Universal Works loves its fabrics. Finding the right materials with the right touch and feel is the starting point of each collection. And that’s no different with its AW22 collection, “The NEW WALK CULTURE Programme.”

Full of layering pieces, warm vests and practical jackets, this collection is all about getting outside and reconnecting with nature. “In an increasingly digital world, it’s easy to forget how important touch and feel are to us as humans,” says David Keyte, Universal Works Co-Founder. Interacting with the outdoors or feeling the soft fabric of a jumper can help bring us back down to Earth.

Universal Works is a British brand, based out of Nottingham. Those who’ve been shopping with them since its foundation in 2009 will know that they make a solid selection of menswear. Military and workwear-inspired, its jacket, pant and vest offerings are second to none. Expect relaxed-fitting, smart clothing with joyful twists. It’s a brand that enjoys sourcing the best materials and locating the best factories to craft its collections. Small-scale producers are preferred, and the names of those makers are often found on the garment labels.

This collection marks a move forward for the brand in terms of its eco-friendly offering. In addition to Universal Works’ signature fabrics like twill, fleece and wool, you’ll also find recycled, organic and sustainable raw materials being used throughout.

A key piece for Universal Works is the Baker Jacket, inspired by Keyte’s father’s jacket that he wore as a — you guessed it — baker. This season, it’s been made with Indigo Future Denim which contains 20 percent recycled cotton and 80 percent organic cotton. It has a soft finish with a slightly slubbed surface.

Other staple pieces such as the liner jacket and vest are filled with Clo® Insulation, which is a recycled material, and awesome for cold-weather layering.

The Swing Overcoat in Stone Columbo Recycled Tweed is a real standout. A classic London mens coat, this Swing Overcoat is made in Prato, Italy with a mix of recycled fibers including cotton, acrylic and wool.

In fact, wool features heavily in this collection. Here at FUTUREVVORLD, we tend to stay away from animal-derived products, wool included. The Five Pocket Jacket is made with 41 percent recycled wool which is a step in the right direction but many other items in the collection use virgin wool such as the Brown Moon Check Cabin Jacket. The wool used here is from Abraham Moon & Sons, one of England’s oldest and most-honored mills, and its logo is displayed inside the garment as a mark of pride for Universal Works.

Other well-known makers are celebrated and named in the collection, such as French corduroy maker Velcorex, which made the Kyoto Work Pant, and, of course, the iconic Harris Tweed which has been used in a couple of distinctive bucket hats. The super graphic Swedish Camo Wax Cotton pants with its geometric green and yellow print, is made by Halley Stevensons of Dundee, Scotland. It features a waxed cotton finish, making it water-resistant and ready for the British rain.

The collection is rendered in a classic autumnal color scheme, with shades of sand, cumin, navy, olive, orange and forest Green.

It’s a strong step for Universal Works as it enters the world of Earth-friendly materials. We look forward to seeing how it progresses in seasons to come. Getting rid of that pesky wool would be a great next move.

Shop the collection on the Universal Works website.