SUNSPEL x MR PORTER
This season we’ve collaborated with luxury menswear retailer MR PORTER to create a unique capsule inspired by our heritage in Nottingham, the lace-making capital of the world.
Sunspel began over 160 years in the British midlands city of Nottingham. In those days, at the height of the industrial revolution, Nottingham was the world centre of the lace industry. Its narrow streets were loud with the thrum of knitting frames as they made lace and hosiery to be shipped all around the world.
Originally named Thomas A. Hill Ltd after the company’s first owner, Sunspel was founded right in the middle of it all and was focused on crafting the highest quality underwear using the finest fabrics. Although we moved our factory from Nottingham to nearby Long Eaton in 1937, we have always cherished our rich heritage in the lace-making capital of the world. Over the years, we’ve developed ground-breaking fabrics that combine lace-making techniques and expertise with our dedication to comfort, functionality and exceptional quality. Fabrics like our Q14 cellular cotton, loved by many since 1914 (including Christopher from the Sopranos) and our Q75 Riviera mesh, both owe their existence to this heritage.
 |
 |
The collaboration with MR PORTER explores this legacy. We have an archive full of garments and swatches from throughout our long history and these inspired the development of the four products in the capsule, all of which are contemporary takes on classic fabrics and styles. The swatches are mostly undyed which helped define the capsule’s natural colour scheme of Oat and Ecru tones.
The products include a Tank and Camp Collar Shirt which are both made from a warp-knit mesh that was originally developed in the 1950s and was later used for the Riviera Polo Shirt worn by Daniel Craig in Casino Royale. Crafted from extra-long staple Californian Supima cotton, it is lightweight, smooth and breathable making these pieces ideal for the warmth of summer.
 |
 |
There is also a buttonless Polo Shirt and Long Sleeve Zip Jacket. These are crafted from a unique chunky mesh knit specially designed for this collaboration. With a vintage finish and heavier feel, they are made using the highest-quality Egyptian cotton to be perfect summer layering pieces.
Over 160 years of expertise and heritage have gone into our collaboration with MR PORTER. Made using the finest cotton and designed for comfort and style, these are essentials this season
