The London Lounge

Fellow Members,

Do you have any experience with garments made by Holden Clothing?

I'm looking for a pair of English-made cords; usually I get them at Pakeman's, but this time they don't have colours I like.

Andrey

Andrey,

I know Brian Holden very well, personally and professionally, my father has known him for 40 years and still fishes with him.

I used to do most of the cutting for his business at his shop/workoom in Knottingley many years back, it was a second job to make ends meet.

I shall give my opinion, and explain from a technical point of view.

His trousers are made on site, mass produced, no hand work, and would be poor quality to the eyes of most LL members.

What I am saying is, you would probably pick them to bits quality wise.

He does not make any of his coats and jackets on site any more, they all go to various makers in and around Leeds.

All his coats are now fused, without exception, there will be some hand finishing on some of the coats, but that all depends on the maker it went to, some will be completely 'bagged' out garments. Some of his coats when I was there, were fully canvassed, and hand finished, but unfortunately these best makers he had are now no longer with us.

Is it all doom and gloom?, "No".

His prices are cheap, and his garments are durable, very durable and more than fit for purpose.

I would also say Brian uses the best cord and moleskin fabric on the market today, he always has, it will last you years, mine did!

If you want a cheap pair of mass produced cords, or a fair jacket for the price, then Brian is your man.

But, if you are looking for clothing of beauty. or real quality, you may be a little disappointed!!

www.desmerrionbespoketailor.com

Desmond,

Thank you for detailed answer.

I don't demand bespoke quality for 55 quids; I just want cords with good cut from good cloth. For reference, I'm happy with Pakeman's and Cordings' offerings.

It was a point of revelation for me when I compared my Pakeman's and Cordings' cords: they are identical. Same cut, same cloth, same make. (But not same price.) I'm sure they've been made in the same place. Perhaps by Holden clothing?

Andrey

To be honest, I have not heard of either Pakeman's or Cordings, or seen either made up, so I could not comment.

I can say for definite though, Mr Holden does make cord and moleskin trousers for LOTS of other companies, so you may be correct ref the ones you have could possibly have been made by Holden.

My father is more often than not wearing Holden moleskin trousers on a daily basis, and constantly getting odd pairs from Brian for lads in his village after they ask him where he got his.

My father was in the tailoring trade for 42 years, so maybe there is your answer?

Des, yes -- this is most definitely the answer. Looks like what I'm looking for. Thank you!

Andrey

where do we find holden clothing? Nothing on a google search. DDM

DD MacDonald wrote:where do we find holden clothing? Nothing on a google search. DDM

DDM, they are at http://www.brianholdenltd.co.uk/home.htm

Andrey