Updated: January 2026
Sunspel is one of the defining names in British clothing. It has earned that reputation through fabric know-how, careful manufacturing, and a long history of refining the basics people actually wear: t-shirts, polo shirts and underwear. This post looks at how the brand started, why certain Sunspel staples became so well known, and what to check when choosing items online.
If you are looking to shop the range, start with our Sunspel collection, or browse Sunspel menswear and Sunspel womenswear.
1860 to Today: A Short Sunspel History
In 1860, Thomas Hill opened a textile factory in Newdigate, Nottingham, an area closely tied to British lace-making and textile production. Under the name Sunspel, he used fabric expertise to make lightweight, soft clothing from high-quality cotton, helping to shape the idea of premium undergarments as we know them today. Some of the earliest garments included tunics and undershirts, which sit close to the origins of the t-shirt as a practical base layer.
By the early twentieth century, Sunspel had built a strong export business across the British Empire and was among the earliest British companies to export to the Far East. Company records show a shipment of Sunspel garments bound for Hong Kong and China was aboard the N.Y.K Hirano Maru, which was torpedoed and sunk by a German U-boat in the Irish Sea in 1918.
During this era, Sunspel developed Sea Island cotton fabrics sourced from the West Indies, used in some of the brand’s most premium products. Sea Island cotton became a hallmark of softness and comfort, and it was also a favourite of Ian Fleming, who wore it himself and referenced it in the world he created for James Bond.
After the Great Depression, the factory relocated to Long Eaton, where it remains. While focusing on premium underwear throughout WWII, the brand also produced utility clothing to support the war effort. Sunspel continued to move forward despite a direct hit to its Bruton Street offices in London during the Blitz.
Soon after the war, John Hill travelled to America and was inspired by the ideas and energy of New York. There, he saw an opportunity to introduce boxer shorts to the UK in a more refined way. Early Sunspel boxers were cut with a unique back panel to avoid a centre seam, made from Sea Island cotton, and designed around comfort. In 1985, a pair of white Sunspel boxer shorts appeared in the famous Levi’s 501 laundrette advert, changing underwear-buying habits in Britain almost overnight.
Since then, the brand has continued to dress actors, musicians and creatives, and Sunspel is now respected as much for its wider clothing range as for its underwear roots.
Why Sunspel T-Shirts Became a Reference Point
Sunspel’s reputation is built on getting the fundamentals right. A good t-shirt is not just a logo and a fit; it is fabric feel, how it holds shape, how it sits at the neck, and whether it stays comfortable after repeated washes. Sunspel t-shirts are often discussed because they fall into the “buy fewer, wear more” category: simple pieces that earn their place through quality and consistency rather than flash.
What to look for in a Sunspel t-shirt
- Fabric weight: lighter jerseys feel cooler in warm weather; midweight jerseys hold their shape better.
- Neckline: check the collar rib and stitching; a tidy neckline helps a tee sit well under overshirts and jackets.
- Length and fit: look at garment measurements if you are between sizes, especially for shoulder width and body length.
- Colour and care: gentle washing and air-drying help retain shape and finish.
If you are shopping for a t-shirt, the main Sunspel collection is the best place to start, then filter by category and size.
The Riviera Polo: Why It Gets Mentioned So Often
The Riviera polo is one of Sunspel's best-known pieces. It is associated with warm-weather wear and has become a reference point for a clean polo shape that can work casually or with smarter trousers. People often mention it because it has a distinct feel and presence compared with a standard pique polo: breathable, comfortable, and designed to sit neatly without fuss.
Choosing a polo shirt: a few practical checks
- Collar structure: Look for a collar that sits flat and keeps its shape.
- Body fit: polos should skim rather than cling; check chest and hem measurements if you prefer a cleaner line.
- Use case: if you want something for high summer, prioritise breathable fabric and comfort.
For the widest choice across categories, browse Sunspel menswear and Sunspel womenswear.
Underwear and Boxer Shorts: Comfort That Sets a Standard
Sunspel’s underwear heritage is not an add-on; it is the foundation. The brand put comfort and fabric first at a time when underwear was mainly treated as purely functional. That focus carried through to boxer shorts, where details such as panel design, seam placement and fabric choice matter more than most people realise until they wear a well-made pair for a full day.
The Levi’s laundrette advert gave Sunspel boxer shorts a moment in popular culture, but the staying power comes from the same thing the brand has always relied on: materials and making.
Buying Sunspel Clothing Online: What Matters Most
Heritage is fascinating, but fit and feel are what decide whether something becomes a favourite. If you are buying Sunspel clothing online, these quick checks help you choose with fewer returns.
- Use measurements: compare chest, shoulder and length measurements against a similar item you own.
- Think about purpose: tees for layering can be neater; tees for standalone wear can be slightly more relaxed.
- Plan for seasons: lighter fabrics for warm months, slightly heavier jerseys and sweats for cooler days.
- Care properly: avoid high-heat drying; it is one of the quickest ways to shorten the life of cotton basics.
If you want the best value, our Sunspel sale page is worth checking, as sizes and colours can move quickly.
By Neil Summers.
If you are ready to browse, our Sunspel collection includes Sunspel clothing across t-shirts, polo shirts and seasonal layers, with separate edits for men and women.
