Renowned for fine fabrics and quality cloth making since 1819, the John Foster name is a pinnacle for premium suit fabric and apparels. Today John Foster, part of the SIL Group, continues to weave mohair, cashmere and worsted made from the highest quality merino wool, as well as other noble fibres, into luxury fabric for the finest couturiers, fashion houses, designers, tailors and retailers across the globe.

Its worsted mill in Bradford is ideally located in the heart of Yorkshire’s textile industry, capturing centuries of British weaving skills, tradition and heritage.

Innovation, design, technological investment, the highest quality standards and entrepreneurial flair combined with hundreds of years of craftsmanship define the business. These qualities are the essence of the John Foster name and will continue to maintain its benchmark position in the textile manufacturing industry.

John Foster’s commitment to sustainability is at the heart of its brand’s ethos. Guided by the values and responsibilities passed down through the generations, the firm has worked with natural, renewable and biodegradable fibres for over 200 years and strive every year to reduce its environmental footprint. The firm underlines the importance of continuing along the journey of operating within the strict framework of quality and regulatory compliance, one that respects the supply chain, respects animals, people and the environment, recognising that they are all crucial to the future.

Duty bound to reduce negative environmental impact, John Foster adopts good manufacturing processes which operate in a sustainable manner, thereby preserving the planet’s natural resources and continual improvement of environmental performance, a fundamental part of the future business strategy and operating process.

John Foster ensures the traceability as raw materials are sourced using sustainable methods preserving the environment and ensuring the highest animal welfare standards are met. Wholly supporting and complying with or exceeding the requirements of the current environmental legislation and codes of practice.

Looking to the future, the group is increasingly concerning itself with environmentally friendly production and processing of raw materials efficient energy consumption, recycling and life-cycle assessment. Continual audits against relevant associations ensure the firm is on the correct path.

John Foster continues its journey towards full traceability and sustainability across its portfolio of cloths with the Oxbridge Flannel bunch becoming the first to fully use RWS (Responsible Wool Standard) yarns, continually innovating cloths from the John Foster archives. The RWS is a voluntary global standard that addresses the grazing land and the welfare of the sheep. Having RWS certification provides complete traceability of wool from farm to final product, confirming that farms have holistically followed land management techniques to protect the quality of the biodiversity, the grazing soil and a respect for the sheep’s and workers welfare.

The latest sustainable Oxbridge Flannel looks back into the archives for inspiration including a range of beautifully classic plains, chalk stripes, window pane and glen checks. An elegant palette of sophisticated greys and blues, brown and olive green, a perfect pairing of style and content.

Find out more at www.john-foster.co.uk

The UK: Creators of responsible fashion and textiles