About us
Founded in 1924, we are a British modern heritage brand with a rich history of moving people forwards. Built on 100 years of outerwear excellence and motoring innovation, we have equipped successive generations with lasting apparel for life's pursuits.
Over the decades, we have designed protective suits for racing drivers to give them the confidence to go faster. We've developed windproof smocks for Marines to help them weather the storm. We've created insulating clothing for mountaineers so they can venture farther.
One thing is at the heart of all these endeavours: an independent spirit.
Belstaff Manufacturing Ltd was born in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, at a time when leisure pursuits were becoming more accessible and more liberating. Our founders, Eli Belovitch and Harry Grosberg, were pioneers who pursued new fabric technologies, particularly for waterproofing.
At the time, the cotton industries of the north of England were faltering, but with Belstaff, Eli and Harry created new opportunities. A business that was started by two hard-working Jewish immigrants has now grown to become a brand entrenched in British history and culture.
100 YEARS OF DISCOVERY
From our Staffordshire beginnings to today, there have been many chapters in Belstaff’s century-long legacy. We have evolved, adapted and endured, but the foundations of the brand remain unchanged: Britishness, innovation and adventure.
Made in partnership with Mosaic Films
In our early years, the focus was on waterproofing and functional apparel. We produced garments such as capes, leggings, rucksacks and army shirts.
1924 -
Belstaff Manufacturing Ltd formally starts business in Stoke-on-Trent.
1928 -
A brewery, cottages and blacksmith’s shop on Caroline Street in Longton are converted into a factory, where our first motorcycle clothing is made. Mid 1920s: The oldest existing Belstaff product– a rare leather flying jacket – carries the “Bellstaff” label with the original double L spelling.
There is little physical evidence of our early days. What we know has been pieced together through advertisements and promotional materials in titles such as The Motor Cycle.
1932 -
One of our earliest advertisements features the Senior TT Competition Coat and the gabardine Senior Storm Coat.
1937 -
Harry Grosberg, Eli Belovitch’s son-in-law, becomes Chairman and Managing Director of Belstaff, a position he goes on to hold for 30 years
1939 -
World War II begins and Belstaff stops manufacturing camping equipment to begin production for the special forces at the request of the War Office.
Courtesy of The Vintage Showroom
Our participation in the war effort continues throughout a decade that marks both endings and beginnings.
1943 -
Our founder, Eli Belovitch, passes away.
1948 -
Belstaff is bought by James Halsted Group, which brings fresh energy and investment to the brand.
Belstaff shifts gear, frequently introducing new products and designs.
1953 -
The Paracom 53 jacket is introduced. It is the first example of the length of jacket for which we’re known today.
1954 -
Sammy Miller, now a legendary motorcycle champion, wears Belstaff while competing in his first Scottish Six DaysTrial, aged 17.
1956 -
We advertise our first womenswear style, the Scooterjak Suit.
1959 -
The Trialmaster jacket is officially launched.
A defining decade that brings about expansion and continues to solidify our status in motorcycle culture.
EARLY 60S
The prominence of the Rockers peaks – one of the most famous biker subcultures in British history. The 59 Club emerges as their popular hangout spot, with many wearing and customising Belstaff leather and wax jackets.
1966 -
We open another factory at Stonewall, Silverdale. It is one of the most modern factories in the area and has room for 300 employees.
The pinnacle decade in our history in outdoor pursuits.
1974 -
Three new factories open in the Hartlepool area.
1977 -
We create protective gear for the British climber and his team for their ascent of one of the world’s toughest peaks,The Ogre in Pakistan. Belstaff is one of the first brands to partner with Gore-Tex and makes the blue outer shell jacket Chris wearswhen he reaches the summit.
We expand our business to create garments for various service industries, enabling Britain to go to work.
1985 -
Central TV commissions a waxed cotton jacket for the actor Michael Elphick for his title role in the drama series Boon.
1986 -
The Princess Royal visits the factory in Silverdale.
1989 -
Belstaff secures contracts with the Ministry of Defence and one of Britain’s largest police authorities.
IN THE FACE OF CHALLENGES, WE CONTINUE TO CREATE AND INNOVATE.
The recession hits hard. Escalating costs force the factories in Longton and Silverdale to close.
Bold sportswear dominates 90s fashion and pop culture. As detailed in a catalogue from our archives, Belstaff sport jackets and riding suits embodied this aesthetic, while harnessing temperature-regulating technology.
The Trialmaster becomes a pop-culture icon.
2004 -
Belstaff is purchased from James Halstead Group by Malenotti.
2005 -
The Trialmaster Panther is introduced. Made from hand-waxed leather, it is a luxurious update of the classic Trialmaster.
2006 -
The model Kate Moss stars in our autumn/winter campaign.
2008 -
The actor Brad Pitt wears a brown leather Trialmaster in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
Belstaff returns to Britain during a decade of collaboration and brand evolution.
2014 -
The former footballer David Beckham curates a capsule collection, Beckham for Belstaff.
2016 -
The actress Liv Tyler curates a capsule collection for Belstaff.
2017 -
Belstaff is bought by Britain’s largest privately owned company, INEOS.
2020 -
Fran Millar is appointed CEO of Belstaff after being CEO of Team INEOS for over a decade
We create clothing for anywhere you want to go, whatever the weather. Across oceans, up mountains, down roads – or just on a heroic trip to your local pub.
To get you there, we design within 3 main collections, with these varied journeys in mind. Learn more about them here.
Our most popular and enduring outerwear pieces, honed and improved upon season after season. We honour the functionality and craftsmanship that people have come to expect from Belstaff, while always exploring ways to refine and update our designs.
Our seasonal collection adapts to the evolving style and functionality needs of the modern world. Designs are still informed by our motorcycle and outdoor archives, but offer a new perspective and embrace innovation.
Our protective and certified on-bike gear is at the heart of our history in moto performance. Outerwear and trousers meet the rigorous standards of the European CE rating system, which assesses the effectiveness of motorcycle clothing in absorbing and withstanding impacts.
Beginning with the reopening of our flagship on Regent Street in London in September 2023, our stores are being reimagined to represent a new chapter in our product and design evolution. The concept is based on the notion of a “future garage” and takes inspiration from our varied motoring history while imagining what this means in a new era.
Place your order by 2pm and receive it the next working day.
Easy complimentary returns from your local drop-off point.
A selection of payment methods, tailored to your location
Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm (UK time).
Welcome to Belstaff!