We were recently invited to Somerset to visit Fox Brothers and tour the mill behind some of the most recognisable cloth in British tailoring.
As longstanding admirers of both the brand and the people behind it, we were keen to see the process first-hand and deepen our understanding of how their fabrics are made. Patrick and Douglas were incredibly generous with their time, showing us the workings of the mill and the careful balance of heritage, craft and innovation that makes Fox such a standout name in the world of cloth.
Founded in 1772, Fox Brothers has been producing woollen and worsted fabrics in England for more than three centuries. Widely regarded as the originators of flannel, the mill combines traditional techniques with modern technology to produce cloth with real character, substance and longevity.
For us, visiting the mill made the relationship between fabric and finished garment feel even more tangible. The weight, texture and depth of Fox cloth are qualities we are always drawn to at Shawβs, particularly when it comes to tailoring designed to be worn for years rather than a season.
We were also able to select some outstanding cloth directly at source, which we are now developing into a series of tailored pieces for the Shawβs ready-to-wear collection.
A brilliant day with a brilliant team, and a reminder that the best clothes always begin with great cloth.
A Visit to Fox Brothers
We were recently invited to Somerset to visit Fox Brothers and tour the mill behind some of the most recognisable cloth in British tailoring.
As longstanding admirers of both the brand and the people behind it, we were keen to see the process first-hand and deepen our understanding of how their fabrics are made. Patrick and Douglas were incredibly generous with their time, showing us the workings of the mill and the careful balance of heritage, craft and innovation that makes Fox such a standout name in the world of cloth.
Founded in 1772, Fox Brothers has been producing woollen and worsted fabrics in England for more than three centuries. Widely regarded as the originators of flannel, the mill combines traditional techniques with modern technology to produce cloth with real character, substance and longevity.
For us, visiting the mill made the relationship between fabric and finished garment feel even more tangible. The weight, texture and depth of Fox cloth are qualities we are always drawn to at Shawβs, particularly when it comes to tailoring designed to be worn for years rather than a season.
We were also able to select some outstanding cloth directly at source, which we are now developing into a series of tailored pieces for the Shawβs ready-to-wear collection.
A brilliant day with a brilliant team, and a reminder that the best clothes always begin with great cloth.