Tin Trousers

24/06/2026

With temperatures soaring this week, we're looking at this tropical bush jacket and wondering why it isn't the daily rig all summer... ☀️😅

Thank you for bearing with us today. We took the decision to close early to look after the team when workshop temperatures became a little too tropical themselves! 🥵

We'll be back open from 0730 tomorrow morning for anyone wanting to get in before the heat builds. If the air conditioning isn't fixed first thing, we may need to close early again, so keep an eye on our social media for updates.

Now, where do we sign the petition for tropical uniform season? 🌴⚓

22/06/2026

It's safe to say summer has arrived at TTHQ... ☀️🥵

The harbour view is looking beautiful, the air conditioning is working overtime, and the team are doing their best not to melt into their sewing machines. 😅

Work is still moving through the workshop, but if we're a little slower than usual this week, please bear with us. Hand sewing gold lace, mounting medals and wrestling with wool uniforms is a very different experience when the temperature starts climbing!

Now, where did we put the ice creams...? 🍦⚓

20/06/2026

Every sleeve tells a story. ⚓

Our HMS Nelson second-hand store is packed with uniforms of different ages, fabrics and lace styles. Whether you're looking for a complete uniform or a hard-to-find item, we can usually help.

We're always looking for larger uniforms too, particularly over a 44" chest for both men and women.

Open Wednesday mornings. 😊

18/06/2026

A Wider Service Medal with a gold bar.

To earn a gold bar requires around 900 days of qualifying service - nearly two and a half years.

What makes this one even more impressive is that it's the recipient's first medal.

Quite an achievement and a reminder that some medals represent years of dedication and service.

17/06/2026

Can anyone spot a stitch? 👀⚓

These Commodore stripes were recently completed by Ellie, with every stripe and curl sewn on by hand.

The aim isn't to see the stitching. The aim is not to see it at all.

A lot of skill goes into making it look effortless. 😊

16/06/2026

Same-day service, ready to wear. ⚓🪖

This beret came into the workshop needing an alteration and badge fitted and a pair of patches attached to the shirt.

A quick turnaround was needed, so the team completed everything the very same day.

The Royal Army Medical Service traces its roots back over 125 years and is responsible for providing medical support to the British Army both at home and on operations around the world. Their motto, In Arduis Fidelis – "Faithful in Adversity" – is a fitting reflection of the vital role they play.

A small job perhaps, but another soldier ready for duty. 🪖

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