STORMGARD was established shortly after the First World War. In 1921, A. Whyman, rainwear manufacturers and makers of STORMGARD clothing, based in Leeds and during the 1930s would become one of the largest rainwear manufacturers in the city.
In the late 1930s, Whyman shifted it’s manufacturing base from Leeds to the Team Valley Trading Estate in Gateshead, where John Barran had built additional factory space. It occupied the STORMGARD WORKS at Team Valley through the Second World War, when it became a designated factory.
STORMGARD became synonymous with specialised fabrics such as enamelled oilskins that were hugely popular with the cyclist and, especially, the motorcycling community; forming a dedicated riders club named “Ye Ancient Order of Neverwets”. These club pins were manufactured for STORMGARD by Fattorini & Sons in Birmingham, where the company still resides today and retains a Royal Warrant. Advertisements were booked from 1934 to 1951 with several different STORMGARD campaigns placed within The Cyclist and Motor Cycling magazine. In 1947, at a trade fair in Earls Court London, the company advertised itself as ‘Manufacturers of Raincoats, Waterproofs, Sportswear, Leather Clothing, Suits, Overcoats, Golf Jackets, Flannel Trousers, Sports Jackets, Motor Cycle and Motor Clothing’. In 1951, STORMGARD sponsored the world motorcycle champion, Geoff Duke, who famously wore the Model 202 Coat.
In 1931, STORMGARD began producing specialised clothing for the Air Ministry, most notably, flight suits. This iconic military uniform is reinterpreted today as the M-31; a beautifully crafted tailored suit exclusively made to order in a North London atelier from rare Super 120 Italian wools. These technical fabrics are sourced from Italian mills and are dead-stock meaning highly limited end of runs to produce a one of a kind garment.
The STORMGARD M-31 suit is available by appointment only so that clients must first contact the company to discuss sizing and wool options. As part of the order process, a fitting will be arranged either in person or remotely for final garment amends prior to production. Prices start from £1,921.