About Us
For more than 240 years, AW Hainsworth has been the name associated with woollen fabrics of exceptional quality. Production continues today at our West Yorkshire mill as it has since 1783.
Here, we bring together traditional craftsmanship,
technical innovation and new product development to meet the changing needs of our customers worldwide. We serve highly diverse markets from haute couture to protective clothing, from cue sports to airline interiors. Yet throughout, our pride in our craft and our shared passion for quality are the threads that run through everything we do.
Looking to the future, respecting our past
In 1783, Abimelech Hainsworth started his clothiers business in Farsley, West Yorkshire, buying cloth from cottage weavers in the area. By 1800, he had saved up enough money to start his own cloth production, and gradually employed a number of handloom weavers.
Since then, many of the famous images that have been used across the world to celebrate Great Britain are made unforgettable through the use of Hainsworth cloth. At the same time, we continue to innovate and bring new products to our markets, driving the industry forwards with an appreciation for the amazing heritage we have.
A bit more about who we are…
Long standing partnerships
Investing in and maintaining strong partnerships is a cornerstone of our success, and the reason why we have worked with many of our customers for decades. The ever-changing needs of our diverse customer base drive our commitment to maintaining the AW Hainsworth name
as the benchmark in all textile manufacturing.
We do this across all our brands, from a shoe collaboration with Clarks Originals, to a protective cloth for jackets worn by the London Fire Brigade. From the scarlet tunic cloth of the Royal Guards, to the technical felt in a Steinway piano key. It’s more than a roll of fabric, it’s a long-standing partnership and a joint commitment to excellence.
A Royal connection
In 2004 we were granted a Royal Warrant for providing furnishing fabrics to Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II, and have maintained it ever since.
This isn’t the end of our connection to the Royal Family, and our cloth has appeared at many state, royal and ceremonial events. This includes Princes William and Harry wearing Hainsworth cloth at the Royal Wedding, and the scarlet tunics of the Royal Guards that are recognisable around the world.
We were honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales to the mill last year.
A history of constant innovation
Quality without compromise is one of our core values, and over the last 241 years we have developed a deep understanding of the technical world of woven textiles and how the placement of fibres can be maximised to provide the best product for each scenario.
By staying close to our suppliers, customers and the end-users in each market, our research drives product innovation and the future technology of textile specification and application. This, combined with our UKAS accredited testing laboratory, gives Hainsworth its unique competitive edge.
Rethink
Rethink
As mindful manufacturers, we only source wool from farms which we have a long-term relationship with, that practice responsible land management and have respect for animal welfare. We are proud to be one of the first British mills to be awarded the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS).
Refuse
Refuse
We are constantly reviewing the packaging we send out and receive from suppliers, and refuse to use non-recyclable or biodegradable packaging unless no alternative is available.
Reduce
Reduce
We constantly monitor and review our processes to reduce the energy, emissions and effluent produced at the mill. By fitting water recirculation units to our milling machines, we have saved over 1 million litres of water a year.
Reuse
Reuse
We wind our yarns onto reusable plastic cones instead of disposable ones, which we then enter back into the production process after use.
Recycle
Recycle
We proudly achieved Zero to Landfill in 2023, after investing in balers, educating our workforce, and sourcing new waste management partners.
Repair
Repair
We have started work on building an Engineering Facility which will be completed in 2024. The facility will allow our Engineering team to more efficiently fix machine breakdowns in-house, enhancing their skills and preventing the need to ship parts across the world.
Latest News
Awards & Recognition – 16th June 2025
Celebrating the Next Generation at the Leeds Manufacturing Festival Next Gen Awards
Appointments – 22nd May 2025
Welcome to the Team, Andy
Sustainability – 12th May 2025
AW Hainsworth Releases Sustainability Report For 2024
Appointments – 19th February 2025