Folk Clothing
United Kingdom
Folk Clothing is a London menswear and womenswear brand founded in 2002 by Cathal McAteer. It says it has navigated the path between streetwear and the architect-designer aesthetic, and it sells through three London stores, its website and wholesale partners.
| Founded | 2002 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Cathal McAteer |
| Base | London, United Kingdom |
| Stores | Three in London |
| Segment | Premium and contemporary |
| Website | folkclothing.com |
What is Folk Clothing?
Folk is a British clothing brand that has made well-made casual clothing with a modern British style since 2002. Its own words describe a path between streetwear and the architect-designer aesthetic. It emphasises high-quality, exclusive fabrics and detailing, and says the brighter colours of its early collections are now used mainly as accents.
History
Folk was founded in 2002 by Cathal McAteer, described on the brand's site as a restless creative and tireless wanderer. Over time its collections have become more refined. The brand says it helped build a market for well-made casual clothing with a modern British style.
Products and positioning
- Menswear: outerwear, soft tailoring, shirts, trousers, knitwear, T-shirts, sweatshirts, footwear and shorts, plus headwear, gloves, scarves, bags, wallets, socks, belts and fragrance.
- Womenswear: outerwear, skirts and dresses, knitwear, shirting, trousers, shorts, T-shirts and footwear.
- Other labels: the online store also stocks third-party brands in womenswear, including Cawley, ARCS, Agolde, Nanga and MHL.
Business model and distribution
Folk operates three London stores, including one on Redchurch Street, and an online store at folkclothing.com with GBP pricing and free UK shipping above a stated threshold. It also works with multiple wholesale partners, with relationships it says were built over about 20 years, supplying fashion stores and sites that carry like-minded brands. Separate Instagram accounts serve its men's and women's lines, and a journal on the site publishes collaborations and photo series.
The sources consulted do not state ownership, revenue or headcount, so none are given here.
Why it matters
Folk is a long-running independent London label that combines its own collections, curated third-party brands and a wholesale base.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded Folk Clothing?
Cathal McAteer founded Folk Clothing in 2002. The brand is based in London and operates three stores there.
What does Folk Clothing sell?
Folk sells men's and women's clothing including outerwear, knitwear, shirting, trousers and footwear. Its women's range also includes selected third-party brands.