The Thread | ArticleLike a Horse Drawn Submarine Full of Picassos Sat on Top of the Himalayas
ByNeil Summers
Whilst we’re more than happy to travel to the four corners of the world to discover incredible brands for British Attire, some of our favourites can be found much closer to home. Keen not to overlook these brilliant British labels, we’re shining a light on a few local heroes to remind ourselves why we fell in love with them in the first place. Here’s a brief history lesson on four of our favourites, featuring two heritage giants who refuse to rest on their laurels and two younger brands that stand proudly alongside their more established counterparts.
Barbour
Ever wondered why a brand based in South Shields has its own tartan? That’s because Barbour’s origin story begins in Scotland. Dating back to the 13th century, the Barbour name made its way south with founder John Barbour, who set up the brand in 1894 to cater to sailors and fishermen braving the brutal North Sea. Despite their Scottish roots, Barbour’s practical outerwear has gained worldwide fame, from royalty to Italian fashionistas. Barbour’s legacy of high-quality craftsmanship continues with collaborations and PPE production during COVID-19, while still doing what they do best—making garments built to last for generations.
Belstaff
Another British outerwear heavyweight, Belstaff was founded in 1924 by Eli Belovitch in Staffordshire. Originally focused on providing waterproof clothing for motorcyclists, the brand’s journey into mainstream British style began with iconic jackets like the Paracom and Trialmaster. From providing climbing gear for Chris Bonington to incorporating GORE-TEX in their designs, Belstaff has always balanced functionality with style. Today, their jackets are loved by the likes of Kate Moss and David Beckham, further solidifying Belstaff’s place in British fashion history.
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Penelope Chilvers
Though newer on the scene, Penelope Chilvers has quickly established herself as a key figure in British footwear. After falling in love with traditional Spanish riding boots, Chilvers commissioned artisans to create her dream equestrian boot, launching her first collection in 2002. Worn by everyone from Cate Blanchett to the Princess of Wales, her handmade Catalan-inspired designs blend British sensibility with Spanish craftsmanship.
Holland Cooper
Equally passionate about equestrian style, Jade Holland Cooper founded her brand in 2008 at the Badminton Horse Trials with thirty handmade tweed skirts. From her family farm in Suffolk, Jade built Holland Cooper into the go-to brand for timeless British countryside fashion. Her dedication to quality, British manufacturing, and craftsmanship has helped revitalise the UK’s fashion industry, making her brand synonymous with contemporary country classics.
Each of these four brands brings a unique story and perspective, yet they share a commitment to British heritage, craftsmanship, and style. Whether you’re looking for time-honoured tradition or fresh innovation, these labels prove that British fashion continues to be revered worldwide—and deservedly so!