Every so often, you’ll watch a piece of media, whether it be film or television, and there will be one character that steals the show when they’re not meant to. Usually, it seems like the writers don’t even intend for this to happen, but the perfect combination of a great performance, some well written lines and an out-there personality, contribute to the creation of some of the most entertaining fictional characters ever created. Quint, the only beer guzzling shark hunter that wears tennis shoes, from Spielberg’s 1975 hit film Jaws is a prime example of one of these characters.
In the film, if you haven’t seen it (you really should have it’s nearly 50-years-old now) Quint, a salty sea dog that supposedly has a career in catching sharks, is Amity Island’s last hope of catching the really big shark that’s been eating their residents left right and centre. Things don’t end up quite panning out for Quint, but he certainly had a good time in his efforts to catch the beast.
Whilst Robert Shaw’s portrayal of Quint is the main factor in him stealing the show, we think it’s undeniable that the character’s wardrobe plays a significant role in making him so enjoyable to watch. Whether it be his fisherman knit, field jacket or possibly the most beaten-up cap ever sported in the history of Hollywood, you’re not hard done by for good garb to look at whenever he pops-up on screen.
From the moment when he appears in his evidently battle-scarred attire and delivers the iconic line, ‘I’ll find him for three, but I’ll catch him and kill him for ten’ you can safely assume this guy is not here to play around when it comes to capturing marine animals. When Quints clothes are compared to that of the other two hopes the island have of capturing the shark, Hooper & Brody, it’s safe to say that only one man is looking rough and ready enough to do the job.
Unlike some fictional Hollywood tough guys, Quint’s getup lets you know he means business. A pocket is missing from his field jacket, his cap looks like it’s been runover, and he’s often portrayed with his trousers being undone. The only thing this guy likes more than smashing cans of cheap American lager is catching sharks and his outfit lets you know that.
As we’re being constantly reminded that sea levels are rising, surely this means that the chances of you having to defend your hometown from a rampant shark are also rising. To make sure you’re best prepared (or maybe not if you’ve seen the end of the film) for this possibility here’s a list of the most Quint themed garb from some of our favourite shops.
Inis Meáin Cashmere R/N Sweater – Dark Natural Mix
Inis Meáin is not just the name of the brand but also the Irish Arran island where this fine piece of knitwear was created. It’s pretty much the Ferrari of fisherman jumpers, crafted from 100% cashmere with proper thick ribbing on the neck, cuffs and hem. The only thing about this that Quint might not approve of is the price…
Universal Works Bakers Jacket – Olive Twill
There was really only one option when considering what a menswear aficionado Clint would want as his jacket and it comes in the form of a Universal Works Bakers Jacket. Whether it’s baking or catching sharks Universal Works have got you covered, on their website they describe it as ‘The original and still the best, classic work jacket’ and we agree with that.
Folk Wide Fit Trouser – Navy Linear Texture
If we were hunting sharks, we’d like to be have a nice pair of trousers on whilst doing it. Like the name suggests, these are probably going to fit a bit wider than Quints did and that might be a good thing, surely a roomier cut would only be a positive in shark hunting pursuits.
YMC Curtis Light Chambray Shirt – Light Indigo
We’re weren’t entirely sure what chambray was, but after a quick Google we found it’s just like a tougher form of cotton and that’s good for a man that spends most of his life on a boat. The Curtis shirt features a single breast pocket, and nice buttons. What more do you want from a shirt?
Montbell Washed Out Cotton Cap – Brown
The only time Quint was seen without his cap was when he was sporting a bandana, presumably to strike fear into the shark. Didn’t really work though did it. This Montbell cap comes in an already washed out brown colour, so you’re less disheartened when you drop it into the sea for the first time. If you really want to get the Quint look we advise you to stamp on it and squeeze the brim until it makes a 45 degree angle.
Vans Authentic Reissue 44 W – LX – Black / White
In the film Quint is spotted wearing a pair of tennis shoes, which hardly seems like ideal footwear for a sailor going to hunt a really big shark, although it’s probably indicative of poor organisational decisions that ultimately lead to his demise. These Vans might look ordinary but they’ve actually got a few premium upgrades from the base model, such as pig suede uppers higher glossed sidewalls.
Clark 6650 Knit – Timber Wolf
In case you’re still writhing after looking at the price of the first knit, here’s a more affordable option from Clark 6650, that still fits the sailing bill.
And there we go, now you’re just about ready to tackle the high seas and can you believe it, we didn’t even use the pun ‘We’re gonna need a bigger coat’ once. Should’ve though.
