Collection: Universal Works

The Universal Works Brand Story

Universal Works is a British menswear brand that designs contemporary yet timeless clothing.

Founded in 2009 and based in Nottingham, England for that entire time, Universal Works has stayed true to itself and grown organically. Co-founder David Keyte (also director and designer) started the brand in his kitchen, after decades of experience working in the clothing industry, most notably for Paul Smith.

Paying homage to classic styles, UW’s designs are clearly influenced by workwear, which comes from Keyte’s upbringing. Growing up in a working-class family in the 1970s, he was surrounded by workwear as a boy, seeing his father and uncles wearing it during the week, but then dressing their sharpest at the weekend. That’s the spirit of the brand.

You can read our journal pieces where David gives us his run down of '10 Things you didn't know about Universal Works' (but were afraid to ask?) here. 

From the jackets to the trousers to the t-shirts, the utilitarian influence runs through everything, drawing from military styles as well as workwear. 

The use of fabrics is a thing of beauty and a differentiator for the UW brand, with an enormous variety of textures, colours and patterns in every collection. Think indigo denim, herringbone denim, chambray, canvas, seersucker, twill, linen-cotton blends and plenty more. And of course the colour palettes are equally stunning, with the reliable navies, greens and khakis as expected, but plenty of curve balls as well.

Universal Works’ pieces are made in the UK and overseas with carefully selected manufacturers, which is a big tick in the box for us here at Urban Industry. We like to champion brands that do the right thing.

Browse our full range of Universal Works clothing. Sizing is true to size unless stated otherwise in the product description, but do let us know on live chat or email (mailorder@urbanindustry.co.uk) if you have any questions before you buy. Also if you're looking spend a little less you might find something on our Universal Works Sale page.

We feature more from Universal Works here in an Interview with Cuckmere Cycle Co. a fantastic local business to us.