Patrick Grant: Embracing Classic Style and Comfort

At the age of around 12 or 13, my godfather introduced me to shopping at Jenners in Edinburgh, where he gifted me a pair of grey herringbone trousers. Crafted from coarse tweed, likely Harris, these trousers featured a distinctive mitred coin pocket with a flap. I cherished them and even wore them years later on a significant night in my life. Back then, pairing them with an oversized jacket was the trend, and I took them everywhere, including to Coasters Roller Disco.

Navy blue crewneck sweaters are a staple in my wardrobe. I’m wearing one today and I find myself donning these regularly. I own a variety, from heavy knitted pieces to my own brand, Community Clothing’s fisherman jumpers adorned with suede patches, as well as lightweight cotton options from John Smedley. It’s like I could curate a fascinating collection dedicated solely to navy crewneck sweaters!

The oldest item in my wardrobe is …

An Issey Miyake jacket that I purchased during my student days in Leeds, snagged at the very end of a sales event. I thought it was incredibly stylish, though I’ve only found the opportunity to wear it a couple of times due to its unique fit. I also hold onto some exceptional knitwear from Tom Ford’s era with Gucci—pieces I’ll never let go of.

What do you wear to sleep?

I prefer traditional PJs, akin to the style seen in The Two Ronnies. My favorite bedtime attire comes from Turnbull & Asser.

I wish I had kept …

A cherished pair of Vivienne Westwood pirate trousers. I wore them extensively, but for some reason, I ended up disposing of them.

Do you have any style regrets?

None at all. I appreciate having experienced the various fashion eras in my life. I was present for the latter days of the new romantic movement, which often embarrassed my friends—especially when I paired my favorite large straw hat with a Liberty scarf. My closest friend used to maintain a distance of ten yards behind me. I also dabbled in the late-Eighties rave culture, sporting oversized jeans and shirts.

Who inspires your style?

Fabric serves as my greatest source of inspiration. My early days began with a Harris Tweed blazer at school, which ignited my passion for textiles. I often immerse myself in literature about Hebrideans and scoured black and white images of Scottish farmers, which enrich my appreciation for beautiful, treasured fabrics.

What fashion trend would you eliminate?

My inclination is to abolish fast fashion entirely. Beyond that, I find athleisure to be unnecessary. The prevalence of poor-quality synthetic materials that dominate the market is disheartening. There are individuals today who may never wear anything made from natural fibers, which is quite saddening. The beauty of quality materials is that they improve with wear.

Has your television career impacted your clothing choices?

Not significantly. I present myself authentically, often repeating outfits year after year. I believe it’s relatively simpler for men in this regard. Initially, when I began on Sewing Bee, I opted for suits and ties more frequently than I do now, and this did not go unnoticed by viewers.

Do you have a grooming routine?

I enjoy visiting a place in the Lake District known as the Bath House. There, I use a moisturizer and hand cream. A kind gift from Tom Ford—a moustache comb—has also become a part of my grooming routine.

What do you wear to take out the trash?

I usually opt for my favorite Community Clothing trousers paired with a navy blue jumper. On gardening days, you might find me in waterproof overalls, although their exact origin escapes me—likely a local farm shop.

The best style advice I’ve received?

Style transcends mere clothing; it’s also about how one carries themselves. There’s a saying etched in stained glass at my mother’s home, which was also my school motto: “Manners maketh man.” Good manners exude a certain style that can’t be overlooked.