Sure we’re often attracted by what some of those really, really nice brands are doing overseas. But look to some of the best British menswear brands, and there’s much to be excited by on these ashen soggy shores.
From King and Tuckfield and Percival to YMC and Studio Nicholson, there’s a whole roster of British menswear brands up and down the Internet that are doing serious things to wardrobes all over the world.
King and Tuckfield
Established by creative director Stacey Wood in 2016, King and Tuckfield, which operates out of East London, is a slow fashion brand that looks to the past. Named after Wood’s family members – her grandmother Joan King, and her father, Graham Tuckfield, a tailor, paratrooper and miner from Yorkshire – the brand has a serious 1950s feel about it. Big coats cut from selvedge cotton worn in the mines, merino wool knitted cardigans and super-wide leg trousers with front pleats like those seen on Gene Kelly, are what make up some of the best bits of the label.
But King and Tuckfield isn’t just about attractive clothing. It prides itself on being a very, very slow British brand, meaning it doesn’t adhere to the norms of mass production like many other brands. Merino wool only comes from local New Zealand suppliers to ensure traceability and transparency. The brand sources regenerative materials made using non-toxic methods, including GOTS-certified, recycled cotton and natural fibers containing natural rose-bush waste. Meanwhile, the denim is sourced from a small Italian mill and hand-finished by a local community of independent weavers.
YMC
YMC (You Must Create) is a proper British brand that was founded in London in 1999 by Fraser Moss and Jimmy Collins. It takes its name from a quote by the famous industrial designer Raymond Loewy; “You must create your own design style”.
Initially inspired by old-school workwear and vintage military clothing, YMC is built around the idea of round-the-clock, perennial menswear. From oversized rugby shirts and indigo chore jackets to recycled cotton fleece jackets and camo shirts with matching trousers, YMC put out clothing that is directional and for guys who want to throw on something a little more exciting that is a pair of jeans and a tee. Just nice normal menswear – and we’re into it.
Nicholson Studios
Studio Nicholson is like the UK’s answer to The Row, just without the huge price point. Really chic gear that will instantly elevate your fits. Established in 2010 by Nick Wakeman, it creates individual pieces designed to make up a timeless wardrobe and is definitely one of the best British brands out there right now. A fuss-free, kit-of-parts, the label rejects popular fashion in favor of timeless style. Its pieces transcend trends and you’ll find sharp-cut trench coats sitting next to wide-leg slacks (dialled-up volumes are a big Studio Nicholson thing) and crispy white shirts down at its Soho store.
Percival
Over the course of the past few years Percival has blown up and is now considered one of the biggest British brands. Based in Hackney, east London, Percival produces clothes that are easy-to-wear, look good and have their way onto the backs of men such as Ryan Reynolds and Chris Evans. Its camp collar shirts reign supreme, while it’s really nailed big cozy knits.
