Bring Out the Brits

With awards season upon us, the spotlight falls on homegrown talent. It’s a time to celebrate what makes this island unique, a spirit that extends beyond music and into the very fabric of our culture – literally. 

Britishness isn’t just one thing; it’s a mixture of tradition and rebellion, city grit and country charm, sharp tailoring and practical workwear. This unique blend can be seen in some of the world’s most iconic and influential menswear brands.

So, let’s take a closer look at what makes British style. We’ll explore the brands that don’t just dress us but define a certain something that is recognised globally. 

From the tennis court to the open road, these designers have woven themselves into the story of British fashion. They represent a heritage of quality, an eye for detail, and an attitude that’s all their own.

 

Fred Perry: The Laurel Wreath

You can’t talk about British style without mentioning Fred Perry. What started with a simple sweatband on the Wimbledon courts in the 1950s became a symbol of youth rebellion and musical identity. 

The brand’s founder, Fred Perry himself, was a working-class hero who conquered the upper-crust world of tennis. That spirit of defiance is stitched into every polo shirt.

 

 

From Sportswear to Streetwear

The Fred Perry polo shirt is more than just a piece of clothing; it’s a cultural artefact. When the Mod movement swept through Britain in the 1960s, they adopted the slim-fit M3 and twin-tipped M12 shirts as their uniform. 

They appreciated its clean lines, sharp collar, and smart-but-casual feel. Worn buttoned to the top, it was a statement of intent.

This legacy continued through decades of subcultures. Skinheads, suedeheads, Britpop fans – they all made the Laurel Wreath their own. 

Owning a Fred Perry shirt connected you to a rich history of music, style, and attitude. It represents the rebellious side of Britishness, proving that style often comes from the ground up rather than the catwalk.

Enduring Appeal

Today, a Fred Perry jacket or a classic polo remains a wardrobe staple. It carries that same weight of cultural history but feels just as relevant now as it did sixty years ago. 

It’s a testament to the power of authentic design and its ability to capture the spirit of a generation.

 

PS Paul Smith: A Twist on Tradition

If Fred Perry represents the voice of the streets, Paul Smith is the master of modern British tailoring with a playful wink. The brand is famous for taking classic menswear and injecting it with a dose of personality and eccentric charm. 

Paul Smith’s mantra, “classic with a twist,” perfectly sums up his approach to design and, in many ways, captures the British sense of humour.

 

 

The Signature Stripe

You might not see it at first. It could be hidden in the lining of a jacket, the cuff of a crisp white shirt, or the sole of a carefully crafted brogue. 

The famous Paul Smith multi-coloured stripe is the brand’s signature, an unexpected flash of joy in an otherwise traditional garment. It’s a small detail that says a lot about the wearer: they respect the rules of classic style but aren’t afraid to bend them a bit.

More Than Just Suits

While Paul Smith is a genius with tailoring, the brand offers so much more. You’ll find everything from luxurious leather wallets to quirky patterned socks and stylish trainers. 

Each PS Paul Smith piece is crafted with incredible attention to detail and quality, but it never takes itself too seriously. 

This is what makes the brand so quintessentially British—it’s the ability to be impeccably dressed while maintaining a sense of fun and individuality. It’s Savile Row meets pop art, and it works beautifully.

 

Belstaff: Built for Adventure

From subculture cool and tailored quirkiness, we move to the rugged, adventurous heart of British style with Belstaff. This is a brand born from necessity. Founded in 1924, Belstaff initially produced waterproof jackets for motorcyclists, aviators, and explorers. 

Their signature waxed cotton was a revolutionary material that offered protection from the famously unpredictable British weather.

The Icon of the Open Road

The Belstaff Trialmaster jacket is a true icon. It was designed for the gruelling conditions of the Scottish Six Days Trial motorcycle event and quickly became the go-to gear for anyone with a taste for adventure. 

Legendary figures like Steve McQueen and Che Guevara were famously photographed wearing Belstaff, securing its status as the uniform of the cool and daring.

Wearing a Belstaff jacket feels like putting on a piece of history. The waxed cotton develops a unique sheen over time, telling the story of its wearer’s journeys. It’s a brand that embodies durability and rugged functionality. It speaks to the British love of the outdoors and our steely resilience in the face of a bit of wind and rain.

 

 

Modern Heritage

Belstaff has evolved over the years, now offering a full range of clothing that blends its tough heritage with modern luxury. You’ll find beautifully crafted leather jackets, knitwear, and denim jeans that all share the same DNA of quality and purpose. It’s for the man who appreciates heritage but lives firmly in the present.

 

Barbour: The Heart of the Countryside

No discussion of British brands would be complete without Barbour. If Belstaff is for the open road, Barbour is for the rolling hills, muddy fields, and windswept British coastlines. Since 1894, this family-owned business has been creating high-quality outerwear designed to withstand the elements.

 

The Waxed Jacket

The Barbour jacket is more than just a coat; it’s a British institution. Passed down through generations, repaired, and re-waxed, a Barbour jacket is a companion for life. It’s just as at home on a country estate as it is navigating the city on a rainy Tuesday. This versatility is key to its enduring appeal.

The brand has a Royal Warrant, a mark of recognition for supplying goods to the Royal Family, which speaks volumes about its quality and prestige. It remains an accessible and democratic brand, worn by everyone from farmers to festival-goers. This ability to cross social divides is a truly British trait.

Beyond the Jacket

It’s famous for its jackets, but Barbour offers a complete vision of country-inspired living. The brand’s collection includes everything from rugged boots and cosy checked shirts to classic knitwear and polo shirts. 

Each item is designed with the same focus on practicality, durability, and timeless style. Barbour represents a deep connection to the land and a way of life that values tradition and things that are made to last.

 

The Essence of British Style

These four brands – Fred Perry, Paul Smith, Belstaff, and Barbour – each tell a different story, yet together they paint a vivid picture of British fashion. They show us that “Britishness” is a complex and compelling blend of ideas. It’s the fusion of working-class swagger and aristocratic elegance, punk rebellion and timeless tradition, urban grit and rural charm.

It’s about clothing built with purpose, crafted with care, and worn with personality. It’s about honouring heritage while constantly pushing forward. 

As we celebrate The Brit Awards, take a moment to appreciate the style that defines us – a style that’s authentic, enduring, and recognised around the world.

 

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