Why Thousands of Over-50s Trust Chums for Everyday Style
Finding clothes that actually fit well, feel comfortable, and don’t cost a fortune – that’s the dream, isn’t it? If you’ve spent years bouncing between high-street shops that seem to forget anyone over 40 exists, you’re not alone. The good news is there’s a retailer that’s been quietly solving this problem since 1981.
Chums is a family-run British company based in Liverpool that specialises in clothing, footwear, homeware, and lifestyle products designed specifically for mature men and women. With over four decades of experience and more than a million satisfied customers, they’ve built a reputation that speaks for itself.
The Problem With Shopping for Comfort and Style
Here’s the thing – most mainstream retailers have shifted their focus almost entirely towards younger demographics. Walk into any high-street chain and you’ll find plenty of skinny jeans and crop tops, but try finding a pair of comfortable elasticated-waist trousers in your size? Good luck with that.
It’s not just about sizes, either. The fabrics have changed. The cuts have changed. Everything seems designed for people who don’t mind sacrificing comfort for trends. And ordering online can be even worse – you never quite know what you’re going to get, and returning items feels like a part-time job.
What makes it particularly frustrating is that the over-50s market has genuine spending power. We know what we want: quality materials, practical designs, proper fits, and fair prices. Is that really too much to ask? Well, Chums has been answering that question with a resounding “no” for over 40 years.
What Makes Chums Different From the Rest
Founded by Graham Rubin in 1981, Chums started as a trouser specialist – and honestly, that origin story tells you everything about their approach. They didn’t try to be everything to everyone. They found a gap in the market, filled it brilliantly, and then gradually expanded into a full lifestyle brand.
Today, the company is still family-run (Graham’s sons Adam and Josh now work in the business), operates from an 80,000 square foot facility in Liverpool, and employs around 200 staff. That family ethos runs through everything they do, from product selection to customer service.
A Closer Look at What’s on Offer
Menswear That Actually Fits Properly
The men’s range covers everything from smart trousers and tailored suits to casual knitwear and leisurewear. They carry trusted brands like Farah, Pegasus, Double Two, and Champion – names that mean something when it comes to quality and durability.
One standout feature? Their trouser selection is genuinely impressive. Elasticated waistbands, high-waisted options, thermal fleece-lined styles for winter, cargo trousers for weekend walks – whatever your preference, they’ve probably got it. And in sizes you’ll actually find useful, including hard-to-find options that most retailers simply don’t stock.
The shirts and tops department is worth mentioning too. Whether you need a crisp formal shirt for a wedding or a relaxed polo for the weekend, the variety is there. Coats and jackets range from practical weatherproof options to smart tailored pieces that work for everything from dog walks to dinner out.
Ladies’ Fashion With Elegance and Ease
The women’s collection is equally thoughtful. From dresses and skirts to co-ordinates and blouses, every piece seems designed with real women in mind – not mannequins. The underwear range deserves a special mention too, with front-fastening bras and comfortable briefs that prioritise practicality without compromising on quality.
Whether you need something for a special occasion or just everyday wear, browsing the Chums ladies’ range is worth your time.
Footwear Built for Real Life
Shoes can make or break your day – quite literally. Chums stocks everything from Cushion Walk comfort shoes and wide-fit options to formal shoes, boots, and slippers. Brands like Skechers, Padders, and Dr Keller are all represented, and the wide-fit range is genuinely one of the best around.
If you’ve been struggling to find shoes that don’t pinch, rub, or leave you hobbling by lunchtime, take a look at the Chums footwear selection. You might be pleasantly surprised.
More Than Just Clothes – Home, Gifts and Mobility
What started as a trouser business has evolved into something much bigger. The homeware section features bedding from Silentnight, towels from Christy, curtains, cushions, and furniture – basically everything you need to refresh your home without leaving the sofa. Prices start surprisingly low too, with bedding from just £9.
Then there’s the gifts range, which is brilliant for those “what on earth do I buy them?” moments. Fragrances, watches, jigsaws, personalised items, garden accessories, audio equipment, and even mobile phones designed with ease of use in mind. It’s surprisingly comprehensive and saves you the hassle of trawling through dozens of different websites.
And here’s something that really sets Chums apart: their mobility section. Scooters, wheelchairs, walking sticks, bathroom aids, and support cushions are all available, many with VAT relief for qualifying customers. It’s the kind of thoughtful range that shows they genuinely understand their customer base.
How Chums Compares – At a Glance
| Feature | Chums | Typical High Street |
|---|---|---|
| Mature-focused sizing | Extensive range including hard-to-find sizes | Limited or non-existent |
| Comfort features | Elasticated waists, wide-fit shoes, Cushion Walk | Rarely prioritised |
| Trusted brands | Farah, Skechers, Silentnight, Padders | Varies widely |
| Free delivery | Yes – on orders over £60 (code 60FREE) | Often £50+ threshold |
| Free returns | Within 30 days, no questions asked | Increasingly restricted |
| Mobility products | Full range with VAT relief | Not available |
| Experience | 40+ years, family-run | Corporate-driven |
What Real Shoppers Appreciate About Chums
Across independent review platforms, customers consistently highlight a few things about Chums. The product quality tends to exceed expectations for the price point. The sizing is accurate – what you order is what you get. And for those who prefer traditional shopping, you can even request a printed catalogue to browse at your leisure.
The Feefo Gold Trusted Award they won in 2023 wasn’t just for show – it reflects genuine customer feedback about their service standards. People notice when a company actually cares, and Chums clearly does.
There’s also the newsletter sign-up that gives you 20% off your first order – which, if you’re planning to shop anyway, is a no-brainer.
Practical Details Worth Knowing
Before you place your first order, here are the essentials. Standard UK delivery is free when you spend over £60 using code 60FREE. Returns are free within 30 days – genuinely no questions asked. Payment options include card, PayPal, and even Pay in 3 for spreading the cost.
If you qualify for VAT relief on mobility and health products, the process is straightforward and handled during checkout. And if you’d rather speak to a real person, the Chums customer service team is available by phone, though do check the current number on their website for the latest information.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chums
Does Chums offer plus sizes?
Yes – Chums is well-known for stocking hard-to-find sizes across both menswear and ladieswear. Their extended size range is one of the key reasons customers keep coming back.
How long does delivery take?
Standard UK delivery typically takes 3-5 working days. Free standard delivery is available on orders over £60 using the code 60FREE at checkout.
Can I return items if they don’t fit?
Absolutely. Chums offers a free returns policy within 30 days. If something isn’t right, you can send it back without any hassle.
Is Chums a legitimate company?
Very much so. They’ve been trading since 1981, employ around 200 staff in Liverpool, and have served over a million customers. They also hold a Feefo Gold Trusted Award for customer service.
The Bottom Line – Is Chums Worth Your Time?
Look, there are plenty of online retailers out there. But very few have spent 40-plus years specifically understanding what mature shoppers actually need. Chums isn’t chasing trends or trying to appeal to teenagers on social media. They’re focused on delivering quality clothing, comfortable footwear, and practical homeware at prices that feel fair.
The combination of trusted brands, hard-to-find sizes, genuine comfort features, and a no-fuss returns policy makes them genuinely hard to beat in their niche. Add in the mobility range and homeware collection, and you’ve got a one-stop shop that actually understands its customers. The fact that it’s still family-run after all these years says something about the values behind the business.
Whether you’re refreshing your wardrobe for the new season, hunting for the perfect gift, or simply need a pair of trousers that fit properly – Chums is well worth a visit. With free delivery on orders over £60 and a 30-day free returns policy, there’s genuinely very little risk in giving them a try.
