Hiut Denim (UK)

Hiut Denim Co. was founded in 2011 by David and Clare Hieatt to bring jeans manufacturing back to Cardigan, Wales. For 40 years, Cardigan was home to Britain's biggest jeans factory, producing 35,000 pairs a week for M&S. When the factory closed in 2002, 400 skilled workers lost their jobs. Hiut was created to harness those local skills and revive the craft. The brand's motto is "We make the best jeans, not the most jeans we can." Following the philosophy of "Do One Thing Well," Hiut produces around 150 pairs of premium jeans per week, each crafted with meticulous attention to detail. This focus on quality over quantity has made them one of the biggest independent denim labels in the world. Sustainability is central to Hiut's approach. Recognising that 80% of denim's environmental impact comes from washing, they created the No-Wash Club, encouraging customers to wash their jeans less frequently. Members receive badges celebrating milestones of not washing. The brand also offers free repairs for life, ensuring each pair lasts as long as possible. Hiut has innovated with sustainable materials including jeans with 30% banana fibre and experiments with paper, hemp, and plastic-free materials. The brand gained international attention when Meghan Markle wore their black skinny jeans during her royal visit to Cardiff in 2018, generating three months of orders in a single night.