Manchester-born brand Bench has been creating waves since '89 with its iconic designs and fashion-forward collections, capturing the essence of British culture in the 90s & 00s.

It serves the casual fashion fan with everyday essentials under Bench Original and Bench Lifestyle. Whilst capturing the nostalgia for Y2K and curated trend pieces with Bench Revival and multi-season collaboration with Urban Outfitters.

Bench began its story in the heart of Manchester, UK, in 1989, the brainchild of founders Nayef Marar and Barrie Suddons. Born at the crossroads of youth culture, underground music, and urban grit, the brand emerged not as a fashion powerhouse but as a modest T-shirt label rooted in the city's vibrant skate and BMX scenes.

From the outset, Bench’s bold graphic tees, inspired by street art and counter-culture, caught the eye of those who embodied the scene. The brand quickly earned a cult following, with early adopters including cultural icons like Liam Gallagher, the Appleton sisters, and Robbie Williams. What began as underground began to seep into the mainstream, carving out a place in wardrobes across the UK and beyond.

As the 1990s gave way to the new millennium, Bench evolved into something far greater than its beginnings. No longer just a T-shirt brand, it seamlessly transitioned into a global lifestyle label. The introduction of iconic pieces like the Bench BBQ jacket and the now-famous thumbhole cuffs marked a new era.  Bench became a shared code among those who longed for individuality within the everyday.

Throughout the early 2000s, Bench cemented its role in shaping British streetwear and casual fashion. Its relaxed silhouettes and accessible style resonated with a generation seeking authenticity. What had started in Manchester was now a global name, with over 80 branded stores and more than 2,000 wholesale distribution points across the world.

In time, the brand’s journey took new turns. Ownership changed hands, and after a period of redefinition, the intellectual property for Bench was acquired by Apparel Brands in 2020. This marked a new chapter. Under fresh leadership, the label returned to its roots while looking firmly ahead, continuing to offer men’s and women’s fashion that balanced heritage with contemporary style.

Today, in an era where nostalgia holds powerful sway over fashion, Bench re-emerges not just as a brand, but as a cult classic. Its story is woven into the fabric of British youth culture, remembered by those who lived it and discovered a new by a generation drawn to the boldness, rebellion, and creative spirit that defined its rise.

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Bench began its journey with Apparel Brands in 2020.