15th Anniversary Bakers Jacket

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Autumn/Winter '24 marks our 31st collection and exactly 15 years since Universal Works first landed in stores back in 2009. As part of our ongoing celebrations, on the 16th of October 2024, we will be releasing a limited edition run of 31 Selvedge Denim Anniversary Bakers Jackets. These are made in the original Bakers Jacket style, in England, by the original makers who brought the jacket to life in the first place.

Those who have followed Universal works for a while will know that our co-founder David Keyte’s father was a baker, and this chore-style jacket was named in his honour. It became a cornerstone of the very first Universal Works collection, launched 15 years ago, and has been present in almost every collection since. The original version was designed with a more intricate pattern, with an emphasis on great fit and details. Over the years, some small adjustments were made to simplify things without compromising the essence of the design—changes driven by our desire to reduce fabric waste, make the production process easier, and help accommodate the different fabrics used in this style since its debut.

For our 15th anniversary, we have decided to revisit the original. In doing so, it only seemed right to also revisit one of our first manufacturers—Maruti, in Leicester. Maruti has been with Universal Works since the beginning—owned by brothers Kanti and Nalin, who, alongside their amazing team, have decades of experience producing denim trousers, jackets, and utility workwear for some of the best British brands out there. Their factory is full of history—a three-storey workshop stocked with every piece of machinery needed to make great denim pieces. More than that, they bring a love of making and a positive, hardworking spirit that resonates with Universal Works' own ethos and values.

 

The 15th Anniversary Bakers Jacket draws on all of that history. Using the original pattern, it is made by the same makers, from the same type of selvedge denim used in our early collections and features extra seam detailing at the cuff, reminiscent of early 20th-century workwear pieces, as well as two side panels and a rear vent that provide shape and fit and echo the original design. Add to this a unique individually numbered and embroidered label to identify this commemorative and exclusive piece.

 

The 15th Anniversary Bakers Jacket will be available from 16th of October, at Universal Works. We are also offering an opportunity for you to win one of these exclusive pieces so sign up to the UW newsletter here for the chance to win a slice of UW history.

 Sign up here for a chance to win one of these exclusive pieces