Northern Threads

Northern Threads opened in 2006 as a home for contemporary and designer menswear, trading from its South Shields shop for close to two decades before moving online only in 2024. It's been named twice in Drapers Magazine's Top Inspiring Independents list, and its edit reflects that reputation: a tight, considered mix of heritage and outdoor-leaning brands rather than a scattergun selection.

The rail runs from Stone Island, C.P. Company and Barbour International through to Fynch-Hatton, BOSS and Aquascutum for those after classic, quietly tailored pieces, alongside Fred Perry, Lacoste, Ellesse and Carhartt WIP for a more casual, street-inflected look. Outdoor and gorpcore fans are well catered for too, with Rab, Snow Peak, Salomon and HOKA sitting alongside Clarks Originals and Birkenstock. It's a shop for men who want proper labels without the fuss of a department store.