Tin Trousers

15/06/2026

Not all badges are created equal. 🏆

Recently we supplied these custom goldwork and woven badges for presentation to the top 20 competitors at the RAF Rifle Championships at Bisley.

It's a privilege to create items that recognise exceptional achievement, particularly when they become part of a tradition that will continue for years to come.

Alongside these RAF badges, we're also proud to have created the custom Royal Navy and Royal Marines Rifle Championship badges awarded annually to the top 10 competitors, including goldwork badges for No.1 and Mess Dress, and embroidered versions for everyday wear.

A small badge perhaps, but a significant achievement for those who earn the right to wear it. ⚓🏅✈️

14/06/2026

This week we've striped jackets, mounted medals, altered uniforms and ball gowns, adjusted sleeves and helped prepare kit for everything from weddings to ceremonial events.

Some of it is packed up and ready to head out across the country by post. Some is waiting for fitting and collection from TTHQ, Nelson or Collingwood. Some started life with an online consultation and a few measurements before arriving with us for alterations and finishing.

It's easy to get caught up in the stitches, measurements and deadlines, but behind every box, garment bag and hanger is a person preparing for something important.

A promotion.
A parade.
A marriage.
A summer ball.
A career milestone.

That's why the details matter.

We hope everyone has had a good weekend and are ready for the week ahead. The workshop certainly is. 😊

13/06/2026

With today's Birthday Honours announcement, it seemed the perfect opportunity to share this impressive medal group, which includes an OBE. 👑
What makes this set particularly interesting is that it was mounted on a four-space bar rather than the more common five-space arrangement.
For this female Royal Navy officer, the four-space layout allowed the medals to sit correctly on the jacket without extending beyond the lapel onto the shirt or too far towards the shoulder, creating a smarter and more comfortable fit.
Military tailoring and medal mounting are rarely one-size-fits-all. Sometimes the best solution is adapting the traditional approach to suit the individual while maintaining a professional and regulation-compliant appearance.
Congratulations to everyone recognised in this year's Birthday Honours List. ⚓

12/06/2026

11/06/2026

Spot the difference... 👀

These medal ribbons belonged to an RFA Officer and came into the workshop needing a little attention.

Before:
❌ No regulation gap between ribbons
❌ Broken becketts
❌ Positioned too high on the lapel

After:
✅ New becketts fitted
✅ Correct regulation spacing
✅ Positioned correctly on the lapel
✅ Aligned neatly and parallel to the floor

A simple job perhaps, but it's often the little details that make the biggest difference to the finished appearance.

Completed by Chase and ready to wear. ⚓

Now, let's see how long it takes before someone in the comments spots something else... 😅

10/06/2026

One customer. One appointment. One very smart result. ⚓

This week we refreshed the medal ribbons, court mounted both the full-size and miniature medals, and refurbished the tricorn with a freshly wired and bound brim and a new cover.

It's often the small details that make the biggest difference to the overall presentation.

Whether you're preparing for divisions, a dinner or a special occasion, we're here to help make sure every detail is right.

Not a bad way to start the week. 😊

09/06/2026

New uniform? We've got options. ⚓

Our made-to-measure uniforms start from just £945, with a choice of fabrics, lining colours, personalisation options, online consultations and in-person fittings at TTHQ.

Looking for something a little more budget-friendly? Our second-hand uniform store is open tomorrow morning, with hundreds of uniforms in stock.

Whether you're looking for made-to-measure or pre-loved, we'll help make sure you're looking your best.

📍 Second-hand store open tomorrow morning
📩 Message us to book a fitting or consultation

08/06/2026

From the workshop to the fleet in just a few days. ⚓

These RFA SE C/O rank slides were made by Jo last week and are already out where they belong.

With over 25 years of tailoring experience, Jo has made countless rank slides, boards and badges over the years, but it's always satisfying to see another set heading off to sea.

Made, finished and dispatched within a week, ready to join the fleet where they belong. ⚓

07/06/2026

In the last 10 days, Team TT managed: 👀

⚓ 2 tailoring visits to Longmoor
⚓ 50 Royal Marines uniforms worked on
⚓ 18 collars resized
⚓ 45 body alterations
⚓ 20 badges attached
⚓ 8 sleeve lengths adjusted
⚓ 4 trouser hems shortened
⚓ 2 trouser waists altered
⚓ 1 tassel repair
⚓ Countless medal ribbons updated
⚓ Several sets of medals mounted

And that was on top of this lot which was booked in for routine work:

✂️ 15 jackets striped
🎖️ 18 sets of medals mounted
🪡 2 made-to-measure waistcoats
⚓ 3 uniform rebuilds
✂️ More alterations than we've managed to count yet!

And our monthly Whitehall Clinic and weekly Nelson and Collingwood visits still went ahead too!

Just a snapshot of life at TTHQ.

A huge effort from the entire team to support a major RM ceremonial event while keeping all of our usual work moving through the workshop.

Not a bad week's work. ❤️

No rest for the wicked... we're back at it again tomorrow, and appointments are already booking fast. 😅

05/06/2026

Delighted to have been featured in the Portsmouth News as part of Small Business Week 🎉

Looking back at these photos from our opening celebration, it's hard to believe how far Tin Trousers has come.

21 years, thousands of uniforms, medals and alterations, and now a fantastic new home at Gosport Marina. ⚓

We're incredibly grateful to our customers, supporters, friends and families who have helped us get here. ❤️

Looking at these photos, we're not quite sure whether to feel proud or exhausted... probably a bit of both! 😅

Thank you to the Portsmouth News for recognising local businesses, and thank you to everyone who continues to trust us with their uniforms, medals and tailoring.

Small businesses are built on the support of their customers and community, so thank you for being part of our journey. ❤️

Here's to the next chapter. ✨