Top 10 Best Textile Manufacturers in Chesterfield

A Region Woven Into Textile History

Chesterfield is best known for coal, iron and its famous Crooked Spire, but the wider county of Derbyshire holds a unique place in textile history. The Derwent Valley Mills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site only a short drive from the town, are widely regarded as the birthplace of the modern factory system. Richard Arkwright's water-powered cotton mills at Cromford set the template for industrial production worldwide, and the knitting, hosiery and lace traditions of Derbyshire and neighbouring Nottinghamshire followed soon after.

Today, British textile manufacturing is enjoying a renaissance. Brands and retailers are increasingly looking for shorter supply chains, higher quality, better traceability and lower environmental impact. Chesterfield's location on the M1, between Sheffield, Nottingham and Derby, gives local businesses easy access to some of the finest mills and knitters in the country.

How We Chose These Manufacturers

The companies below were selected for their heritage, product quality, manufacturing capabilities, sustainability efforts and relevance to buyers in Chesterfield and the East Midlands. They span knitwear, hosiery, lace, woollen cloth and technical and contract fabrics.

The Top 10 Textile Manufacturers Serving Chesterfield

1. John Smedley

Based at Lea Mills near Matlock, John Smedley is one of the oldest manufacturing factories in the world still in operation. It produces luxury fine-gauge knitwear from merino wool and Sea Island cotton, and its Derbyshire heritage makes it a source of regional pride for Chesterfield retailers and shoppers.

2. Pretty Polly

Pretty Polly is an iconic British hosiery brand with deep roots in the East Midlands knitting industry. Known for tights and stockings, it combines decades of expertise with modern yarn technology and remains a familiar name on Chesterfield high street shelves.

3. Cluny Lace

Cluny Lace, based in Ilkeston, is one of the last remaining manufacturers using traditional Leavers lace machines. Its intricate lace is used by fashion houses, bridal designers and lingerie brands, and it represents a living link to the region's historic lace trade.

4. Camira Fabrics

Camira, headquartered in West Yorkshire, designs and manufactures contract upholstery fabrics for offices, transport and hospitality. It is known for innovative sustainable fibres, including wool blends and fabrics made from recycled materials, and supplies furniture makers across the Midlands.

5. AW Hainsworth

AW Hainsworth has produced woollen cloth in Yorkshire for more than two centuries. It is famous for ceremonial uniform fabrics, protective textiles and interior cloth, and its technical fabrics are used in firefighting and industrial applications.

6. Abraham Moon and Sons

Abraham Moon is one of the last vertical woollen mills in Britain, handling every stage from raw wool to finished cloth. Its tweeds and checks are used in fashion and interiors, and Chesterfield boutiques and upholsterers appreciate its distinctive British character.

7. Joshua Ellis

Joshua Ellis is a luxury weaver specialising in cashmere and fine woollen cloth. Its fabrics are prized by high-end tailors and fashion brands seeking exceptional softness and British provenance.

8. Panaz

Panaz produces contract textiles for healthcare, hospitality and commercial interiors. Its flame-retardant and antimicrobial fabrics are especially valuable for care homes, hotels and hospitals, including organisations across Derbyshire.

9. Morton Young and Borland

Morton Young and Borland is renowned for Madras lace and woven jacquard fabrics produced on historic looms. Interior designers and heritage restoration projects value its ability to recreate authentic period textiles.

10. Halley Stevensons

Halley Stevensons specialises in waxed and treated cotton fabrics used in outdoor clothing, bags and accessories. With the Peak District on Chesterfield's doorstep, its weatherproof fabrics resonate strongly with outdoor brands and walkers in the area.

Trends Shaping British Textile Manufacturing

Sustainability is now central to the textile industry. Manufacturers are investing in recycled fibres, natural dyes, reduced water consumption and circular design. Reshoring is another significant trend, as brands seek shorter lead times and greater transparency following global supply chain disruption. Technical textiles for healthcare, defence and construction are also growing, creating opportunities for Midlands manufacturers with engineering expertise.

Benefits of Sourcing Locally

For Chesterfield retailers, designers and businesses, working with British textile manufacturers offers several advantages. Smaller minimum orders, faster sampling and easier factory visits make collaboration more practical. Local sourcing also supports regional employment and allows businesses to tell a compelling provenance story to customers who increasingly value British-made products.

Supporting the Next Generation

Skills shortages remain a challenge for the sector, and many manufacturers now run apprenticeships and training schemes. Colleges in the region, including those serving Chesterfield students, offer courses in fashion, design and engineering that can lead to rewarding careers in modern textile production.

Conclusion

The spirit of the Derwent Valley lives on in the manufacturers above. From luxury knitwear made just a few miles from Chesterfield to technical fabrics protecting emergency workers, British textiles combine heritage with innovation. For local businesses seeking quality, sustainability and provenance, these companies are an excellent place to start.