Clothes for a British Gentleman: Modern Refinement with Classic Roots

Author: Robin Blake | Traditional Tailoring Meets Practical Elegance by Tellar.co.uk

Style is never forced — it’s lived in. The British gentleman doesn’t chase trends. He wears tradition with ease. His wardrobe is built around confidence, not excess. The wool coat, the navy blazer, the brogue boot — these pieces endure not because they’re nostalgic, but because they work. Quietly. Consistently.

At Tellar.co.uk, we help men dress like themselves — with the added benefit of perfect fit, no guesswork, and real-time size matching. Below is our curated guide to timeless essentials for the British gentleman — from country weekends to city formality.

1. The Wool Overcoat

Sharp but understated, a wool overcoat anchors your winter wardrobe. Camel for weekends. Charcoal or navy for city life. Shoulder structure matters — too wide ruins the line, too slim restricts movement.

Hackett – British formality with a modern cut
Marks & Spencer – Affordable, heritage-inspired options
Ralph Lauren – Transatlantic refinement with British cues

2. The Navy Blazer

A tailored navy blazer belongs in every British gentleman’s rotation. Double vented, slim lapels, and high armholes bring elegance to a classic shape. Wear it with flannel trousers or pressed denim.

Drake’s – Unstructured tailoring with substance
Reiss – Crisp, minimal silhouettes
Paul Smith – Playful lining, heritage fit

3. A White or Blue Shirt (Properly Cut)

Cut from Oxford or poplin cotton, a well-fitted shirt is essential. The gentleman’s shirt is not too short, not too slim, and never transparent. Double cuffs optional, but always polished.

Eton – Structure and sharp collars
Turnbull & Asser – Made in England, for London’s elite
Hawes & Curtis – Accessible British classics

4. Tailored Trousers

Wool flannel, mid-rise, with room to move. Flat front or single pleat depending on build. The break should skim the top of your shoes — not puddle.

Drake’s – Refined flannel tailoring
Cordings – Rugged British charm with country cut
Reiss – Modern fit, classic styling

5. Polished Footwear

Brogues, Oxfords, Chelseas. Made in Northampton, preferably. Brown for the weekend. Black for the office. Oxblood when you want to say a little more.

Church’s – Gold-standard British shoemaking
Loake – Affordable heritage options
Cheaney – Sharp silhouettes, handcrafted finish

6. Knitwear That Layers Properly

A shawl collar cardigan, a fine-gauge roll neck, a Merino half-zip. These pieces add warmth and texture beneath outerwear, without bulk. Fit close, not clingy. Neutral tones preferred.

Sunspel – Luxuriously soft, classic cuts
John Smedley – Made in Derbyshire, known worldwide
COS – Minimalist basics with excellent shape retention

Why Fit is the Final Detail

You can buy the finest blazer in England — but if the sleeves are too long, or the collar gaps, it won’t work. That’s why Tellar.co.uk exists: to ensure that British elegance comes with personal precision.

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