6 MENSWEAR BRANDS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT
The brainchild of menswear designer Ross Barr-Hoyland, his knitwear collection only launched last year but already has LCM and British fashion ambassador David Gandy as a wearer of the brand. When you get up close and personal with these chunky knits, you can immediately see the highest standards of craftsmanship and feel the quality of the materials used, down to the buttons and even the thread used. The Spencer is their signature knit, chunky, double-breasted with a shawl collar and is perfect for so many occasions, walking your dog, worn underneath tweed at Goodman's Race Circuit or any horse racing event or maybe even just worn when you want a cosy night in. British design, British wool, British craftsmanship.
SHOP ROSS BARR
A brand that has grown fast in the 3 years since launching, and now regarded as one of London's finest shirt makers, taking on the traditional shirt makers of Jermyn Street and holding their own. Focusing on the highest craftsmanship of shirt tailoring, their shirts are always handmade and using the finest fabrics. When you buy a Hawkins & Shepherd shirt, you will never go back to the large shirt brands. Their signature shirt is the Pin Collar, of which they have the largest range found anywhere in the world. The brand has now expanded into Suits and Coats for AW16, so watch this space.
SHOP HAWKINS & SHEPHERD
Founded 1919 by John White when he crafted his first pair of shoes in a tiny shack in Northamptonshire and still today all of their shoes are handmade in England. They have four collections. Impregnable - welted shoes, Boots and Blake stitched soles was named after HMS Impregnable during the years of WWII where John White was the primary footwear supplier to the troops on the front line and the RAF. Lime Street, which is the entry price point collection into their brand. Church Street, modern classic style with true elements of distinctive traditional values such as Tassel Loafers and Double Monks, using the finest grade materials. 1919 Collection, All '1919' shoes are made in England with top grade calf, hand stitched craftsmanship of Goodyear construction.
SHOP JOHN WHITE SHOES
My evolution of jean wearing has been a bit like this. I only ever used to wear costly Diesel jeans, then I had a stage of wearing only cheap disposable jeans from Topman & ASOS and now in the present time, I appreciate the both price points but have added MAC Jeans to my wardrobe. Their jeans tend to be slightly stretchy which makes it incredibly easy to find the perfectly fitted pair, the materials used are clearly of high quality and not only do they fit perfectly but they are also the most comfortable jeans I own. Their range is extensive, if you like skinny jeans - no problem or if you have thighs of a rugby player - again fine, they have a pair that will fit.
SHOP MAC JEANS
Gibson London is renowned for authentic British menswear rich in heritage and style. I don't think you'll find a brand that focuses as much on the design and detail of their garments at a very affordable price point as Gibson's. Sixties music and the modernist era helped to define the ethos of the brand. This can be evidenced in every cloth we use, every lining, every button and every stitch - clothing which has a soul and means more to the wearer than just the sum of its parts. They remain true to their heritage in continually striving to craft garments of exceptional taste and individuality which are above all pleasing to wear and firm favourites in the wardrobes.
SHOP GIBSON LONDON
A family heritage business of 8 generations! You have to respect a brand that has survived the last 200 years, it really is impressive. Just look at their latest collections and they speak for themselves. The brand focuses on outerwear, knits, jackets, chunky socks, scarves etc.
SHOP PEREGRINE
Founder of this eponymous blog, focusing on men's fashion & lifestyle.
