A Gentleman's London Episode 26: Sunspel

Why It Matters

Sunspel’s heritage‑driven, made‑in‑Britain customization illustrates how luxury casual brands can differentiate through craftsmanship and personalization, reinforcing Britain’s relevance in high‑end apparel manufacturing.

Key Takeaways

• Sunspel originated in 1860, pioneering luxury underwear and boxer shorts.
• Brand still manufactures custom t‑shirts in Nottingham using heritage techniques.
• Five fabrics and two cuts let customers tailor fit and drape.
• Options include carbon‑brushed cotton, silk‑cotton blend, and rare Sea Island.
• Bespoke service takes ~4 weeks, emphasizing durability and timeless style.

Summary

Gentleman’s London Episode 26 spotlights Sunspel, the British label founded in 1860 by Thomas Hill, which created the first luxury underwear, boxer shorts and early T‑shirts. The episode frames the brand as the original maker of elevated everyday essentials, still operating from its Nottingham roots while offering a bespoke T‑shirt service.

The video walks through Sunspel’s modern customization: customers choose from five premium fabrics—including carbon‑brushed cotton, silk‑cotton blend, and the ultra‑rare Sea Island cotton—and two block cuts, a classic forgiving fit and a slimmer Riviera cut famously worn by Daniel Craig in Casino Royale. Details such as the iconic bound neckline, a design element dating back to the 1930s, and adjustable sleeve and body lengths illustrate the brand’s focus on fit, durability and timeless style.

Key moments include a conversation with Nathan about the bespoke process, the role of Rita—Sunspel’s dedicated factory artisan in Long Eaton—and the four‑week turnaround time. The host also references Sunspel’s heritage of innovation, noting its invention of the boxer short and early T‑shirts, and highlights the brand’s commitment to British manufacturing.

The segment underscores a broader trend: luxury casual wear is increasingly driven by heritage, quality and personalization. Sunspel’s model demonstrates how a historic British label can compete in a crowded market by leveraging local production, transparent craftsmanship and a premium customization experience, reinforcing the resurgence of Made‑in‑Britain luxury apparel.

Original Description

In this episode of A Gentleman’s London, The Rake visits the Jermyn Street home of Sunspel. The heritage label that has been refining wardrobe essentials since 1860.

Editor-in-Chief Tom Chamberlin steps off the pavement and into the fitting room to be measured for a custom T-shirt, a garment often overlooked, yet arguably the most worn piece in any gentleman’s arsenal.

From fabric selection to silhouette, we explore why the perfect white T-shirt is less a basic and more a foundation.

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