The top British menswear brands have achieved worldwide appeal and earned a reputation as being some of the best design and quality that the fashion industry has to offer. From heritage and traditional styles to modern contemporary designs, these menswear brands have something to offer every man.
1. Barbour
The outerwear company Barbour is best known for its waxed jackets that are a must-have clothing item in the British countryside. Barbour has been around for over 120 years and boasts several members of the royal family among its loyal fans. While rooted in tradition, the brand has successfully adapted to modern styles and is now considered one of Britain’s biggest names in high quality menswear and a firm festival favourite.
73-77 Regent St, Mayfair, London W1B 4EF
Open 10am – 7.30pm Monday to Saturday, and 11am – 5pm Sunday
www.barbour.com
2. Paul Smith
Paul Smith has been one of the top names in contemporary menswear since the ‘70s. Paul Smith clothing has achieved huge popularity worldwide, famous for its use of unusual fabrics combined with classic style and a focus on tailoring.
40-44 Floral St, London WC2E 9TB
Open 10.30am – 6.30am Monday to Wednesday, 10.30am – 7pm Thursday and Friday, 10am – 7pm Saturday, and 12.30 – 5.30pm Sunday
www.paulsmith.com
3. Belstaff
Most famous for its motorcycle jackets, heritage brand Belstaff was founded in 1924 and has outfitted many famous motorcyclists over the years, including Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara during his trip through South America recounted in the memoir “Motorcycle Diaries”. Belstaff jackets have more recently been seen on stars including Will Smith, Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise and Ewan McGregor.
135/137 New Bond St, Mayfair, London W1S 2TQ
Open 10am – 7pm Monday to Saturday and 12 – 6pm Sunday
www.belstaff.co.uk
4. Universal Works
Universal Works was launched in 2008 by designer Davide Keyte, who gained 30 years experience working for brands including Paul Smith and Maharishi before setting up his own label. The clothing takes inspiration from the working class menswear of the ‘70s, with a contemporary twist. The brand is now sold in fashion boutiques across the world.
40 Berwick St, Soho, London W1F 8RX
Open 11am – 7pm Monday to Saturday, and 12 – 5pm Sunday
www.universalworks.co.uk
5. Oliver Spencer
The contemporary British menswear brand Oliver Spencer takes inspiration from American and Japanese styles to create clothing that bridges the gap between streetwear and tailoring. Oliver Spencer started out selling clothing from a stall in Portobello Market and now has four UK boutiques and a website selling to global customers.
81 Berwick St, Soho, London W1F 8TW
Open 11am – 7pm Monday to Saturday, and 12 – 5pm Sunday
www.oliverspencer.co.uk
6. Private White V.C.
This Manchester-based brand takes inspiration from the WWI hero Private Jack White to produce its collection of military-style clothing and accessories. The pieces are influenced both by Private White’s wardrobe and his passion for motorcycle and car racing.
73 Duke St, Mayfair, London W1K 5NR
Open 11.30am – 5.30pm Sunday and Monday, 10am – 6pm Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, and 10am – 7pm Thursday and Saturday
www.privatewhitevc.com
7. YMC
YMC stands for “You Must Create” and was started as a unisex label based around mix and match separates. The clothing is strongly influenced by music and the arts, vintage military uniforms, and work wear. Pieces are designed to be timeless and fit effortlessly around your existing wardrobe.
11 Poland St, Soho, London W1F 8QA
Open 11am – 7pm Monday to Saturday, and 12 – 5pm Sunday
www.youmustcreate.com
8. Maharishi
‘90s cult brand Maharishi blends traditional army wear with eastern culture and fair trade sustainable materials, to produce collections that are heavy on the camo print, featuring hemp and organic cotton fabrics and up-cycled military uniforms.
2-3 Great Pulteney St, Soho, London W1F 9LY
Open 11am – 7pm Monday to Saturday, and 12 – 5pm Sunday
www.maharishistore.com
9. Hackett
Hackett was founded in 1979 and the first store sold good quality second hand clothing. In the mid ‘80s the brand started producing its own clothing, specializing in polo shirts and men’s formal wear. Hackett now has stores across Europe, Asia, South Africa, and the Middle East.
193-197 Regent St, Mayfair, London W1B 4LY
Open 10am – 9pm Monday to Saturday, and 12 – 6pm Sunday
www.hackett.com
10. Orlebar Brown
Orlebar Brown was launched in 2007 to offer a more tailored approach to men’s swim shorts that are smart enough to wear away from the beach. The collection is heavily inspired by ‘60s Palm Beach and the sophistication of the golden age of travel.
24 Sackville St, Mayfair, London W1S 3DS
Open 10am – 6pm Monday to Saturday, and 12 – 6pm Sunday
www.orlebarbrown.com
