The best Made in England menswear brands offer everything from everyday T-shirts to specialist knitwear and winter coats. Sunspel, John Smedley and Private White V.C. are useful starting points, alongside shirtmakers, outerwear specialists and brands supporting regional factories.
However, a British brand name doesn’t mean every item is made in England. Some labels manufacture their entire clothing range here, while others reserve English production for particular categories. This guide explains what to look for at each brand and which pieces to consider first.
For more wardrobe ideas, browse our guide to the best luxury knitwear brands.
Made in England Menswear Brands at a Glance
| Brand | Start with | Manufacturing detail |
|---|---|---|
| Sunspel | Classic T-shirts | Classic T-shirts made in Long Eaton; other categories vary |
| Private White V.C. | Coats and jackets | Garments made in its Manchester factory |
| Turnbull & Asser | Shirts | Signature shirts made in Gloucester workrooms |
| Drake’s | Ties | Handmade ties from its East London factory |
| John Smedley | Fine-gauge knitwear | English production rooted in Lea Mills, Derbyshire |
| Gloverall | Duffle coats | Heritage Collection coats made in England |
| Peregrine | Knitwear and outerwear | Most products made in England; selected categories made in Europe |
| Community Clothing | Everyday staples | UK production across several regions; check each item for English manufacture |
The Best Made in England Menswear Brands
1. Sunspel
Best for: Classic cotton T-shirts
Sunspel is a straightforward place to start if you want English-made clothing you’ll wear regularly. Its Classic T-shirts are made at the brand’s Long Eaton factory, which has been its home since 1937.
The appeal is a simple cut and soft cotton that works with jeans, chinos or a jacket. Start with white, navy or grey rather than buying several colours before you’ve checked the fit.
What to buy: A Classic cotton T-shirt for an everyday layer.
Check before buying: Sunspel also manufactures overseas. Its polos, sweat tops and cotton knits are made by a specialist factory in Portugal, so check the individual product description.
Shop Sunspel T-Shirts & Essentials →
2. Private White V.C.
Best for: Manchester-made coats and jackets
Private White V.C. makes its garments at Cottenham House, its factory on the banks of Manchester’s River Irwell. Outerwear is the main draw, particularly if you prefer practical designs influenced by workwear and military clothing.
Look for a coat or jacket that suits your routine. A substantial winter coat makes sense for cold-weather commuting, while a lighter jacket will offer more opportunities for wear between seasons.
What to buy: An everyday jacket or wool coat in a colour that works with the clothes you already own.
Check before buying: Compare measurements, fabric weight and care requirements. The brand also offers repair and alteration services; ask about the options and costs for your garment.
Shop Private White V.C. Outerwear →
3. Turnbull & Asser
Best for: English-made shirts
Turnbull & Asser is a useful name to know if shirts form a large part of your wardrobe. Its signature shirts are handmade at workrooms near Gloucester, with a range that covers formal dressing and less restrictive everyday options.
A white or pale blue cotton shirt is the easiest starting point. Beyond colour, pay attention to the collar shape, sleeve length and cuff style. These details will make more difference to how often you wear it than an unusual pattern.
What to buy: A versatile cotton shirt that works with your usual tailoring.
Check before buying: Choose your fit and cuffs carefully. If you’re unsure, seek sizing advice before ordering.
Shop Turnbull & Asser Shirts →
4. Drake’s
Best for: Handmade ties
Drake’s belongs on this list for its ties, which are handmade at its dedicated East London factory. They remain a central part of the brand, even as its wider clothing range has expanded.
Start with a restrained stripe or a textured plain tie if you want something versatile. Alternatively, a printed silk design can add interest to a simple shirt and jacket without requiring a new outfit.
What to buy: A repp stripe or understated silk tie that complements your existing shirts.
Check before buying: English manufacture applies to particular categories. Drake’s also makes clothing elsewhere, including tailoring in Italy and knitwear in Scotland.
5. John Smedley
Best for: Fine-gauge knitwear
John Smedley’s manufacturing history dates to 1784 at Lea Mills in Derbyshire. Its English-made knitwear is particularly useful if you want lighter layers that sit comfortably beneath a jacket.
Consider a merino crewneck for cooler months or a cotton knit for milder weather. Knitted polos are another option if you prefer a collar but want something softer than a woven shirt.
What to buy: A navy or charcoal merino crewneck, or a knitted polo for everyday smart-casual dressing.
Check before buying: Compare the fibre, fit and care instructions. Fine knitwear needs appropriate washing and storage to keep its shape.
