By Narayan Saimbi
We’re all on the hunt for new fashion, let’s be real. Summer’s coming to an end, the autumn rebrand is starting and we’re all scrambling to find our new aesthetics. Of course, we can all go to the high-end brands we know for our answers to this. Gucci, LV, French Connection and the like. But instead, I want to highlight to you some more underrated clothes and accessories. Catch is, they all come from the best part of the UK: the North.
- Local Space
Local Space is a Manchester-born clothing brand, accompanied by an ethos of being “present in the moment”. Taking on an aesthetic straight out of the 90s, the brand showcases inventive designs on both their caps and sunglasses alike. Notably, Local Space have collaborated with both UK rapper Sainté and the local Manchester bakery Companio – incredibly on brand, if I do say so myself. In my opinion, Local Space is the perfect place to look for the next set of accessories to add to your wardrobe.
Local Space: Issue 0002
- Uskees
Born in a studio in Manchester, Uskees began as an “experimentation in workwear”. However, after the success of their 3001 overshirt, the brand has exploded into producing a variety of high-quality clothing. Whether it’s a suit jacket, T-shirt, scarves or aprons, Uskees has it all. The brand also focuses on using materials that “prioritise longevity”- a big plus in my books.
Uskees: 3001 Overshirt
- Chinese Laundry
Established in Hull in 2004, Chinese Laundry is probably best known as simply a vintage store. But they are so much more than that. With stores in Hull, York and Leeds, their clothing line boasts a range of beautiful sweatshirts, beanies and T-shirts. My personal favourite is the Jaden Jumper, combining warm oranges and greens with a soft cable knit texture. I have spent many an hour browsing the stores in York and Leeds- check them out if you have the chance.
Chinese Laundry: Jaden Jumper
- Wawwa
Another entry from Manchester, Wawwa is a sustainable clothing company that quite literally makes everything. T-shirts, skirts, knitwear, outerwear. Whatever the occasion, Wawwa’s got you covered. The new Psystone collection in particular incorporates simple colours and boxy designs into a classy and unique aesthetic. Wawwa have cemented themselves into the Manchester clothing scene and aren’t going away any time soon.
Wawwa: Ripstone Jacket- Marine
- TrådCollective
This clothing brand came about after the owners realised how difficult it was to shop sustainably in Leeds. Naturally, the conclusion that followed for them was to create TrådCollective- a clothing brand initially focused on upcycling, but now encompasses “all the different aspects of sustainability”. In terms of their own clothing, their women’s section boasts an expansive array of clothes, bags and scrunchies to add to your wardrobe. Even in a city packed with second-hand clothing stores, TrådCollective manages to reinvent the wheel- definitely worth checking out if you’re into the vintage vibe.
TrådCollective: Anna Shirt in Blue with Beige Ties
So you’ve seen the list. Whilst Manchester has certainly dominated this list (a testament to the city if anything), I’ve tried to bring in different areas of the North outside of that. I think all of these brands would be great additions to anyone’s wardrobe. Of course, no two tastes are the same. You may completely disagree with everything I’ve said on this list. But if you’re looking for something new to try, this can be a start. And if this list manages to do that, then that’s good enough for me.
Surround Sound 