Distinctive accessories can often make the difference between a mediocre outfit and unforgettable style. From belts, suspenders and braces, through to leather accessories and gloves, jewellery, umbrellas, travel accessories, socks and underwear, UK brands have been proving the devil is in the detail for decades.

Albert Thurston is one such brand that has been producing fine accessories for gentlemen since 1820. The brand’s braces and suspenders have been sported by kings, princes, presidents and successful businessmen across the world for more than two centuries.

FOX UMBRELLAS

On a similar note, Fox Umbrellas has supplied to the English and Japanese Royal families and also the late President of the USA J.F. Kennedy, as well as making for film companies, television and stage, notably the John Steed umbrella in the Avengers. The company has produced handmade umbrellas in the UK since 1868 and has built a reputation for excellence, skill and superb craftsmanship. Today quality and attention to detail are still the hallmark of a Fox umbrella.

Westley Richards, meanwhile, is continuing a long tradition of outfitting sportsmen and adventurers for the rigours of outdoor life. Founded in 1812 by William Westley Richards, it is now the last-remaining gun company of Birmingham’s famous gun quarter; and has been handcrafting guns and outfitting clients ever since. The company offers a wide range of traditionally-tanned and exotic leather goods to adventurous travellers and field sports enthusiasts alike.

Dents of England has handmade the world’s finest leather gloves since 1777 and is a holder of the HRH the Prince of Wales Royal Warrant. Today, the best traditions of this time-honoured craft are combined with contemporary design and luxury leather in stylish accessories including gloves, wallets, and belts. All the Heritage Collection leather gloves are British designed and made in the brand’s custom built Warminster factory. Heritage Collection accessories are also designed and made in the UK.

Tateossian London prides itself on offering men a distinctive way to express their personality and style through unique, refined and meticulously crafted jewellery. A sense of playfulness and free movement are intricately entwined in the brand’s DNA, and are often reflected in the designs, delivering unique yet wearable pieces.

ELIZABETH PARKER

For men’s jewellery and accessories such as cufflinks and cuffknots, you may also look to Elizabeth Parker which has been designing and manufacturing quality men’s jewellery and accessories for the global market since 1995, with a range that includes cufflinks/cuffknots and formal wear accessories. Not only does the brand manufacture and retail its own Elizabeth Parker products, Elizabeth Parker has also have been commissioned to design and manufacture men’s accessories for many well-known international brands.

HARDY AND PARSONS

Hardy & Parsons was founded in 2002 by Maurice Greig to address a niche in the prestige market for superbly crafted belts and leather goods. The range is handmade by a team of master saddlers at the design studio in Chelsea, England. With 11 different leather colours, 12 different thread colours and over 300 different webbing colour options, the choice is truly amazing! The portfolio of products consists of: belts, key fobs, braces, wallets, card holders, dog collars and leads, tote bags, conical flasks and drinks cabinets as well as specially designed and hand crafted bespoke products.

DAVID HAMPTON

David Hampton is a British story of exceptional leather goods since 1983 and the hallmark of a trusted legacy with design inspired by modern voyagers for the discerning, who cherish the very finest in considered design. The brand’s sumptuous collection of stunning leather products are exclusively designed by its creative team in the picturesque setting of Richmond in London, where each style is carefully created, inspired by influences of global travel.

LEATHERSMITH OF LONDON

T.J. & J. Smith was established in London in 1839 and began producing high quality leather bound books and other leather products under the brand name “Leathersmith of London”. All leather diaries and journals continue to be hand bound at the company’s bindery on Canvey Island, Essex. The collection has now been extended with a range of quality bags. Superbly finished using quality materials these robust and stylish bags are available in a choice of naturally based colours and are perfect for walkers, cyclists, and bikers.

The Cambridge Satchel Co. was born from a passion for excellence. A beautiful blend of old and new, that’s Cambridge, and it’s in the brand’s DNA. In all the bags you’ll find a taste of tradition, brought back to life with style, finesse and fun! Behind every design lies a story waiting to be told. Behind every bag, a story waiting to be written. The Cambridge Satchel Co. is committed to preserving exceptional British craftsmanship. All products are handmade by the team of highly skilled Makers at the brand’s Workshop in the heart of England.

CARL FRIEDRIK

Carl Friedrik designs premium travel goods for the professional traveller. With sophisticated designs and modern functionality, the range of products are uniquely positioned for the contemporary discerning travellers. Exclusively using natural Vachetta leather, the products are designed to last a lifetime while minimising environmental impact.

London-based men’s lifestyle brand Mantidy offers sleek high-quality all-in-one travel accessories and organisers, aiming to combine functionality and design in order to offer the perfect travel companion. This is why Mantidy includes all necessary accessories in the organisers including manicure sets and mobile phone accessories sets.

PANTHERELLA

Pantherella first opened its doors in 1937 and is still designing and making all socks in its family-owned factory, situated in the same street in Leicester, England, as it was in 1937. Timeless designs and luxurious yarns such as Cashmere, Silk, Merino Royale, Sea Island Cotton and fine-linked toe seams mean that Pantherella continues to be recognised as the maker of the finest quality socks in the world. Every Pantherella sock is crafted by the company’s skilled team of sock makers. In-house design, yarn sourcing, detailed quality control and expert manufacture – all these elements ensure a Pantherella sock is made to world class standards.

BLUEBUCK

Finally, UK brand Bluebuck ensures that what’s underneath is lives up to the rest of the outfit with a range of high quality men’s underwear, made with organic cotton, recycled fibres and a low carbon footprint. Bluebuck is a brand for the man who combines the rugged and the natural; who has a keen sense of environmental responsibility aligned with a strong sense of self.

LEARN MORE ABOUT UKFT GLOBAL BRANDS HERE.

Read more:

• ‘Made in the UK’ menswear looks to the future in 2022 (CLICK HERE)
• Original menswear design and contemporary classics in 2022 (CLICK HERE)
• Why is UK menswear so popular in Japan? (CLICK HERE)
• What Italians love about UK menswear (CLICK HERE)
• UK menswear brands at Pitti Uomo: January 2022 (CLICK HERE)
• Scenes from Pitti Uomo: January 2022 (CLICK HERE)