Colhays

Colhays draws its inspiration from a deeply personal legacy rooted in the wisdom and values passed down through generations. Founded on the teachings of the brand’s founder’s father and grandfather, Colhays embodies the timeless principle that a man should invest in a few quality garments that endure, understand their origins, care for them diligently, and cherish them as heirlooms to pass on. This philosophy reflects a respect for British-made clothing, regarded by those earlier generations—who lived during the British colonial era in Hong Kong—as the epitome of quality menswear, garments worth saving for and wearing a lifetime. The founder’s grandfather exemplified this ethos with his impeccable and classic English wardrobe, wearing items such as a Scottish tweed flat cap and Morley’s English-made knitted shirts, which he meticulously cared for over decades. Similarly, the founder’s father, shaped by the styles of the 1970s and 1980s, upheld a devoted appreciation for British craftsmanship. His distinctive advice to “buy shoes from Northampton” and “get a suit from Savile Row when you can afford it” underscores a reverence for enduring quality and skilled artisanship. He championed the habits of personal care, encouraging ironing one’s own shirts and polishing shoes, leading by example to nurture garments as lasting companions. Both men, though not wealthy, lived by the conviction that true value lay in quality, not quantity. Their discipline and understanding of clothes, down to the smallest detail, highlight a bygone era when appreciating the craftsmanship behind what one wears and maintaining such garments was a norm rather than an exception. The founder has inherited cherished pieces from them—including a burgundy striped tie and Scottish-made knitwear from Hawick, where Colhays now produces knitwear—that remain in excellent condition after decades, a testament to this enduring approach. In today’s disposable culture, where rapid production and fleeting trends often overshadow quality, Colhays aims to revive the tradition of garments that stand the test of time. The brand passionately supports skilled heritage makers who persist in the highest standards of craftsmanship, creating garments the founder’s forebears would have proudly worn. Colhays seeks to restore the meaningful connection between craftsman and wearer by highlighting the exceptional care and expertise invested at every stage—from the fibres selected to the artisans’ skills—ensuring customers understand and appreciate the story woven into each piece. Ultimately, Colhays is dedicated to rekindling the satisfaction found in investing in superior garments that endure, carry proud stories of workmanship, and become deeply personal items to treasure throughout a lifetime. This return to quality and heritage, once commonplace and now rare, defines the brand’s vision and commitment, honouring the timeless lessons from the founder’s family and the rich tradition of British menswear craftsmanship.