10 British brands you need to know about
When it comes to impeccable British manufacturing, these are the brands worth knowing about
Words: India Gladstone
The quality of our clothes, as Englishmen, is something that we should look to with supreme pride. The heritage, innovation and tradition that are widely possessed by some of the greatest British brands in the world should feed this pride and the extraordinary craft that goes into making a Savile Row suit or a pair of Northampton-made shoes deserves to be celebrated.
Gieves & Hawkes
If the brand’s position at No1 Savile Row isn’t enough, then surely their three royal warrants will prove to you the incredible longevity of Gieves & Hawkes. Gentlemen from Winston Churchill and Prince Charles to David Beckham have long been fans of the world famous brand, and the tailor prides itself on the exquisite attention to detail placed on each and every stitch, whether it’s an off the peg blazer or a bespoke suit.
Floris
The fragrance you spray should be as unique as the suit you wear, and there’s no better brand for the scent of a lifetime than Floris. As the oldest independent family run perfumer in the world, you’d be right to assume that the brand knows a thing or two about scent; they have been creating rare and beautiful fragrances since 1730. Another favourite of Winston Churchill’s, the brand also has Princess Diana and Ian Fleming on its books, and continues to have pride of place both in Britain and all over the world.
Crockett & Jones
For centuries, Northampton has been home to some of the finest shoemaking in the world and the famous town has been at the heart of Great British shoemaking since its establishment in 1879. The 5th generation family-managed business has since paid the utmost attention to creating seriously high quality and beautiful footwear that’s guaranteed to take you through all walks of life.
Dunhill
dunhill has always been one of the most innovative British brands in the world. Iconic and always with a strong sense of its own message, dunhill has paved the way for many other Great British design houses who have drawn inspiration from their ethos. Alfred Dunhill took over his fathers equine-goods store in 1893 and doubled its turnover within six months. And so, whether it was creating the lighters that the brand became so well-known for, or making bespoke blazers that’ll last you a lifetime, dunhill remains as ahead of the game now as it was over 100 years ago.
Turnbull & Asser
When it comes to shirt-making, there are very few brands that live up to the expectations of the marvellous Turnbull & Asser. Expertly crafted products made in their own unique way and with quality at the heart-centre is what the brand, which was established in England in 1885, prides itself on. Many of the Turnbull & Asser craftspeople have over two decades of experience between them, and with the Royal family holding the brand close to their hearts from day one, you know you’re buying into an incredible piece of history.
Adam Fussell
Whether through their guns or fieldwear, Purdey is a true representation of British craftsmanship in the highest form. Since the brand’s establishment in 1814, they have been leading the way for gun and rifle makers all over the world, with attention to detail at the forefront of each and every one of their beautiful products.
Their unconventional establishment in 1835 hasn’t stopped Holland and Holland from being at the pinnacle of British gun-making. Coming from a tobacconists background rather than a gun-making one, Harris Holland initially founded his brand as a passion project after developing a keen interest in competition pigeon shooting and thus his need for a bespoke gun. The rest, as they say, is history and the brand has held its own at the forefront of great British design for over a century.
Daniel Craig in Sunspel
When a brand owns the oldest manufacturing factory in the world, you’d expect that pure craftsmanship lie at the centre of everything that brand does. With John Smedley, a brand with a desire to keep itself as distinctly British as possible, heritage is heavily engrained in each and every piece of clothing, whether it’s the first jacket the brand ever made, or new season polo shirt that you just bought.
William & Son
There are certain aspects that make Great British design stand out from a saturated market, and when those aspects are immediately obvious, you know that the brand is onto something. For William & Son, a brand that prides itself on its heritage and history and iconic, distinctly British design, attention to detail is one factor that will never be overlooked.
Getty
If there’s one brand synonymous with impeccable British design and stylish travel, it’s Globe-Trotter. As iconic as they are innovative, the 119 year old brand has made a name for itself with well travelled gentlemen and women all over the world. So, whether you’re in the market for a new classic or an old favourite, Globe-Trotter is truly a brand you can rely on.
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