Coastal Cool: The Finisterre Lapwing Jacket

The transition between seasons is a sartorial minefield. You leave the house in sunshine, and by the time you reach the pub, the temperature has dropped ten degrees and the wind is howling. This is where the British brand Finisterre truly shines.

Born from the rugged needs of cold-water surfers who demand warmth before and after braving the Atlantic, they have mastered the art of the “in-between” garment.

Their latest offering, the Finisterre Lapwing Jacket, is a testament to this mastery, evolving their beloved Lapwing Shirt into a standalone piece that feels substantial enough for a brisk winter walk yet streamlined enough for a city commute.

At the core of this jacket is a commitment to the planet, a pillar of the Finisterre ethos that resonates deeply with the modern adventurer. It is not just about looking good; it is about doing good. The warmth comes from a new 150g REPREVE® sheet insulation.

For the uninitiated, this isn’t your standard synthetic fill; it is crafted from ocean-bound plastic waste, repurposing the very pollution that threatens our coastlines into a barrier against the cold. It makes the jacket feel purposeful, adding a layer of moral satisfaction to the physical comfort.

At £165, you are investing in a piece of kit that actively reduces environmental impact without sacrificing an ounce of thermal efficiency. The insulation is specifically designed to make layering fast and easy, sliding over a jumper without that restrictive, Michelin-man feeling that plagues lesser outerwear.

Visually, the Lapwing has graduated from its shirt origins into true jacket territory, though it retains the effortless cool of a heavy overshirt. The silhouette has been refined with a new ribbed bomber-style collar.

This design tweak changes the entire dynamic of the garment, moving it away from the purely utilitarian “workwear” aesthetic and towards something sharper, more contemporary, and infinitely more comfortable against the neck.

It pairs just as easily with a crisp white tee and selvedge denim as it does with a heavy cable knit and hiking boots. The metal-coated snaps along the center front feature subtle Finisterre branding, offering a satisfying tactile experience and a durability that zippers often lack.

Functionality has not been overlooked in favor of form. The jacket features trusty drop-in angled entry side pockets—essential for warming hands when the sea breeze picks up or for safely stashing keys and a phone. The fabric itself is a hardy, PFAS-free recycled material, finished with a C0 DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating.

While it won’t replace a heavy-duty waterproof in a torrential downpour, it offers more than enough protection if you get caught in an unexpected shower while waiting for your morning coffee or checking the surf. It is windproof and lightly insulated, hitting that “Goldilocks” zone of temperature regulation where you feel protected but never overheated.

Weighing in at around 800g for a medium, it is substantial without being burdensome. It is described as “adventure ready,” meaning it is lightweight and packable enough to be stuffed into a rucksack when the sun breaks through, yet substantial enough to be pulled out the moment the afternoon chill sets in.

There is even a subtle nod to its heritage with a backneck hang loop in flame orange—a flash of color that hints at the brand’s adventurous spirit. Whether you are navigating the urban jungle or exploring the coastal paths of Cornwall, the Lapwing Jacket is the versatile, stylish, and sustainable companion your wardrobe has been waiting for.