I bought my first pair of Derek Rose pajamas while interning for a men’s fashion magazine in 2012. I had overheard the guys on the style desk talking about them and thought it was the kind of sartorial purchase one should make if they were to become a proper fashion writer.
It was my first foray into the luxury nightwear market and it’s fair to say I’ve never looked back since. Sure, they cost considerably more than the novelty ones I had worn up until that eureka moment, but by God could you tell the difference.
Makers of functionally-designed products that’ll take you from your sofa to the city, Derek Rose is a leader in crafting everyday essentials. From pajamas to polo shirts, the brand offers a plethora of purpose-built pieces made to keep men, and women, comfortably stylish.
Keep reading as I uncover the brilliant basics that’ll elevate your duvet days and strengthen your staples for many seasons, and years, to come.
About Derek Rose
A specialist in day-to-day wardrobe essentials, Derek Rose crafts clothing that is smart, sophisticated, and, above all, adaptable. From crew neck tees and linen shirts to hoodies and sweaters, each functional yet stylish piece can work just as well for casual daywear as it will for days on the couch. They also offer exceptional nightwear to ensure even your dreams are well-dressed.
Family-run for almost 100 years, the Rose family’s journey into the design and manufacturing of men’s clothing began in 1926 with Jack Lewis Rose. His dedication laid the foundation for what would become a legacy of excellence in menswear. In 1975, Derek Rose took the helm, transforming the company into Derek Rose Ltd, the brand that is known and loved today.
With four standalone stores in some of London’s most prestigious neighborhoods—Hampstead, Notting Hill, Knightsbridge, and Marylebone—Derek Rose has cemented its status as a standout name in luxury clothing. Beyond the UK, its products are available in department stores and independent boutiques worldwide.
Key Takeaways
Comfort shouldn’t be confined to the house, and it doesn’t have to be thanks to Derek Rose. Whether you’re taking a leisurely weekend stroll or grabbing coffee with a friend, its popular pieces perfectly blend form with function.
In this article I’ll be highlighting my favorite designs, from the micro modal T-shirt to a merino wool hoodie that feels so good you won’t want to take it off.
Our Favorites
The off-duty charm of a bathrobe has always appealed to me, and my love affair only intensified during lockdown when I refused to wear anything else. I mean, why would you not take advantage of being able to walk around the house in what’s essentially a soft blanket?
Had this Derek Rose version been available at the time, I don’t think I would have ever returned to work. Boasting a soft velour finish and a classic shawl collar, it’s designed to maximize absorption of water and dry quickly, making it the ultimate post-shower choice.
An ever-reliable foundational piece, the white T-shirt is one of those timeless garments that will always have a place in your wardrobe. Which is why it pays to invest in a great one, or three.
Made from a soft, breathable micro modal fabric that’s also eco-friendly, this classic option is thermo-regulating, cleverly helping you to keep warm or stay cool depending on your temperature. Use it as a base layer during the winter, pair it with lounge shorts at home, or rock it solo with linen pants on vacation.
Unless you want to be left red-faced and sweating buckets this summer, a few tweaks to your wardrobe are entirely necessary—starting with getting comfortable with linen. More specifically, a linen shirt.
A must-have for balmy beach days and stuffy offices, this one promises to keep you cool and comfortable while everyone else gathers underneath the air con unit. It’s made from an airy Italian fabric that has a wonderful two-tone melange effect that’ll blend it beautifully with the backdrop of the Mediterranean. There’s even a sunglasses loop that’ll hold your favorite frames.
The average person spends around one-third of their life sleeping. And nearly a third of waking hours are spent watching TV or streaming. So, while those figures should probably be a bit of a wake-up call (pun intended), doesn’t it at least make sense to dress for the occasion?
My current pajamas of choice are this pair from Derek Rose. Made from the same thermo-regulating fabric as the brand’s crew neck tee, they’re seriously soft and almost smart enough to wear to dinner (although I suggest sticking with breakfast). The standout feature is the self-seeking magnetic fly closure, which allows easy opening and hassle-free closure of the fly—a godsend for those 3am toilet trips.
From budgie smugglers to board shorts, swimwear comes in many variations. But, if you ask me, nothing beats a slim-fitting, mid-thigh pair in an eye-catching pattern. They’re flattering, smart, and ensure you always make a stylish splash.
Quick-drying with a hydrophobic finish (basically they won’t weigh you down), Derek Rose’s pair are covered in a standout geometric-print that was inspired by the Labyrinth in the Greek myth of Theseus and the Minotaur. Suitable for the beach or the bar, they’re complete with an elasticated drawstring waistband and seamless inner mesh lining for unmatched comfort.
Invented in the mid-1920s, the polo shirt is the quintessential everyday staple. Smart but not too stuffy, it can be dressed up or down, and will take you from city breaks and beach bars to office days and weekends at home.
This take is seriously impressive. Not only silky smooth, the fabric, which comes from the seed of the Gossypium Barbadense plant, is considered the strongest naturally grown cotton in the world; meaning it’ll resist wear and look just as good in 10 years times as it does when it first arrives. You can wear it with chinos and sneakers, but it’ll look the part with just about anything.
Part of the joy of getting home after a hard day’s graft is looking forward to putting on something more comfortable. So be warned: you’ll be traveling back at record speed to slip yourself into these lounge pants.
Ultra-soft, they’re made from a breathable and naturally antibacterial micromodal fabric that washes well and never pills, no matter how long your backside stays on the couch. The perfectly sized pockets will keep your phone and essentials close, while the elasticated drawstring waist helps you achieve the perfect fit.
Few garments can transition from the sofa to the street better than the humble sweatshirt. And none are more iconic than the gray crew neck—unapologetically simple, versatile, and forever in favor.
This better-than-basic version is made from a blend of cotton and micro modal that’s durable, thermo-regulating, and oh-so soft. It’s finished with ribbed trims and features a secret zipped pocket that’s ideal for keeping your keys or wallet safe.
Your choice of underwear speaks volumes about the man under them—even if you’re the only one who knows what you’re actually wearing. Decide to stick with that baggy pair riddled with holes and your day has instantly got off to a stinker. Choose these and you’re ready to take on the world.
Crafted from a mid-weight fabric that’s breathable, soft, and slightly textured, they’re cut to a roomy fit with an elasticated waistband that can be adjusted using the classic two-button fly. The all-over geometric-print ensures they’ll always stand out in your top drawer.
Hoodies definitely deserve a place amongst the elite essentials. Casual and functional, they offer the coolest way to keep comfortable whether you’re on the morning coffee run or grabbing lunch with friends. The only trouble is, that chunky design you turn to when you’re hungover is pretty useless once the warmer weather arrives.
The solution is Derek Rose’s lighter version, made from an incredibly soft fine gauge, merino wool that’s naturally thermoregulating. Not only will it keep you warm in the winter, it’ll wick away moisture and cool you down when it’s hot. Better yet, it’s odor-resistant, so you never have to worry about kicking up a stink.
Final Verdict
In an era when designers insist on flaring in and out fashions, the world needs more brands like Derek Rose. Whether your week is full of meetings and merry get-togethers or you’re taking a much-deserved rest, its menswear must-haves will become the solid foundations of your everyday fits. Because the key to great style has always been a reliable selection of staples that aren’t dictated by seasonal fashion trends.