Michael Shuttleworth, Founder of W. Rubens / Reinventing T-Shirts

In this episode of the Menswear Style Podcast, host Peter Brooker speaks to Michael Shuttleworth, founder and creative director of W. Rubens, an independent British menswear brand reinventing the classic white T-shirt through tailoring, craftsmanship and contemporary design. After 15 years working as a stylist for high-profile clients across fashion, film, music, sport and business, Michael turned his long-held idea for a better white T-shirt into W. Rubens. Rather than creating a conventional basic, the brand combines the simplicity of a classic T-shirt with details and construction inspired by bespoke tailoring, including lapels, bibs, asymmetrical necklines and other unexpected design elements. Michael explains why the humble white T-shirt became the starting point for the brand, and how years of travelling the world and absorbing different cultures, traditions, fashion and street style influenced the W. Rubens collection. The conversation explores the difference between a standard T-shirt and a genuinely considered luxury garment, including fabric quality, fit, pattern cutting, tailoring techniques and the importance of craftsmanship. Michael also explains how he works closely with pattern cutters and British manufacturers to turn his ideas and sketches into finished garments. We discuss Michael's commitment to British production, his manufacturing partnership in North London, and why supporting UK-based machinists, pattern cutters and craftspeople is central to t