qualities are what make this an excellent choice for the unpredictable UK weather. The fabric is from Halley Stevenson in Dundee. The garment is lined with putty cotton twill from Bernstein and Baileys. Finished with YKK double acting zip, stainless step snap buttons and real polished horn buttons.

Key details include two large front gusset pockets which each having a hidden hand warmer and then two medium gusset side pockets. The jacket is raglan sleeved, has adjustable cuffs, an adjustable neck tab and a fully peaked large hood.

Available in two colours: Mountain rescue Orange and Ice Blue.

Sizing & Fit

This is meant only as a guide to help you choose the most appropriate size and to get an understanding of how the jacket looks and fits.

The Wetlands parka is designed to be worn loose, it hangs better when worn this way due to the nature of the cut, which is slightly generous. It has been cut this way to allow a nice looser fit during the warmer months but also affords the wearer the option to layer in the wetter / colder months.

For past customers the sizing is very similar to the Chartist parka so if you bought one of these previously go for the same size.

For your reference I am wearing a L in the photographs. This size is perfect on me and leaves comfortable room for movement. I'm 5'11 and generally wear XL - XXL.

As always I encourage you to study the measurements carefully and compare them to a similar style jacket that you already own so you can choose the size best suited to you but please consider the fit guide and description when doing so.

Please note that due to the costs involved in making these and the fact that they're made to order I cannot accept returns due to sizing issues. However, I always get people who miss the pre order and then ask to be put on reserve list so that if any prospective spares become available in their size I am able to offer it to them. In this scenario a refund can be given to the original buyer but only once the requested return has been re-sold.

Please see the below graded sizing chart and refer to the 'notes for simplified terminologies'

All measurements are in cm.

Please be aware that there is a manufacturing tolerance of +/- 2cm as standard.

Notes:

Across chest = pit to pit
HPS = Highest point of shoulder
Underarm sleeve = pit to cuff

Pre-Order Terms

As with all my releases I have a set number of units agreed with the factory and once these are fulfilled that will be it so these will be available on a first come, first served basis. I very rarely have excess stock because everything is made to order.

You can place your order directly through my social media DM's (instagram & facebook) or if you're old-skool you can drop me an email.

Once you’ve placed your order you will be kept up to date on production progress at regular intervals. I will notify you of any delays or changes which unfortunately do sometimes occur but generally turnaround time is between 6 - 8 weeks from production commencing depending on the factory scheduling.

Please see the following payment / costing structure:

Pre order will open Monday March 2nd

The Wetlands parka is priced at £350. This includes special delivery shipping within the UK (overseas shipping will be calculated dependent on country)

A deposit of £175 will be required to be paid upon placing your order

The remaining balance of £175 will be payable upon completion of production

Payment can be made either via PayPal or bank transfer.

Everything I do is manufactured here in the UK in a small batch London production studio. I've never been interested in making 'fast' fashion and garments that will be worn a couple of times and then forgotten. Therefore I use the best manufacturing and best fabrics that I can viably afford to produce clothing that will be worn and loved for years to come.

British manufacturing is not cheap and neither are superior quality fabrics, therefore I keep my pricing as sustainable and fair as possible to be able to deliver the above. Quality is paramount and these jackets are a reflection on me.

I have had a few people recently taking umbrage to the price of my outwear so here is a break down of what these cost me to make:

Manufacturing cost per jacket = £145 (inc VAT)

Outer fabric = £16 per meter before VAT (4 meters total per jacket = £80 per jacket inc VAT)

Lining = £14 per meter before VAT (3 meters per jacket = £50.20 inc VAT)

YKK double acting zip = £16 per zip

Polished real horn buttons = £3.25 each (2 per jacket)

Stainless Steel snap buttons (bought in packs of 500)

Special delivery shipping = £14

Total outlay per jacket (not including the sew in labels, trim, snap buttons, packaging costs) is £311.70

Before even getting to the manufacturing stage I have also paid for patterns, pattern grading, two samples and the required fabrics for the samples - this totals up to a large initial outlay.

So hopefully this appeases the negative comments and gives some clarity to those who think my pricing is too high. It's not a business, I do it because I love it and it's something I do for a creative outlet because it makes me happy mentally. It has never and will never be about monetary gain and if you haven't clocked that by now then these certainly aren't for you.

Lastly, if you've made it this far then I send my deepest and most sincere gratitude for your interest and support. This is merely a passion project that I'm only able to continue thanks to your participation. Whether that's investing in a Creu release or adding a comment or critique on a social media post, every input is very much appreciated.

If you have any questions at all then please don't hesitate to contact me.

Thanks for reading.

Saul.