ALBERT THURSTON - Hinckley, Leicestershire
The Heritage: Founded in 1820, Albert Thurston is the pioneer of the modern trouser brace and continues to manufacture its products in England. The company maintains its historic quality standards by sourcing materials from within the UK, most notably their heavy-duty boxcloth fabric which is specifically woven for them in Yorkshire.
The Verdict: The global standard for men's braces, prioritising material substance over fast-fashion aesthetics. While mass-produced elastic braces inevitably lose their tension and perish, Thurston’s use of high-grade, densely woven boxcloth and hand-stitched leather ends ensures a garment that can literally last a lifetime. By focusing on a repair over replace philosophy, they supply spare parts - including traditional gut ends - enabling customers to maintain their braces for decades. This adherence to domestic weaving and traditional assembly represents a significantly lower carbon footprint than globalised apparel supply chains.
Core Products: Traditional boxcloth braces and luxury silk suspenders.
