12 British Menswear Brands To Have On Your Radar In 2024
2 months ago
These are the heritage and contemporary names to know now
The world of men’s fashion is more vibrantly exciting than ever before, with UK-honed talent guiding the way with fresh designs and ideas. From cobblers and shirt-makers to heritage labels and LFW superstars, these are the British menswear brands to have on your radar (and in your wardrobe).
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The Best British Menswear Brands To Know Now
John Smedley
With two Royal Warrants to its name, it’s no surprise that John Smedley flies the flag for traditional British craftsmanship. Its factory in Lea Mills, Derbyshire, dates back to brand’s beginning, in 1784, and is the oldest still manufacturing anywhere in the world. Two and a half centuries later, and John Smedley is still making the finest knitwear, with contemporary styles sitting alongside classic, wear-forever designs.
Sunspel
This heritage fashion brand kicked things off in Nottingham in 1860, with founder Thomas Hill opening up a hosiery and underwear factory. By the early 1900s, Sunspel had undertaken a more modern vision – and was credited with making some of the world’s earliest luxury T-shirts (and today Sunspel is the only British brand that makes its T-shirts in its own factory in the UK). When it comes to the brand’s signature style, think classic, unfussy designs with a contemporary feel.
Edward Green
One of the great Northampton shoemakers, Edward Green has been cutting fine leathers by hand for its classic footwear designs since 1890. Specialising in men’s shoes, Edward Green has kitted out the likes of Ernest Hemingway, David Gandy and Michael Fassbender, and continues to create fancy footwear for its discerning clientele from its flagship store in London’s Jermyn Street. Unparalleled in its craftsmanship, the brand has over 60 artisans in its ranks making over 200 pairs of shoes a week.
Musto
Those more prone to spending their weekends in the outdoors will be familiar with Musto, the world’s leading sailing brand. Dealing in gear for ocean racing, equestrian sports, shooting and general outdoor activities, the brand is renowned for its high-performance clothing and heritage background. The brand was founded by sailing champion Keith Musto in 1964, and has been kitting out some of the world’s best sailors and equestrians (including Zara Tindall) for nearly 60 years.
Thomas Pink
If a crisp shirt is what you’re after, look no further than Thomas Pink. The shirt-maker was established by three brothers in 1984, who set up shop in London, and named after a famous 18th century tailor. The brand entered a new era with its relaunch in 2021, and opened a new flagship store on Jermyn Street the following year. This is the place to go for luxury men’s shirts for every occasion, beautifully tailored and available in an impressive spectrum of colours, patterns and fits.
Joseph Cheaney & Sons
Using the same UK factory for over 120 years, footwear brand Joseph Cheaney & Sons is synonymous with excellent craftsmanship and stylish design. All of the brand’s shows are made from start to finish in its Northamptonshire factory, using the finest natural materials to craft its swanky shoes. One of Cheaney’s most notable accolades is the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade, which it was awarded in 2016.
New & Lingwood
Originally founded in the 19th century to serve college scholars in Eton, British heritage brand New & Lingwood is now considered one of the finest gentleman’s outfitters in the country. Today, the brand specialises in a blend of classic and contemporary loungewear for men and women, but its principle of quality tailoring remains the same. New & Lingwood currently has four stores across the globe, on London’s Jermyn Street, Eton’s High Street, New York’s Lexington Avenue and a concept store on Marylebone’s Chiltern Street.
House of Bruar
Scottish independent retailer the House of Bruar opened its doors in 1995, specialising in countryside fashion and clothing for the outdoors. Keeping its identity firmly rooted in a rural lifestyle, the brand’s products are passionately British-made and help to support local businesses – especially some of the UK’s last remaining woollen mills, which help the House of Bruar to create its beautiful knitwear and coats. You can visit the brand’s only store in Perthshire, Scotland, just off the A9, and browse the vast range of homespun clothing, homewares and even a locally-sourced food hall.
Daniel w. Fletcher
London-based contemporary menswear designer Daniel w. Fletcher is a regular at London Fashion Week, having worked alongside the likes of Louis Vuitton, Victoria Beckham, Burberry and Lanvin before starting his eponymous brand in 2015. Daniel w. Fletcher’s designs blend classic tailoring and contemporary design – think denim jackets and trousers with contrast stitching, silky button-up shirts and sleek leather jackets in shades of black, white and blue – while carrying an air of fluidity that makes them equally as popular with female clients.
Burberry
Luxury label and Royal Warrant holder Burberry is one of the most recognisable brands in the world, having remained a staple of the British fashion landscape since its founding in 1856. The brand was established by then-21-year-old Thomas Burberry, who built it around the the principle that clothing should be designed to protect people from the (chaotic) British weather. Iconic designs from Burberry include the classic trench coat and its signature plaid pattern, which continue to thrive in its collections and stores to this day.
Image: Burberry Menswear AW22
Beaufort & Blake
The origins of this British menswear brand can be found in a secluded Cotswold pub, where founders Sam, Harry and Ed began to pursue an idea to create shirts that combine the best of traditional occasionwear and bonkers design. The brand is known for its fantastic prints, which span everything from a classic pastel check to sailors and rugby balls. This is also the place to get your hands on some quality knitwear, chic rugby shirts and swanky swimming trunks.
Featured image: New & Lingwood
