Folk Clothing UK Stockist | Aphrodite Mens Clothing Online

folk clothing

June 11, 2023

Folk Clothing: Brand Guide

A Modern British Classic: Unveiling the Essence of Folk Clothing

A brand that seamlessly blends contemporary style with traditional craftsmanship, Folk have quickly become a cornerstone of British fashion and casual streetwear with a reputation for impeccable design, quality materials, and attention to detail. Learn more about their history, commitment to quality craftsmanship, and how their designs capture the essence of British fashion.

Who Are Folk Clothing? A History

Founded in 2002, Folk Clothing draws inspiration from the rich heritage of British fashion. Rooted in classic tailoring and refined aesthetics, Folk seamlessly integrates traditional elements with modern, clean-cut sensibilities. This unique fusion has allowed the brand to carve its own path and gain a devoted following of like-minded fashion connoisseurs.

Crafting Excellence:

At Folk, every garment is a testament to their unwavering commitment to quality craftsmanship. With meticulous attention to detail, each piece is constructed using the finest materials and techniques. From the selection of fabrics to precise finishing methods, Folk ensures that every item reflects their dedication to creating clothing that stands the test of time.

Timeless, Effortless and Very British:

Folk Clothing has mastered the very British art of creating timeless designs that transcend fleeting trends. Their collections feature clean lines, minimalistic silhouettes, and understated elegance. By embracing simplicity, Folk allows the wearer to make a statement through understated subtlety, showcasing the inherent beauty of well-crafted garments. Whether it’s a perfectly tailored shirt or a meticulously crafted knit, Folk’s designs effortlessly capture the essence of British style.

Versatility First:

One of the key aspects of Folk’s success lies in their ability to create versatile pieces that effortlessly transition from day to night, from season to season. Their carefully curated collections offer a wide range of garments to be mixed and matched, allowing individuals to express their unique style with ease. Folk aims to make quality fashion accessible to all, ensuring that their designs can be enjoyed by fashion enthusiasts on any occasion, from all walks of life.

Promoting Individuality:

Folk celebrates individuality and promotes personal expression. Their garments serve as a canvas for self-expression, allowing wearers to infuse their own style and personality into every outfit. With their versatile designs and impeccable quality, Folk empowers individuals to create their own unique fashion narratives.

Folk represents the epitome of British fashion, combining heritage with contemporary style. With its commitment to quality craftsmanship, timeless designs, and celebration of individuality, Folk has established itself as a prominent brand in the fashion industry. Embrace the essence of effortless British style with Folk at Aphrodite In-Store and Online.

March 25, 2019

All You Need Is Love… And The Nike Air Max Tailwind

Keeping things casual with the inclusion of the timeless Nike Air Max Tailwind runners on foot, this staff selection comes from non-other than our very own store assistant Johnathon Collins. Known fondly round these parts as Jonny, he’s as good at his job as he is matching the colour of his socks to his coat and boasts a refined palette for the finer things in life such as a sturdy pair of selvage denim, a crisp white Oxford and some of the most far-out tunes imaginable pressed into vinyl shaped discs.

Putting to work some versatile, brand-spanning layering Jonny manages to not only mould together a collection of fan favourites like Stutterheim, Edwin, Andersons Belts, Ralph Lauren and Albam but, effortlessly blend contemporary sensibilities with classic silhouettes for a look that’s suitable come rain, shine or anywhere in between.

For a selection of this magnitude, it’s only right that we hear from the man himself…

“For the outfit, I decided to choose everything that is an essential in my wardrobe. Living in the North of England you never know when it’s going to rain so I went for the Stutterheim raincoat for a light piece of outerwear that’s easy to layer under. In this case I paired it with a white oxford shirt as I think they not only dress things up but you can wear them with anything, and I seem to have about 3 in my wardrobe. I decided to go for some Edwin selvage denim jeans when it came to legwear as I wore a pair in over the winter and I love the way they’re looking even just after a few months. The yellow Albam socks matched the colour of the raincoat whilst the Nike Tailwind trainers are a classic. As for the records, The War on Drugs album is the first ever bit of vinyl I bought and I was gifted The Beatles album for Christmas which I’ve been enjoying lately.“

So, if you’re looking for some very nice clothes freshly stamped with the Jonny seal of approval you can find them now (minus the tunes) both in store and online.

January 3, 2019

Q&A with Cathal McAteer of Folk Clothing

Folk Clothing have consistently been one of the most exciting and surprising brands hailing from British shores since their inception in 2001. Founder and designer Cathal McAteer‘s career in menswear began as a teenager in Glasgow, working his way from the shop floor to his own design studio in London, to having his creations on the rails of some of the top menswear stores in the world. Folk’s timeless yet playful designs can now be seen on those in the know up and down the country, in pubs and art galleries, clubs and coffee shops. We put a few questions to Cathal to glean a bit of insight into his process, inspirations and the future of Folk.

