Manchester makes a serious claim to fashion history, from being the original centre of global textile production, to being given the Chanel seal of approval when it was selected as the setting for their 2023/24 Métiers d’art Collection. But any Manc knows that there’s style to be found around every corner, not just when the big boys come to town. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best of Manchester fashion gifts, whether they be from that hidden away independent that sources some of the most interesting stuff around, to iconic department stores that just exude festive magic.
From statement accessories produced sustainably in the heart of Manchester, to hype-worthy fragrances that are hard to come by, this edition of our festive gift guide is all about style.
This Thing x 1733 Naglene Bottle Bag, This Thing of Ours
Painfully cool city centre streetwear store This Thing Of Ours have ventured into creating their own garments, and for their first project they’ve collaborated with 1733 on this impossibly practical bottle bag made from hardwearing rip stop nylon. Perfect for fashion conscious friends who love the great outdoors, or like to be well kitted out for trekking around the city centre.
Atlas eau de Toilette by Laboratory Perfumes, Auteur Store
£80
Auteur Store on Chorlton’s indie-centric Beech Road is a hotspot for some of the most beautiful, high-quality menswear we’ve ever seen. With sought-after brands from Japan, Scandinavia and the United States, you can find really some special pieces. Their gift selection is just as well-chosen, and this Atlas eau de toilette with notes of tobacco, rum and lavender is sure to impress.
Jellycat Marshmallow Bag Charm, Selfridges
£25
The admittedly adorable fuzzy phenomenon that is Jellycat make great presents for more people than you’d expect. Who among us doesn’t feel their heart melt at the sight of a plushy grumpy turtle or a baguette with legs. These marshmallow charms are admittedly very, very charming, and available from Selfridges.
Friday Sling Bag by NOTS, Norah Store
£190
Ancoats’ Norah Store is the place to go if you want to seek really beautiful and unusual brands from around the world, with a focus on buying fewer but better things you’ll wear and love. We love these bags by NOTS, which are hand-knotted from rope. Not only are they sustainable, but they’re created by founder Emilia right in the middle of Manchester at multi-purpose creative space Altogether Otherwise.
The Manchester 100% silk scarf, Private White V.C.
£100
Private White V.C. have been designing and making some of the finest clothing around since 1853. These guys are the real deal – they’ve supplied trench coats to the military and waterproof parkas to the RAF. Now more focussed on civilian clothing, this is the place to go for a piece of style history with serious heritage. Their 100% silk scarf, which is made just up the road in Macclesfield, is a playful but stylish tribute to our sartorial city.
Limited Edition Artist T-shirts, Lifeshare
£25
Manchester-based charity Lifeshare have released their annual Christmas t-shirt designs. Seven local artists and designers have been tasked with designing limited edition tees, the proceeds of which go to tackling all aspects of homelessness in the city. We especially love Raissa Pardini’s funky green design, Mikesian’s ‘Make Homes Affordable Again’ slogan, and Han Valentine’s bold, love-focussed message. Just get your pre-orders in before 9 December.
Le Labo Discovery Gift Set, Selfridges
£54
One of the most sought-after and effortlessly cool fragrance brands around (honestly, the hype around this stuff is unreal) is available exclusively at Selfridges. You can gift this discovery set, which contains miniature samples of three of their most popular fragrances: Another 13, Santal 33 and Thé Matcha 26.
Duck Down Puffah, Drama Call
£274.99
There are puffers, and then there’s Drama Call’s puffah: water repellant and filled with duck down. A stylish and versatile piece that is genuinely useful too, from Manchester-born streetwear brand Drama Call.
Baby Furoshiki Bag, Roop
£60
Roop is the sustainable Stockport-based brand that’s taken the fashion world by storm. These handmade bags and accessories are made from recycled or vintage silks, and are created using traditional Japanese tying methods. There’s loads of fun colours and they make the perfect party accessory. You can even create your own colour combinations and add embroidered personalisation to make them extra special. Shop online or also in Ancoats’ Norah Store.
Merch Beanie, Local Space
£53.00
Inspired by the bold graphics of music, culture and advertising hoardings of the Northern Quarter, this impossibly cosy beanie by Local Space is a tribute to one of our favourite Manchester neighbourhoods. It comes in loads of interesting colour ways and is pre-shrunk, which means its shape and fit will last. An gift for someone who likes to stand out while staying cosy.
Le Bon Shoppe Cloud Socks, Idaho
£14
There’s buying socks for Christmas, and then there’s buying these socks for Christmas. Impossibly cosy and comfy, they don’t call them ‘cloud’ socks for no reason. You can find them in a range of fun colours at Idaho – an independent boutique full of lovely stuff – with spots in Altrincham or and Sale.
Manchester’s Finest Neighbourhood Hat, Manchester’s Finest
£27
For the person in your life who loves all things hyper-local, grab them a neighbourhood hat. Available in a selection of colours and in stylish and hard-wearing corduroy, it’s the ideal gist for that friend who knows every place, seeks out every new opening and is just simply about everything in town. Hey, have you heard that Stockport is the new Berlin?
Salford Lads Club Knit Sweater, Bound
£90
The historic Manchester venue has been immortalised in knitwear. Bound, the Manchester-based streetwear brand, have managed to combine the kitsch world of the festive jumper with the decidedly cooler world of music merch. The result is this 100% cotton knit sweater, which we love both ironically and un-ironically in equal measure.
Merino Hood in Green, Nola
£55
Nola is the aesthetically-pleasing boutique in the equally aesthetically-pleasing Barton Arcade in the city centre. Full of independent womenswear, you’re bound to find loads of potential stylish gifts in here that just feel a bit more thoughtful that your fast fashion spots. We’re particularly drawn to this Merino wool hood, which is part bonnet, part hat and part neck warmer too. We think she’s a winner, giftwise, and perfect for the accessory obsessive in your life.
Varsity Jacket, Clint’s
£185
Shopping for someone who loves a statement outfit? Clint’s varsity jacket is vintage-inspired with a modern silhouette, and it’s designed by Clint’s, who have a track-record for creating some of the most interesting streetwear in the city.
Kanon Recycled Wool Knitted Vest, Beaumont Organic
£140
Beaumont Organic is the little green-fronted shop on Hilton Street that’s been creating sustainable and organic clothing since before slow fashion was cool. They only work with responsible suppliers and even offer a repair scheme, so you can wear your clothes for longer. We’re especially fond of their recycled knitted vest which has a relaxed, slouchy shape and is a much chic-er alternative to the ubiquitous Christmas jumper.
