About Forward Motion

We're building a different kind of menswear company—one that prioritises quality, transparency, and lasting value.

How We Started

Forward Motion began in 2018 when founder Thomas Garrett grew frustrated with the menswear landscape. High street offerings lacked durability, whilst luxury brands demanded astronomical prices for marginal quality improvements. The middle ground—well-made clothing at fair prices—seemed to have vanished.

Thomas spent six months visiting textile mills across Europe, meeting manufacturers, and studying traditional garment construction techniques. He learned that quality menswear didn't require excessive margins or luxury brand prestige. It required knowledge, careful sourcing, and a willingness to prioritise product over marketing.

Our first collection launched with just five pieces: two shirts, two pairs of trousers, and a wool jumper. Each item reflected months of development, from fabric selection to pattern refinement. The response confirmed we weren't alone in craving better options.

Eight years later, we've expanded our range whilst maintaining the principles that guided those initial pieces. We've grown deliberately, adding new items only when confident they meet our standards. Our team remains small, our focus clear, and our commitment to quality unwavering.

What We Stand For

Quality Without Compromise

Every fabric, every stitch, every button receives scrutiny. We reject the notion that good enough suffices. Our garments undergo rigorous testing before entering production, and final inspection catches any items that don't meet specifications.

Honest Pricing

We maintain transparent margins and explain our cost structure. You're paying for materials, craftsmanship, and fair wages—not inflated brand prestige or excessive marketing budgets. Our business model relies on repeat customers who value this approach.

Ethical Production

Our manufacturing partners treat workers fairly and maintain safe facilities. We visit production sites regularly and maintain long-term relationships rather than chasing lower costs. Ethical practice isn't a marketing angle; it's fundamental to how we operate.

Environmental Responsibility

We favour natural fibres that biodegrade and manufacture in Europe to reduce transportation impact. Our packaging uses recycled materials, and we're constantly evaluating ways to minimise environmental footprint without compromising product quality.

The People Behind Forward Motion

Our team brings together expertise in design, manufacturing, and customer service. We're united by a shared appreciation for quality menswear and a commitment to doing things properly.

Thomas Garrett

Founder & Creative Director

Thomas oversees design development and maintains relationships with our manufacturing partners. His background in textile engineering informs our fabric selection process, whilst his frustration with mainstream menswear continues to drive our direction.

Sarah Mitchell

Operations Director

Sarah ensures our supply chain runs efficiently whilst upholding ethical standards. She manages production schedules, coordinates with manufacturers, and handles the logistics that keep quality garments moving from workshop to wardrobe.

David Chen

Design Lead

David translates concepts into patterns and prototypes. His pattern-making expertise ensures our garments fit properly across different body types, whilst his eye for proportion keeps our designs balanced and wearable.

Emma Richardson

Customer Experience

Emma leads our customer service team, ensuring every interaction reflects our values. She gathers feedback that informs product development and helps customers navigate sizing and care questions.

Our Manufacturing Partners

We work with three primary manufacturing facilities, each selected for specific expertise. These partnerships span years, allowing us to maintain consistent quality and ethical standards.

Porto, Portugal

Our Portuguese partner specialises in shirting and lightweight garments. The facility employs skilled seamstresses who've spent decades perfecting their craft. Their attention to collar construction and button placement exceeds industry standards.

This family-run operation has supplied European brands for over forty years. We value their commitment to traditional techniques whilst embracing modern quality control processes.

Tuscany, Italy

Our Italian manufacturer handles knitwear and heavier woven garments. They maintain expertise in working with wool, cashmere, and technical blends. Their finishing processes ensure garments retain shape and resist pilling.

The workshop combines traditional Italian craftsmanship with contemporary manufacturing efficiency. Their quality inspectors catch issues we'd likely miss, demonstrating pride in their output.

Yorkshire, United Kingdom

Our UK partner produces outerwear and tailored pieces. Their facility employs traditional cutting techniques whilst incorporating modern pressing and finishing equipment. They excel at working with British wool and waxed cotton.

This partnership allows us to support domestic manufacturing whilst benefiting from generations of textile heritage. Yorkshire's history in wool production means local expertise runs deep.

Our Journey

2018

Foundation

Thomas Garrett establishes Forward Motion with a five-piece collection. Initial sales through a simple website confirm demand for quality-focused menswear.

2019

Expansion

Collection grows to include outerwear and knitwear. Partnership with Italian manufacturer begins, allowing us to offer wool jumpers and cardigans.

2020

Adaptation

Global challenges test our supply chain resilience. We support manufacturing partners through difficult period, maintaining relationships that prove crucial as conditions improve.

2021

Growth

Customer base doubles. We add team members to handle increased demand whilst maintaining product quality and customer service standards.

2023

London Showroom

Open appointment-only showroom in Kensington. The space allows customers to examine fabrics and try garments in person, improving fit satisfaction.

2025

Sustainability Initiative

Implement comprehensive sustainability assessment across our supply chain. Partner with environmental consultants to reduce impact whilst maintaining quality standards.

2026

Continued Evolution

Launch repair and alteration service, extending garment lifespan. Begin research into innovative natural fibres that offer improved performance characteristics.

Our Ongoing Commitments

Continuous Improvement

We regularly reassess our processes, seeking ways to improve quality, reduce environmental impact, and enhance customer experience. Feedback from customers and manufacturing partners informs these improvements.

Industry Leadership

We share what we learn about ethical manufacturing and quality production. The menswear industry benefits when more companies prioritise substance over marketing spin.

Customer Education

We provide information about fabric care, wardrobe building, and garment longevity. Informed customers make better purchasing decisions and get more value from their clothing.

Long-Term Thinking

We make decisions with ten-year horizons rather than quarterly targets. This approach sometimes means slower growth, but it ensures we maintain standards that attracted our customers initially.

Experience the Difference

Discover clothing built to last, designed with care, and produced ethically.

View Collections