Spring / Summer 2012

With a landscape of extraordinary contrasts, the British Isles offers a uniquely captivating variety of beautifully rugged coastlines, sprawling urban mass and vast regions populated by little more than mountainous peaks.

With this in mind, and a climate as varied as the terrain, it is from the great British wardrobe that some essential, staple garments have evolved into iconic pieces.

Spring 2012’s Ben Sherman Modern Classics collection considers and revisits not only these staple garments, but also some of the fundamentals of the British aesthetic.

The Classic Oxford Shirt

Where it all began. Back in the early 60s, Ben Sherman crafted his now famous Oxford shirts from the finest British fabrics, added the now synonymous button at the back of the neck, the hang loop and box-pleat. This practical yet sharp looking garment quickly became the shirt of choice, and an icon was born.

Nearly fifty years on, we revisit that heritage and blend it with modern technique and design, to once again present a truly iconic shirt. Proudly Made in England and utilising fine Japanese cotton Oxford whilst adhering to the design aesthetic of Modern Classics, this cotton Oxford shirt retains the brands signature detailing while the pocket’s original flag label is replaced with an understated stitch in the ranges signature ‘English Mustard’ colour.

The Gunloader Technical Parka

Through the fusion of a traditional cotton oxford to a three ply, fully waterproof, fully breathable technical fabric, a unique hybrid of form and function has been created. Crafting this into a high specification parka, bonding the seams and reinforcing critical points, we’ve created a summer-weight take on this essential style.

Finishing it with leather details and a zip closure which is neatly concealed behind a storm flap, fastened with wooden buttons and toggles, has made for one of our favourite pieces from the collection.

The Gingham Shirt

A true summer staple. Proudly made in England from fine Japanese fabric, we’ve taken the classic short sleeved gingham shirt to the next level.

With a refined slubby texture and a traditional square hem, this is the ultimate summer shirt.

Limited to 100 pieces of each colourway (available in blue or red), each shirt has been numbered and authenticated by hand.

The Notch Back Short

Crafted from heavy gauge chambray, featuring suspender buttons and a notched waistband, these shorts nod to industrial style workwear, whilst bonded seams and a softer chambray half-lining ensure they offer modern comfort and style.

The Cable Crew

A classic piece that deserves a home in every wardrobe. This fine gauge knit crew features tight cable detail with contrasting elbow patches and a comfy crew neck.

Woven from 100% cotton, it provides a great option for summer layering.

The Rose Print Shirt

Inspired by the classic English Rose and floral fabrications that were originally made popular in 18th century Britain, the reverse printing method used here softens the colours, producing a very wearable and suitably manly shirt.

With a patch pocket, button-down penny collar and finished with wooden buttons, this is a great summer staple.

The Horizontal Stripe Shirt

A traditional all cotton two finger button-down shirt, made modern with horizontal stripes and teardrop pockets.

Finished with wooden buttons and subtlety recognizable signatures of the brand, such as the mustard tab on the pocket and box pleat at the back.

The Guernsey Cardigan

A heavily textured cardigan with a chunky placket, wooden buttons and generously sized pockets, making it great for those chilly spring days and summer evenings.

A variety of techniques have been used to create this mixed texture woven, resulting in a stylishly cosy knit.

The Cut + Sew Oxford Shirt

Taking a cut and sew approach to the traditional Oxford shirt, we’ve created a new staple. With contrasting panels and a vented pocket, a button-down penny collar and finished with fabric covered buttons, the piece references both casually styled workwear as well as more formal shirting.

The Sweat Shirt

Heavy jersey has been used for this short sleeved sweatshirt, reminiscent of post war sportswear, refined and updated for a sartorial take on an item generally considered as more casual attire.

Also available in a short.

The Engineered Chambray Shirt

Offering a welcome alternative to the clean chambray shirt, this little number features two shades of heavy duty cotton fabric and patch pockets on the chest, helping to keep the contents nice and dry, even when you’re feeling the heat.

The Sniper Parka

The traditional military inspired anorak has been recreated in a modern dry-waxed fabric, offering classic styling whilst providing real function.

Draw cords and button cuffs combined with plenty of pockets provide for a jacket that is a useful as it is comfy.

The Sweat Short

Heavy jersey has been used for these shorts, reminiscent of post war sportswear, refined and updated for a sartorial take on an item generally considered as more casual attire.

Also available in a short sleeved sweatshirt.