Name: Fox Brothers & Co.
Founded: 1772 by Thomas Fox in Wellington, Somerset, England
Headquarters: Tonedale Mill, Wellington, Somerset, England
Quick Facts
Specialty |
Fine wool and flannel cloths for tailored suits, jackets, and trousers – the originator of authentic British flannel |
Range / Collections |
Classic Flannel, West of England Tweed, Worsted Flannel, Fine Suiting, and Fox City lightweight collections |
Product Types |
Woollen and worsted flannels, tweeds, chalk stripes, gabardines, and heritage-inspired cloths for bespoke tailoring |
Scale / Capacity |
Boutique production at Tonedale Mill; retains traditional weaving and finishing techniques using historic machinery |
Reputation |
Synonymous with English sartorial heritage; supplier to Savile Row since the 18th century; holder of the "West of England" flannel designation |
Mill History
Fox Brothers & Co. traces its origins to 1772, when Thomas Fox established a woollen mill in Wellington, Somerset. Over the next century, the company became the definitive producer of "West of England Flannel," a term still used to denote the highest standard of fine English wool cloth. By the 19th century, Fox Brothers' textiles were worn by British officers, industrialists, and aristocrats – including Winston Churchill – and supplied to renowned Savile Row tailors.
In the early 20th century, Fox fabrics were synonymous with refinement and resilience, being used for everything from elegant three-piece suits to British military uniforms. However, like many traditional mills, Fox faced decline in the late 20th century before being rescued in 2009 by entrepreneur Douglas Cordeaux (former design director at Drake's London) and investor Deborah Meaden (of BBC Dragons' Den). Together they restored the company's facilities, archives, and production methods.
Today, Fox Brothers continues to weave at Tonedale Mill, one of England's oldest surviving textile sites, using natural fibers and sustainable methods. The mill combines 250 years of heritage with modern color design and global collaborations. Its fabrics remain the gold standard for authentic British flannel, representing timeless quality and craftsmanship.
Fox Brothers endures not just as a textile manufacturer but as a living museum of English wool weaving tradition, blending history, artistry, and innovation in every yard of cloth.
Why We Love Fox Brothers
Fox Brothers is the oldest mill we carry. They're very traditionally English, so they do exceptional heavy cloths. They do a fantastic Shetland sport coat, as well. They run toward the upper range of pricing, but deliver extraordinary quality for cost. Fox Brothers is the original creator of flannel, and the name was trademarked by them until the 1950s. Unsurprisingly, their flannels are unmatched and of the highest quality.