Cotton Traders Clothing

Cotton Traders is a prominent British clothing brand recognized for its high-quality leisurewear and casual apparel. The brand was founded in 1987 by Fran Cotton and Steve Smith, both former captains of the England national rugby union team. Initially operating as a mail-order business focusing on rugby shirts, the company expanded into a multi-channel retailer with a strong presence in high street stores, garden centers, and online platforms.

While the brand maintains its British heritage and design headquarters in the United Kingdom, its manufacturing is outsourced globally to specialized textile hubs. Production typically takes place in countries such as Bangladesh, India, China, and Sri Lanka, which is common for large-scale international apparel retailers seeking to balance quality and production efficiency.

In terms of ownership, the brand has navigated several corporate transitions. It was formerly 33% owned by Next plc for many years before returning to private ownership. Today, Cotton Traders continues to thrive as an independent retail entity under the leadership of its original founders and private investment backing, maintaining its focus on comfort, durability, and quintessential British style.