Over the past few years, a modest but determined revival in UK-made shirting has started to emerge. While still relatively niche, UKFT’s special projects manager Elliot Barlow says this shift is being led by a small number of manufacturers who have either returned to shirtmaking after a long hiatus or extended their capabilities to meet growing demand. The movement is far from widespread but it is real, and gaining momentum.

LLUK

He says: “From bespoke tailors to ethical manufacturers, the reintroduction of shirt production reflects both a market need and a renewed confidence in the value of domestic craftsmanship. Brands and retailers frequently come to UKFT for recommendations on UK shirting production, but the number of manufacturers able, and willing, to provide this service remains limited. For those that do, the path has been defined by resilience, adaptability and a long-term commitment to quality.”

Carl Stuart Tailors

Here we outline some of the manufacturers offering third party shirt production here in the UK…

Carl Stuart Tailors: Bringing shirting back to its tailored roots

Carl Stuart Tailors

With over a century of experience in crafting tailored suits and coats, Carl Stuart Tailors has recently expanded its offer to include shirting, recognising it as an essential component of the tailored ensemble. This addition was not taken lightly. Drawing on its heritage and technical skill, the company applies the same level of precision to shirtmaking as it does to suiting. Each piece is crafted in-house, using only natural materials (think cotton fabrics, cotton threads and mother-of-pearl buttons) with no outsourcing involved.

Carl Stuart Tailors

“The classic collared shirt is where we focus,” says Carl Stuart’s Emily White.  “It’s a clean, elegant garment that fits perfectly, made to each client’s shape and size.” The company notes that consumer confusion around provenance, particularly due to greenwashing and origin-washing, continues to be a challenge. But their commitment to local, transparent production stands firm.

By producing all elements under one roof, Carl Stuart Tailors not only preserves its values of integrity and craftsmanship, but also offers clients a fully UK-made product at a time when demand for traceable, high-quality garments is rising.

LLUK: Homegrown capability with global standards

Operating from a facility in Maidenhead, LLUK has made its name producing premium textile goods for leading luxury brands. The move into shirting came in response to repeated conversations with clients searching for reliable UK production options. But its founder Rachel Walker says that demand alone isn’t enough what’s needed is capability.

LLUK

“Shirting is a technically specific product that requires precision, experience and flexibility,” she explains. “Many brands struggle to find manufacturers who can deliver both quality and scalability in the UK.” LLUK’s team and infrastructure enable them to do both, supporting runs from low-volume prototypes to larger-scale orders.

LLUK

They also acknowledge the structural barriers that still exist, from the shortage of skilled machinists to escalating production costs. However, their long-term view is optimistic. “We see shirting as a viable area of growth within British manufacturing, particularly for the luxury and premium sectors. But it requires more than nostalgia: it needs investment in skills and systems, and a collaborative approach.”

LLUK

For LLUK, that collaboration is central. By working closely with clients to solve problems around design, capacity and cost, they’re positioning UK-made shirting as not only viable, but valuable.

Tower Garments: Versatility at the heart of a family-run factory

In Enfield, London, Tower Garments offers shirt production alongside eveningwear, sportswear, outerwear and bespoke tailoring. A family-run manufacturer, the company is known for its versatility and high standards, working with everyone from graduate designers to global brands.

The decision to include shirting reflects a commitment to full-spectrum garment manufacturing. “For us, it’s about being able to respond to what our clients need – whether that’s a run of casual shirts or something more tailored,” they explain. Their openness to work with clients of all sizes has helped build strong relationships and a loyal following.

Opportunities and obstacles: What’s next for UK shirt production?

While the revival is encouraging, it is not without friction. The barriers are well understood:

• Skilled labour is in short supply, and training pipelines remain limited
• Cost structures are significantly higher than offshore production, requiring brands to make a values-based case to consumers
• Scalability is often difficult without compromising quality or delivery times

Yet, the potential is real. Rising concerns over transparency, sustainability and geopolitical disruption have sharpened the focus on local production. Brands are increasingly looking to reduce supply chain risk while building stronger narratives around heritage and craftsmanship.

LLUK

Shirting may not be the first area to benefit from reshoring but it is an essential one. As these three companies show, with the right skills, mindset and infrastructure, the UK can offer shirt production that combines quality, craftsmanship, as well as flexibility and a competitive price.