Sunspel T-Shirts

Tracing the lineage of Sunspel takes you back to the heart of the British Industrial Revolution, specifically to Nottingham in 1860 where Thomas Hill first began experimenting with luxurious, lightweight fabrics. This was a brand that effectively pioneered the concept of the luxury T-shirt—originally developed as a refined undergarment for the warm climates of the Far East—and later revolutionized British wardrobes by introducing the boxer short in 1947. What makes this 160-year history feel so immediate is their continued operation out of the Long Eaton factory, where generations of craftspeople have refined the production of staples like the Sea Island cotton knit and the iconic Riviera Polo. It is a rare example of a heritage label that hasn't just survived history but has actively shaped the visual language of the modern uniform.

Staying relevant for over a century requires a certain openness to outside perspectives, and Sunspel’s recent collaborative efforts demonstrate a sharp eye for modular design. We’ve been particularly interested in their work with Nigel Cabourn, which looks to 1940s military archives to reinterpret mesh Henleys and ripstop outerwear through a rugged, archival lens. Similarly, their ongoing partnership with Casely-Hayford has produced a "louche tailoring" system that deconstructs the traditional three-piece suit into a series of versatile, boiled-wool separates. By leaning into the distinct aesthetic languages of designers like Studio Nicholson and Lemaire, they prove that even the most established heritage can be a flexible foundation for technical, forward-thinking silhouettes.