6. The Fisherman's Smock

Ever wondered what’s the perfect piece of utilitarian clothing? We think it might be the fisherman’s smock. Originally designed for seafarers, it was then adopted by artists, and is now popular on catwalks. In this week’s episode of The Factory Next Door we head to Yarmouth Oilskins on the Norfolk coast. It’s a company that knows how to make a fisherman’s smock - they’ve been doing it for more than a century.

Creative designer Sophie talks us through the characteristics of a smock, why it’s vital that we attract a new generation into manufacturing, and sings Pauline Fowler’s praises.

Also on the show, retired fisherman Keith explains why clothes matter at sea, the joy of a brightly coloured suit, and how to avoid fisherman’s boils.