The Thread
Welcome to The Thread - your gateway to a world where heritage meets innovation. Here, we unravel the origin stories of the brands we proudly represent, explore the ebb and flow of trends gone by, and those yet to come and celebrate the master artisans who's paved ways allow us to express our own sartorial triumphs. Think of this as your definitive guide to true British style, where every storied stitch whispers it's own unique narrative.
From Quaker to Shakermaker, the Clarks 200 x Liam Gallagher Desert Rain
When it comes to iconic British brands, few if any can match the long lasting legacy of Clarks footwear. Currently celebrating their 200th birthday they’ve pulled out all the stops and collaborated with another Great British style institution, the king of the Mancs and big jacket final boss Liam Gallagher. In this piece British Attire will take a look back not in anger but in admiration of this Somerset shoemaker that’s become a cult brand beloved everywhere from the dancehalls of Kingston to the streetwear tribes of Shinjuku and lovingly endorsed by Staten Island hip hop kings and Manchester indie royalty alike.
Is Good Old Gorpcore Here to Stay
Back in 2017, writer Jason Chen came up with the term ‘Gorpcore’ while writing about the move away from ‘Normcore’ into a more technical outerwear direction in New York fashion blog The Cut. While Normcore was all about wearing chinos, New Balance trainers, and quarter-zip tops in understated palettes like Bill Gates (not to be confused with Dadcore), Gorpcore was a trend that took its inspiration from the hiking world, with GORP being an acronym for a type of trail mix (Good Old Raisins & Peanuts). Given the Big Apple’s long-held appreciation of a down jacket and hiking boots, it’s highly likely that Jason was being a little tongue-in-cheek with this term, but for whatever reason, the name took root, and before long Gorpcore became a buzzword used to describe everything from Virgil Abloh’s decision to dress runway models in Arc’teryx jackets to Justin Timberlake and Jennifer Biel being papped out in Hollywood wearing Haglofs. A monster had truly been created, and it had an adjustable hood and very sturdy footwear.
8 Slays a Week - The Runway Success of Fashion Week
Whether you’re a lifelong subscriber to Vogue or someone who wouldn’t recognise a catwalk star if they fell over them due to their ridiculously sized Vivienne Westwood platform heels we’re all well aware of the bi-annual buzz caused by ‘Fashion week’. But did you ever wonder how it all works, where they actually happen and why everyone wears sunglasses indoors? Well fear not because British Attire are here to help navigate you past the paparazzi, show you who to air kiss and who and who to jab with your Ozempic needle before sitting you down next to Anna Wintour for our whistle stop guide to fashion weeks.
Brit-ish Greats
In an attempt to clarify that British Attire is more of a lens of quality in which we look through when we’re sourcing our garments rather than being a geographical barrier, we’ve made a list of things we love that are Brit-ish. Why the hyphen you ask? Well, because just like the wonderful wares we sell, for something to be considered Brit-ish for us it doesn’t necessarily have to be British. One of the many things that’s made these sceptred isles so special is our ability to seek out the best of everything before putting our own uniquely Brit-ish spin on it. So to illustrate our point further here are some quintessentially British things that are actually a bit more Brit-ish.
Dockside Drip: Our Favourite Fishermancore Pieces Right Now
Think chunky Aran knits, classic Breton stripes and weatherproof outerwear, fashion meets utility in this maritime style moment that's causing a storm. Here are just a few of our favourite pieces that'll keep you looking cooler than carp sipping a Cosmo on Carnaby Street
Timeless Style: A Definition
At British Attire we reckon there’s something genuinely special about those ideas that outlast passing trends. Whether it’s next Tuesday or twenty years down the line, they're always in style. Read more to discover how we define timeless style and why it’s more than a mere fashion statement for us. It’s a way of celebrating heritage, quality, and a proper sense of staying power.
The Beauty of Waxed Cotton
From iconic jackets to ruggedly handsome briefcases, meet our go-to cold-weather heroes that’ll have you braving the chill in serious style. These handpicked beauties remind us exactly why we’re head over heels for waxed cotton, it’s tough, timeless, and ages like a fine single malt. Whether you’re battling drizzle on the moors or just trying to look cool on the school run, these pieces prove that staying warm doesn’t mean skimping on style. Waxed cotton: it’s the gift that keeps on giving (and keeps the rain out too).
Noughties Style: How to define the undefinable.
Prior to the arrival of the internet, when looking for style inspiration our options were extremely limited by today's standard. For most of us there were only so many style magazines available to flick through, a finite amount of fashion-conscious celebrities to observe or see in concert and just a handful of innovative clothes shops within easy reach. But then the modem connections kicked in, Ask Jeeves or Yahoo (finally) was booted up and the style habits of a generation were changed forever more.
Old English - A Beautiful Mess
Much like remixing a classic record, Old English was itself a language shaped by many influences. We’re talking about a time when the Normans strolled in after 1066, turning everything upside down. The French language of the invaders started seeping into the existing Anglo-Saxon dialects, blending with Latin from the Church and Norse from the Viking incursions. The result? A linguistic cocktail that was equal parts chaotic and creative.
How to Re-wax a Barbour Wax Jacket
A classic Barbour wax jacket embodies a perfect blend of timeless style and robust durability, designed to brave the elements with unwavering grace. Once you've invested in this iconic piece, maintaining its enduring quality becomes an essential ritual. To preserve both its distinguished appearance and its performance, it’s crucial to replenish the protective wax coating annually. This simple act of care not only fortifies the jacket against scratches and abrasions but also ensures it retains its superior waterproof and windproof properties. Discover how to keep your Barbour jacket in peak condition with our easy step-by-step guide.
British Musical Style: There is a Look that Never Goes Out
Inspired by Charlie XCX turning the world's wardrobes green this year via the Brat Summer phenomenon we decided to take a deeper dive into the way that musical scenes have influenced British fashion over the years. A marriage made in heaven, wherever there’s been an explosion of musical creativity you can be sure there'll be a matching outfit to go with it. What’s also interesting is that, just like British Attire, a lot of these iconic movements have connections in the Northwest of England.
Heritage Crafts - Don’t Call it a Comeback
In today's fast-paced world, heritage style showcases timeless craftsmanship. British Attire celebrates this legacy, offering products that blend seamlessly with modern life. From leather and waxed cotton to denim and embroidery, these crafts remind us that true style endures. Explore how these materials continue to influence fashion with their lasting heritage.