What is Ventile®?
Ventile® is a heritage performance fabric engineered from the world's longest, finest cotton fibres (extra-long-staple, or ELS). Developed during WWII, it was designed to protect pilots if they ditched into ice-cold seas. The secret is its ultra-dense weave: when the cotton gets wet, the fibres swell to tighten the cloth, creating a natural, water-resistant barrier.
Today, Ventile® is used to make performance garments that offer exceptional weather protection: shedding sudden rain showers, cutting winds, while staying breathable. The cloth's natural cotton feels refined, and moves easily all day long.
The History of Ventile®
During the Second World War, RAF pilots flying convoy escorts risked ditching into freezing oceans where hypothermia could set in within minutes. The Air Ministry needed a protective fabric that pilots could wear in the cockpit, that would buy crucial survival time if they hit the water. However, waterproof fabrics at the time, like rubberised fabrics, PVC or early PU, were not suitable for pilots.
Firstly, they were clammy and impermeable, trapping sweat that can be deadly, chilling rapidly in the cold. They would stiffen, reducing mobility in cramped cockpits, rustling loud enough to snag attention of pilots. Some even cracked in the cold, compromising waterproofing. Coated fabric immersion suits were also heavy and awkward, which meant that pilots didn't wear them consistently. Furthermore, these fabrics risked degradation from contact with oil, fuel, salt spray, UV and heat, undermining performance when reliability was paramount.
Researchers at Manchester's Shirley Institute developed a new, ultra-dense cotton that dramatically improved survival in immersion suits, with reports of immersion survival times in sub-zero water rising from just a few minutes to tens of minutes and survival rates jumping correspondingly. Ventile®'s dense cotton construction kept out water and wind, remained quiet and flexible, and significantly improved survivability, earning its reputation as a landmark in functional textiles today.
From Military to Civilian Wear
After the War, Ventile® moved from immersion suits to expedition clothing and then to everyday outerwear — think parkas, field jackets, and blousons. People valued its quiet weather protection, long service life, and the patina it develops after every use (instead of peeling like coated synthetics).
Our latest collection of blousons takes that legacy further. Cut from Stotz & Co. L24 Ventile® and offered in Earth, Black Navy and Royal Blue, each jacket is unlined for maximum permeability and coolness in Singapore's climate. Zip-up pockets keep water out during rainy days, while a buttoned collar traps warmth when the wind picks up. Light, packable and quietly refined, it's a go-anywhere travel companion that pairs as easily with tailoring as it does with denim.
Here's how we suggest styling these blousons — the CYC way:
Look 1: Off-Duty Classic
Our Black Navy blouson over a crisp white tee, blue denim, and blue sneakers. Simple, clean, and weekend-ready. The matte, dark navy jacket sharpens the casual base, while the white tee adds contrast and keeps the palette fresh. The jeans and sneakers introduce a different texture from the tee and blouson. Denim grain and suede add subtle contrast, so the outfit stays casual but visually varied. Ideal for coffee runs, movies, or city errands. Easy to wear, easy to repeat.
Look 2: Casual, but Dressy
Our Earth blouson over a yellow linen shirt, paired with our Sunset Brown O-Ring Gurkha Trousers and brown calfskin brogues. The warm, earthy palette feels refined without being formal: the matte blouson grounds the look, the linen brings airy texture and colour, and the Gurkha's clean front and O-ring fastened waist keep a neat line at the waist without a belt. Calfskin brogues add polish, while the darker socks maintain a continuous leg line. Ideal for weekends, casual meet-ups, or relaxed office days when you want easy comfort with a refined finish.
Look 3: Sporty, Still Classic
Our Royal Blue Blouson with an off-white polo and medium-beige chinos, finished with sand suede loafers. The vibrant royal blue delivers a bold pop of colour against soft neutrals, while the polo keeps the collar tidy without feeling formal. Chinos balance the hit of colour with an easy, tailored silhouette; suede loafers keep it relaxed yet refined. Sporty in attitude, classic in proportions. Perfect for brunch, gallery afternoons, or casual Fridays.
Shop the Collection
Ventile® embodies military ingenuity — engineered natural cotton crafted to resist rain and wind — so make it yours: add a blouson to your wardrobe today.