Donkey Jacket

Donkey jackets were an 80's trend. Worn for years by Miners up North, this was the only coat a lot of them owned.

They were either black or dark blue woollen mid length jackets with large plastic buttons and 2 big pockets up the front . The signature piece was the same colour plastic panelling across the shoulders.

These have recently come back into fashion with the likes of Paul Smith reviving the design. Although, they are much more expensive and possibly of better quality.

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Author of this article:

Michael Johnson

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Do You Remember Donkey Jacket?

BillsLad on 2021-08-15 22:32:27

I remember Donkey Jackets, think I had one as a kid in the late 60s early 70s. Didn't really look like the one in the photograph though.

Mr Pudding on 2013-11-25 19:30:52

Still got one! Lovely and warm with tartan lining. Prior to that, I had one with black PVC/leatherette on the back- love them to bits!

Digger1895 on 2017-11-14 10:05:40
That lining would have been bloody posh. They were used by manual workers, out in the cold, as they were warm and hard wearing. However, Up Norf, especially Newcastle they were seen as a fashion item!

Adam on 2010-11-11 13:10:52

There where also quite alot of those jackets about with an orange patch on the back.

Digger1895 on 2017-11-14 10:07:07
Poor old GPO/BT workers had ones with a terrible white plastic patch!

bennevis on 2010-11-04 11:31:06

Hi, thats NOT a donkey jacket. Go to www.bennevisclothing.com to see original donkey jackets.

Dave T on 2010-09-20 08:52:18

As I recall, donkey jackets were heavy wool serge with a leather patch over both shoulders and across the back, usually worn by builders and often emblazoned with the constructions company's name on the back. The jacket in the illustration looks more like a bomber jacket to me!

thebhoywonder on 2010-04-06 15:58:05

yes, had a black donkey jacket when i was in primary 6 or 7 back in 82/83