Care to slip into some Matinique outerwear for a little less than everyone else?

To our great surprise, delightful Danish brand Matinique agreed to another year of our trialing, and commenting on, their menswear. While 2011′s items whetted our appetite, we were eager to see whether 2012 would clinch the deal, and ensure some cotton-to-flesh pressing. 

We’re actually shocked Matinique hasn’t yet send round their fashion hit-men, wielding enormous fabric swatch books to spank us with. Why? Well, they not only agreed to provide us with another year’s worth of samples to parade around Europe, but little Six has been having so much fun wearing them that he’s resolutely failed to write-up the terrific Spring/Summer blazers, scarf and sweater he received.

Have no fear, this oversight will be addressed shortly, else we feel the gentle slapping of fabric swatches against our pert rears. Let’s move on, shall we?

Rushed over just last week from their HQ in Denmark, Matinique sent us a sturdy, and pitch-black, Contral coat from their Autumn/Winter 2012 collection. Entitled “Deconstructed Modernity,” this collection draws its inspiration from the classic menswear worn by steelworkers in the 1930s. Yeah, we couldn’t possibly be more removed from this fil rouge!

Anyways, subtle (plays on) colours, layers, and fabrics are blended to take the masculinity up a notch and increase the wearability. On the basis of all the Matinique kit we’ve worn to date, we would absolutely concur with the latter: you’re never constrained, pinched or poked by the items that makes up their collections. Presume this was a quality those steelworkers were looking for too, no?

So, what we have here is a tough and rough coat retailing for EUR249 that feels and looks like it could take on the very worst of Europe’s weather with nary a shrug. As it happens, Brussels was hit by a cold front and unpleasant thunder storms following the delivery of the Contral coat. Closing up the zippers on both collars, we were totally unaffected. With two front welt pockets, the coat also features a (usefully) detachable rib insert, adjustable sleeve straps and ribbed knit at the end of the sleeves to ensure neither wind nor rain could enter.

Job done, right?

Well, not quite. While the styling and details are spot-on, we continue to run against the issue of cut. Specifically, the cut across the chest and back remain too large, lending an unwelcome “sag” to the entire affair. It frustrates us given the perfect fit and cut across the shoulders and the arms. But we have to note that this is something we have observed in some of the blazers Matinique have sent our way.

Sure, there are those who will say it’s welcome to have some space and room underneath a winter jacket, but we’re of the “form-fitting” school and would prefer something that cuts a sharper outline. That’s all, as everything else is right where it needs to be: in contention for your attention.

So, take out your knives, dear Matinique, and slash your way to absolution.

Matinique are offering readers of the Prodigal Guide a 4-day only (as from 17 October), 15% discount of all of their outerwear, by entering the following promotional code when you check out: Blog1512. So, our advice is click quick on the following link and ensure you’re laughing while others shiver this winter: www.matinique.com

Matinique Contral coat