The ultimate guide to Savile Row

by Charlie Thomas
The Gentleman's Journal

There is no street in the world that boasts such a rich sartorial heritage as Savile Row, where some of the best British brands reside. Built between 1731 and 1735, it today houses no less than 21 individual tailors, some of which have been there well over a century. The street is renowned as the birthplace of bespoke tailoring, and as a result people flock there to experience a service like no other.

The know-how and expertise of the craftsmen in Savile Row is unprecedented, and this has been recognised by countless icons over the years, including Sir Winston Churchill, Lord Nelson and Prince Philip who were regulars.

It’s the individual tailors that should be celebrated though. Each and every one of them are different, with some rooted in the oldest of traditions and others part of the ‘New Establishment’. All of them offer the finest in bespoke tailoring though so if you want to invest in a one-of-a-kind suit, this is the place to come. Here are some of the tailors on Savile Row that should be on your radar.


Gieves & Hawkes 

One of the oldest bespoke tailoring brands in the world, Gieves & Hawkes boast an unrivalled reputation among those in the know. The boast a number of Royal Warrants, and have done so since 1809, although they had been supplying clothing to the British military for a few decades before that.
Hardy Amies
They have been based out of the iconic No. 1 Savile Row since 1912, and have had some very famous customers over the years including the Duke of Cambridge, Sir Charlie Chaplin and Sean Connery.

For more information on Gieves & Hawkes, here.


Hardy Amies

Firmly rooted in the ethos of their eponymous founder, Hardy Amies is a forward-thinking tailoring house, who have recently opened a new home at No. 8 Savile Row. Taking a slightly different path to the rest of ‘The Row’, Hardy Amies embrace the idea of the ‘modern gentlemen’, and offer the usual bespoke service alongside ready-to-wear collections and, for the first time, a selection of curated goods.

Furthering their status as a contemporary tailoring maison is their new ‘Signature Bespoke’ offering, which falls in between bespoke and ready-to-wear.

For more information on Hardy Amies, click here.


Henry Poole & Co

One for the purists, Henry Poole & Co was, according to some, the first tailor on Savile Row. Setting up shop in 1846, the famed tailor had held an impressive 40 Royal Warrants over the years.

Sir Winston Churchill was a big customer of Henry Poole & Co, and they have received Warrants from both Napoleon and HM Queen Elizabeth II.

For more information on Henry Poole & Co, click here.



Richard James

The leader of the ‘New Establishment’, Richard James was a welcome breath of fresh air when they opened up in 1992. Offering ‘modern classic’ suiting, Richard James’ house style favours a two-button single-breasted suit with higher armholes for a distinctive silhouette.

Many of today’s best-dressed celebrities are regulars at Richard James, including Sir Tom Jones, David Gandy, Tinie Tempah and Hugh Grant.

For more information on Richard James, click here.



Huntsman 

With over 160 years in the business, Huntsman boast one of the finest histories of all Savile Row brands. Since their inception in 1849 they focussed on bespoke tailoring, yet ready-to-wear was introduced in the 1980s, pushing the house forward in more ways than one.

Their elite list of clients over the years includes King Edward VII, Gregory Peck, Douglas Fairbanks Jnr, Ian Fleming and Gianni Agnelli.

For more information on Huntsman, click here.



Richard Anderson 

One of the newest members of Savile Row, Richard Anderson was only established in 2001, but this hasn’t hindered them one bit. With natural shoulders, high armholes and tapered sleeves, their suits are undeniably modern and we love them all the more for it.

With an impressive client list including Bryan Ferry, Simon Cowell and Benicio del Toro, Richard Anderson are making waves across the sartorial world.

For more information on Richard Anderson’s, click here.



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