Two blokes determined to make a shirt statement!
After decades in financial technology industry, Steve in Cambridge, Ken in Toronto - we realised something. Sometimes it pays to get noticed.
Our origin story
Why Two Tech Veterans Started a Shirt Company
We didn’t set out to build a fashion brand. Like most good ideas, this one began with a problem. “I want to make an impression today and a plain shirt is not going to help me do it.”
Before we started Blake Mill and it came time to replenish our respective shirt collections, the choices felt split down the middle. On one side, a sea of traditional, safe shirts in greys, whites, and blues. On the other, loud shirts that seemed to shout for the sake of shouting.
What we felt missing was a sense of intent. Something bold, but also thoughtful. Designs with meaning and style that reflected substance. Something you might not wear every day but when you want to make a statement or start a conversation.
So, after working in financial technology for several decades each, we did the “obvious” thing and started a fashion brand to sort this out.
We set off to make premium quality shirts that speak - not scream. Shirts inspired by science, art, music, nature, philosophy - by the things that make us curious about the world. Inspirations that invite enquiry, discussion and sometimes spirited debate.
Because a shirt does not always need to be just a shirt. It can say something about the person wearing it.
As we like to say: “We design shirts for men like us - those who’ve earned the right to wear something more interesting than plain colours or business stripes.” (modesty is clearly not our strong point).
Ken & Steve
meet the team
the faces behind blake mill
ken price - cofounder & ceo
Canadian sensibility meets British creativity "From Toronto technology start-up to Manchester design house - it's been quite a journey."
sabrina balsen - customer support manager
The Blake Mill customer advocate making sure everyone’s experience is excellent "Blake Mill gives me the autonomy and authority to do whatever it takes to ensure every customer I help is delighted."
becca joyce - creative marketing manager
The visual genius who brings our mad ideas to life "I love showing the real Blake Mill - from chaotic photoshoots to the excitement of launching new designs."
james aghaji - ecommerce manager
The tech whiz working on our website to bring you our amazing shirts and service "I am always amazed at how advanced and sophisticated the technology is behind running a top end e-commerce store."
why we're different
not your average shirt company
THOUGHTFUL DESIGN
Every graphic design has a unique inspiration and often tells a story - from flowing lava to mathematical equations.
UNCOMPROMISING QUALITY
Premium fabrics and meticulous construction because good design deserves an excellent foundation.
FOR GROWN-UP MEN
Designed for gents who've outgrown fast, trendy fashion but who haven't lost their edge.
LIMITED RUNS
Small batches mean you won't see yourself at every social gathering or conference.
REAL PEOPLE, REAL SERVICE
Email or call us. A human will answer right away or reply to messages within 1 business day (at most!). Promise.
SHIRTS WITH PURPOSE
We support Mind, the UK mental health charity - looking good whilst doing good.
VALUES IN ACTION
WHAT DRIVES US
BE BOLD
Don’t blend in. If you’re going to wear a shirt, wear one that makes a statement about who you are.
BE CURIOUS
Inspiration is everywhere. From brain waves to volcanos - we never stop looking and nor should you.
BE KIND
£50,000+ of product donated to Mind charity shops in the UK.
"Mental health matters to us. Many of our customers tell us wearing something bold gives them confidence. That's powerful." - Ken.
Learn about our charity partner - Visit Mind.org.uk.
behind the scenes
the real blake mill
Watch Becca capture the controlled chaos of our photoshoots, see how designs go from concept to shirt, and meet the models who bring our vision to life.
"No corporate gloss here - just real people making shirts we'd want to wear ourselves."
in the press
what they're saying
T3 Magazine ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Blake Mill is redefining British menswear one conversation-starting shirt at a time" Read full review
Esquire
"Finally, someone's designing for men who think". Read article here.
Customer Reviews 4.8/5 from 2,500+ verified buyers
"Bought one shirt. Now own twelve. My wife says I'm obsessed. She's right." — James, 52
connect with us
join our community
Be first to see new designs, get exclusive offers, and join thousands of men who've decided boring is optional.
If you are a Blake Mill customer and enthusiast then we invite you join our WhatsApp Group: The Rogue Club. Email us at info@blakemill.com to request an invitation.
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