Universal Works have been in charge of the British Workwear scene since they emerged on the market in 2009. They have since maintained an incredibly high level of quality with each passing season and this one, in my opinion, is one of their strongest. They have successfully embodied their ethos in creating good, honest menswear which is well made, well considered and easy to wear.

The brand is headed up by David Keyte, who spent ten years at Paul Smith and also worked closely with Albam and Margaret Howell. It’s easy to see some of their influence, but David soon realised that he was less interested in fashion and more in the function, fit and cut of garments. This season’s selection ticks all of those boxes, so as you can imagine, picking a few favourites was difficult (a pleasure, but difficult).

Tweed Overcoat

This Tweed Overcoat is quintessentially Universal Works. It’s the perfect coat to see you through winter after winter, without it falling apart or you growing bored of it. Cut to a longline fit from a soft wool blend, tones of blue, beige, brown and green run the entire length of the coat, creating a bold, yet subtle statement coat. Don’t over complicate your outfit when wearing this, keep it simple with tonal trousers and a chunky knit for when the colder months hit.

Recycled Wool Roll Neck

This is exactly what I meant when I mentioned a chunky knit. For me, sand is the perfect colour for knitwear, as it’s the most versatile colour to layer with. It would work perfectly under a navy or green over-shirt, or even under the Tweed overcoat. In all serious, this eco-friendly wool blend, classic cut roll-neck is an absolute essential this winter.

Kyoto Cord Work Jacket

We’ve all got a jacket with a zip, and almost definitely all got one with buttons, but how many of us can say we’ve got one with a niche tie closure? The Kimono-style jacket has grown steadily in popularity over the last few years. Drawing inspiration from traditional Japanese styling, this piece combines the functionality and weight of a cotton-corduroy jacket with the ease and comfort of a cardigan.

Written by Tom Loughran