Fabrics made by woollen manufacturer Hainsworth, which produced the cloth for British uniforms at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, are increasingly being used by top international fashion designers.

The Pudsey-based family firm dating back to 1783 has launched a marketing campaign positioning itself as the “fabric of a nation” to capitalise on growing interest among fashion designers here and overseas.

The new campaign includes a photo shoot setting Hainsworth fabrics against London landmarks, reinforcing the mill’s connections with Britain’s capital of fashion.

Tom Hainsworth, managing director of the seventh- generation family business, said: “We are proud of our heritage and craftsmanship but also aware that to remain the fabric of a nation we must continually look to innovate.

“This is why it is so exciting to be working with some of the world’s most dynamic fashion designers, providing them with beautiful, timeless fabrics.” Hainsworth makes a range of fabrics including doeskin, melton, cavalry twill, duffle and pilot cloth.

Ahead of the 200th anniversary next year of the Battle of Waterloo, Hainsworth has launched a Waterloo Collection using colours associated with the battle – bright scarlet, gold, white and royal blue.

Fashion designer Christopher Raeburn, famous for his re-appropriation of military fabrics into menswear and whose clients include Victoria Beckham and pop star Tinie Tempah, is a Hainsworth fan.

He said: “At Christopher Raeburn we pride ourselves on quality, craft and provenance so Hainsworth has been a natural partner for us as they embody all three elements. Another key factor is local manufacturing and a Made in England label. Hainsworth has helped to elevate our products to a global market.”

Fellow fashion designer Adrien Sauvage, who draws clients from society and celebrity circles and the worlds of rock, fashion, film, sports and politics, calls Hainsworth his “favourite mill”.

London design duo Zowie Broach and Brian Kirkby, of Boudicca, have also used Hainsworth fabrics.

Hainsworth employs more than 150 at the UK’s oldest surviving vertical mill. In 2004 it was awarded a Royal Warrant and its interior fabrics are used at Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace.