What does man want from a winter coat? A good fit and an improved sense of gravitas, perhaps? You might find the former in an Armani overcoat, so often sported by Jose Mourinho. But how about improved focus and concentration? Henri Lloyd, purveyor of trad sailing wear and casual classics, has made a new jacket that proposes such benefits. Yes, really.

Like all good products designed to get a bloke’s attention, there is a bit of science and technological innovation involved. The fabric of this jacket is made with 11 per cent steel, which creates a non-conductive outershell that neutralises static charges. Static, so the jacket will have us believe, is the enemy – the force that prevents us from focussing long enough to work out a cryptic crossword clue or remembering to pay the bills on time. This silver jacket also claims quite boldly to impart its performance-enhancing qualities in challenging environments and extreme conditions. Would it reveal its benefits in the challenging urban environment of South London when it’s focus-enhancing qualities were needed – doing the su doku on the Tube, playing five-a-side football and at the pub quiz, for example. A trial was needed. One with all the academic rigour of a primary school science project.

First things first. It is very silver, so initially wearing it made me focus a little bit too much on whether I looked like a cartoon spaceman. Shuffling down the synthetic-carpeted corridors of the office trying to build up a static charge, the way you used to at school, didn’t raise a spark, just a few funny looks. On its first outing outside of the News International compound it proved its mettle, as I was snugly shielded from the wind on the walk, and I’m sure my mobile had better reception. Braving a packed rush-hour Northern Line proved slightly more testing. The trial of being squashed next to exhausted commuters wasn’t made any more pleasant in a thermal parka. Even if I was protected from the evil Underground static and had the benefit of the jacket's anti-bacterial properties, being on the verge of expiring at Kennington meant the jacket had to come off. So, the su doku challenge didn’t last the full test, although I did finish the medium grid, which doesn’t happen often. Perhaps some residual effect.

Finding a way to incorporate the jacket into the football challenge wasn’t easy. I have no experience playing footie in a parka, even as a child in the playground - I had a ski jacket rather than one of those navy blue parkas with the faux-fur lined hoods. Again, I was hoping for some residual effect of greater focus on the evening’s matches. The hood was up for a good half an hour before kick-off and two matches later, no clumsy, x-rated tackles had been made and only a couple of spooned shots had disappeared into the night sky.

A good result, but again a little inconclusive for the test. Sadly, there was no storming victory in the quiz to match the football, so maybe there’s still a place for fish and gingko biloba in my diet, and the feeling that I should spend more time on more edifying pursuits. However, the pub was the scene where the jacket came into its own, as the improved bar presence a large hooded silver coat lends a man should not be underestimated.

But then again, if there is one area where a man doesn’t lack focus, it’s waiting at the bar for a drink.

The Henri Lloyd Sullivan Parka Jacket costs £300. For stockists call 0161 799 1212

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