Colour Therapy: Six Madcap England Menswear Picks to Brighten the Darkest Winter Days
Once the baubles are boxed up, the tinsel carefully folded away and the Christmas lights finally switched off for another year, winter can suddenly feel… well, a bit beige. The festivities fade, the days stay short, and our wardrobes all too often retreat into a sea of grey, navy and black.
But who says winter dressing has to be drab?
At Atom Retro, we’re firm believers that colour isn’t just for summer. In fact, bold hues, psychedelic prints and retro stripes might just be the perfect antidote to the mid-winter blues, especially when New Year’s resolutions are calling for a fresh outlook and a sharper sense of personal style.
Enter Madcap England. Fearless, nostalgic and always swimming against the tide, Madcap’s latest menswear pieces challenge the norms of winter dressing, injecting warmth, colour and unmistakable retro charm into cold-weather wardrobes. Whether you’re layering up for crisp city walks or sharpening your look for New Year socials, these six standout items prove that winter is no time to fade into the background.
As an added bonus the Atom Retro Men’s Winter Sale now live, offering plenty of style options across our stable of brands, so there’s never been a better time to snap up a New Year bargain and kick-start 2026 in full colour.
1. Madcap England ‘Jarvis’ Jumper – Birch
If Britpop had a dress code, the Jarvis Jumper would be pinned proudly at the top. This is a masterclass in retro revival, a 1970s rainbow-stripe knit reimagined through the lens of 1990s indie cool.
Set against a clean birch base, the bold gradient stripes across the chest and sleeves bring instant warmth and optimism, cutting through winter layers like a blast of colour therapy. Crafted from fine-gauge 100% cotton, it’s lightweight enough for indoor comfort yet perfect for layering under coats and parkas.
Ribbed trims keep the silhouette sharp and mod-approved, while the subtle Madcap octopus embroidery on the sleeve seals the deal. Whether you’re channelling 'Parklife' nostalgia or just want a jumper that refuses to be boring, the Jarvis is a winter essential with serious swagger.
2. Madcap England ‘Trip Psych-Out’ Shirt – Emperador
For those who like their winter style served with a side of rebellion, the Trip Psych-Out Shirt delivers in spades. Inspired by the liquid light shows and underground clubs of the 1960s, this long-sleeve shirt is pure psychedelic energy.
The abstract mod target print swirls with hypnotic intensity, while the rich emperador colourway keeps things grounded enough to wear beyond the dancefloor. Classic mod tailoring, a sharp button-down collar, signature buttons and structured fit, ensures this piece balances flamboyance with finesse.
Slip it under a slim-cut suit to inject colour into formal winter looks, or wear it loud with denim or cords for maximum impact. Either way, it’s a fearless reminder that winter doesn’t have to play by the rules.
3. Madcap England ‘Sundown’ Retro Stripe Jumper
True to its name, the Sundown Jumper feels like bottled sunshine and that’s exactly what winter wardrobes crave. Drawing on both 70s stripe traditions and 90s Britpop nonchalance, this fine-gauge cotton knit is bright, bold and endlessly wearable.
Rainbow stripes run confidently across the chest and sleeves, lifting even the darkest denim or winter trousers. The classic crew neck and ribbed trims keep things clean and timeless, while the colour palette does all the talking.
Whether paired with flared trousers for a full retro moment or thrown on with jeans for weekend wear, the Sundown proves that warmth isn’t just about layers, it’s about attitude.
4. Madcap England ‘Beatcomber’ Block Stripe T-Shirt – Zinfandel Mix
Few pieces capture retro joy quite like the Beatcomber Block Stripe T-shirt. Inspired by John Lennon’s mid-60s Mod style and named after one of his Mersey Beat pseudonyms, this tee is steeped in musical and cultural history.
Bold horizontal stripes in rich zinfandel red and sunny yellow radiate warmth, even on the coldest days. Crafted from soft, quality cotton jersey and finished with Madcap’s signature octopus embroidery, it’s built for comfort and character.
Layer it under jackets and knits during winter, or stash it ready for brighter days ahead, either way, it’s a reminder that the spirit of the Summer of Love never really goes out of season.
5. Madcap England ‘Hendrix’ Stripe Tunic Jacket
If winter outerwear needs drama, the Hendrix Stripe Tunic Jacket brings it; loud, proud and unapologetically bold. Inspired by Jimi Hendrix’s stage presence and 60s psychedelic tailoring, this piece fuses military structure with riotous colour.
Textured diagonal stripes ripple through vibrant hues, while epaulettes, flap pockets and a tunic collar keep the silhouette sharp and commanding. This isn’t a jacket that blends in, it’s one that takes centre stage.
Perfect for adding impact to simple outfits or worn with matching pieces for full psychedelic effect, the Hendrix Tunic is proof that winter style doesn’t have to whisper.
6. Madcap England ‘Hendrix’ Stripe Flared Trousers
Completing the look are the Hendrix Stripe Flared Trousers, a glorious throwback to 1967 Copenhagen and one of Hendrix’s most iconic style moments. With bold stripes in yellow, blue, green and red, subtly toned by Madcap’s signature diagonal weave, these flares strike the perfect balance between statement and sophistication.
Classic flared hems create that unmistakable 60s/70s silhouette, while practical details like side pockets and belt loops make them surprisingly wearable. Team them with the matching tunic jacket for full technicolour impact, or let them shine against simpler winter layers.
Either way, expect heads to turn — and traffic to slow.
Start 2026 in Style with Atom Retro
Winter doesn’t have to mean muted tones and safe choices. With Madcap England’s fearless use of colour, texture and retro inspiration, these six pieces prove that brightening up your wardrobe can be a powerful way to shake off seasonal gloom.
Better still, the Atom Retro Men’s Winter Sale is the perfect excuse to invest in standout style at bargain prices. Whether you’re refreshing your look for the New Year or simply refusing to let winter dull your shine, now’s the time to add some colour back into your life.
After all, if summer lives on in your wardrobe, winter never really wins.