McNair make 'mountain shirts' which have very little in common with your office 'work' shirt; PlasmaDry technology promises to take a rugged stand against the weather, while Yorkshire Mill heritage is poured into every fibre to make an overshirt smart enough for any apres-activity relaxation.
A well made corduroy shirt ticks a lot of boxes for a traveller, and McNair's more than most; it's smart/casual enough for any scenario, it offers insulation when needed, and has a rugged history of workwear, so will stand up to the rigours of any journey. There are also lovely little travel touches like passport-sized pockets and an inconspicuous sleeve for securely hanging your sunglasses.
Add fluorocarbon-free water- and stain-repellency and it becomes almost must-have for the adventurous traveller.
And this isn't just another form of DWR coating that will wear out (or pollute the environment). PlasmaDry is claimed to be a game-changer - a laser treatment that alters the molecular structure of the fabric without impacting its softness and wearability.
To be clear, it isn't waterproof. Taped seams would be overkill on a shirt, and the plastic tape would negate the green credentials of this design. If you want the high-tech end of the active/travel spectrum then look at other jackets. On the other hand, the water-repellancy is effective enough that you can make a cup with the fabric and it will hold liquid.
It's expensive, we can't deny. But bear in mind this is UK designed and manufactured (in the world-renowned textile-producing town of Huddersfield), can be made-to-measure at no extra cost, uses ground-breaking, environmentally-friendly technology, and will likely last you a lifetime. Suddenly it seems a wise investment. A superb concept, a beautifully crafted product, and a high performing one to boot.
