I've now been lucky enough to visit several UK clothing factories in the last few months. It's been a privilege to see British manufacture doing so well and good to hear that those I visited report an increasingly optimistic view of the future.
Recently I took the train to Leicester to see Pantherella, a family-owned company that's been making socks for over 75 years.
What marks their socks out as special is the quality of the manufacture, distinguished by a hand-linked toe seam and a combination of technology and hand-made methods. This traditional method leaves an exceptionally, almost invisibly smooth, secret join. It also makes them very durable. I'm a heavy user of socks; often getting through a pair after a few wears. My Pantherella socks have, as yet, shown no signs of wear and are very comfortable
As with so many British companies, the main market is abroad, the US being the largest. What struck me was the range of patterns and colours and the care that goes into making each sock - they are certainly not knocked off at the rate of several a second, as might expect be expected. It was fascinating to see some socks being linked by hand by nimble-fingered, skilled workers with a real pride in what they do.
We MUST learn to appreciate these skills in the UK and support the companies who manufacture here so ethically and sustainably.
Here are a few facts Pantherella:
- One sock takes 15 minutes to make
- 1.1 million socks are produced a year
- There are 1373 options per season
- 72 socks are hand linked a day
- The factory still uses Bentley Komet British machines from the 1950s, alongside modern, cutting edge technology machines
- Pantherella last year bought 10 new machines worth £30 000 each
- Longest running staff member- 51 years
- One goat takes a full year to produce the cashmere for just 3 pairs of socks
And Pantherella isn't resting on its laurels - there's room for innovation even in the sock market. I particularly liked their new Footlet. The answer to those of us who like to wear boat shoes, trainers or (heaven forbid; if you must) brogues without socks, you can now avoid sweaty, smelly feet by using this short, technical sock. As much thought and development has gone into it, it's more than just a socklet, with a non-slip back, breathable upper part and antibacterial finish. Ideal for spring and summer wear.
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| The Pantherella Footlet from below and diagram explaining its construction |
