Moleskin is not, in fact, made from the skin of moles. Let's just get that out of the way. It's made from a thick cotton fabric that's been brushed and sanded to create a slightly fuzzy pile on one side. Think of it like corduroy without the ribbed wales. Soft yet durable, it's ideal for crisp autumn days—cozier than basic cotton but not as warm or heavy as wool when used in jackets and trousers. It's supple and slightly spongy, inside and out, so it's a pleasure to wear, literally. And best of all, it gets better with age. You can spot the fabric in a whole range of goods for Fall 2020, from layerable shirts and jackets to the most comfortable pants you can pull on.
Our Picks
Moleskin jean,
$225 by Billy Reid
Three pocket jacket,
$525 by Evan Kinori
Seattle shirt,
$195 by Filson
Bowery pants,
$150 by Proper Cloth
Trucker jacket,
$248 by Bonobos
Pearlsnap shirt,
$178 by Wythe New York
Stretch Madison suit,
$596 by Todd Snyder
Moleskin 101
Warm and resistant to wind and rain, it’s not surprising that the majority of manufacturers of this cloth are British mills. Barbour began using it in their hunting gear and continues to utilize the fabric in much of their outerwear.