9 British Menswear Brands to Know

Founded 30 years ago (at the time of writing), considering YMC as a ‘contemporary’ brand might initially seem eyebrow-raising. The brand follows the mission statement ‘You Must Create,’ viewing it as a call to action — a pursuit to forge its own path and establish a unique style, uninfluenced by wider trends and deeply rooted in the founders’ interest in DIY Punk and counter-culture.

In recent seasons, Sage Toda-Nation — whose own eponymous label features similarly relaxed reinterpretations of menswear staples — has taken over as creative director and has been drawing inspiration from YMC’s own archive, proving that even the brand's oldest collections are still relevant for a contemporary audience. Look to them for wider-legged trouser silhouettes, boxier-shaped outerwear and shirts, and unconventional fabric use.

Starting in a kitchen in 2009, Universal Works has been giving us a steady supply of workwear through a more refined lens for over 15 years. Starting small and slowly expanding means that Universal Works has been able to establish a more thoughtful approach to manufacturing that the brand is proud of.

Simple, well-made clothing forms the foundation of Universal Works’ collections: suits that are cut from cotton twill, shirting that is often emblazoned with retro-feeling prints, and outerwear that is durable, long-lasting, and timeless in its style.

The brand that seems to be outfitting every male Hollywood actor from The Rock to Chris Evans, Percival is a London-based brand whose collections are filled with playful prints, wardrobe staples, and statements. Percival uses deeply textural and bold fabrics to make reinterpretations of classic menswear that, in its own words, ‘doesn’t take itself too seriously.’

That attitude doesn’t mean that Percival doesn’t take great care producing season after season of wearable but creatively inspired clothing, far from it. From drapey linen suits to bright knitwear, Percival offers a stalwart selection of classic menswear — just not the kind that feels too stuffy or overly heritage-leaning.

Unless you’ve been completely removed from the fashion conversation over the last few years, you’ve likely heard of Wales Bonner. A designer who pulls from a combination of her English and Jamaican heritage, Grace Wales Bonner has become a defining voice in the newer generation of British designers.

A frequent collaborator with sportswear giant Adidas, Wales Bonner has played a significant role in the rise of the Samba as the sneaker of choice in recent years. The brand’s dazzling metallic silver and eye-catching leopard print versions of the otherwise simple shoe have become viral, with these styles quickly selling out.

Outside of the sportswear collaborations, Wales Bonner’s collections are elegant, refined, and neatly tailored, drawing on historical menswear silhouettes ranging from turn-of-the-century tailoring to ‘70s casualwear to create something that feels timeless, but also completely appropriate for a contemporary audience.

Rakish, louche, and steeped in Savile Row tailoring tradition — Drake’s is a tailoring brand that follows an ethos of ‘relaxed elegance’. You’ll find suits cut from twill and fine wool, but with a more roomy silhouette and traditional shirting that's not overly formal.

All blended in with far more casual denim and outerwear options, Drake's designs give the brand an air of Ralph Lauren through a British tailoring lens. The world Drake’s has built is preppy, but it also has the approach and attitude of more contemporary brands like Aimé Leon Dore, a frequent collaborator.

It’s easy to imagine wearing Studio Nicholson head to toe. Similarly to brands like The Row, the minimal, careful, and considered aesthetic the brand has built means that the collections all fill specific wardrobe needs — from the perfect pair of loose jeans to that kind of easy-to-throw-on cardigan that is lacking in any extraneous detail, or a perfectly oversized shirt. Studio Nicholson’s pieces draw influence from Japanese silhouettes and designs, resulting in relaxed shapes and unfussy collections that can cater to most, if not all.

Known for quirky yet versatile designs, Paul Smith has grown into an independent icon of British tailoring. Versatile collections made up of bold-colored suiting, unique prints, and everyday casual pieces have made Paul Smith a long-lasting and respected British brand. Quality craftsmanship and a playful sophistication help maintain Paul Smith’s position as a timeless but relevant purveyor of menswear.

Since the inaugural collection in 2020, Steven Stokey-Daley has wracked up a number of accolades, including both the LVMH prize for young designers and the British Fashion Council Award for Best Emerging fashion designer in 2022. SS Daley’s designs pull inspiration from mid-century menswear styles, envisioned through a modern lens. Whimsical animal-emblazoned knits, loose-fitting pants, and backing from one Harry Styles are all reason enough to get on the SS Daley train.

Brighton-based jewelry brand The Ouze uses a centuries-old method of wax casting to craft rough-hewn and natural-looking rings, pendants, and earrings. Despite having a number of repeated styles, each piece made by The Ouze is wholly unique and one of a kind, often featuring a scattering of lab-grown or ethically sourced gemstones and etched marks on the recycled precious metal, each one hammering home that these pieces of jewelry are full hand made.