How wellies got so cool

How wellies got so coolA crash course in rubber boot history

In this episode of UNPACKED, we trace the boot’s journey from aristocracy to agriculture, to A-game street style.

By Stories Editorial

22 September 2024 · 1 min read

In this episode of UNPACKED, @ryanyipfashion traces the evolution of Wellington boots, a piece of footwear that has seamlessly transitioned from agricultural necessity to aristocratic staple, to fashion girly grail. The story begins in the early 1800s, when Viscount Wellington reimagined the Hessian boot into something more refined and lightweight. Over time, the introduction of rubber transformed these boots from practical outdoor gear to an iconic part of British, and now global, style.

Through moodboard-able moments such as Princess Diana’s off-duty looks and the festival fashion of the early 2000s (hey Mossy!), Wellies have proven their versatility. What began as a utilitarian item has now crossed the boundaries between rural and urban dressing — courtesy of brands like Hunter, Crocs, Moonboot and Rombaut, not to mention super luxe versions from Celine, Balenciaga, Bottege et al. From the muddy fields of Glastonbury to the streets of Paris, New York, Berlin and everywhere between, Wellies have cemented their place as a fashion-forward essential.