29 October 2026International edition
Vol. I · No.
29 October 2026
AI IN FASHION
DAILY
The daily briefing on AI in the fashion business
Where fashion meets artificial intelligence.
Premium and contemporary

Hawkins & Shepherd

United Kingdom

Hawkins & Shepherd is a British menswear brand from London that specialises in shirts. It was founded by Carl Thompson to offer well fitted, high quality shirts made from British fabrics.

Facts
FounderCarl Thompson
BaseLondon, United Kingdom
SpecialityMen's shirts
FabricsBritish cottons and linens
Websitehawkinsandshepherd.com
Segment
Premium
Categories
Menswear
Sales channels
E-commerce

What is Hawkins & Shepherd?

Hawkins & Shepherd is a London menswear label built around the shirt. The brand was started by Carl Thompson, who set it up in response to what he saw as a lack of well fitted, high quality shirts on the market. Its identity rests on a narrow, focused product offer rather than a broad wardrobe.

Products and positioning

The range centres on shirts in crisp cottons and luxurious linens, with the brand stressing the use of the finest British fabrics. Hawkins & Shepherd describes a collaborative approach to production, working with local artisans and suppliers, and presents sustainable manufacturing practices as part of its offer. Personal customer service is a further element of how it positions itself.

  • Specialist focus on men's shirts
  • Cotton and linen fabrics with a British sourcing emphasis
  • Work with local artisans and suppliers

Why it matters

Hawkins & Shepherd belongs to a group of small British menswear businesses that compete on fit, fabric provenance and specialisation rather than on breadth or price. Its single category focus illustrates how niche labels use a clear product promise and a direct relationship with customers to stand out in a crowded premium shirt market dominated by larger heritage names and high street chains.

Frequently asked questions

Who founded Hawkins & Shepherd?

Hawkins & Shepherd was founded by Carl Thompson, who wanted to create better fitting, high quality shirts.

What does Hawkins & Shepherd sell?

The brand specialises in men's shirts made from British cotton and linen fabrics.

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