Let’s talk about Sunspel—one of those rare brands that quietly nails the sweet spot between heritage, craftsmanship, and effortlessly luxe style. It’s the kind of label you might stumble upon while looking for the perfect white T-shirt... and then never look back.
Whether you're brand new to Sunspel or already living in their Riviera polo, here’s the lowdown on this very British brand that makes basics feel anything but.
First Things First: Who Actually Started Sunspel?
Sunspel has been around for a long time. We’re talking since 1860. It was founded by Thomas Arthur Hill in Nottingham, back when the city was the beating heart of the UK’s textile industry.
Hill was a bit of a fabric nerd (in the best way possible) and was all about experimenting with new materials. While most people were still stuck on wool, Hill introduced ultra-fine cotton underwear. Yes—luxury underwear in the 1800s. Revolutionary stuff.
So What Was Sunspel’s First Big Thing?
Before polos and tees, Sunspel made its name with underwear. But not just any underwear—pieces made from Sea Island cotton, which is basically the Rolls-Royce of cotton. It’s silky soft, rare, and imported from the West Indies. The brand quickly became known for high-quality, super-comfy basics that felt as good as they looked. That obsession with feel-good fabrics hasn’t gone anywhere since.
Where Is Sunspel Made? (And Is It Actually Ethical?)
Unlike most fashion brands that ship production overseas, Sunspel still makes a lot of its clothing in the UK, at its Long Eaton factory in Nottinghamshire, which it’s owned since 1937. That means more quality control, less mass production, and a tighter grip on how things are made.
The brand’s also pretty clued-up on sustainability. They’re big on:
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Using organic and traceable cotton
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Supporting fair wages and skilled craftsmanship
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Creating fabrics that are built to last (so you buy less, but better.
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No greenwashing—just quiet, meaningful steps in the right direction.
Who’s Been Spotted in Sunspel?
Sunspel might not scream “celebrity brand,” but don’t be fooled—it’s got serious A-list credibility. A few names you’ll probably recognise:
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Daniel Craig, who wore a custom Sunspel Riviera Polo in Casino Royale and made it look very Bond.
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Steve McQueen—yes, the Steve McQueen—wore Sunspel T-shirts back in the ’60s. Cool is eternal.
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Paul Weller, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Arctic Monkeys’ Alex Turner are also fans.
Sunspel has also teamed up with designers like JW Anderson and Comme des Garçons, proving it’s quietly influential behind the scenes too.
Sunspel's Most Asked Questions
1. Is Sunspel really worth the money?
The short answer is yes. If you're into timeless wardrobe staples that are well made, last forever, and feel amazing on—Sunspel’s your brand. Think of it as the luxury version of your everyday essentials.
2. What’s Sunspel most famous for?
- The Riviera Polo Shirt (thank you, Bond)
- Their super-soft classic T-shirts
- Luxe underwear
- Refined, no-fuss basics like knitwear, sweatshirts, and outerwear
3. Is Sunspel sustainable?
They’re definitely making strides. From responsible sourcing to running their own UK-based factory, Sunspel is doing things the right way—not just slapping a buzzword on the label.
4. Does Sunspel sizing run true?
Mostly, yes. Their fit leans a bit more tailored and minimal, so if you're in between sizes or want a looser fit, you might want to size up.
Sunspel isn’t flashy. It doesn’t shout for attention. But that’s kind of the point. It’s all about the details: how a T-shirt drapes just right, how a cotton polo stays soft wash after wash, how a simple piece can instantly elevate your whole outfit.
In a world of hype drops and fast fashion chaos, Sunspel feels like a breath of fresh (Sea Island cotton-scented) air. And once you try it, it’s hard to go back.
SHOP SUNSPEL
Image Credit: @sunspelclothing