(The interview has been edited for clarity)

For the uninitiated, what does Folk represent as a brand?

We represent a kind of ‘everything means something’; every colour and pocket stitch is there for a reason. But we are, on the surface, a balance of design, fit & quality.
Understated, subtle with fastidious detailing. Enough to drive one’s business partner mad.

What can you tell us about the forthcoming Folk collection?

We focus on a young artist, Alfie Kungu. Brilliant, uplifting prints alongside lovely colours combined with the season’s stone colour, which is, for me, the strongest. There is also a programme of shirts that have pre-sold so, so well… lots of woven patterns that work best in the short sleeve models.

What do you feel the state of British design is?

Personally love it. But in the area of I’m a lover not a hater. So I look more globally at design every day and marvel at how it’s used: from the old doors of the Hayward gallery to model of a highly advanced eco house that’s going to be built down the street from my place.

What is the future of British design and fashion?

Design I feel will always be strong; fashion design [in particular] will be strong. The fashion business is a different story – I don’t particularly love the ethics and morals of it, the endless driving towards the pound note looks reckless.

Any stand out pieces you’re particularly fond of from the collection?

The Alfie print swim shorts, rivet sweat in stone, Oscar & Dean colab sunnies & the new trainer is banging.

How important is it in the modern day to cover culture and not just clothing?

The product we design and make and deliver would not be the same if it was not for culture. It’s so heavily influenced by culture & cultures – our process does not work without it.

Any news on the release of the Protest Jacket?

It’s out there! It’s been on demos. It’s been in NY, in LA, Paris. It’s talking to people – and it’s saying it how it is.

How important is the fabrication of Folk clothing? Is fabrication an overlooked feature in the modern day?

Hugely, but we can also use simple fabrics that have a story poured into them, like an artist or a show that influences the detailing, the trim, the hidden design.

What pieces from the Folk archive make up your wardrobe? Any prototypes for the future?

Archive – many, many Folk Assembly Pants that are not commercial; an old indigo dyed grafter’s jacket – I have two in different states of wear, the fabric ages so beautifully.

Which musical artist or album best sums up Folk Clothing?

Levon Helm, drummer and singer in The Band – sometimes I watch footage of him and think, “that’s me, and this fucking excellent band ‘The Band’, that’s us at Folk”. It’s a momentary thought and then, puff, it’s gone .

Check them out in the film the Last Waltz – it’s incredible footage of the great which he is.

What up and coming brands are you keeping your eyes on?

I like A Kind of Guise…and of course Sports Direct is one to watch.

Finally, If you could start an imaginary social media beef with another brand or person, who would it be with?

It’d have to be Steve Bannon or Donald Trump but with a request that both parties had to take a triple dose of truth serum.

A huge thank-you to Cathal for taking time out of his busy schedule to answer our questions. Find all the latest from Folk Clothing in-store and online at Aphrodite, and keep up with all the latest happenings with our blog and social media feeds.

August 28, 2018

Lookbook // Back to the Grind

Whether it’s the office after a nice long holiday or time with the kids, jammy students to college or uni after campus shutdowns, we’ve got everything you need.

For the tardy ones perfecting that morning speed walk to the work base, these adequately named Maison Margiela runner trainers are a perfect sub for your usual smarts. The fashion house blend of A.P.C. Minimalism and style blended with the universal deconstructed designs of Maison Margiela make for a match of monumental proportions. We’re at the precipice of athleisure dominance, so make the most of luxury comfort whilst it is still at the top of the trends.

Suit swervers assemble … with AMI pulling stunts like the sublime use of the Tattersall check in this super sleek dress shirt, you can still throw on your chino trainer combo and mean business! This clean and contemporary take on staple palettes of #mensfashion is a must have for the modern gentleman. Mix quality accessories from Folk and Andersons Belts into the outfit to pair with minimal designs from the likes of Grenson and Norse.

Serial snoozers know too well the mad dash to lectures, but you can be more than prepared if you up your jersey game. Season favourites from this end are Ralph Lauren and Norse Projects with a hoodie and jogger selections on point. You can roll out on the wrong side of the bed every day if you’re going to rock this simple but effective luxury leisure wear.

Shop Brand New Arrivals Now

July 22, 2018

Best of Summer at Aphrodite

The summer is well and truly kicking in, with the hot temperatures set to soar and holiday plans heating up, it only seemed fair to show our best of the summer selections with a mixture of brand new items and sale steals, make sure you’re kitted out with the best of summer.

