Manchester based brand Aertex is one of the oldest names in the Lancashire borders; what once was the centre of the British cotton industry. Back in the late 1800’s Lewis Haslam, a Lancashire mill owner, began experimenting with his theory of aeration; trapping air within the wrap and weft of fabric. The result was a cellular cotton fabric that provided a barrier between the warmth of the skin and the chill of the atmosphere - thus the Aertex Company was born.

Aertex have been producing high quality, stylish garments since 1888 and were one of the first brands to introduce shirts as outwear; a look that was adopted in the 1950’s by teenagers that were out to rebel against the strict fashion conforms of previous eras. Both men and women who considered themselves at the forefront of fashion were seen sporting Aertex.

Aertex are largely recognised for their use in sportswear, producing sports garments for a ream of sports, including tennis, netball, cricket and perhaps most famously football, as the 1966 World Cup winners were crowded champions of the world whilst in Aertex. Over the past 40 years Aertex has developed a strong following in the sports-world with iconic sports men such as Pele and Manchester United’s George Best, all favouring the Manchester brand.

Today the label has been adopted by the music and entertainment industry with the likes of Dirty Pretty Things frontman Carl Bara, the Cribs, White Lies and E4 and T4 presenters Jeff Leach and Rick Edwards all regularly sporting the brand. Manchester’s very own Courteeners are the latest group to don Aertex on their ongoing UK tour.

From its humble beginnings in a cotton mill in Manchester, Aertex is now sold to loyal brand followers in over 70 countries. Despite such vast success Aertex have remained loyal to their Manchester roots by consistently producing exclusive stylish designs adapted from the city’s culture and heritage. The brand has also remained Manchester based, and have recently opted to bring the PR and Marketing division in house, which are credible decisions as many brands despite their northern heritage become tempted by the bright lights and possibilities of the capital, thus loosing connection with their brands roots and the uniqueness of the brand.

Aertex is founded in our Lancashire and Manchester heritage, in combination with a mix of popular culture and innovative style and quality, which have helped establish the brand in the hearts of young, modern fashion followers. Despite having evolved into one of the UK’s most influential design labels, the brand continue to expand and advance, whilst maintaining that rare Northern spirit and inspiration that often seems to be absent in UK fashion.