Castore signs five-year partnership deal with Apparel Brands

Sportswear firm Castore has agreed a five-year partnership with Apparel Brands to develop, manufacture and distribute socks and underwear across the UK and Europe.

The range, covering men, women and youth, will be rolled out with major retail partners from 2026. Design work between the two companies is already under way.

Castore said the move was a step in its expansion into performance and lifestyle clothing categories. Apparel Brands, which licenses and operates a portfolio of established names, will provide design, product development and distribution.

Danny Downs, chief commercial officer of Castore, said: “Our partnership with Apparel Brands is a significant milestone as we continue to evolve our premium apparel offering for customers. Socks and underwear are fundamental layers for athletes and everyday consumers alike, and we’re confident that Apparel Brands’ expertise will help us deliver excellence in both innovation and distribution.”

Peter Wood, chief executive of Apparel Brands, added: “Castore represents the very best of British performance innovation, and we are incredibly proud to bring their brand into our portfolio. This partnership exemplifies our mission to grow and elevate iconic brands through deep collaboration, category expertise, and global scale.

“We’re excited to align with Castore’s vision and expand their legacy through world-class socks and underwear collections.”

Earlier this year, Castore acquired 100% of the shares of Belstaff on a debt-free, cash-free basis, with the financial terms of the deal undisclosed.

The move has seen INEOS, the parent company of Belstaff, make a “significant” strategic investment in Castore at a holding company level.

At the time, Castore and Belstaff said they would drive growth across premium categories, capitalising on Castore’s direct-to-consumer and online retail networks, supply chain, global retail footprint and roster of professional sports team partnerships.