Manufacturing

Timeless craft, Enduring quality

Since Cathcart London was founded a decade ago, our core philosophy remains the same: create lasting designs that never go out of style and apply that same timeless approach to every aspect of our business. From the beginning, we have been committed to doing things the right way—choosing quality over excess, craftsmanship over shortcuts, and responsibility over convenience. In an era where fashion waste is a growing problem, we take our role seriously, ensuring that our production, materials, and the people involved in our process align with our values.

Production

At Cathcart London, we are dedicated to creating timeless menswear with integrity. We carefully select our manufacturers to ensure that our garments are produced using sustainable practices, ethical labor standards, and exceptional craftsmanship.

We work exclusively with partners who uphold the highest environmental and social standards, requiring certifications such as:

  • OEKO-TEX Standard 100 – Guarantees that all our fabrics, including wool, cotton, and linen, are free from harmful substances, including NON-AZO dyes.
  • ISO 9001 (Quality Management System) – Ensures consistency and high-quality production at every stage.
  • Global Recycled Standard (GRS) & Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) – Supports responsible use of recycled materials where applicable.

Transparency

Our factories not only adhere to high environmental and social standards but also implement a robust traceability system that supports buyers in verifying the quality and authenticity of the materials used. This system provides detailed records, including:

  • Where the raw materials are sourced, whether it’s from a cotton farm or a wool supplier.
  • How the materials are processed, from weaving and dyeing to finishing.
  • Compliance with ethical and sustainability standards at every stage of production.
  • Quality control checks throughout the supply chain, ensuring the highest standards are met at every step.

Made to Measure

Our Made to Measure suits are handcrafted by expert tailors with decades of experience, many of whom are former Savile Row artisans. By working closely with these established tailoring houses, we not only ensure exceptional craftsmanship but also support the preservation of London’s rich tailoring heritage.

Partnering with London tailors has helped us minimise transportation emissions and reduce our overall carbon footprint. This commitment to local production supports small, family-owned tailoring businesses, fostering a community of skilled artisans who take pride in creating garments with uncompromising quality.

Raw Materials

We believe that true craftsmanship and sustainability go hand in hand. By using only natural fibres, we honour classic menswear traditions while reducing reliance on synthetic materials that contribute to environmental waste.

Our garments are crafted from carefully selected raw materials, including Shetland and Merino wool, linen, and cotton. These fibres are not only of the highest quality but also naturally biodegradable, ensuring that our clothing has minimal environmental impact at the end of its lifecycle.

We design our clothing with durability in mind, championing the philosophy of buying less but buying better. Every piece is made to stand the test of time, reinforcing our commitment to responsible production without compromising on craftsmanship.

Sustainability at Cathcart London is not just about the materials we choose—it’s about creating clothing with purpose, longevity, and respect for the craft.

Merino and Shetland Wool

Wool has always been a cornerstone of classic menswear, and we continue to champion its exceptional properties. We use Shetland wool, sourced from Scotland, known for its durability and rugged texture, and Merino wool from Australia, prized for its softness and natural temperature-regulating abilities. Both are highly breathable, odour-resistant, fire-resistant, and capable of absorbing harmful UV rays, making them ideal for long-lasting, all-season wear.

We take great care in sourcing our materials responsibly, prioritising ethical production and sustainability at every stage. Wool is an incredible fibre that has been relied upon for centuries—not artificially engineered, but grown naturally, ensuring that it returns to the earth without harm.

By choosing high-quality, natural fabrics, we create garments designed to last. Sustainability, for us, means making clothing that you’ll wear for years, not just seasons.

Linen

At Cathcart London, we choose materials that stand the test of time—both in durability and sustainability. Linen is one of the most environmentally responsible fabrics available, making it a key part of our suiting and shirting collections.

Derived from the flax plant, linen requires minimal water and pesticides to grow and naturally enriches the soil, promoting biodiversity. Flax cultivation supports healthy ecosystems, making linen one of the most sustainable textile choices.

Beyond its environmental benefits, linen is a premium, plant-based fibre with exceptional qualities. It’s naturally breathable, hypoallergenic, and temperature-regulating, ensuring comfort in both warm and cool conditions. It also boasts greater abrasion resistance and strength compared to cotton, meaning linen garments are designed to last for years.

Cotton

Cotton has long been valued for its breathability, durability, and natural comfort, making it a key fabric in our collections at Cathcart London. We use high-quality cotton across a range of garments, including our iconic Deco polos, crafted from premium piqué cotton.

We carefully source our cotton from renowned textile mills that uphold the highest standards of craftsmanship and sustainability. The cotton fabrics we use meet OEKO-TEX® certification, ensuring they are produced without harmful chemicals, aligning with our commitment to responsible manufacturing.

Historic Mills

At Cathcart London, we honour tradition by combining time-tested craftsmanship with the finest British fabrics. We are proud to partner with historic UK mills - such as Abraham Moon, Alfred Brown, and Standeven - to weave the exceptional wools used in our garments. These mills have been producing premium fabrics for generations, preserving techniques that ensure quality, authenticity, and a deep connection to Britain’s rich textile heritage.

Collaborations

Partnering with these renowned mills allows us to design and weave beautiful, unique cloths finished to our exacting standards. From the weight and weave to the texture and finish, every detail is carefully considered. Through such collaborations, we offer the very best of classic British tailoring with a distinct Cathcart twist.

Packaging

We believe that sustainability extends beyond our garments—it includes how we package and deliver them. That’s why we use biodegradable cornstarch bags instead of plastic and cardboard boxes made in the UK, ensuring that our packaging is both functional and environmentally responsible.

We are also committed to minimising waste within our operations. Any cardboard used in our packing facility is carefully recycled or repurposed to reduce unnecessary waste. By choosing locally made packaging materials, we further lower our carbon footprint and support British manufacturers.

Carbon Footprint

At Cathcart London, we take a thoughtful approach to production, ensuring that every step aligns with our commitment to sustainability. Fashion waste is a significant issue, and we actively work to minimise our impact while staying true to our values.

We produce in small, carefully planned runs to prevent overstock, reducing unnecessary waste and ensuring that every garment finds a home. Operating from our compact warehouse in South West London, we maintain a lean, efficient supply chain that avoids excess storage and wasteful overproduction.

To further reduce our environmental impact, we prioritise sustainable transportation methods. Our products are shipped to London by sea—a significantly more eco-friendly alternative to air freight—helping to lower carbon emissions associated with long-distance logistics.

Wherever possible, we manufacture garments close to where our materials are sourced, reducing the carbon footprint of transportation while supporting traditional textile industries. By making conscious choices at every stage of production, we ensure that sustainability is woven into the fabric of Cathcart London.

Transparency & Accountability

Sustainability is not a destination—it’s a continuous journey. At Cathcart London, we are always researching new ways to refine our practices, reduce our environmental impact, and uphold the highest standards of responsible production.

We believe in full transparency with our customers and welcome any questions about our materials, production processes, and sustainability efforts. If there’s something you’d like to know, we’re here to provide honest answers. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us evolve and improve.

We will continue to keep you updated on our progress because transparency is a core value of ours. Supporting Cathcart London means investing in quality menswear that respects tradition while embracing a more responsible future.

Have questions or suggestions? Get in touch at help@cathcartlondon.com.