The Best British Brands

With a plethora of amazing brands spread across the world from places few and far between such as Italy and Australia, it can be easy to overlook our home grown designer efforts. Some of your favourite brands have their histories well and truly rooted in British soil, with their designs being a reflection of our timeless style and identifiable culture. From outerwear to polo shirts and footwear, our top picks of the best British brands available at Zee & Co boast classic tailoring and the ultimate in stylish yet practical luxury.

Belstaff

Founded in 1924 in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England, Belstaff are credited with the innovation of the first water resistant wax cotton. Appealing to budding explorers and fashion enthusiasts alike, Belstaff soon expanded their collection to include leather jackets, knitwear and accessories that provide a stylish, durable and loveable finishing touch.

Since their establishment, Belstaff has been embraced by people from all walks of life, who have grown to love their choice of fabrics, cuts and finishes. Historical names such as T.E. Lawrence, Amelia Earhart and Che Guevera join more modern names such as Ewan McGregor and British trial racer Sammy Miller in being loyal wearers of the brand. Throughout the 20th century, Belstaff’s classic belted wax cotton 4-pocket jacket has become an instantly recognisable staple for the racing circuit.

Fred Perry

Fred Perry is the eponymous brand of the famous tennis champion, sports commentator and coach whose statue is erected by the Church Road Gate at Wimbledon. The first product produced by the brand was a sweatband which took the athletic industry by storm. The label then brought out a range of pique tennis shirts which bore the signature wreathe logo. These shirts were widely praised and worn by people from all walks of life. The versatility of the garment made it perfect for athletic and casual wearing. This design has remained in the ranks of the brand and has become an iconic part of the label’s heritage.

Today the brand has expanded its collection to include knitwear, shirts, outerwear, trousers, sweats, t-shirts, footwear and accessories. The label has however remained true to its heritage and makes the iconic top a defining part of its range.

Hudson

Hudson’s footwear is the perfect combination of British sensibility and Italian craftsmanship. Born in London in 1990, the brand has been producing top quality leather boots and shoes for more than two decades.

H by Hudson is the diffusion line launched in 2004 that includes everything from formal shoes to more casual styles, all with the signature brand attributes of quirky yet classic design, top quality materials and innovative finishes, keeping the collection fresh and exciting. Premium leather and suede lends each pair a sense of luxury, whilst unusual dyes and vintage finishes make them stand out from the crowd. Traditional styles such as the brogue, desert boot, loafer, deck shoe and chukka boot are given a new style with a classic feel.

John Smedley

John Smedley knitwear is a British based brand which is synonymous with luxury, quality and versatility. Their timeless styles and signature John Smedley tailored fits are immaculately hand finished at their Derbyshire factory, where they have been producing top quality knitwear for over 225 years.

All John Smedley garments are fine gauge and lightweight, and they use only ethically produced pure New Zealand merino wool and Sea Island cotton. Their combination of tradition and innovation, heritage and technology seamlessly blends to produce ultra fine knits from natural materials which are truly exclusive and luxurious.

John Smedley polos, button cardigans and pullovers combine immaculate fit and comfort with a wide palette of colours to produce truly beautiful superior garments which will complement any outfit, whether smart or casual, allowing this truly heritage brand to remain enduringly popular.

McQueen

The late Alexander McQueen was born in London on 17 March 1969. His interest in fashion begun at a young age when he started making dresses for his three young sisters and announced that he wanted to be a designer. McQueen left school with just one O level but secured an apprenticeship with the Savile Row tailor Anderson and Sheppard. It was at various tailors in the famous Savile Row where he learned the art of tailoring and these skills remain the essences of the off the peg clothing from this range until today.

McQueen’s career took him to Givenchy, where he replaced John Galliano as creative director. He also worked with Koji Tatsuno, another designer who favoured classic British tailoring. The award winning designer was named British Designer of the year four times and received recognition from HM the Queen in 2003 with a CBE for services to the British fashion industry.

Despite his untimely death in 2010, which shocked the world of fashion, Gucci who own 51% of the brand announced that Sarah Burton, who was the right hand woman of McQueen, would become creative director. British born Burton designed the wedding dress of Kate Middleton, later HRH the Duchess of Cambridge and received an OBE in June 2012 for services to British fashion.