T-Shirts

Champion T-Shirt Script Logo – SALE

It’s all about being vibrant in our best of summer highlights, no one wants to go to the beach in all black. We’re stout advocates of a good quality t-shirt, and Champion is a brand that doesn’t scrimp on quality. Their script logo t-shirt comes in an eye-catching yellow base, with the red, white and blue of the logo shining brightly on the chest.

Fred Perry T-Shirt Colour Block

Sometimes it’s hard to show off whilst in your minimal holiday dressing, but at least show a contemporary air with a colour blocked piece. Fred Perry have placed their laurel wreath to this pastel-tinged design and it’s perfect for on its own or under a linen shirt.

Polo Shirts

Lacoste Polo Shirt – SALE

With certain brands, you just can’t argue with the pedigree, and for polo shirts, that’s Lacoste all over. The brand were the originators of this classy design back in the 30s, and they’re still going strong with the design today, dressed here in a warm weather ready light blue.

Fred Perry Brazil Twin Tipped Polo

The world cup might be over but we’ve still got football fever over here at Aphrodite. In honour of the finals, Fred Perry commemorated specific nations with their own polo shirts prior to the cup, so channel your inner samba with this Brazillian iteration of the staple twin tipped polo.

Shirts

Folk Shirt Horizon – SALE

If it isn’t a lightweight fabric then it’s not even worth it. The Folks at Folk thought that too, issuing a subtle but sure-fire holiday hit in the form of their linen and cotton blended horizon shirt, decked here in a soft yellow.

Vivienne Westwood Shirt

It never gets easier trying to reinvent the wheel, but the punk spirit still lives on through Vivienne Westwood. Embellishing the standard white shirt with a side fastening pointed collar and extra panelling at the rear for more room to breathe.

Shorts

Stussy Stock Terry Shorts – SALE

Who cares about pairing and matching, you’re on holiday just chill out! These proud pink terry shorts by the way of the original streetwear company, Stussy, have the skate and surf pedigree to guarantee comfort in the sunshine. After all, it is a California brand.

Stone Island Sweat Shorts

From one warm climate to another, we’ve got the towelling style of Stone Island’s sweat shorts ready to be equipped for the sunshine. With four outer pockets to choose from, there’s a lot of versatility in this perfect holiday garment.

Swim Shorts

Barbour Swim Shorts – SALE

When it comes to swimming, the individual with the jazziest shorts always looks best poolside. Whether you go reserved with a simple colour combo pattern, or with an outlandish eye-catching display, just remember you won’t see them again for another year. Your safe bet is with these gingham edition Barbour swim shorts.

Paul Smith Multi Stripe Swim Shorts

As stated above your shorts have to be jazzy, and there’s nothing jazzier than this instantly recognisable pattern from Paul Smith.

Bags

Eastpak Springer Bum Bag – SALE

Tourist vibes courtesy of the ever dependable Eastpak brand. Sling your passport, money, suncream and anything else worthy of its confines.

BOSS Green Holdall Pixel ZT

On the other spectrum, if you’re the sort that likes to pack light when travelling, this Boss Green Holdall is a perfect size for daily or monthly travel. With carrying handles reinforced with leather this is the classy statement holdall every travelling gent needs.

Hats

Norse Projects Heather Cap – SALE

In a perfect summery pastel palette, this basic Norse Project cap is popping essential to protect your face from the rays.

Paul & Shark Cap

With their yachting pedigree, you can guarantee this Paul & Shark statement cap to be rich in anti ray technology, with a rich red colouring.

Sunglasses

Ray Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses

The industry standard of designer sunglasses, Ray Ban have updated their Wayfarer sunglasses with G-15 lens to ensure protection from the harshest of sun.

July 20, 2018

Earn Your Stripes: Summer Stripes Edition

Spending its early life on the torsos of sailors, criminals, clowns and other despicable characters, the striped garment has enjoyed it’s latter years as the classy fashion choice. With its versatility we felt it essential to offer the best in stripes from the Aphrodite1994 range.

Vertical Shirts

Although thought to be exclusive to your wolves of wall street, the vertical stripe to a crisp shirt adds a perfect patterned layer to any outfit. Wear it like you would a regular oxford or chambray offering as an overshirt in the warm or layering in the cold.

Comme des Garçons SHIRT Fine Stripe Shirt

As simple as it comes, the tailoring on offer from Japan’s favourite minimalist brand is unparalleled, justifying the high-quality price tag. With its point collar, single-needle tailoring and a patch pocket to the chest, this usually formal styling takes on another life as an essential wardrobe wearer for finest of casual combinations.

