About US

Over 100 Years of Knitwear Heritage

Outdoor Knitwear

Knitwear for the great outdoors

T W Kempton have produced premium quality knitwear since the 1920's.
Our range of country sweaters, reflects the traditions of country life and proves that hard-wearing woolen clothes can also be stylish and attractive. Our success is based on using only the highest quality materials - as 1000’s of satisfied customers around the world can testify.

Our History

Outdoor Knitwear is a trading brand of the parent company
TW Kempton Corporate Clothing who's history goes back over a 100 years.
100+

Years of Heritage

During the 1960s and 70s, T W Kempton stood alongside Leicester's most famous knitwear manufacturers, representing the pinnacle of British textile excellence. This golden era brought prestigious contracts with major retailers including Marks & Spencer while maintaining superior quality standards.
1960+

Leicester Golden Era

During the 1960s and 70s, T W Kempton stood alongside Leicester's most famous knitwear manufacturers, representing the pinnacle of British textile excellence. This golden era saw prestigious contracts with major retailers including Marks & Spencer, while maintaining superior quality in both fashion and military applications.
1984

Royal Recognition

The ultimate recognition came in 1984 with Princess Diana's memorable visit to our Leicester factory. During her tour, she charmed workers and shared personal moments about her pregnancy, receiving special gifts including a framed portrait and personalized chocolate Easter egg for Prince William.

A Century of Excellence

"Known as one of the original famous names of Leicester's knitwear manufacturing, TW Kempton stood alongside industry leaders in the 1960s and 70s, representing the pinnacle of British textile excellence.

Originally a manufacturer for British Fashion and military applications, TW Kempton once held prestigious contracts for major retailers such as Marks & Spencer in the 1980s. This stature and fashion excellence brought significant attention to our company.

Press Coverage

The visit was captured in the memorable headline 'Princess Charming with a Magic Touch,' reflecting both the royal warmth and the genuine connection she made with our Leicester workforce."

This coverage not only highlighted our royal recognition but also showcased the human side of both the Princess and our dedicated workforce who had been part of the T W Kempton family for generations.

Company Timeline

Celebrating over a century of British textile excellence - from the 1920s Leicester knitwear boom Through
M&S partnerships in the 1980s to an unforgettable royal visit that made headlines

  • Early 1900sFoundation & Heritage

    Outdoor Knitwear emerges as a trading brand of TW Kempton Corporate Clothing, building upon over a century of textile manufacturing heritage.

  • 1960s - 1970sLeicester's Knitwear Capital

    Known as one of the original famous names of Leicester's knitwear manufacturing, alongside others in the 1960s and 70s. TW Kempton represented what the height of the British textile manufacturing looked like.

  • 1980Fashion & Military Excellence

    Originally a manufacturer for British Fashion and military, TW Kempton once held contracts for shops such as M&S in the 1980s. This stature and fashion style brought a lot of attention to TW Kempton.

  • 2000Managment Buyout

    As with all companies changes of ownership do happen and this is where we changed too. It was decided that to keep the same company values a buyout through the four current directors was the best option.

  • 2002New Ventures

    In 2002 TW Kempton joined with industry experts created Fortis a Body Armour brand that today is used throughout the UK

  • 2015Outdoor Knitwear

    TW Kempton had purchased a long standing customer of their country knitwear in 2013. It was decided that we would open up our at the time trade only knitwear to the public market under the name Outdoor Knitwear. The first website was set live in 2015.

  • 2021Miller Rayner

    In 2021 TW Kempton aquired Miller Rayner Ltd. A company with history going back over 200 years in Merchant Navy Uniform, in their long service to the indsutry they had supplied officers for historic vessels such as the titanic. Miller Rayner today supplies officers uniform to the cruise industry and local authorities.

  • 2022Family Owned

    After 22 years of sucessful business 3 of the 4 directors had retired. Neil Hawthorn had taken over the business along with his two sons. Returning to a fully family owned business.

  • 2025Today and the Future

    Today TW Kemptons remains a UK manufacturer working on developing new knitwear ranges. We are lucky that we have experienced and skilled workers some who have been with us for 40+ years. They are able to pass down the knowledge of the trade to the younger generation. We hope the future brings more business to UK Manufacturers so we can continue this legacy for another 100 years.