Glenbrae: technical and stylish knitwear made in England

I am constantly surprised at the technical advances our clothing manufacturers make in the UK. Part of the reason for that surprise is that we British are often too modest about our achievements and don't shout about them too loudly. When I was offered a jumper to review by Huddersfield-based Glenbrae Knitwear I expected something nice, but not a jumper that is very special not only in the way it fits but in the fact that it can be machine-washed and tumble dried. 

Wearing lambswool crew neck by Glenbrae, Huddersfield

I still remember the angst that my mother and grandmother went through when knitwear was washed. It had to be done in soap, not wrung dry and carefully reshaped when drying. Often it was stretched and shapeless unless great care was made. But technology has changed this. Now it appears that, while detergents specially formulated for knitwear are preferred, we can sling our Glenbrae jumper in the tumble dryer - in fact we are told that this "actually helps reinvigorate the garment'.

The Glenbrae mill in Huddersfield

Image Glenbrae

A selection of the wide range of colours available from Glenbrae

The lambswool jumper I tried fits beautifully, avoiding the rather baggy and shapeless feel that lesser knitwear can have. Sleeve length is generous and there is a selection of colours for most tastes. The properties of the garments lie in the nature of the wool yarn (Spirol), created by Glenbrae at their Huddersfield mill, which allows them to retain their natural softness for longer, resist pilling, rarely crease and be machine washable. They are knitted using a 3D knitting process which helps fit and durability; all of which I can confirm from using the jumper. Jumper prices from £70.

For more information and to buy, go to the Glenbrae website.

The jumper was provided by Glenbrae for review, otherwise this is an unsponsored post.