Best of British: The Top 10 UK Clothing Brands to Know Now

When it comes to fashion, Britain has always been ahead of the curve. From the regal attire of the monarchy to the irreverent styles of British punks and New Romantics, UK fashion is steeped in a rich history of setting trends rather than following them.

The modern British aesthetic fuses classic elegance with daring, creative influences from the country‘s diverse subcultures and multicultural communities. The result is an unmistakable sense of style thatfeels at once timeless and of-the-moment. British fashion manages to toe the line between perfectly polished and a little undone, youthful yet refined.

So what exactly defines British style? A few key elements:

• A preference for tailored, structured pieces over casual sweats and athleisure. Brits like to look "put together" even in laid-back settings.
• Not shying away from bright colors, bold patterns, and eye-catching prints. More is more!
• Mastering the art of layering. Unpredictable UK weather means jackets, coats, and knitwear are always on standby.
• Investing in quality materials, craftsmanship and timeless styles over fleeting trends. Brits build their wardrobes around premium staples.
• Quintessentially British pieces like trench coats, tweed, argyle, wellies, waxed cotton outerwear.
• Combining posh and street influences for an eclectic high-low mix.

Ready to add some British flair to your closet? Read on for our picks of the top UK clothing brands to shop now, from heritage houses to the freshest up-and-coming labels.

1. Burberry

No roundup of the best British brands would be complete without Burberry. Founded in 1856, the iconic label is practically synonymous with UK style, from its signature trench coats to the unmistakable check print seen on everything from scarves to handbags.

Under the creative direction of Riccardo Tisci since 2018, Burberry has evolved its classic British sensibility with sleek modern influences. But those timeless, go-with-everything trench coats remain the gold standard over 150 years later.

2. Stella McCartney

A lifelong vegetarian, designer Stella McCartney has been a pioneer of sustainable luxury fashion since launching her eponymous label in 2001. The British designer‘s collections marry impeccable tailoring, feminine details and an effortless vibe.

Stella McCartney was one of the earliest advocates for eco-friendly materials and ethical production, never using leather, fur, or feathers in her designs. From breezy blouses and dresses to the perfect boyfriend blazer, Stella McCartney is the epitome of modern British style with a conscience.

3. Alexander McQueen

The late Lee Alexander McQueen was famous for jaw-dropping, avant-garde runway collections that fused exquisite craftsmanship with provocative, punk-inflected designs. Sarah Burton, McQueen‘s right hand before his 2010 death, has ably carried on his legacy at the helm of the brand.

While skull prints and gothic details are McQueen signatures, the label is also renowned for impeccably-cut suits and theatrical gowns. A favorite of style renegades like Cara Delevingne and Rihanna.

4. Barbour

Headquartered in South Shields, England since 1894, Barbour‘s waxed cotton jackets are to Britain what blue jeans are to America—a cultural icon and beloved wardrobe staple. The brand‘s outdoor gear is popular with everyone from country aristocrats to Alexa Chung.

In addition to its classic weather-proof outerwear, Barbour offers a full range of casual countryside staples like wellies, quilted vests and plaid button-downs. With royal warrants to supply ‘waterproof and protective clothing‘ from the Queen, Prince Phillip and Prince Charles, Barbour is the epitome of British heritage style.

5. Ted Baker

Since its start as a small Glasgow shirt shop in 1987, Ted Baker has grown into one of the UK high street‘s most popular brands by putting a cheeky spin on classic British style. The brand‘s fashion-forward collections for men and women are built on impeccable tailoring with playful details and pops of pattern and color.

Ted Baker is famous for the little touches that its loyal fans obsess over, from quirky prints in jacket linings to subtle branded details. From the perfect crisp white shirt to stunning occasion wear, Ted Baker is British fashion at its most fun and accessible.

6. Vivienne Westwood

Punk pioneer Vivienne Westwood‘s design career took off in the 1970s when her radical, rebellious styles outfitted the likes of the Sex Pistols. In the decades since, she‘s continued to put a subversive spin on traditional British tailoring and Savile Row fabrics.

At age 80, Dame Viv is still the grand dame of iconoclastic British cool. Her collections fuse historical influences and classical drapery with daring, deconstructed details. Tartan, safety pins and sloganeering t-shirts are perennial Westwood signatures.

7. Temperley London

Launched in 2000 by Alice Temperley, a graduate of London‘s prestigious Royal College of Art, Temperley London is a go-to for bohemian-inflected event dressing and bridal wear. The brand‘s dreamy dresses, embellished gowns and whimsical prints are favorites of everyone from Kate Middleton to Beyonce.

With an eye for color, detail and flattering silhouettes, Alice Temperley designs clothing to make women feel truly special for any occasion. Her collections fuse a romantic English rose aesthetic with influences from Temperley‘s travels and creative communities around the globe.

8. Boden

For over 30 years, mail order-turned-online retailer Boden has been the not-so-secret source of Britain‘s posh prep set. The brand initially launched with just menswear, but today is better known for its cheery womenswear lines and adorable Mini Boden range for kids.

Boden excels at the foundations of a chic British wardrobe—fun prints, stripes, bright-colored knits, go-with-everything denim and dresses for any occasion. With a focus on quality fabrics and fits at accessible price points, Boden makes looking effortlessly pulled together actually effortless.

9. Rixo

Launched by London duo Henrietta Rix and Orlagh McCloskey in 2015, RIXO fast became the fashion world‘s go-to for vintage-inspired silk dresses in mood-boosting prints. Fans love the brand‘s inclusive sizing, female-founded story, and commitment to sustainable practices.

With each collection inspired by a particular place and era in fashion history, RIXO designs evoke a nostalgia and romance that feel distinctly British. Their fluttery midi dresses and cleverly clashing prints have inspired countless imitators on the high street—but accept no substitutes for the real deal.

10. Marks & Spencer

An icon of the British high street since 1884, Marks & Spencer isn‘t just a department store—it‘s a national institution famously favored by everyone from grannies to supermodels. M&S (as it‘s affectionately known) has always been a reliable source for quality essentials at reasonable prices.

While it‘s also the country‘s most trusted source for undies and cashmere, M&S fashion lines have become increasingly trend-forward in recent years. Their limited-edition capsule collections with style stars like Alexa Chung tend to sell out quickly. For the building blocks of classic British style, accept no substitutes.

Whether you opt for heritage staples that have been worn for generations or trendsetting styles straight off the London runways, the best British brands offer unrivaled quality, character and a sense of fun. Dressing the British way means investing in beautiful fabrics, time-tested silhouettes and designs that make you dream a bit bigger. Interpret these key elements in a way that feels true to your own personal style and you‘ll be well on your way to mastering British fashion—on your own terms.