At Clifton Suits, we pride ourselves on working with the finest cloth merchants in the world, those who not only supply exceptional fabrics but who also share our passion for craftsmanship, heritage, and timeless elegance. In our pursuit of excellence, we’re shining a spotlight on the people and partners who help bring our garments to life and few embody this better than Dugdale Bros & Co.

In the heart of Huddersfield, where the gentle hum of looms still echoes through the hills, lies Dugdale - one of Britain's most enduring sartorial institutions. Established in 1896 by brothers Henry Percy and Frederick Herbert Dugdale.

Today, over a century later, Dugdale Bros remains a torchbearer of British textile craftsmanship. Operating from their original base on Northumberland Street in central Huddersfield, they stand as proud guardians of a uniquely localised supply chain, one that celebrates the skills of nearby spinners, dyers, weavers and finishers, all within a 20 mile radius.

Chairman Robert Charnock encapsulates this philosophy in the merchants enduring motto: “With pride, with passion, with integrity.” These three pillars not only define the way Dugdale Bros operates, but how they also shape its future-facing vision, one where innovation walks hand in hand with tradition.

He credits industry stalwarts like Michael Tankard as formative influences - “a great man,” he says, “who quietly produced some of the most exclusive cloths in the world.”

“Everything I know, I owe to Dugdale. Although I wasn’t particularly academic at school, I was fortunate to inherit a deep understanding of cloth, passed down through four generations of my family, especially from my mother, a skilled cloth mender who taught me to appreciate different fabrics by touch alone.

Dugdale is a grand old business, continually made relevant by honoring its proud tradition of producing the finest signature cloths that embody the majesty of 'Made in Huddersfield, England.' We are proud to weave our rich history into the future, grateful for the privilege of being custodians of this remarkable legacy.

When we spoke with Clifton Suits owner Andrew Webber, he spoke fondly of his early experiences with Dugdale and the lasting impression the brand made on him: “I always remember Dugdale being a prominent feature in our bunch display wall even when I first started out. The English Town and Classics collection was our bread and butter, 100% wool, heavyweight, and built to last. It made up into an exceptional classic suit, one I still wear today more than a decade later.”

As tailoring continues to evolve in the modern era, Dugdale Bros stands resilient, not as a relic of the past, but as a thriving cornerstone of British excellence. In an industry that often chases the new, Dugdale proves that authenticity, local pride, and a commitment to quality never go out of style.

If you're as inspired by Dugdale Bros as we are, we invite you to experience their cloths up close in our store. We proudly house all of Dugdale collections, from classic worsteds to tropical weaves and innovative patterns.