Marks & Spencer Ultimate Men's Performance Woolmark Suit Coat/Blazer NWOT

Marks & Spencer suit in dark indigo. Made with pure new wool. Pockets Still Sealed. Snake Eye Micro Wool Fabric Marks & Spencer (M&S) has a rich history in British retail, particularly known for its clothing and food. Here's an overview of Marks & Spencer's clothing history: Founded In 1884 by Michael Marks (a Polish Jewish refugee) as a market stall in Leeds. He partnered with Thomas Spencer in 1894. Original Concept: "Don't ask the price – it's a penny" — everything cost one penny. Early M&S stalls sold a wide array of goods, but clothing was minimal until the brand evolved into a department store format. Rise of British-Made Clothing (1920s–1950s) M&S began to emphasize British manufacturing, helping to establish its reputation for quality. During WWII, M&S contributed to the "Utility Clothing Scheme," producing durable, no-frills clothing under government rationing. By the 1950s, it was a go-to place for underwear and basics, introducing items like nylon hosiery and non-iron shirts. Known for technological innovation, such as machine-washable wool, drip-dry cotton, and St Michael label branding. St Michael (introduced in 1928) became a trusted in-house label for decades, standing for British-made reliability and affordable quality. In the 1970s–80s, M&S was one of the largest clothing retailers in the UK, particularly for workwear, lingerie, and men’s suits. Became synonymous with middle-class British fashion—solid, reliable, not too trendy.