The Material Review

The TMR Holiday Gift Guide Series Continues with Sunspel Creative Director David Telfer.

David Telfer is the Creative Director of UK-based Sunspel. Long revered for luxury essentials, David has helped guide the business with a shared commitment to “do things as well as possible and do the right thing”. We spoke to him about his gift buying strategy, his favorite Sunspel pieces and what makes a gift memorable.

What’s your gift buying strategy?

I see a gift as a special moment for both the recipient and the giver, and a surprise can make it even more meaningful. There's something truly delightful about receiving a present that has been thoughtfully chosen, something unique and handpicked with the person in mind. However, a gift is also an opportunity to give someone something they've been wanting for a while. I like to take an approach that blends both—choosing or if possible, handcrafting—something I know they’ll love and adding a surprise element, hoping it’s something they’ll cherish just as much. It’s all about striking the right balance between thoughtfulness and excitement.

What makes Sunspel a good brand for gifts?

Clothing can be a tricky gift to buy, as personal style plays such a significant role. To ensure your gift is both thoughtful and timeless, it's important to choose pieces that are versatile, tasteful, and easy to integrate into the recipient's existing wardrobe. At Sunspel, this is exactly what we strive for, offering garments that are not only designed to be stylish and enduring but also crafted from the highest quality materials. This guarantees that any piece you choose will remain a cherished, lasting addition to their wardrobe.

What’s the ultimate gift splurge in the Sunspel collection?

For me, it has to be our Scottish Cashmere. The Grade A 15.5-micron cashmere is spun by one of the oldest mills in the world and then expertly knitted in Hawick, in the heart of Scotland’s Borders. This is truly a luxurious gift. It’s so soft that you instantly feel it’s something special as soon as you touch it. We offer two different weights of cashmere, and the extra heavyweight Roxburgh Jumper is definitely the one to choose if you want to give a gift that’s truly exceptional.

And what’s the most utilitarian thing?

The most utilitarian gifts at Sunspel have to be either our classic T-shirts or our boxer shorts. Our T-shirts have been perfected in our English factory for over 100 years, combining unparalleled quality, care, and craftsmanship. The versatility of the piece makes it an investment in both comfort and style, ideal for everyday wear and timeless in its design. Our boxer shorts are also crafted to the highest standards, offering both luxury and practicality. With their soft, breathable fabric and comfortable fit, they’re an essential in anyone’s wardrobe. Plus, they come in festive prints, making them a fun and thoughtful gift, especially around Christmas. Both are perfect examples of how utilitarian pieces can also be stylish and special.

What’s a memorable gift you have given or received?

I do love giving gifts, but I’m more about the thought that counts than necessarily the most luxurious gift. One of my favourite memories was when I made my children bass guitars one year, shaping them based on a design they had drawn. Bringing their drawing to life and seeing their surprise and delight was incredibly special.

I also really enjoy putting together a stocking for my wife every year. There’s something about the magic of Christmas morning that takes me back to that excitement I felt as a child. Recreating that joy through a carefully curated stocking is a tradition I look forward to—it’s a small gesture, but it always feels so meaningful. For me, it’s about the personal touch and the memories created through the gifts, rather than the grandeur.