The Top 10 British Clothing Brands Every Man Needs To Know

Every country has its own unique fashion trends, and while it’s hard to generalize an entire population’s sense of fashion, there’s no denying that each culture has some signature traits when it comes to style. And while many may think that British fashion is associated with weird hats and stuffy formal wear, we’re here to tell you that those people are absolutely wrong, as many British fashion brands, like Sunspel, Palace, and Barbour, are far from weird and stuffy. 

In fact, many of these brands carry everything from neutral casual wear and loungewear that’ll soothe every hip minimalist’s soul to bold custom-made suits and warm weather staples, like linen pants and button downs with tropical prints. Whether you’re on the hunt for a brand-new blazer, a reliable piece of outerwear for the cooler months, or just need to update and replenish your selection of comfortable t-shirts and sweats, we’ve got you covered with this list of the top 10 British clothing brands to choose from when you’re looking to add new pieces to your wardrobe. 

1. Fred Perry

If you’re looking to update your wardrobe with a few preppy casual pieces, Fred Perry is a brand that should most definitely be on your radar. The brand carries a range of casual clothing that can be worn while lounging around the house, on the street, or even to an office with a more laid-back and creative vibe.

From basic t-shirts and crewneck sweatshirts in unique colors, like chalky pink and chalk blue, to track jackets, cardigans, and even blazers, Fred Perry can take you straight from the tennis court or golf course to the nearest bar or restaurant, as many of their pieces are reminiscent of Ralph Lauren and Lacoste.

Check out the Fred Perry Polo Shirt, which has been “part of the British subcultural uniform since the 1950s” (and not affliated with the Proud Boys), the Abstract Cuff T-Shirt for a preppy loungewear look, and the Classic Twill Shorts for a summer wardrobe staple.

2. Burberry

Burberry has been a go-to luxury brand for people across the globe ever since it was founded by Thomas Burberry in 1856 on the principle that “clothing should be designed to protect people from the British weather.” Burberry kept true to his mission, and actually invented and patented Gabardine, whose “breathable, weatherproof and hard-wearing fabric” basically revolutionized rainwear. 

While the brand remains a high-end, go-to for rainwear and upscale outerwear, Burberry also now carries streetwear and everyday basics that’ll seriously class up any wardrobe. If you’re looking for a timeless classic that withstands the test of time, check out the Mid-Length Chelsea Heritage Trench Coat, which features the brand’s iconic plaid pattern on the inside lining, and for something on the casual end of the spectrum, take a look at the Location Print Cotton Oversized T-Shirt.

3. Reiss

One of the best things about warmer weather is that you’re able to spend more time in the great outdoors, so if you’re also looking to add a few new neutral pieces to your golf wardrobe, then Reiss’ signature Golf Collection shouldn’t be passed up. For those who are looking to add stunning summertime pieces to their closet, Reiss is a brand that will take care of all your warm weather needs, thanks to their Endless Summer collection, which consists of pieces that are made of linen and cotton, and feature “optimistic prints.”

Check out the Monk Pleat Front Tapered Pants in White for a piece that’ll take you from boat to the bar, which pairs well with the Suede Espadrilles in Sand, and top off the laid back look with the Gigi Printed Cuban Collar Shirt in White. 

4. Palace

Streetwear has been gaining popularity worldwide over the last few decades, and Palace is a brand that every skate and streetwear enthusiast needs in their closet. The bold colors and bright patterns featured on the brand’s t-shirts, hoodies, and pants are perfect for someone who likes to stand out a bit with their style choices and doesn’t mind having all eyes on them. 

Palace’s pieces are also the perfect combination of fashion and comfort, so whether you’re cruising down the street on your board at dusk or just kicking it around the house on a lazy weekend, Palace is a staple when it comes to British skate brands. Try their Square Patch Joggers in Orange paired with the Some Kinda Skate T-Shirt in White for an eye-catching look on your mid-morning coffee run.

5. Barbour

Barbour has been a staple in British fashion ever since it was founded in 1894 in South Shields, as its pieces of clothing evoke a true British Countryside style that never goes out of fashion. Best known for their classic and iconic waxed jackets, Barbour’s collection also features shirts, knitwear, trousers, and more, which will add a sophisticated and timeless element to any style.

