Rag Parade: Q+A with Jojo Elgarice

Here at Outdoor Wear Mag, we really enjoy a mixture of heritage and contemporary. Whether that's a leading brand like Holubar (see Issue 2) with a tried and tested offering of classic garments, or a new kid on the block like Mamnick (see Issue 3) channelling historic details into their contemporary portfolio. We appreciate both the original and the re-invented in equal measure, understanding that they bring something similar, yet distinct in their own right, to the table.

For Issue 4, we decided to place the spotlight on some iconic vintage outerwear from the archive of Jojo Elgarice, owner of Jojo’s General Store by Rag Parade in Sheffield. Self-confessed vintage menswear obsessive with a penchant for well-made garms, Jojo pulled some rare items off the racks for us to look at. We also asked the man himself about his fascination with vintage outerwear and why it has seen a resurgence in recent years.

Read on to find out more and head over to Instagram to see more vintage outerwear from Jojo @ragparadesheffield

What is the aim or approach of Rag Parade?

I suppose the aim of Rag Parade is to offer well made and unusual garments that you wouldn’t often find in one place. The selection of stock is my own personal edit on what I think is good looking and functional gear.

How did Rag Parade come to build its collection of vintage outerwear?

I started off selling my old music and skate tees in a shop in Sheffield city centre but quickly became fixated with vintage jackets and outerwear. I became obsessed with finding better and better gear and was really into the details of the pieces: Zips, throat-tabs, chin straps, press studs and buttons were (and still are) key elements in what I was looking for when buying a vintage garment.

What are the best outdoor spots around Sheffield?

We’re spoilt for choice around Sheffield with outdoor spots. Stanage Edge, which is great for climbing and bouldering, is just a stone’s throw away. Dam Flask, Rivelin Valley, Mam Tor, Chatsworth, the Trans Pennine Trail and lots of beautiful parks and gardens are all close as well. The list goes on...

What is it about vintage outerwear that appeals to you?

Firstly, I love the functionality and the way the fabric ages. The age and wear of a vintage garment is almost impossible to replicate in my opinion.

Why do you think that outdoor gear has made such a comeback in current street style?

I think it makes the whole outfit flow and it ties everything together. I suppose jackets have almost become ‘statement’ pieces. I know we’ve had a good summer but it’s also always freezing in Sheffield, so you need a good jacket year-round!

What are some of your favourite features of a vintage garment?

Like most other ‘jacket geeks’ I’m a sucker for zips and labels. Also hoods and pockets. They just made them better back in the day!

Who are some of the British brands that have been responsible for progressing developments in outerwear in the twentieth century?

I suppose what made British brands so powerful was the cloth. Grenfell Cloth for example was around long before Ventile and it played a major role in many great designs and garments, as well as early waterproofing techniques.

I think Burberry played a huge part by inventing Gabardine. Shackleton wore Burberry for some of his expeditions and it really showed the endurance of the cloth. The Burberry Trench coat was created during the First World War and it is an important part of how garments developed afterwards.

I’ve always been fascinated with Wyncol fabric by Aquascutum as well, which Edmond Hillary used in his Everest climb in 1953. It was a Cotton/Nylon/Poplin mix and could apparently resist winds of up to 100mph. We’re pleased to have recently added two garments made in this cloth to our Archive.

Although Barbour didn’t necessarily invent waxed cotton or oilskin fabric, I think that the work they achieved with military and outdoors clothing really did set a precedent. Along with Belstaff, they created some amazing garments with waxed cotton.

Then when fabrics like Gore-Tex were introduced, Berghaus were the first European company to use it in their garments. I love old Mountain Equipment down Jackets and just like Berghaus, they remain very iconic pieces for me.

Fabric has always played a key part in outerwear, from waxed cotton, to Ventile and Gore-Tex. What fabric is the most functional for an outdoor garment?

I love waxed cotton: the way it wears, fades and cracks. But, the up-keep can be hard work and impractical. I’ve personally never been a huge fan of wearing Goretex and disagree that it has “breathable properties”. It’s a bit of a sweatbox for me! Ventile is the King in my eyes: the breathability is mega and as long as it’s looked after properly it really does the job. The simple look of the fabric means that almost anything can be made from it too.

Do you think we will continue to see outdoor wear rise in popularity in the coming years?

Yes I think it will become more popular, especially as more people are growing concerned over quality rather than quantity. In the shop we sell outerwear even on the hottest summer days, so I suppose that’s testimony to its demand.

Any parting words or advice for our readers?

Try and buy the best kit you can so you don’t have to buy it again.