Ralph Lauren Oxford Shirt Striped

One of our wardrobe essentials, the Striped Ralph Lauren Oxford is such a staple in Polo archive and so intrinsically Ralph Lauren that other striped iterations of the oxford shirt might, in fact, be mistaken for it. 100% cotton construction woven in a thin slimming stripe, this shirt has been cut in a slim fit for a more tailored look that guarantees a versatility not seen by many, making it perfect for dressing down and up.

Oliver Spencer Hawaiian Shirt

Having covered its blue brother in our recent ‘Kind of Blue’ feature, it would just be flat out rude to not acknowledge the pretty in pink sequel. Styled as a box fit Hawaiian shirt, the striped garment includes a choice of button up or casual collar all developed in a holiday-ready linen fabrication.

Hooped Polos

A sporting classic, any champion of the athleisure wear is sure to provide their spin on the hooped polo. With a look that screams either Wu-Tang or Tiger Woods depending on your preference, there’s a serious amount of versatility in the style.

Paul & Shark Polo Shirt – Navy / Orange

Part of a double bill of Paul & Shark polos (think of this as the Godfather 1 to our up and coming Godfather 2 in a world where the Godfather 3 doesn’t exist) this variant of everyone’s favourite yachting outfitters is a sure fire way to be noticed by its standout colouring and fine quality crafting. Smashing 3 nautical colours into one with its navy, light blue and orange colour combo, it’s a surprisingly easy dress down option for jeans, slacks or a fitted trouser.

Ralph Lauren Polo Shirt

You can rely on only a number of things in life: death, taxes and Ralph Lauren Polos. The American outfitters will forever be associated with the colourful world of polos, finding a foot in 90s streetwear with their varied design. With it’s red and white design, this polo is a simple and slim staple shirt.

Paul & Shark Polo Shirt – Grey / White / Peach

You didn’t have to wait long for the big reveal, and can you say you’re satisfied with the offering? It’s a unanimous yes from the Aphrodite team, and we’re sure it is from you too. Tempting the simple white and grey base with a pale pastel pink is a stroke of colour blocking genius from the Italian team and offers a colour variation to their rather simplistic variations.

Pinstripe Pants

You haven’t seen this kind of pant style since prison wear, and it isn’t as juvenile as once before!

Oliver Spencer Trousers Armitage

In a league of their own as our singular striped pant option, the Armitage trouser from Oliver Spencer is a relaxed fitting, formal looking, pinstripe weave that you didn’t know you wanted, and we guarantee you’ll need after inspection. We live in a world where formal wear is now comfortable, so get with the craze and strut to the corner shop in style.

Basic Bretons

The industry standard, the iPhone of the garment world, the universally recognised sign of a mature fashion icon, the striped t-shirt says it all with only a small palette to work from, but boy does it work!

Norse Projects Niels T Shirt

As it goes with Scandinavian minimalism, there’s only a select number of patterns accepted into its new age architect lookbook. It’s a good job that monochrome stripes are one of the foundations of the movement, as there are very few better dress down fashion styles. Norse Projects, your friends from the utmost north of Europe, are champions of the striped garment, adding tiny embellishments to each model. The Niels Tee takes on a sketched line work display in its stripes for a unique look.

Oliver Spencer Conduit T-Shirt

What’s better than a single stripe pattern? Double stripes! Also, not a stranger to a striped garment (as displayed above) are Oliver Spencer. Their Conduit t-shirt is the gateway to a finer casual style offering a simple base in this outing, placing navy and grey as the two-tone offering.

Folk Classic Stripe T

No messing around from Folk and their classic Folk T-Shirt stripe offering. This dictionary definition offering of the striped style needs no sell, it’s a solid piece of kit for your wardrobe!

Multicolour Bretons

Lifes too short to be boring, so lighten up a bit and add some colour to your striped wardrobe.

Albam Simple Stripe T-Shirt

It’s simple, it’s striped, it’s yellow. Dubbed as ‘beeswax’ in its subtle colouring; the soft shading to the typically bright colour welcomes a foundational pairing option for a plethora of outfit editions. Treat yourself to this extroverted colouring for the warmer months.

Albam T-Shirt Vintage Stripe

Take the previous caption and place ‘Vintage’ in there and you’ve got yourself a rivalling quality garment

Oliver Spencer Envelope Pocket T-Shirt

Dominating your stripe spectrum are the specialists at Oliver Spencer, and they’re bringing a pocket to the stripey t-shirt design. The sky blue design and contrasting collar are a brilliant addition to a timeless design.

