Fashion in Birmingham – Trends of Our Time

In the 21st century, English fashion dictates style to almost the entire world. British fashionistas set the tone in choosing clothing, footwear, and accessories for modern society. Their ideas inspire famous designers and everyone who wants to stay trendy. In Birmingham, the second most populous city in the UK, it is customary to dress stylishly, while local residents prioritize their own comfort. We invite you to take a closer look at 21st-century Birmingham fashion and learn about the trends popular today. More on birminghamka.

Common Stereotypes

When it comes to English fashion, many imagine something official and strict. The restraint and self-control inherent to people in this region are indeed reflected in their clothing style. This is well illustrated in famous films featuring English characters, such as Sherlock Holmes.

As for Birmingham residents, almost every one of them does have classic suits in their wardrobe. Women have business outfits, trousers, skirts, blouses, and shirts. Men often prefer tuxedos. However, modern Birmingham residents clearly separate their wardrobe by its purpose. They choose official and business attire only for appropriate occasions in a suitable setting. For everyday life, they buy loose, comfortable, and high-quality clothing in other styles. So a Birmingham resident in a tuxedo taking a walk in the park is rather an exception to the rule.

Another common stereotype is that since England dictates fashion to the whole world, every Birmingham resident must dress ultra-fashionably. In reality, this is not the case. Fashion is created in designer houses. The average Birmingham resident prioritizes comfort and often chooses clothing from budget stores belonging to the mass market. At the same time, their wardrobe may contain bright accents and trendy items, but they do not chase after the latest fashion trends.

Popular Clothing Style

In the 21st century, comfort is in fashion in Birmingham, so the best clothing style for local residents is casual. When choosing clothes, they are guided by their own feelings. Clothing that restricts movement or causes other discomfort will not be relevant, no matter how fashionable it may be. Birmingham residents who choose the casual style have the following in their wardrobe:

jeans;
T-shirts and tank tops;
overalls;
loose-fitting dresses;
hoodies;
pullovers.

An essential part of their wardrobe is comfortable footwear. The casual style allows wearing sneakers, trainers, moccasins, and other shoes that ensure comfort.

As for the color palette, Birmingham residents prefer universal items and follow a rule recommended by many designers: “A maximum of 3 colors in an outfit, plus one additional accent.” Many choose casual-style items in neutral or basic shades that easily combine with each other. This way, they do not have to think about coordinating their outfits every day.

Trendy Items

Birmingham residents have trendy items in their wardrobe that help them look stylish. For example, in 2024, locals enjoyed wearing:

Trench coats. This is an indispensable attribute of everyday fashion and the casual style. Designers predict that the trench coat will remain in fashion, if not forever, then for at least the next few decades. It is chosen for its versatility and comfort.
Oversized jackets. As fans of comfort, Birmingham residents choose these items for their practicality and warmth. Mid-season and winter jackets can vary in length, but they must always be loose-fitting and moderately voluminous.
Leather. While natural leather was popular in Britain in the 1980s, nowadays, environmentally conscious Birmingham residents prefer eco-leather. Jackets, skirts, trousers, leggings, and other garments made from this material are in trend.
Handmade items. Regarding custom-made or self-sewn garments, Birmingham residents do not set any restrictions. Charlotte Rend, a well-known figure in the city’s fashion community, says that 90% of her wardrobe consists of handmade pieces. Creating and sewing exclusive items for oneself is considered fashionable in the 21st century.

Fashion Companies from Birmingham

The 21st century has been a remarkable period for Birmingham, a city historically known for its industrial character, as it has seen the emergence of fashion houses, communities, and brands. Here are just a few of the fashion companies that have gained recognition in the fashion industry and originated in Birmingham:

Gymshark. Founded in 2012 in Birmingham, this brand has become a global name in the sports fashion industry. The company produces high-quality and functional sportswear. The Birmingham-based Gymshark brand has achieved success in a short time and now sets the trends in the world of sports fashion. The brand’s advantage over competitors is its use of advanced fabric manufacturing technologies. Gymshark sportswear is suitable for intense physical activity and everyday wear.

Lounge. This company specializes in the production of lingerie and loungewear. It dictates fashion in this sector and helps women look stylish even at home. Lounge products ensure both comfort and attractiveness, so women no longer have to choose between these two qualities when selecting lingerie and loungewear.

RAID. Many consider this footwear brand to be London-based, but the company that originally founded it was actually located in Birmingham. RAID footwear is known for its high quality, as manufacturers pay attention to all details. They use natural materials, high-quality fittings, and stylish decorative elements. The company also specializes in producing functional and practical footwear for athletes.

Famous Fashion Industry Figures in Birmingham

Birmingham is home to hundreds of creative individuals involved in the world of fashion. These include designers, stylists and consultants in fashion boutiques, private business owners who create exclusive items, models, and more. Within Birmingham’s fashion communities, people often talk about notable personalities of our time, such as:

Prashant Upadhyay. A well-known photographer and model who lives and works in Birmingham. Prashant is actively involved in social activities, running social media pages where he openly expresses admiration for how Birmingham residents embrace fashion experimentation. He states that the boundaries of fashion in the city are “expanding,” and the fashion industry here is reaching a new level.

Zoe Gage. A Birmingham-based fashion designer who started working while still in school. Zoe believes that fashion should be environmentally friendly. Initially, she repurposed clothing found in thrift stores, giving it a second life. Later, she founded Beef Designs—an eco-conscious fashion brand. The company purchases eco-friendly fabrics, and nearly zero waste is generated in production.

Samra Michael. A well-known Birmingham blogger who also works as a stylist and is the face of several major boutiques. People from both England and other countries follow Samra’s life with great interest. They are attracted not only by her professional activities but also by her appearance. She dresses brightly but prefers second-hand or eco-friendly clothing stores. Samra Michael skillfully combines repurposed pieces, bought for pennies, with trendy items from high-end boutiques.

Birmingham fashion enthusiasts shop at luxury city boutiques, mass-market stores, and second-hand shops alike. They prove that looking stylish is possible on any budget. The key is to have a sense of taste and strive to dress comfortably.