Manchester based Private White VC continue the tradition of proudly making premium outerwear in the UK. With their factory originally opening their doors in 1853 its gone under a number of guises and ownership. In 1916, they supplied Allied Forces with cotton gabardine trench coats, and in the 1940s they were commissioned by the Ministry of Defence to supply the RAF with waterproof parkas.
Founder Private Jack White V.C. returned to Manchester a hero having been awarded the Victoria Cross for his gallantry in World War I. After his military service, he began an apprenticeship as a pattern cutter in his local raincoat factory. He quickly rose up the ranks and in 1934 was appointed general manager. In 1937, after less than twenty years of service he became the sole owner of the factory.
In 2007, Private Jack White’s great grandchildren united to bring the company back into family ownership. More than 70 years after his untimely death, the family remain unwavering in its commitment to preserving both Jack’s legacy and the city's unrivalled industrial heritage. The Private White V.C. factory continues to flourish thanks to the relentless drive and steadfast determination of its team of over 100 personalities across 13 different nationalities, who strive each day to produce the highest quality garments using the finest regionally sourced cloths and materials.
To this day, the company continues to extol the values and principles entrenched by Private Jack White V.C. that are all characterised by an obsession with quality, craft and regionally sourced materials.
Private White Outwear still made in Manchester
Ventile® Mac 3.0
An update to the classic Mac, Private White have added Riri zips to offer a more contemporary touch while making it in Ventile® cotton which gives a robust waterproof quality. This is a timeless overcoat that can be easily worn by anyone.
Moleskine Bomber
The Moleskin Bomber has been inspired by a number of bomber jackets including the A-2 and MA-1 bombers, with Private White deciding to elevate their version by making it in a super-soft brushed cotton moleskin with 2% elastane to offer a little bit of stretch. You can see their archive inspiration here.
Moleskine Bomber
Flight Jacket 3.0
Inspired by the G-1 flight jackets of the Second World War, the Flight Jacket has been expertly handcrafted using the finest UK woven doeskin* wool.
Private White VC Flight Jacket
Melton Peacoat
In AW24 Private White VC will be introducing a update on their Melton Peacoat after retiring the best-selling Peacoat with over 15 years of loyal service. The new version will feature some subtle yet significant amendments to the pattern and garment specification. This is a great opportunity to get hold of an iconic and timeless coat. The current Peacoat is a modern interpretation made in a robust showerproof 30oz Melton wool that is woven in England, then cut and sewn in Private White VC's Manchester factory.
The Peacoat is an iconic naval staple, created by the Dutch in the 1800s but immortalised by the British and U.S Navy throughout the 20th century. The common denominator for all adopting the peacoat was a need for a durable piece of outerwear that could withstand the harsh rain, wind and cold temperatures typically experienced out at sea.
View Private White VC Melton Peacoat
