Launched in 2009 from co-founder David Keyte’s kitchen table, Universal Works was born from an aim to make real, honest clothing based on fit and good design, though never over-designed.
The brand champions skilled, small scale production. Produced both in the UK and overseas, (primarily artisan factories in India & Portugal) working only with factories we trust, admire and are proud to be associated with.
Quality, utilitarian, unisex workwear and small scale artisan based production – all the things we love here at That Was Then – we are proud to partner with such a good old honest brand as Universal Works.
One of the original garments from Universal Works first collection, the Bakers Jacket has had a place in almost every subsequent range, and is now an iconic piece in it’s own right.
It epitomises the essence of Universal Works – simple workwear that is beautifully designed, but never over-designed. It seems that there are endless variations to the chore coat theme, whether it be the classic French blue work coat, to the US style engineers chore. Co-founder and designer David Keyte instead drew inspiration from much closer to home. As a nod to his old man, a baker, he developed the Bakers Jacket – a simple staple in the wardrobe like the bread his dad baked. Every season we love to explore the new iterations that take shape – new fabrics, weights and slight detail design differences, but the essence is always true. Good honest workwear. Simple & beautiful but never over-designed.
This season, we have a couple of exceptional options. First up is a navy blue brushed moleskin: sumptuously soft and effortless for any occasion. The next is an absolute beauty of a garment: the starry night cox mix, made from Italian suiting. It’s even better in real life, and is designed as a stunning contemporary unisex option: equally special for Oscar night parties as it is for a trip to the local pub!