Modern Leeds is a powerful fashion arena, with widely distributed shopping centres, department stores and stylish shops of famous fashion designers. In addition, Leeds has always been associated with the textile industry. After all, fabric was one of the main export goods of the city at the turn of the Industrial Revolution. Besides the city’s important role in the UK textile industry over the past few hundred years, the scale and significance of Leeds tailoring is also worth noting. The city has long been the heart of the garment industry in the United Kingdom. The art of tailoring developed surprisingly rapidly here, which was proved by the various clothes and shoes of the city residents. Local fashion trends were dictated by time, the influence of trends in other cities and countries, as well as the preferences of Leeds residents themselves. The change of styles, trends and clothes worn by people subtly depicts the stages of society’s development, as well as the mood and the attitude of the townspeople towards fashion in general. Learn more at leedska.
West Yorkshire’s manufacturing heritage dates back to the 18th century. For example, the AW Hainsworth factory in Farsley still makes the bright red cloth used to clothe the King’s Guards. However, Leeds powerfully declared itself as a fashion centre in the 20th century and quickly began to occupy the first positions not only in British fashion but also on the world stage. After all, such giants as Marks & Spencer and Next were born in this very city.
The modern city of Leeds is considered one of the best places for shopping in Great Britain outside of London. The main street of the city houses famous British and European brand stores. Besides, there’s a bunch of old little shops, tempting bargains in thrift stores and discount seasons in ultra-modern malls. In this article, we will tell you in more detail about the development of this industry in the largest city of West Yorkshire.
Leeds is one of the leading cities in the textile industry
Starting from the 15th century, Leeds was an actively trading city. Its main industry was the production and sale of wool. Wool was woven, cleaned, made coarser to increase its waterproof properties and dyed. It was sold at weekly local markets, Leeds Bridge and Briggate, as well as annual fairs. Visitors from neighbouring cities came here too.
In the 17th century, Leeds became richer thanks to the rapid development of the city and its industry. The construction of additional canals and railways only improved Leeds’s connections with neighbouring towns and villages, expanding its export opportunities. Leeds became a centre for wool exports and the textile industry in general.
Textiles produced in Leeds attracted the attention of sellers, buyers and merchants. By the 1770s, Leeds handled about two-thirds of the West Riding’s cloth exports. As other cities began to catch up with Leeds and increase competition, the city changed course and focused on improving tailoring. This direction also became successful and the city became known throughout the country thanks to the high-quality clothes and the provision of customised tailoring services.
During the hostilities, the demand for textile products became even greater. Local factories managed to satisfy the needs. By the early 1960s, over 60% of all suits sold in Britain were made in Leeds.
Abraham Moon & Sons means quality, sophistication and style
Abraham Moon’s factory in Guiseley, near Leeds, has been professionally producing fine wool since its foundation in 1837. It is one of the last woollen mills in the UK and is among a few that still complete the entire manufacturing process, from raw wool to the perfect tailoring of suits.
Thanks to hundreds of years of experience, traditions and innovative designs, the Abraham Moon & Sons tailors do their job perfectly. Over the years, the company continues to offer luxury quality and a unique understanding of the ever-changing needs in the garment industry. Traditional fabrics combined with innovative use of colour and design continue to actively serve leading fashion brands, designers and retail customers worldwide. Their constant partners are Burberry and Ralph Lauren.
Leeds’s first wholesale garment factory
John Barron was the first to open a wholesale clothing factory in Leeds in 1856, marking the beginning of the mass trade of ready-made clothing.
At first, John Barron ran a pawn shop and was a clothier. Soon, he started supplying men’s clothing to the Briggate market. This place was very popular among the farmers and labourers. Over time, he managed to turn his shop into an Emporium of Fashion, selling tailcoats and satin waistcoats, as well as moleskin trousers for mechanics and comfortable suits for sailors. In addition to custom clothing, he offered affordable ready-to-wear clothes made in his own small factory. John Barron used the new American Singer sewing machines, which significantly accelerated and cheapened the process of production. In addition, in 1858, he introduced a band-saw that cut through several layers of fabric. It was a revolution in the sewing business.
Revolution and change in fashion trends
Montague Burton is a Lithuanian Jew who came to Britain and established his fashion empire in Chesterfield. By 1913, he had five men’s tailor shops with headquarters in Sheffield and production facilities in Leeds. At its peak, the Leeds factory employed over 10,000 people, making it the largest manufacturing facility in the world.
After the Second World War, all demobilised men in Great Britain were given a set of clothes instead of a military uniform. It included a jacket, trousers, vest, shirt, underwear and shoes. One of the main suppliers was Mantogue Burton’s company. By 1952, Burton had more than 600 stores.
Over the following years, fashion underwent changes. In the 1960s, fashion, branding and marketing began to influence men’s clothing style. In 1965, Burton signed a licensing agreement to produce the 007 collection, inviting famed James Bond tailor Anthony Sinclair to cooperate. In 1966, the company became the official supplier of suits for the England football team, which became the world champion. It was important not only for Great Britain but also for the Burton’s brand.
Fashion boutiques proudly representing famous designers
Over time, the demand for costumes decreased significantly, as fashion became more diverse and subcultural. The famous Victorian shopping streets of Leeds started to house boutiques, selling designer clothes by local manufacturers and global brands.
The Japanese fashion brand Comme des Garçons appeared in the Strand store, while the Hip Store boutique started to sell jazz-funk, rave and popular streetwear, including the unique brand Supreme.
The most famous street of the city, Briggate Street, which is located in the very centre of Leeds, houses such famous fashion boutiques as Zara, Debenhams, House of Fraser and many others. In addition, there is a famous designer department store Harvey Nichols. This four-story building is filled with luxury clothes, fashion accessories, food and cosmetics.
Like other Britons, the residents of Leeds love shopping for stylish and vintage clothes at thrift stores. They are attracted by the low price, the opportunity to find something unique and at the same time participate in a charitable cause.
Fashion has been and remains a significant part of the city’s economy. Leeds was founded on textile and fashion businesses such as AW Hainsworth and M&S. Brands that were born here shaped the city, its history and its unique heritage.