What is Farfield Clothing?
Farfield Clothing is a specialist British manufacturer known for high-quality, uniquely patterned outdoor fleece jackets and accessories. Based in the Yorkshire Dales, they produce durable, warm clothing using fabrics exclusively woven for them in local Yorkshire mills.
Quick Facts: Farfield Clothing at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
| Brand Name | Farfield Clothing (also known as Farfield Original) |
| Founded Year | 1985 |
| Founder | Jean Mary Pearson |
| Headquarters | Sedbergh, Cumbria, United Kingdom |
| Industry | Outdoor Apparel & Textile Manufacturing |
| Product Categories | Fleece Jackets, Gilets, Hats, Children’s Wear (Tough Customer) |
| Official Website | www.farfield.co.uk |
The Story Behind the Brand
Farfield Clothing isn’t your typical high-street brand. It started back in 1985 in a place called Farfield Mill, an old weaving mill near the market town of Sedbergh. The founder, Jean Mary Pearson, wanted to create something that could handle the chilly, damp weather of Northern England while still looking distinctive.
Jean didn’t just want to “sell” clothes; she wanted to make them. In 1999, the business moved to a charming old schoolhouse in the center of Sedbergh, which now serves as their design hub, factory, and shop. What makes them special is their loyalty to the local economy. They work with one of the last remaining mills in Yorkshire to create fabrics that you literally cannot find anywhere else. If you see someone wearing a jacket with their signature bold patterns (like their famous sheep or geese designs), it definitely came from their small workshop in the Dales.
Best-Selling Products and Categories
Farfield is most famous for its “Farfield Original” range. These aren’t just plain grey fleeces; they are known for “shaggy pile” textures and quirky, nature-inspired patterns.
Sherpa Fleece Jackets: Their bread and butter. These are incredibly thick, warm, and often feature unique designs like the “Shaker Geese” or “Sheep & Lamb.” One of these jackets even made a cameo on the TV show Killing Eve!
The “Tough Customer” Range: This is their line for kids. As the name suggests, these are built to survive playground mud and rough-and-tumble play.
Fibre Pile Jackets: These are heavy-duty workwear styles with elbow and shoulder patches. They are popular with farmers and outdoor workers who need something that won’t rip the first time it hits a fence.
Accessories: They also make cozy headbands, hats, and throws using the same high-quality fleece scraps.
What Real Users Say (Pros & Cons)
Based on recent customer feedback and long-term fans of the brand, here is the “real talk” on what it’s like to own a Farfield piece.
The Good:
- Built Like a Tank: People rave about how these jackets last for decades. It’s “slow fashion” at its best.
- Custom Sizing: Since they manufacture on-site, they can often shorten sleeves or add extra pockets if you ask nicely—a rare find these days!
- Properly Warm: These are designed for Cumbrian winters, so they handle the cold much better than cheap high-street fleeces.
- Unique Style: You won’t look like everyone else at the hiking trail.
The Not-So-Good:
- Synthetic Linings: Some users have mentioned that while the outer fleece is amazing, the inner linings can sometimes feel a bit “plasticky” or synthetic.
- Old-School Website: Their online shopping experience feels a bit like a trip back to the early 2000s, though they do have an active Etsy shop which is easier to use.
- Bold Patterns aren’t for everyone: If you want a sleek, modern “tech-wear” look, Farfield’s quirky patterns might feel a bit too “country” for you.
Final Thoughts: Is Farfield Clothing Worth It?
If you are tired of “disposable” clothes and want to support a genuine British business, yes, Farfield is absolutely worth it. Their prices (usually between £70 and £90 for a jacket) are very fair considering the clothing is actually made in England. It’s perfect for walkers, gardeners, or anyone who lives in a drafty house and wants to stay warm. However, if you prefer minimalist fashion or ultra-breathable high-tech hiking gear, this might feel a bit too heavy and traditional for your taste.
Read also Fortis Clothing
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Farfield Clothing still made in the UK?
Yes! Every single item is designed and manufactured at “The Old School House” in Sedbergh, Cumbria.
2. Where can I buy Farfield Clothing?
You can buy directly from their official website, their Etsy shop, or by visiting their factory shop in Sedbergh if you’re ever near the Lake District.
3. Do they offer custom sizes?
Yes. Because they are a small factory, they specialize in helping people who aren’t “standard” sizes. You can contact them to discuss custom measurements.
4. How do I wash a Farfield fleece?
Most of their fleeces are machine washable on a cool setting. It’s best to air dry them to keep the “shaggy” texture looking fresh.
5. Are their fabrics sustainable?
They focus on “slow fashion” (durability over years) and source their fabrics from local Yorkshire mills, which significantly reduces the carbon footprint compared to overseas shipping.
6. Does Farfield Clothing ship internationally?
Yes, they ship their jackets all over the world, with a particularly strong following in Japan and the US.