Despite what you may think you know about Transport for London (TfL)—grimy tube carriages, malfunctioning Oyster cards, and the monotonous “see it, say it, sorted” message—there’s a stylish secret lurking beneath the surface. Most Londoners and commuters are unaware that TfL has its own streetwear line, but it’s time to introduce London Underground Studio.
The terms ‘street style’ and ‘London Underground’ never seemed to belong in the same sentence—until now. A recent TikTok video from @jaymfs, posted earlier this month, revealed a pop-up shop in South Korea, showcasing TfL-inspired apparel under the name London Underground Studio.
What makes the clothing collection even more surprising is how fashionable it is. The pop-up shop featured a selection of items including distressed leather bomber jackets, knitted sweaters, and caps with subtle logo placements. One TikTok user asked, “Does London Underground know about this?” and, it turns out, the answer is yes.
“TfL having a whole secret clothing line in South Korea while raising tube prices in London is wild,” said @jaymfs. We agree. But how did London Underground Studio come to be? And, more puzzlingly, why is it based in South Korea?
London Underground Studio, also known simply as London Underground, is a streetwear brand inspired by London’s iconic transport system. The brand was introduced in 2023 as part of TfL’s 160th anniversary celebrations. According to the brand’s official website, “London Underground is the streetwear brand inspired by the London Underground, the world’s first underground subway with a 160-year history. Our brand motto is ‘Unexpected Heritage,’ combining past heritage with present trends in a fresh new perspective.”
The collection includes loose-fit short-sleeve shirts featuring bold brand artwork, jacquard knits referencing the Underground’s 1863 opening, and textured knit cardigans. Accessories such as graphic ball caps, beanies, bags, and mufflers are also part of the range.
So why has the label remained relatively unknown until now? The answer lies in its location. London Underground Studio was created in collaboration with South Korean fashion brand Handsome, which is part of the Hyundai Department Store Group.
This isn’t the first time South Korea has shown its love for British culture. A viral TikTok video from December, around the release of Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, featured a store with shelves full of Gromit-themed bag charms. You can also find modified Underground signs in Seoul’s trendy Hongdae neighborhood.
“We are delighted to launch this fashion collection with Handsome,” said Ellen Sankey, TfL’s brand licensing manager, when the line debuted in 2023. “London Underground celebrates its 160th birthday this year, and its iconic designs are just as much a part of the history as the transport itself.”
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