Stories from the Archive: the Two Button Jacket.

16.09.2026

Our archive is more than a collection of old clothes. It is a library of ideas, built up over years of collecting garments and fabrics that continue to inspire the pieces we make today. Below, our Co-Founder David tells us more about the Two Button jacket, a softer, simpler version of a classic blazer.

What is the story behind the first Two Button Jacket?

In our first season, we made a kind of classic “suit jacket”. I wanted to make a revere collar jacket, a blazer, but instead make it more like you make classic workwear. More utilitarian, more durable, and softer too.

What has changed over the years?

Mostly small details, small improvements in fit and construction. Our current Two Button Jacket is almost identical. I have improved the fit and shape a little, it is slightly looser, but essentially it is the same piece. I have spent 18 years perfecting it, but really it has been with us since the start.

How did you strike the balance between formal and relaxed?

I always want to create relaxed and easy-wearing solutions to our clothing problems; items to make the wearer feel good, feel better, feel comfortable, and yes, strike the right balance. This jacket is the informal version of a formal need. It is almost not a jacket, but paired with pants in the same fabric it becomes a soft suit, something in modern times that can be worn for a laid back venture to the pub but formal enough for a wedding!

David wears: Indigo 13oz Selvedge Denim Baseball Hat, Black Cat Cord Two Button Jacket, Dove Monk Stripe Square Pocket Shirt, Black Cat Cord Grad Chino, Walsh x Universal Works Cob in Camel Leather.

There is a poster featuring the first Two Button Jacket hanging in the foyer of UW HQ. Tell us more about that.

The poster is of one of my oldest friends Terry, who was available on a certain Saturday morning in January 2009 when I had one day to shoot the collection. The studio was our house and backyard, the photographer was another friend Darren, and Terry was always a guy who liked his kit, he dressed well and I figured he had just enough attitude to carry off our first collection. Oh and they were mates, and mates help you when you need help!

We asked a local printer to make a poster for our first pop-up shop of this print. It ended up twice the size of my request, so it was bigger than life size. Those walking by identified with the image and felt they could come and try the garments, that it was not just for models but real people.

Jackets come and go, why is this one in the collection now?

Well it is a classic idea, a universal suit jacket, everyone needs one or two in their wardrobe, with matching pants or a chino or jeans. It can just be a great jacket. The construction is soft, with almost no lining and simple pockets. Like wearing your favourite cardigan, not a restrictive blazer.

David wears: Navy/Black Canvas Baseball Hat, Dark Navy Robin Wool Mix Two Button Jacket, Navy/Brown Young Check Zip Shirt, Indigo 13oz Selvedge Denim Duke Pant, Walsh x Universal Works Tornado in Brown Leather/Canvas.

When you first designed it, who did you imagine wearing it?

I mean of course I think about the consumer, and the community we serve, and it has to solve a problem, but I start with me, do I want it? If the answer is yes, we make it.

Is it something you dress up, dress down, or both?

Both for sure. I like to wear it will a looser pant, more often not matching, but maybe in similar weight and tones to the jacket fabric, but this really really can be dressed up or down, great with your favourite denim or a matching pant.