Lavant Workwear started life in 1985 as “Sarah’s Workwear”, above the Buttermarket in North Street, Chichester.
With a grand opening by Sir Patrick Moore, we began by selling basic working clothes such as overalls, trousers and aprons, soon branching out into the realms of casual menswear such as sports jackets, blazers and cardigans. After a year, the business was renamed “Lavant Workwear”.
Although Lavant Workwear has never actually been located in Lavant, it was named after the village where the family owners lived, and previously ran “Lavant Tailors” in the 1970s, which was indeed located in Lavant, so it made sense to retain that village connection in the name.
The “Lavant Tailors” origins have resulted in an important legacy: we know exactly how garments should be constructed for the best, most comfortable fit and maximum strength, and are able to carefully select lines and advise manufacturers accordingly, something that is extremely beneficial to our customers and often extremely frustrating but helpful to the factories that manufacture our products!
During the early 1990s a second shop was opened in Jay Walk, Chichester, named “Lavant Outdoor Clothing”. At a time of a boom in hiking clothing, Lavant Outdoor Clothing specialised in lines such as highly techinical breathable waterproofs and walking boots. Eventually the split site operation proved too impractical (much rushing back and forth with garments that were always in the ‘wrong shop’!) and the two businesses were integrated into a double-sized shop in Jay Walk.
In 1996 the Midhurst branch was opened, recognising the demand for reasonably priced work clothing in the area.
In 1997 the Chichester branch was closed. Although still an extremely successful and popular business, expenses such as rent and rates were spiralling and it was time to leave for a location with more sensible overheads, in which a small business would have the chance to thrive.
We soon moved into the field of garment decoration, investing in our own machinery so we could offer embroidered logos to an exceptionally high standard, controlled completely in house.
2022 saw another successful change to the business, once again moving with the times and responding to local demand. With the closure of our Midhurst branch, we began delivering all orders locally free of charge and posting futher afield. This more modern way of fulfilling orders allows us to keep prices reasonable, complete orders promptly and efficiently, and make the whole process far easier for customers, who no longer need to waste their valuable time and fuel collecting orders.
Our number one priority has always been the quality of the products we offer. We look for the best possible quality of garments, and then offer them at the fairest possible prices. So many companies get that back to front!
Quality has to come first. Because of this we have thrived now for over 40 years.
Right from the start, and to the present day, Lavant Workwear has been owned and run by the same family, still committed to offering the best quality at the best prices and the best possible standard of service.
Lavant Workwear 