THE LEDGER: YOUR MASTER SOURCING LIST
For deep-dive journals and photographic studies of UK-made icons, visit The Edit. Here in The Ledger you’ll find our ever-expanding directory of UK makers with details on their origins, products and more.
These are short-form entries - distilled intelligence on heritage, provenance and why these brands deserve a place in your collection. As our field research continues, we’ll produce full photographic reviews in The Edit.
WILLIAM LOCKIE OF HAWICK – Hawick, Scotland
The Heritage: Operating since 1874, William Lockie remains a cornerstone of the Scottish Borders textile industry. The company performs every stage of production in-house, from initial design to the final "milling" process, which utilises the soft, local river waters of Hawick to achieve a unique handle without the need for excessive chemical softeners.
The Verdict: William Lockie represents the absolute antithesis of fast-fashion knitwear. Their "KnitZero" initiative ensures a zero-waste-to-landfill manufacturing process where every yarn remnant is repurposed rather than discarded. By using high-ply (often 4-ply or higher) 100% natural fibres rather than the thin, synthetic-blended yarns common on the high street, their garments are naturally biodegradable and significantly more resistant to pilling and thinning. While typical high-street cashmere is often mechanically brushed to feel soft but thins after one season, Lockie’s high-density knitting ensures their sweaters can maintain their shape and thermal properties for 40 years or more. This commitment to domestic, high-density production ensures that each garment is an heirloom-quality investment with a minimal long-term environmental footprint.
Core Products: High-ply cashmere, lambswool and camelhair knitwear.
JOHNSTONS OF ELGIN — Elgin, Scotland
The Heritage: Established in 1797 by Alexander Johnston on the banks of the River Lossie, Johnstons of Elgin has been independently run by just two families for over two centuries. They hold the rare distinction of operating the only vertical weaving mill in Scotland and are proud holders of a Royal Warrant.
The Verdict:Johnstons of Elgin sets the international benchmark for luxury woollens. By controlling every single one of the thirty processes required to craft a scarf from raw fibre to finished garment, they ensure a level of uncompromising quality that simply cannot be replicated. True Scottish mastery that lasts a lifetime.
Core Products: Premium Scottish cashmere and fine merino woollen garments, woven scarves, blankets and throws.
Full Review in The Edit: Read it Here.
GLOVERALL - Northamptonshire, England
The Heritage: Founded in 1951 when Harold and Freda Morris ("Gloves and Overalls") began selling surplus military duffle coats, they eventually created the civilian archetype we know today. They are the original makers of the Monty coat, named after Field Marshal Montgomery.
The Verdict: The "Monty" remains the gold standard. While fashion brands make "duffle-style" jackets, Gloverall uses authentic jute rope and wood toggles with heavy English Melton wool that is virtually indestructible.
Core Products: Authentic duffle coats, peacoats, parkas and knitwear.
DRAKE’S - Haberdasher Street, London
The Heritage: Founded in 1977 by Michael Drake, the company originally specialised in premium scarves. They eventually expanded into ties and shirts, famously maintaining their own factory in East London to ensure that "English hand-made" quality remained at the core of the brand.
The Verdict: The relaxed elegance specialists. While most heritage brands feel stiff, Drake’s manages to make traditional tailoring feel approachable. Their ties are still hand-rolled in London, making them a verified investment piece for any wardrobe.
Core Products: Handmade ties, pocket squares, shirts, scarves and relaxed tailoring.