6. Gloverall
Best for: Made in England duffle coats
Gloverall is best known for duffle coats, with their hoods, roomy shapes and toggle fastenings. Its Heritage Collection, previously called the Signature range, includes duffle coats, peacoats and wool overcoats made in England.
A classic duffle works well with denim, boots and knitwear. If you prefer a different shape, browse the other English-made coats rather than assuming the whole collection has the same origin.
What to buy: A classic duffle from the Heritage Collection.
Check before buying: Confirm the coat’s country of manufacture and allow enough room for your usual winter layers.
7. Peregrine
Best for: Everyday knitwear and practical outerwear
Peregrine offers knitwear and outerwear with a casual, practical feel. The brand says most of its products are made in England, with its own Manchester factory forming part of its manufacturing network.
Start with a wool jumper you can wear with jeans or chinos. Its outerwear is also worth exploring if you prefer clothing that works across city weekends and trips further afield.
What to buy: An English-made wool jumper or everyday jacket.
Check before buying: Some shirts, overshirts and trousers are manufactured in Europe. Read the product description rather than relying on the brand’s overall manufacturing story.
Shop Peregrine Knitwear & Jackets →
8. Community Clothing
Best for: Everyday staples from UK factories
Founded by Patrick Grant, Community Clothing supports UK manufacturing through a range of everyday clothes. Its partner factories span several regions, including Lancashire, Yorkshire and the East Midlands, as well as Scotland and Wales.
That makes it worth browsing for straightforward wardrobe staples, particularly if you want clear information about where your clothes come from. However, UK-made and English-made are different descriptions, so check the origin of your chosen item.
What to buy: An English-made sweatshirt, T-shirt or workwear-inspired layer, with the production location confirmed on the product page.
Check before buying: Some categories are made elsewhere in the UK. Scottish-made knitwear, for example, supports British manufacturing but falls outside the Made in England label.
Shop Community Clothing Essentials →
How to Shop Made in England Menswear Brands
Check the individual product
A brand may manufacture in several countries. Look for a clear country of manufacture on the product page or garment label, particularly when buying from a retailer with a broad selection.
Start with something you wear regularly
A T-shirt, jumper or everyday coat is a sensible first purchase. Choose a familiar colour and a fit that suits your existing wardrobe before spending more on specialist pieces.
Compare materials and construction
Country of manufacture is one part of the decision. Also consider the fabric composition, stitching, fastenings and care requirements. English manufacture alone doesn’t guarantee quality or suitability.
Ask about repairs and alterations
Check what aftercare the brand offers and whether charges apply. A clear repair service can be useful, especially for outerwear, but don’t assume every garment comes with free lifetime repairs.
Buy for the way you dress
Choose pieces you’ll use, rather than building a shopping list around a label. A well-fitting cotton T-shirt may be a better purchase for your wardrobe than a formal shirt you rarely need.
If you prefer to compare fabrics and fits in person, our guide to the best shopping streets in London can help you plan a shopping trip.
FAQs: Made in England Menswear
Which menswear brands make clothes in England?
Private White V.C., John Smedley and Turnbull & Asser are established names with English clothing production. Sunspel, Drake’s, Gloverall, Peregrine and Community Clothing also offer English-made products, although manufacturing locations vary by category and item.
Is Sunspel made in England?
Sunspel’s Classic T-shirts are made at its Long Eaton factory. However, other products are made overseas, including polos and sweat tops produced in Portugal. Check the individual item before buying.
Is Made in England the same as Made in the UK?
No. England is one part of the UK. A garment made in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland can be UK-made, but it isn’t made in England.
Does Made in England mean the fabric is English too?
Not necessarily. A garment can be manufactured in England using imported fabric, yarn or components. If material origin matters to you, look for separate information about where the fibres, cloth and trims come from.
Are clothes made in England always better quality?
No. Quality depends on the materials, construction, finishing and quality control. Use manufacturing location alongside those details, rather than treating it as a guarantee.
Why can English-made menswear cost more?
Manufacturing costs, production volumes, materials and specialist processes all affect pricing. However, a higher price doesn’t guarantee a longer-lasting garment. Compare the product details, fit and aftercare before deciding whether it offers value for you.
Where should I start?
For a simple everyday purchase, compare Sunspel’s Classic T-shirts and Community Clothing’s English-made staples. For knitwear, browse John Smedley and Peregrine. If outerwear is your priority, start with Private White V.C. and Gloverall’s Heritage Collection.
