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No, we wouldn’t have gone with ‘bumgloves’ either – but BARTS are from the Netherlands and perhaps something has been gained in translation. Anyway, these Kirinda, ahem, Bumgloves are a classic design much favoured by church organists, Dickensian clerks and anyone who wants to use a mobile phone without taking their gloves off. Your palms and wrists stay toasty while leaving your fingertips free for all the fiddly stuff. And when you’re done tiddling about on Insta, there's a buttoned flap on the back of each glove that folds over to cover your fingers for extra warmth. Made from a blend of recycled and natural fibres with a bit of elastane for stretch, they're lined with fleece for additional comfort. The ribbed knit construction gives them a classic look that works with just about anything, and those wooden buttons add a nice natural touch.
Isn't it funny how many outdoor brands seem to have started out with one man and a sewing machine? In 1986, the man was Bart Koene and the place was sun-soaked St Tropez. Bart originally knocked up handmade swimming shorts to sell on the beach, but one day a stylish friend was helping him flog his wares when a passing tourist tried to buy her bandana. Bart knew an opportunity when he saw one, and quickly branched out into headwear and other accessories.
Now based in Amsterdam, BARTS has come a long way since ‘86. In fact, the brand offers more than 2,500 products including hats, beachwear and bags. But it’s about quality, not quantity. This is clobber with conscience. BARTS don’t use angora, fur or mohair, and each year they increase their use of recycled and sustainable yarns. The brand insists on a strict code of conduct for its partner factories, and its head office and warehouse in Houthavens is purpose-built to minimise carbon emissions. BARTS employees even get free weekly yoga classes.
