Sunspel
United Kingdom
Sunspel is a British clothing brand founded in 1860 by Thomas Hill and known for T-shirts, underwear and polo shirts. It has made its Classic T-shirt in Long Eaton since 1937, and Wikipedia reports that Nicholas Brooke bought the company from the Hill family in 2005.
| Founded | 1860 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Thomas Hill |
| Factory | Long Eaton, England (since 1937) |
| Owner | Nicholas Brooke bought the firm in 2005 (per Wikipedia) |
| Segment | Premium and contemporary |
| Website | sunspel.com |
What is Sunspel?
Sunspel describes itself as a British brand since 1860. Its core lines are T-shirts, polo shirts, shirts, knitwear, sweatshirts, outerwear, trousers, underwear, swimwear and loungewear for men and women, and its best-known products are the Classic T-shirt, the British Boxer Short and the Riviera polo shirt.
History
The business was founded in 1860 in Nottingham by the textile innovator Thomas Hill. It was first named Thomas A. Hill Ltd and was renamed Sunspel in 1935. It has been based in its Long Eaton factory since 1937, and the Classic T-shirt is still handmade there. John Hill introduced the boxer short to Britain in 1947 after discovering the style in the United States. Wikipedia says the Hill family owned the company until 2005, when Peter Hill sold it to former barrister Nicholas Brooke. This profile did not find a later ownership change.
Products and positioning
The Classic T-shirt uses Californian Supima cotton. The Riviera polo shirt was designed in the 1950s in a breathable mesh and was worn by Daniel Craig in Casino Royale in 2006. A 1985 Levi's advert featuring Nick Kamen, who wore Sunspel boxer shorts, helped popularise the style in the UK. Collaborators have included Paul Weller, David Shrigley, Comme des Garcons and Lemaire.
Business model and distribution
Sunspel sells through its online store, its own retail stores worldwide and department stores and other retailers, including Liberty, Harrods and Selfridges. It also works with Scotland's oldest spinners and family-owned factories in Portugal. The sources consulted do not give store numbers or revenue.
Why it matters
Sunspel is a rare example of a UK premium clothing brand that still manufactures its signature product in its home country, which anchors its positioning in provenance and product quality.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Sunspel from?
Sunspel is a British brand founded in 1860 by Thomas Hill in Nottingham. It has made its Classic T-shirt at a factory in Long Eaton since 1937.
Why is Sunspel famous?
Sunspel is known for its Classic T-shirt, boxer shorts and Riviera polo shirt, which Daniel Craig wore in Casino Royale in 2006.