Honourable Mentions:

Colourblock Casual

A quick shoutout to some essential items in the Aphrodite1994 arsenal.

Paul & Shark Block Stripe Sweatshirt

A seamless construction in a nautical Red / Cream / Navy complexion, this block striped sweatshirt is a minimalists statement piece.

Sporty Stripes

adidas 3 Stripe T-Shirts

We couldn’t have a stripe feature without the brand literally made of stripes!

June 27, 2018

5 Best Minimal Footwear Styles For Every Budget

Want a clean crisp minimal shoe to pair with any outfit? We’re breaking down the best minimal white tennis and athletic styles for any look for every budget.

Under £50 – Novesta Star Master Trainers

A boost in popularity by the way of a heralded CDG collaboration has seen Novesta become a contemporary choice at a budget price point. Easy to pair with any outfit and a serious competitor for Converse and Van’s low top dominance. Novesta’s footwear is produced in Slovakia to honour their rich European heritage and constructed using a high-pressure machine to bond the natural rubber sole to the canvas upper, in keeping with the company’s anti-chemical and glue stance. We’d recommend a dress down casual look either a pairing with a statement t-shirt, jean and sock, similar to our Edwin ED 55 Jeans & Norse Project striped numbers in form of the Niels T-Shirt and Bjarki Sports Socks.

Under £100 – Adidas Continental 80

The Kanye approved Continental 80 is a sure-fire bet for everyone’s favourite dress down shoe come 2018 year end. With it’s obvious influence to the Calabasas Powerphase, the Continental 80 takes on more of a classic tennis styling with it’s supple tumbled leather and lateral two-tone stripes. Pulling out all the stops this year with original and unique reissues, this release from adidas is a perfect sports luxe accompaniment to the combo of a Champion sweatshirt and Ralph Lauren Flat Shorts

Under £150 – adidas BW Army Trainer

With a number of reissued iterations under their belt, adidas has put a minimalist stamp on their original 70s army trainer design with a budget-priced alternative to the Marigela Replica. Debuting a premium model close in construction to the high fashion alternative, the BW army comes equipped with an all leather constructed upper and soft vachetta leather lining for a luxurious touch topped off with the choice of premium cotton or rawhide leather laces. Pair this premium pair with the Folk Painter’s Jacket and Norse Project Aros Black for a mix of contemporary and heritage stylings.

Under £200 – Grenson Sneaker 1

When comes to minimal styles shoe stylings, the classic white tennis shoe is a wardrobe staple the world around. Presenting their first offering in the ‘sneaker’ world is Grenson, using their shoemaking expertise to create one of cleanest designs of the moment, basing their Sneaker 1 creation on the timeless design of the 70s tennis shoe. Dial in the tennis vibes with a full Aquascutum kit in their token club check design. Aquascutum Check Shorts, Aquascutum Polo Shirt and Aquascutum Abbott Club Check Cap

Over £200 – Margiela Replica Sneakers

Weighing in at a heavy £329 is the legendary Margiela Replica sneaker, adapting the classic German Army trainer into a high fashion behemoth. The quality in the construction is the Margiela ethos with no stone untouched in it’s design. Pair these ‘GAT’s with the perfect luxury athletic look in the form of the exquisite Maison Margiela’s Sweat Jacket and Trousers.

April 10, 2018

Outfit – Step into Spring … British spring!

Spring is finally upon us and we can start to de-layer and look forward to showing a bit more flesh. For now, however, we’re in that up and down phase where it isn’t quite safe to take too much of a risk but we have started to dig out our summer cotton for some of that spring layering. Here’s our idea of a perfect mid-week ensemble for you to wake up that spring wardrobe ready for some summer action. Time to turn up those chino bottoms, throw on a cotton shirt and remember a sweater.

Today’s outfit features cotton pants by Albam, light cotton shirt by Folk, cotton sweatshirt and marl knit socks by Norse Projects, suede and leather trainers by Maison Margiela. We thought we’d add one of our favourite newcomers, this Grenson, citrus and deep musk scented candle. Mainly because it’s scent is now filling the living rooms of quite a few of us here at Aphrodite HQ and we want to share the love.

March 20, 2016

Folk | Quintessential British Style

Folk SS16 Quintessential British Style

Folk Clothing has been bringing a fresh outlook on the wardrobe of the modern man since its release in 2001. Founded in London, Folk operates out of the beating heart of Britain’s fashion scene, bringing a clean cut, elegant philosophy to fashion that gives a refreshingly honest look. This week we took our favourite pieces to Quayside. You can shop the whole collection online and in-store

Older Posts