Thomas Cook Moleskins – An Aussie Legend

Thomas Cook moleskin jeans are more than clothing - they’re part of Australia’s heritage. Since 1924, the Thomas Cook Boot & Clothing Co. has built a reputation for rugged, reliable apparel made for bush life. Their moleskin trousers capture the essence of outback wear: tough enough for station work, comfortable enough for daily use. 

Moleskin fabric is woven cotton with a brushed finish, offering a soft hand feel but standing firm against rough terrain. Its density gives wind resistance and durability - ideal for Australian farmers, stockmen and anyone who spends long days outdoors.

A Bit of History & Thomas Cook’s Role

The Cook family started in boots in Melbourne, 1924. Over time, they expanded into rugged clothing - moleskins and oilskins became core parts of their range. 

Thomas Cook introduced stretch fabrics, comfort waists and modern fits to make moleskins more wearable while keeping their traditional strength. They offer both classic straight or tailored fits, and colours that suit the bush or town. 


Moleskins for Everyday Use & Style

You’ll often see these trousers used for:

  • Farming and mustering
  • Riding and outdoor work
  • Casual wear, paired with Thomas Cook boots, flannel shirts, polo top or Rugby
     

The thick cotton resists snags; reinforcements like deep front pockets, double stitching, and strong belt loops make them practical. Meanwhile, stretch blends (cotton + elastane) add flexibility without losing moleskin’s classic feel.
Colours typically stay earthy: greystone, sand, black, navy and tones that don’t show dirt easily. That means less fuss on the land.


Product Care – Keep Your Moleskins Going Strong

Caring for moleskins extends their life and keeps comfort high:

  • Washing: Use cold water and mild detergents. Machine wash gently if the label allows; avoid hot water, which can shrink cotton.
  • Drying: Air dry flat or hanging. Avoid tumble drying or intense heat, which degrade the brushed finish and any stretch blend.
  • Stain & Spot Care: Treat stains quickly. Brush loose dirt off before washing. For grease or oil, pre-treat carefully.
  • Storage: Store in a dry place. Folding is OK, but avoid tightly packed or damp storage, which invites mildew.
  • Re-care/stretch fabrics: For moleskins with elastane, wash less often, stretch while damp to retain fit.
     

FAQs

Q: What exactly is moleskin fabric?
A: It’s a heavy cotton material with a dense weave, napped or brushed to one side for softness. It looks somewhat suede-like inside but remains tough outside.

Q: Are Thomas Cook moleskins stretchy or rigid?
A: They come both ways. Some moleskin jeans are pure cotton (rigid), others include a small percentage of elastane or stretch blend. The stretch ones give more comfort, especially around the knees and seat. 

Q: How should I pick the right size/fit?
A: Measure waist, inseam and seat. If between sizes, choose based on your usual denim fit. For work use or riding, you might prefer a slightly larger seat and longer inseam. Look for comfort waist or stretch blends for more mobility.

Q: Can moleskin be used all year round?
A: Yes - in cooler months it’s great for warmth, in warmer weather stretch blends or lighter colours help. Layering underneath helps when the mornings are cold.

Q: Do moleskin jeans shrink?
A: Pure cotton ones may shrink a bit on the first wash, especially if washed hot or dried with heat. Wash in cold, line dry, and that minimises shrinkage.

Q: Are these moleskin trousers suitable with oilskins or outback gear?
A: Absolutely. They pair well with oilskin coats, work boots, wide-brim hats and shirts. The earthy colours and rugged feel fit naturally with other outback wear.