Britain has a thriving manufacturing heritage and to this date, produces some of the finest menswear and accessories in the world. From tailors to shoemakers, the UK is home to a diverse range of high-quality craftsmen.
At a time where it’s never been more important to support our independent makers, here we share our favourite British men’s brands and clothing designers.
Independent British men’s brands to support in 2021
The Workers Club
The home of modern luxury clothing
Self proclaimed as the ‘antidote to fast fashion’, The Workers Club takes pride in crafting a collection of timeless pieces for the modern man and woman. Their signature all-purpose coat, ‘The Works’ was designed over six months to ensure ultimate perfection, and is now a best selling product.
TWC pride themselves on being one of the top luxury, British clothing brands for men, providing quality ‘can’t-live-without essentials’, whether that be a classic check shirt or cotton socks. Each garment is inspired by their loyal customer base, made in Oxfordshire using the very best of global manufacturing from a Scottish family run mill to Japanese denim.
Private White V.C.
Handmade in Manchester’s last remaining clothing factory
During the 19th century, Manchester was known as the global centre of the cotton and textile trade - so much so it was coined ‘Cottonopolis’. It was here that former World War I militarian, Private Jack White V.C. began his career in fashion, rising from pattern cutter to sole owner of what is now the Private White V.C. factory.
Today, Jack’s legacy is preserved inside the same 150 year old building, where every item of Private White V.C.'s menswear is handmade in Manchester. Iconic pieces include the Ventile® Mac - a 100% waterproof cotton jacket designed for RAF pilots during World War II - and the Peacoat, a naval staple using 30z Melton wool.
Cad & The Dandy
The best of British bespoke suits
Cad & The Dandy might be one of the youngest names on the prestigious Savile Row but their renowned reputation has put them with the world’s best suit makers. Offering both formal and casual bespoke suits, the brand has designed a sleeker, slimmer look that is unique to British tailoring.
After being made redundant during the 2008 financial crash, Cad & The Dandy was founded by two former bankers. Their affordable service is now available in three London locations as well as shops in Stockholm and New York, where garments are made for members of The Royal Family and red carpet occasions.
Men can choose from completely bespoke pieces for weddings, business, day to day life or country outings, as well as shop from the online ready to wear collection.
Tricker’s
The original handmade English country shoes
England’s oldest shoemaker is one of our most beloved independent British brands. Having desgined men and women’s shoes for over 190 years, you won’t find better crafted footwear than Tricker’s.
With an unrivalled look, Tricker’s shoes and boots are distinctively high quality, made using the finest materials in their Northampton factory. Whilst often imitated, nothing beats the original brogue design which has been modernised over the last two centuries in line with contemporary trends. The footwear guarantees comfort, style and lasting quality, made to withstand British weather for both country and city folk.
Billy Tannery
The UK’s only goat leather producer for over 50 years
Well we couldn’t share our favourite British men’s brands without mentioning our very own! We might love a plug, but we’re proud to be part of the UK’s leading independents.
Based in the Midlands, our microtannery is revolutionising British leather production by turning otherwise discarded goat hides into beautifully handmade accessories for men and women. Our best sellers include our range of slim leather wallets and the Roll Top, our men’s leather backpack.
British heritage is super important to us and we work hard to make sure every step of our manufacturing process is done right here in the UK. We ensure no skins go to waste and instead craft our collection in two small workshops in Somerset and Leicestershire. Finally, each piece is handed to Blenkinsop Leathers, a local family-run leather finishing company who adds the final touches.
Find out more about Billy Tannery and our growing range of men’s leather bags and accessories.
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