OUR
HISTORY
1951
Harold and Freda Morris, owners of Gloves and Overall wholesalers H&F Morris establish Gloverall selling surplus WW2 Naval duffle coats
1953
The supply of duffle coats from the war office is soon exhausted prompting Gloverall to design its own. The son of a Master Tailor, Harold sees an opportunity to make small changes; a streamlined silhouette, leather straps in place of the thick jute fastening and buffalo horn toggles to make the style more fashionable
1954
On recommendation of a customer from Wales, Gloverall introduces a slimmed down version of the duffle coat for women; a children’s version arrives soon after
1955
Gloverall develops a check tartan reverse fabric in partnership with an Italian mill strengthening the brand’s handwriting and contributing to the changing perception of the duffle coat from function to fashion.
195?
The introduction of a refreshed logo - an exact copy of Freda’s handwriting woven in gold on a superior grey satin ribbon - alongside the launch of the duffle coat style 500 marks a new era for Gloverall
195?
Gloverall continues to tweak the design of the duffle with the introduction of the two piece horizontally split ‘pancake hood’ so called as it lays flat on the back of the coat. The style is named 512 and survives today as the iconic ‘Original English Duffle Coat’
195?
The success of the 512 propels Gloverall’s position as a fashionable and desirable outerwear brand; a three-quarter length car coat is developed and quickly becomes Gloverall’s second best-seller
1957
Gloverall enters the American market partnering with key department stores including Saks, Bloomingdales and Marshall Fields
1960s
An emerging generation of free-thinkers adopt the duffle coat as their uniform with the style reaching peak popularity with bohemians, students and intellectuals
1962
In response to global demand Gloverall opens a state-of-the-art custom built factory in Wellingborough Northamptonshire reinforcing its Made in UK credentials
1967
Gloverall achieves significant global sales in over forty countries
1970
Founder, Harold Morris dies, leaving Freda to become chair and their son, Roger to become the new MD
1970s
Global expansion continues with major markets in North America and Scandinavia while Japan becomes the biggest export market
1977
Already worn by Prince Charles, Gloverall is formally recognised by the monarchy in the Silver Jubilee Honours list
1979
Gloverall supplies coats to the British Transglobe Expedition, the circumnavigation of the earth led by British adventurer Sir Ranulph Fiennes with the patronage of HRH Prince of Wales
1980
Gloverall designs and makes duffle coats for the British Olympic team competing in the Winter Olympics at Lake Placid, New York
1980s
Gloverall expands its offer introducing men’s and women’s duffle jackets, bomber jackets, capes and classic British warmer overcoats further cementing its reputation as the quintessential luxury British outerwear brand
1987
The UK Fashion and Textile Association present Gloverall with the first British Apparel Export Award set up to recognise excellence in selling overseas
1988
Gloverall supply part of the GB team including Torville and Dean’s official uniform for the Winter Olympics in Calgary, Canada
1990s
Oasis wear duffle coats on Top of the Pops propelling Gloverall into the wardrobes of the Cool Britannia generation.
1992
Gloverall achieves a huge honour and wins the Queens Award for Export
1995
Roger Morris sells the company to E-land, South Korea’s largest integrated fashion and retail company
2001
Now well established and selling in major stores worldwide, Gloverall commemorates its Golden Jubilee with a special edition duffle coat made from 100% Angora wool
DATE
Gloverall embarks on a series of high profile design collaborations partnering with global designers such as Comme des Garcons and Vivienne Westwood to specialist menswear brands including (TBC)
2014
Gloverall launch the 1951 Collection taking inspiration from a set of black and white photographs chronicling the early days of British Grand Prix
2014
Gloverall joins forces with the V&A museum on a creative collaboration of two limited-edition duffles featuring 1926 archive textile designs by applauded designer Doris Gregg for Footprints
2021
70 years on from Harold and Freda’s vision, Gloverall remains true to its duffle roots and continues to be world recognised as a British luxury outerwear brand, proudly Made in England.