Made in Manchester.

Worn around the world.

Our Founder

Private Jack White V.C. returned to Manchester as a hero having been awarded the Victoria Cross for his gallantry in World War I.

After his military service, Jack White began an apprenticeship as a pattern cutter in his local raincoat factory. He quickly rose up the ranks and in 1934 was appointed general manager. In 1937, after less than twenty years of service he became the sole owner of the factory.

Manchester or ‘Cottonopolis’ - as it was dubbed back in the 19th century - has been our home since we opened our doors in 1853. Over the years we have made for kings, and queens, for presidents, and prime ministers, for rock stars, musicians, sporting greats and Hollywood icons.

In 1916, we supplied the Allied Forces with cotton gabardine trench coats, and in the 1940s we were commissioned by the Ministry of Defence to supply the RAF with waterproof parkas.

Everything is still produced from inside the same 150 year old red-bricked building on the banks of the River Irwell. Nothing is outsourced, everything is handmade, checked and controlled by us here in Manchester, the world’s first industrial city.

Manchester or ‘Cottonopolis’ - as it was dubbed back in the 19th century - has been our home since we opened our doors in 1853. Over the years we have made for kings, and queens, for presidents, and prime ministers, for rock stars, musicians, sporting greats and Hollywood icons.

In 1916, we supplied the Allied Forces with cotton gabardine trench coats, and in the 1940s we were commissioned by the Ministry of Defence to supply the RAF with waterproof parkas.

Everything is still produced from inside the same 150 year old red-bricked building on the banks of the River Irwell. Nothing is outsourced, everything is handmade, checked and controlled by us here in Manchester, the world’s first industrial city.

Private Jack White V.C.

Following WWII and with failing health, Jack was forced to retire and in 1949, aged 52, he passed away. In 2007, Private Jack White’s great grandchildren united to bring the company back into family ownership. More than 70 years after his untimely death, the family remain unwavering in its commitment to preserving both Jack’s legacy and the city's unrivalled industrial heritage.

To this day, the company continues to extol the values and principles entrenched by Private Jack White V.C. that are all characterised by an obsession with quality, craft and regionally sourced materials.

Honour Tradition

Manchester (‘Cottonopolis’) was at the heart of the cotton industry and frontline of the industrial revolution. We proudly champion the virtues of this great city’s garment-making history, taking total ownership of the entire manufacturing process. Nothing is outsourced, everything is handmade, checked, controlled and certified by us.

Command Attention

We take quality, provenance and craftsmanship very seriously. We only use time-honoured, uncompromising traditions and techniques to create authentic, investment garments that are built to last and are crafted using the finest regionally sourced fabrics and materials.

Lead By Example

Our commitment to locally sourced manufacturing and transparent production results in a smaller carbon footprint, less waste & a more ethical garment.

Honour Tradition

Manchester (‘Cottonopolis’) was at the heart of the cotton industry and frontline of the industrial revolution. We proudly champion the virtues of this great city’s garment-making history, taking total ownership of the entire manufacturing process. Nothing is outsourced, everything is handmade, checked, controlled and certified by us.

Command Attention

We take quality, provenance and craftsmanship very seriously. We only use time-honoured, uncompromising traditions and techniques to create authentic, investment garments that are built to last and are crafted using the finest regionally sourced fabrics and materials.

Lead By Example

Our commitment to locally sourced manufacturing and transparent production results in a smaller carbon footprint, less waste & a more ethical garment.