Universal Works Update Their Workshop Denim Collection

Three New Garments in Universal Works’ Workshop Denim Collection You Need to Know About

Universal Works, the brand founded by David Kyte and based in the heart of the old English textile industry in the Midlands, have been producing beautiful and functional men’s fashion since 2008. The launch of the brand’s Workshop Denim collection last year was one of our highlights of 2014, so we’re happy to report that the collection has grown to include a handful of garments. We had a closer look at three of them.

Universal Works Workshop Denim collectino update 2015 – 05

Universal Works Workshop Denim collection slubby jeans

Now In the Workshop Denim Collection: Slubby Denim Jeans

The Workshop Denim collection now has no less than two slubby denim jeans, a regular and a slim fit version.

The denim has a wonderfully soft feel to it and the workwear inspired regular fit jeans have a relaxed fit with a mid-rise. They are based on a pair of cotton suit pants from the main collection and the result is a very classic British take on the five-pocket jean.

As with the other jeans in the collection, the slub jeans are made with a washed 13 oz. denim, woven in Portugal, and sewn in England.

The slubby denim jeans retail for £145.

Universal Works Workshop Denim collection chambray worker shirt

Universal Works Workshop Denim collection chambray worker shirt

Universal Works Workshop Denim collection chambray worker shirt

Match the Jeans With the New Worker Shirt

The new worker shirt generously cut with long tails making it a contemporary take on a traditional British shirt.

It’s made from a 5 oz. indigo chambray fabric, which is thick and crisp. We’re tested it for a little while and it’s clear that this durable fabric will only look better with wear and washing.

The shirts in the Workshop Denim collection are manufactured in London on restored Union Specials and Japanese Juki machines from Hong Kong (the type that made the infamous shirts of Ralph Lauren in the 80s); the workmanship is of very high quality.

From the seam gussets to the natural cotton panels reinforcing the cuff yolks, the detailing is understated yet absolutely spot on.

This shirt retails for £155, and there’s also a heavy oxford College shirt retailing for £135.

Universal Works Workshop Denim collection baker’s jacket

Universal Works Workshop Denim collection baker’s jacket

Universal Works Workshop Denim collection baker’s jacket

A Baker’s Jacket With Ties To the Founder’s Family

Universal Works have also introduced a slub denim version of their Baker’s Chore jacket – a garment inspired by David Kyte’s father who was a baker by trade. This is functional British fashion with a direct link to the place it was produced and people it was made for.

The denim baker’s jacket will set you back £199.

Admirable Characteristics of Universal Works

One of the main strengths of this Workshop Denim collection is its minimal aesthetic – there is no extraneous labelling or fuss. The buttons and rivets are unbranded and the jeans patch is hidden on the inside of the waistband.

We also like that there is no superfluous backstory to what Universal Works do; the company’s guiding principle is simply to produce good quality British clothing, as David asserted in an earlier interview, he has deliberately kept his jeans humble, modest, and honest.