William Crabtree & Sons

William Crabtree & Sons is a recognized name in British textile history. Founded in Yorkshire in 1835, this weaver originally specialized in the manufacture of woolen blankets and fabrics for sport jackets.

They notably supplied the Hudson's Bay blanket company.

The company had disappeared in the 70s but its name was finally bought recently by James Priestley who decided to create his own brand. His shop is located in the Marylebone district of London. An e-commerce site is also set up.

James has worked for a long time in the men's textile universe, for brands such as William Lockie, Johnstons of Elgin and Drake's. Solid references. You can learn more about his journey by listening to the Menswear by a Woman podcast.

A benchmark for classic pieces

It was on Instagram that I first discovered William Crabtree. I remember it very well, I was then looking for a cable knit sweater.

William Crabtree favor British wardrobe classics and in particular authentic British-made fabrics.

They have both a Made-To-Measure service and a Ready-To-Wear line. I was particularly curious to try one of their knitwear, at an attractive price. And it was a very good surprise upon receipt of the 2 chosen clothes.

We are therefore very happy to write about this English store.

Cable knit sweater

Cable knit sweater was one of the ideal solutions to help sailors protect themselves from the cold at the beginning of the 20th century.

It really became popular in the West from 1950, when it was exported to the United States and appeared for the first time in Vogue magazine - thanks in particular to Elizabeth Zimmermann. It is also the beginning of mass consumption, sweaters are massively produced by machines.

While cable sweaters were once knitted by hand from rustic, undyed wool, brands like Ralph Lauren have managed to modernize it. First with color and then with the material. It now becomes possible to buy a purple cashmere cable sweater for instance.

That of William Crabtree is in shetland wool. Its knit is very flexible, airy and super comfortable to wear.

In recent years, merino wool has had the wind in its sails. It must be said that it has many assets. But Shetland wool, the star of Shaggy Dog sweaters, seduces us just as much with its more rustic appearance. A striking aesthetic.

We love the fairly high collar and the right length for a size medium. There is no need here to turn the excess material inside at the waist. Here Jean is wearing a size 40. To be more comfortable, size 42 would probably have been better.

A sweater that is both very chic, it will be very easy to wear in a very dressy outfit to go to a dinner in town. But also very rustic, it goes very well with country outfits.

Finally, we can only recommend their cable knit shetland. Other colors are available. The classic gray but also more lively colors, a green and a purple. Note that they are not brushed but still very beautiful.

Two days ago we published an article on the best sweater brands. William Crabtree is certainly one of them.

Winter pants

If at first glance it was their knits that we liked the most, we were finally very pleasantly surprised by their chinos.

It doesn't show very well in the picture but it is very thick and has a soft, peachy side. Probably a cotton from Brisbane Moss. A British classic that is not so easy to find contrary to what one might think.

The interior is really very clean, we are on a high-end brand without a doubt. We particularly appreciate the silicone bands to prevent the pants from slipping. The side tabs also do their job very well.

It comes with an unfinished bottom for a perfect fit.

In terms of color, this tan color is neither too beige nor too dark. It will go easily with a navy, grey, brown or green sweater. Even red. But dark colors if you have any doubt.

In summary, these trousers are really a must for winter.