June means payday for most keepers. The clothing allowance has landed, the season is behind you, and before the rearing programme swallows every hour of the day, it's worth spending that money with a clear head rather than panic-buying in October when everything hurts at once. Here's how to make it count.
Replace What the Season Broke
Winter is honest with kit. Waterproofs that have lost their repellency, midlayers pilled down to nothing, trousers worn through at the knee from crawling under release pen wire. Pull everything out and be straight with yourself about what survived and what didn't. The clothing allowance exists for this exact reason. Replacing worn-out essentials now means you're not borrowing trouble come August.
What to Prioritise With Your June Allowance
Spend where the return is highest. For most keepers, that means:
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Waterproof jacket or smock: The hardest-working item in the wardrobe. If it soaked through more than once last season, the membrane is gone.
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Waterproof trousers: Often neglected until they fail. Replace them while stock is full and you have time to break them in.
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Midlayer fleece or insulated gilet: Worn from dogging-in to the last drive day. If it's pilled or losing loft, it's not keeping you warm the way it should.
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Work trousers or breeches: Daily wear on rough ground takes its toll fast. Reinforced fabric at the knee and seat is non-negotiable.
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Base layers: Merino or technical fabric base layers are frequently the last thing keepers replace and the first thing that affects how the rest of the kit performs.
- Boot socks: Cheap, easy to overlook, and a genuine difference to your day on long hours afield.
Buy Now, Thank Yourself in August
The keepers who get the most from a clothing allowance are the ones who buy ahead rather than in a rush. Purchasing kit in June means time to wash it, wear it in, and know it works before the pressure of the season arrives. A breathable waterproof bought now and worn through dogging-in will feel like a second skin by the first drive day.
Browse the full range of gamekeeper clothing built for hard daily use across every month of the keepering year.