Belstaff
Castore · United Kingdom
Belstaff is a British outerwear brand founded in 1924 in Stoke-on-Trent by Eli Belovitch and Harry Grosberg, known for waxed cotton motorcycle clothing. Wikipedia reports that it was sold on 28 August 2025 to sportswear brand Castore as part of an Ineos strategic investment in Castore.
| Founded | 1924 |
|---|---|
| Founders | Eli Belovitch and Harry Grosberg |
| Owner | Castore (since August 2025, per Wikipedia) |
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom |
| Segment | Luxury and designer houses |
| Website | belstaff.com |
What is Belstaff?
Belstaff is a British outerwear and lifestyle brand founded in 1924 in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, by Eli Belovitch and his son-in-law Harry Grosberg. The name combines Belovitch and Staffordshire. The company pioneered wax cotton for waterproof motorcycling apparel, and its website describes it as outfitters to those living a life less ordinary since 1924.
History and ownership
Belstaff became a subsidiary of James Halstead in 1948 and stayed there until 2004, when Franco Malenotti of Sponsor SA bought it. In June 2011 it was acquired by Harry Slatkin and the Labelux Group, and in July 2014 it transferred to JAB Holdings after Labelux was dissolved. Ineos, owned by Jim Ratcliffe, acquired it in 2017.
According to Wikipedia, on 28 August 2025 Belstaff was sold to UK clothing brand Castore as part of an Ineos strategic investment in Castore, making Castore the owner. Creative leadership after Sean Lehnhardt-Moore took over in 2018 was not confirmed in the sources reviewed, so no current creative director is named.
Products and positioning
The current website lists field jackets, leather, waxed cotton, shearling, down and coats, plus clothing, footwear, accessories and motorcycle gear. Its collections include Icons, the Phoenix Collection and a Rainwear range. In 2011 the owners planned to reposition the brand as English heritage luxury sportswear.
Business model and distribution
Belstaff operates its own stores and online shop and sells through stockists. Wikipedia lists stores in London, Milan, New York (Meatpacking District, after closing Madison Avenue in 2019) and Tokyo. Stores opened in Milan, London and New York in 2012 and at Ginza Six in Tokyo in 2017.
Why it matters
Belstaff is one of the best known British motorcycle and waxed cotton heritage brands, and its 2025 move into a performance sportswear group shows how heritage labels are being consolidated.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Belstaff?
Wikipedia reports that Belstaff was sold to Castore on 28 August 2025 as part of an Ineos strategic investment in Castore. Ineos had acquired the brand in 2017.
Where is Belstaff from?
Belstaff is a British brand founded in 1924 in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire. It is now headquartered in London.