Overshirt
The relaxed shirt-jacket — Dockside, Easy and Dwight versions in twill, cotton and poplin — is Universal Works' clearest translation of British workwear into everyday layering.
Explore Overshirts →Brand profile
Universal Works
Independent Nottingham menswear label reworking British and mid-century workwear into relaxed, well-made staples like its Bakers Jacket and Aston trousers.
NottinghamOrigin
MenswearFocus
Workwear / HeritageStyle
$$Price
25 brands like Universal Works like Oliver Spencer, Folk, YMC →
What to know about Universal Works
Universal Works is a Nottingham menswear label founded by David Keyte and Stephanie Porritt, with Keyte still co-owner, director and lead designer. It reworks British and mid-century workwear into relaxed, wearable staples: the Bakers Jacket, Lancaster and Field jackets, Aston and pleated trousers, cardigans and knitted overshirts in cotton twill, corduroy, Italian wool and fleece. The brand remains independent and sells through roughly 300 stockists worldwide plus its own stores in Nottingham and London. Recent work includes a second spring 2025 capsule with Japanese bag brand Master-piece and a Saucony sneaker collaboration.
The pieces that define Universal Works
Shop Universal Works →Road Shirt
A softly cut, camp-collar-ish utility shirt in seersucker and linen that has become one of the label's most repeated warm-weather staples.
Explore Road Shirts →Cardigan
Chunky cable and Vince cardigans in eco and soft wools carry the brand's unfussy, mid-century knitwear signature.
Explore Cardigans →Shop Universal Works
Shop all Universal Works ↗Available atEND. · Blue Beach Denim · STAG Provisions
How Universal Works fits
Overall fit
slightly large
Shoppers typically report Universal Works pieces fitting a touch bigger and roomier than mainstream brands, in keeping with their vintage workwear inspiration, so many people who want a cleaner line end up sizing down one.
Tip: Take your usual size for the intended relaxed look, but size down if you prefer a trimmer, less voluminous silhouette or are between sizes.
Medium confidence · based on 14 sources
By category
| Category | Runs | Shape | Size advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hoodies & sweatshirts | slightly large | relaxed, casual sweat and fleece shapes with a soft shoulder | True to size works for most, but size down if you dislike extra volume through the chest. |
| Jackets | slightly large | boxy chore/Bakers-style cut with dropped shoulders and wide armholes | Stick to your usual size if you plan to layer knitwear underneath, otherwise size down one for a sharper shoulder and less boxy body. |
| Jeans & denim | slightly large | straight to wide workwear denim, roomy through the thigh | Take your measured waist and expect a relaxed leg; size down only if the waist feels loose. |
| Shirts & overshirts | slightly large | relaxed, straight-cut overshirt-adjacent bodies rather than fitted | Order your normal size for the intended easy fit, or size down if you want anything close to a slim shirt. |
| T-shirts & graphic tees | slightly large | relaxed, slightly boxy body | Size down one if you want a closer fit through the chest and sleeve. |
| Trousers & pants | slightly large | relaxed pleated and workwear cuts, roomy through seat and thigh | Many find the waist generous, so consider going down a size on pleated and drawstring styles. |
Directional fit consensus summarized from public sources with AI — a starting point, not a guarantee. Confirm with the product's own measurements before buying.
If you like Universal Works
See all 25 brands like Universal Works →
88% matchOliver Spencer
Same British relaxed-workwear-meets-tailoring language
What changes: More tailoring-led and a notch pricier
86% matchFolk
Muted London take on detail-driven casual staples
What changes: Quirkier prints and colour, less workwear cut
85% matchYMC
Workwear and military sources with subculture edge
What changes: More unisex and art-school leaning
83% matchWax London
Overshirt-led British label on textured, slower fabrics
What changes: Younger, narrower range built around few icons
Universal Works fit questions
Does Universal Works run big or small?
Universal Works fits slightly large. Take your usual size for the intended relaxed look, but size down if you prefer a trimmer, less voluminous silhouette or are between sizes. Shoppers typically report Universal Works pieces fitting a touch bigger and roomier than mainstream brands, in keeping with their vintage workwear inspiration, so many people who want a cleaner line end up sizing down one.
How does Universal Works fit?
Shoppers typically report Universal Works pieces fitting a touch bigger and roomier than mainstream brands, in keeping with their vintage workwear inspiration, so many people who want a cleaner line end up sizing down one. Overall shape: relaxed, softly boxy workwear cuts with dropped shoulders on outerwear.
How do Universal Works hoodies & sweatshirts fit?
Universal Works hoodies & sweatshirts fits slightly large. True to size works for most, but size down if you dislike extra volume through the chest. Shape: relaxed, casual sweat and fleece shapes with a soft shoulder.
How do Universal Works jackets fit?
Universal Works jackets fits slightly large. Stick to your usual size if you plan to layer knitwear underneath, otherwise size down one for a sharper shoulder and less boxy body. Shape: boxy chore/Bakers-style cut with dropped shoulders and wide armholes.
How do Universal Works jeans & denim fit?
Universal Works jeans & denim fits slightly large. Take your measured waist and expect a relaxed leg; size down only if the waist feels loose. Shape: straight to wide workwear denim, roomy through the thigh.
Brand facts
- Founded
- 2009
- Origin
- Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Made in
- United Kingdom, Portugal, India
- Price
- $$
- Typical prices
- Jackets $185–$274 · Shorts $143–$159 · Shirts $156–$190
- Focus
- Menswear
- Styles
- Workwear / Heritage, Minimalist / Contemporary, Urban prep / Ivy