If you’re going to get one thing from Barbour, it has to be the Ashby Waxed Jacket which will keep you warm and dry in even the wettest climates. Don’t sleep on their other gear though, like the Barbour Hirst Pocket Polo, which features a unique tartan trim on the breast pocket for a sophisticated update on a classic polo, or the Barbour Tain Half Zip Sweater, which is perfect for layering under any jacket or wearing on its own. 

6. Sunspel

Like a few other British clothing brands on this list, Sunspel was founded over a century-and-a-half ago. Since 1860, the brand has prided itself on “beautiful, everyday clothing that forms the foundation of the modern luxury wardrobe,” and carries a beautiful collection of staples like t-shirts, polo shirts, trousers, knitwear, loungewear, and more. 

Sunspel even has a line of high-quality underwear that ranges from t-shirts, thermals, and base layers to boxers and boxer briefs, so you can really get everything you need to update your wardrobe at this one-stop-shop. Try the Cotton Drill Denim Jacket in Stone for a piece of outerwear that can transition from season to season, and check out the Cotton Loopback Track Pants to add an element of cool sophistication to your go-to weekend loungewear. 

7. Paul Smith

If you’re looking for a brand that’ll showcase your hip yet laid-back style, then Paul Smith’s collection should’ve been in your closet a long time ago. Featuring everything from casual t-shirts and button downs in funky tropical prints and bold unique colors to classic leather belts and rain jackets, Paul Smith’s clothing offers a vast selection of items that are suitable for any casual event, rain or shine. 

Whether you’re meeting friends on the beach for a little get-together or taking your partner out for a low-key lunch, Paul Smith garments will make you look effortlessly put together. Try the Tailored-Fit ‘Monarch Rose’ Print Short-Sleeve Shirt paired with the White Organic Cotton Twill Pants for the ultimate summertime ensemble.

8. Favourbrook

While many of the British clothing brands on this list sell formalwear, Favourbrook is an independent formalwear retailer that’s been a staple in the London fashion scene for over three decades now. “We believe that wearing the correct attire for a special occasion needn’t mean losing one’s individual style and personality,” the brand’s site reads, adding that their “collections react to the needs of our customers rather than trends” – aka, if you’re in need of custom formalwear that has a ton of uniqueness and personality to it, you should invest in pieces from Favourbrook asap. 

The brand carries everything from velvet jackets and smoking jackets to trousers and full suits, and also has a large collection of accessories ranging from bow ties and cufflinks to top hats, scarves, and shoes. Favourbrook also has the option of shopping by occasion, so if you need wedding attire, groomswear, or even royal ascot attire, this brand’s got you covered. If anything, check out their amazing tie collection, which features everything from traditional silk to floral patterned ties. 

9. Hackett London

Hackett London’s collection of polo shirts and chinos alone will rope in anyone whose style leans towards clean-cut and preppy, but that doesn’t mean you should completely shun everything else they have to offer. In addition to the preppy staples just mentioned, Hackett London offers everyday basics like comfortable cotton t-shirts featuring the brand’s clean, all-capital letter logo, as well as pieces meant for upscale events, like checkered blazers and two-piece suits. 

If you’re on the hunt for a new suit coat that’ll make you stand out in business casual settings while looking both hip and professional, check out Hackett London’s Glencheck Hopsack Slim Fit Jacket, or if you want something more on the casual side, try the Dot Logo Jersey T-Shirt, which is part of the brand’s Aston Martin Racing collection. 

10. Folk

If you appreciate a good neutral palette and your style errs on the minimalist side of the spectrum, Folk is one of the British clothing brands that needs to be in your closet, stat! From crew neck sweatshirts and comfortable t-shirts in muted colors to chunky sweaters and even linen pants, Folk’s collection of loungewear, streetwear, and casual clothing will take your minimalist aesthetic to the next level. 

Check out the Rivet Sweat in Pale Olive Melange for that “just stepped off the Yeezy runway look” at a fraction of the cost, and if you’re looking for a year-round outerwear staple that’ll make for the perfect transitional piece throughout the seasons, feast your eyes on the Stack Jacket in Pebble, which will match with any bottom in your wardrobe.