Journal

Why I Started half british™
A personal perspective on materials, craft, and everyday luxury half british™ didn’t start with a business plan.It started with a question. Why are the things we wear every day so often the ones made with the least care? Growing Up Around Exceptional Materials I grew up in Peru, a country deeply connected to some of the finest natural fibres in the world — especially alpaca. Alpaca isn’t a trend where I come from. It’s a material that’s always been respected for its warmth, softness, and performance. It’s practical, durable, and... Read more...
The Story Behind half british™
Where the world’s finest fibres meet British refinement half british™ was born from a simple belief:the everyday essentials we wear most should be the ones made best. In a world of fast fashion, loud branding, and disposable clothing, we wanted to create something quieter — something rooted in material integrity, craftsmanship, and timeless design. This is the story behind half british™. A Life Between Two Cultures half british™ is shaped by cultural duality. Founded by a Peruvian living in London, the brand sits between two worlds: Peru, home to some... Read more...
Why a £20 Sock Actually Makes Sense
And why once you try one, you won’t go back At first glance, a £20 pair of socks can seem unnecessary. Socks are often treated as an afterthought — something bought in bulk, worn daily, and replaced without much thought. But as more people rethink how they buy clothing — prioritising quality, comfort, materials, and longevity — socks are quietly becoming one of the most intentional purchases in a modern wardrobe. When you understand what goes into a truly well-made sock, the price starts to feel not indulgent, but logical.... Read more...
What Makes a Good Everyday Sock?
Everyday essentials are often overlooked, yet they are the items we rely on most. A good everyday sock should feel comfortable from morning to evening, adapt to changing conditions, and remain dependable over time. The difference lies in thoughtful design and material choice. Comfort throughout the day An everyday sock should feel supportive without being restrictive. Softness matters, but so does breathability — especially when worn for long periods. Natural fibres such as alpaca and merino provide comfort by regulating temperature rather than trapping heat. Breathability and temperature balance Daily... Read more...
Which Socks Are Best for Winter? A Material-Based Guide
Not all socks are made for winter. While thickness is often mistaken for warmth, the real difference lies in the material used. Understanding how fibres behave in cold conditions helps make better choices for everyday wear. Why material matters more than thickness Warmth comes from insulation and breathability, not bulk. Socks that trap moisture or restrict airflow often feel cold over time, regardless of how thick they are. Natural fibres regulate temperature by managing heat and moisture together. Cotton socks in winter Cotton is lightweight and comfortable in warm weather,... Read more...
Are Alpaca Socks Worth It? A Practical Guide to Comfort, Quality, and Longevity
When it comes to everyday essentials, socks are rarely overthought. Yet they are one of the items worn most often, for the longest periods of time. As alpaca socks have become more visible in premium wardrobes, a common question follows: are they actually worth it? The answer depends on what you value in daily wear — comfort, durability, and performance over time. What makes alpaca different from other sock materials? Alpaca fibre has a naturally hollow structure that traps warm air while allowing moisture to escape. This means alpaca socks... Read more...
How to Care for Alpaca Socks (and Make Them Last for Years)
Alpaca socks are designed to be worn often and kept for years. Their natural softness, warmth, and breathability come from the structure of the fibre itself — and with proper care, those qualities only improve over time. Caring for alpaca does not require anything complicated, but it does benefit from a considered approach. How often should alpaca socks be washed? Alpaca fibre is naturally breathable and resistant to odour, which means it does not need to be washed after every wear. Allowing socks to air between uses helps preserve the... Read more...
Alpaca vs Merino Wool vs Cotton: Which Fibre Is Best for Socks?
Choosing the right material for socks is less about trend and more about performance. Temperature, comfort, breathability, and durability all depend on the fibre used — yet many socks are selected without much thought to what they’re actually made from. Among natural fibres, alpaca, merino wool, and cotton are the most commonly used. Each has its strengths, but they behave very differently in everyday wear. Cotton socks: lightweight but limited Cotton is widely used because it is soft, breathable, and inexpensive. It performs well in warm conditions and short periods... Read more...
Why Alpaca Socks Make a Thoughtful Valentine’s Gift
Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be about grand gestures or predictable gifts. Often, the most thoughtful presents are the ones chosen with care — items that feel personal, useful, and quietly considered. A well-made pair of alpaca socks offers exactly that. Practical without feeling ordinary, refined without being excessive, they are a small luxury designed to be worn, appreciated, and kept long after the day itself has passed. Why socks can be a meaningful gift A good gift is one that gets used. Socks are worn daily, making them personal... Read more...
Why Alpaca Is the Ideal Fibre for Winter Socks
Winter has a way of revealing the difference between materials that simply look good and those that genuinely perform. As temperatures drop and days grow longer, comfort becomes less about layers and more about the fibres closest to the skin. Alpaca is one of the few natural fibres that meets the demands of winter without excess. Warm yet breathable, soft yet durable, it offers a level of balance that makes it particularly well suited to everyday cold-weather wear — especially in socks, where comfort matters most. What makes alpaca naturally... Read more...
The quiet gift: timeless socks for thoughtful giving
A well-made pair of socks is one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give — useful, tactile, and enduring. At half british, our alpaca and merino socks combine warmth, craftsmanship, and quiet refinement, making them a meaningful gesture ahead of the holidays. Read more...
The perfect winter sock: warmth without weight
The perfect winter sock keeps you warm without bulk — balancing insulation, breathability, and softness through the natural intelligence of alpaca wool. Read more...