If you've recently discovered Duke + Dexter, you might be wondering where the brand comes from, what it's known for and why its loafers have become so recognisable.
From statement Penny Loafers to an expanding collection of clothing, sneakers and accessories, Duke + Dexter has developed a distinctive place within contemporary British fashion.
Here's an introduction to the brand and what you need to know before buying your first D+D piece.
Yes. Duke + Dexter is a British footwear and clothing brand founded in London.
The brand began with a focus on loafers but has since developed into a much broader lifestyle label, producing sneakers, clothing and accessories alongside its signature footwear.
D+D combines traditional footwear influences with contemporary graphics, artwork and references to everything from motorsport to vintage Americana.
It's this combination that has helped make the brand immediately recognisable.
Duke + Dexter was founded by British entrepreneur Archie Hewlett.
The brand was established in 2015, with Hewlett setting out to rethink traditional footwear for a younger, more contemporary audience.
Rather than treating the loafer purely as a formal shoe, Duke + Dexter helped position it as something that could be worn far more casually.
Today, the brand's collections extend well beyond its original footwear.
For many people, Duke + Dexter means loafers.
The brand has become particularly well known for its Penny Loafers, including the recognisable Wilde silhouette.
Rather than sticking exclusively to traditional black and brown leather, D+D regularly experiments with colour, printed artwork, embroidery and hand-drawn illustrations.
Recent collections have also incorporated strong references to racing, vintage graphics, old advertising and Americana, giving the products a distinctive identity.
That same design language now runs throughout D+D clothing and accessories.
They can be both, but much of Duke + Dexter's appeal comes from wearing a traditionally smarter shoe in a more relaxed way.
A pair of D+D loafers can work with tailored trousers and a shirt, but they can just as easily be worn with denim, relaxed trousers, shorts or a T-shirt.
For an everyday look, we'd pair a statement Wilde loafer with straight or relaxed-leg trousers and keep the rest of the outfit relatively simple.
Let the footwear do the talking.
Production can differ between products and collections, so we'd always recommend checking the details of the individual piece you're buying rather than assuming every D+D product has the same origin.
Duke + Dexter works with specialist manufacturers and uses materials including Italian leather across a number of its footwear styles.
Some of the D+D clothing we stock at TRIADS is also handmade in Portugal from 100% cotton, including heavyweight graphic T-shirts.
You'll find the specific composition, construction and country of origin listed on individual TRIADS product pages where available.
Not anymore.
Although footwear remains at the heart of Duke + Dexter, the brand has developed an increasingly substantial clothing and accessories collection.
Depending on the season, you'll now find pieces including graphic T-shirts, hoodies, knitwear, jackets, caps, beanies, wallets, card holders and lifestyle accessories alongside the footwear.
At TRIADS, we've seen particularly strong interest in the Duke + Dexter clothing collections, with the apparel becoming an important part of what customers are looking for from the brand.
A lot of D+D clothing takes inspiration from relaxed and oversized vintage silhouettes.
For the intended oversized look, your normal size will often be the place to start. If you prefer a more regular fit, sizing down may be worth considering.
Fit can vary from product to product, though, so always check the individual product description before ordering.
We've also put together a separate Duke + Dexter sizing guide covering loafers, sneakers and clothing in more detail.
That ultimately depends on what you're looking for.
Duke + Dexter sits in an interesting position because you're getting recognisable design alongside details such as premium leathers, heavyweight cotton, original artwork and specialist manufacturing across selected products.
What separates D+D for us, however, is its identity.
There are plenty of loafers on the market. There aren't many that you can immediately recognise as Duke + Dexter.
The same is increasingly true of its clothing.
If you like statement pieces, vintage influences and clothing or footwear that doesn't feel overly conventional, D+D is worth exploring.
You can shop a curated selection of Duke + Dexter footwear, clothing and accessories at TRIADS, both online and at our store in Yarm.
TRIADS has been an independent designer menswear retailer since 1988, and our D+D selection includes new-season releases alongside selected sale pieces.
Shopping online with TRIADS also gives you:
Free UK delivery on orders over £100
Worldwide DHL Express shipping
Duties & taxes included on eligible international orders
Klarna & Clearpay available
Student discount available
10% off your first order with WELCOME10
Or visit us at 32 High Street, Yarm to see selected Duke + Dexter pieces in-store.
Is Duke + Dexter British?
Yes. Duke + Dexter is a British brand founded in London.
Who founded Duke + Dexter?
Duke + Dexter was founded by Archie Hewlett in 2015.
What is Duke + Dexter famous for?
The brand is best known for its distinctive loafers, particularly its Penny Loafer silhouettes, although it now produces sneakers, clothing and accessories too.
Does Duke + Dexter make clothing?
Yes. D+D now produces an extensive clothing range alongside its footwear, including T-shirts, hoodies, outerwear and accessories.
Where can I buy Duke + Dexter?
You can shop selected Duke + Dexter collections online and in-store at TRIADS in Yarm, UK.
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