Manchester’s fashion history is woven into the fabric of the city. From becoming the world’s first industrial city, it grew into the centre of the cotton trade, powered by its textile mills and global connections.
Today, that legacy continues to shape one of the UK’s most exciting fashion ecosystems. Manchester continues to attract iconic brands and influential businesses drawn to its creativity, connectivity and culture of innovation.
From global brands born in the city, such as Umbro, to industry giants including adidas and Puma establishing their European headquarters here, Manchester has become a hub for fashion and sportswear.
New-generation success stories, such as Castore and Adanola, have also achieved remarkable growth in a short space of time, demonstrating Greater Manchester’s growing importance as a base for ambitious brands looking to scale nationally and internationally.
The spotlight on the city has intensified in recent years. Chanel brought its Métiers d’Art fashion show to Manchester’s streets in 2023, while major events including The BRIT Awards, the MOBO Awards and the MTV European Music Awards have further cemented its growing influence on the global stage.
What’s been particularly exciting is that, alongside the city’s rising profile, its creative talent pool has become impossible to ignore. A new generation of disruptors are making their mark on Manchester’s rich fashion legacy.
We take a look at the brands making noise and, in true Manchester style, doing things differently…
Drama Call
Founded in 2017 by Charlie Bows, Drama Call quickly became known for its limited-edition drops, unconventional activations and highly sought-after collaborations, including partnerships with Manchester United, adidas and Manchester rapper Aitch.
The brand has recently followed legendary Manchester institutions Sheep Store and Oi Polloi in opening its first bricks-and-mortar store at 70 Tib Street, cementing its place within the city’s thriving streetwear scene.
Wawwa
Founded in 2015 by brothers Sean and Andrew, Wawwa began with a focus on accessories before evolving into a producer of high-quality outerwear and contemporary streetwear.
Committed to responsible production, the brand prioritises considered material choices and transparency around its carbon footprint. Today, it proudly manufactures as much of its collection as possible from its studio in Ancoats, keeping production rooted in Manchester.
Clints
It all started in 2020, with self-taught designer Junior Clint making trainers in his bedroom using YouTube tutorials. Fast forward a few years and Clints has become one of Manchester’s most exciting fashion success stories, complete with a flagship store on Quay Street and recognition from the late designer Virgil Abloh.
The brand’s rapid rise has attracted a growing celebrity following, with the likes of Formula 1 star Lewis Hamilton and American rapper A$AP Rocky among those spotted wearing their designs.
Bound
Founded in 2018 by Jake Messer, Bound bridges the gap between contemporary fashion and casual streetwear, drawing subtle inspiration from music, film and Manchester’s cultural landscape.
Having recently opened its first store in the heart of the Northern Quarter, the brand has created a space designed to be a community destination rather than simply a place to shop, reflecting the values that sit at the heart of the business.
Private White V.C.
Few brands are as deeply rooted in Manchester’s textile heritage as Private White V.C named after Private Jack White, who returned from the First World War to begin an apprenticeship as a pattern cutter at a local raincoat factory, eventually rising the ranks to become the company’s sole owner.
Revived by his great-grandson, the brand continues to operate from the city’s last remaining stand-alone textile factory from the Industrial Revolution. Its commitment to British manufacturing, classic cuts and timeless tailoring has established Private White V.C as one of the UK’s most respected menswear brands.
