The Offshore Original: The Story of the Henri-Lloyd Smock

The Henri-Lloyd Smock has long been synonymous with uncompromising performance at sea.

The Henri-Lloyd Smock has long been synonymous with uncompromising performance at sea. First engineered for offshore sailors facing the world’s most demanding conditions, it remains a defining piece of technical sailing apparel and a symbol of Henri-Lloyd’s relentless innovation.

Stripped back to its essentials - lightweight, waterproof, windproof - and built for speed, the Smock represents the purest expression of function-driven design. Its heritage is written in ocean crossings, round-the-world races, and the decks of high-performance yachts.

The Birth of a Performance Essential

The origins of the Henri-Lloyd Smock lie in the 1960s, when the rise of ocean racing demanded equipment that could keep sailors dry and agile. Traditional oilskins were heavy, restrictive and slow to dry. The Smock broke from convention: cut short to avoid snagging on winches, sealed at the cuffs and neck to lock out spray and constructed from waterproof fabrics that revolutionised protection at sea.

Its pioneering design delivered freedom of movement without compromise on defence against the elements, quickly establishing itself as an indispensable piece of kit for competitive sailors.

Tested in Ocean Races

The Smock came into its own in the era of offshore racing, worn by sailors who tested both themselves and their kit in the harshest environments. Among its most notable early appearances was on the back of Tom Follett, who wore a Henri-Lloyd Smock during the 1968 Observer Singlehanded Transatlantic Race. Battling the North Atlantic alone, Follett placed third overall, proving both his resilience and the garment’s ability to deliver under relentless pressure.

From the OSTAR to the Whitbread Round the World Race, the Smock became a trusted ally - lightweight, watertight and dependable. It wasn’t just clothing; it was a tool for survival and performance.

From Deck to Dockside

Though forged offshore, the Smock’s influence extended beyond racing. By the 1980s and 90s, its bold, utilitarian design resonated with coastal communities and style-driven audiences alike. Lightweight and practical, the Henri-Lloyd Smock became a familiar sight in sailing harbours, regatta towns and eventually city streets.

Adopted by youth cultures for its distinctive silhouette and uncompromising look, the Smock joined the Consort in shaping Henri-Lloyd’s reputation not only as a technical outfitter but as a style icon.

Innovation and Evolution

True to Henri-Lloyd’s ethos of continual innovation, the Smock has been refined across decades. Each generation has advanced fabric technology, breathability and fit while preserving its uncompromising spirit.

From early coated nylons to today’s high-performance recycled fabrics with advanced waterproof membranes and PFC-free DWR finishes, the Smock continues to evolve. Adjustable closures, reinforced panels and refined ergonomics keep it at the forefront of offshore-ready design.

Browse the Icon Collection

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Person wearing Henri-Lloyd waterproof jacket and cap standing near water

Front view of Henri-Lloyd waterproof jacket with hood up.

Viking Smock - Acid Yellow £295.00

Available in 3 colours

Person smiling while standing on a sailboat wearing a navy blue jacket with high collar.

Navy blue jacket with front zipper, high collar, and ribbed cuffs, displayed on a plain background.

Jib Jacket - Navy Blue £265.00

Available in 2 colours

Consort RWR Jacket - Washed Yellow £395.00

Available in 3 colours

Consort Original Jacket - Navy Blue £350.00

Available in 2 colours

A Cultural and Sailing Icon

What makes the Smock endure is its dual identity: an unyielding offshore garment and a statement of style. It represents both the practical needs of the world’s most demanding sailors and the pared-back aesthetic that resonates with those who value authenticity.

Worn by world-class racers, weekend sailors and urban style leaders, the Henri-Lloyd Smock has secured its place as one of the brand’s most recognisable silhouettes.

The Future of the Smock

As Henri-Lloyd continues to lead in responsible innovation, the Smock embodies a future built on sustainability without compromise. Modern iterations use recycled nylon shells, fluorocarbon-free durable water repellents and advanced three-layer laminates that balance waterproofness with breathability.

Every detail is designed to extend the legacy of protection and performance, while minimising environmental impact, ensuring the Smock remains as relevant today as it was when it first set sail.

The Henri-Lloyd Smock is more than a piece of outerwear. It is a distillation of Henri-Lloyd’s DNA: innovation born at sea, trusted by pioneers like Tom Follett and reimagined for future generations. From the spray-lashed decks of round-the-world yachts to the streets of sailing cities, its legacy is one of endurance, evolution and enduring style.