A man in a well-fitted suit is everything. He walks and talks differently, and moves with the kind of confidence only the Brad Pitts and George Clooneys of the world are afforded. Typically, behind every well-dressed, sophisticated gentleman, is a renowned clothier. In London, there is no shortage of celebrated tailors clothing everyone from celebs to royalty. Below, we feature seven handpicked influential, storied and inconic clothiers in the city to help you during your next suit-shopping trip.
Huntsman
Known for having Savile Row’s most expensive starting price for a two piece suit, Huntsman has been dressing royalty and the world’s elite since 1849. The house’s signature features include a riding coat-based silhouette and firm shoulders. One of its most unique touches, though, is its door-to-door delivery service offered to many of its guests.
Location: 11 Savile Row, London W1S 3PS
Cost: Fully bespoke suits begin at around £4,400
Famous Clients: Douglas Fairbanks Jr, Bing Crosby, Dirk Bogarde, Gregory Peck, Charlie Watts, Rex Harrison
Kilgour
Starting off as an independent operation in 1882, Kilgour merged with A.H. Kilgour to form Kilgour & French in 1923. In 2003, the firm once again became Kilgour under the stewardship of Brandelli, who awakened the house with his contemporary designs and modern spirit. Today, it is one of the row’s most innovated clothiers. It is most known for its emphasis on shoulders and for possibly being the birthplace of the classic grey flannel suit.
Location: 8 Savile Row, London W1S 3PE
Cost: From £3,750 for a two-piece suit
Famous Clients: Rex Harrison, Cary Grant, Fred Astaire, James Purefoy, Jude Law, Daniel Craig, Karl Lagerfeld
Gieves & Hawkes
Going back close to 250 years since they formed their partnership in 1771, Gieves & Hawkes have long been a favorite of royalty, the aristocracy and the military’s most exalted officers. They were also the first Savile Row tailor to offer ready-to-wear clothes. Their meticulous work and designs have earned them the reputation of being “the tailor of tailors.”
Location: 1 Savile Row, London W1S 3JR
Cost: From £3,800 for a two-piece suit
Famous Clients: Prince William, King George III, The Duke of Edinburgh, Colin Firth, Robbie Williams, David Niven, Michael Jackson
Henry Poole & Co
When your past clients include the likes of Charles Dickens, Winston Churchill and Emperor Napoleon III, it’s clear that you’re obviously doing something right. Often called the “Founders of Savile Row,” Henry Poole & Co was established in 1869 by James Poole. And, after making Liveries for HM Queen Victoria (which they still produce today), the house received a Royal Warrant. Its showrooms boast over 6,000 cloth swatches including worsted cashmere, rich flannels, pure cashmere, and fine tweeds from the Islands and Scottish Borders.
Location: 15 Savile Row, London W1S 3PJ
Cost: Tailored suits begin at £3,000
Famous Clients: The Emperor Napoleon III, HM Queen Elizabeth II, David Gandy, King Alfonso of Spain
Anderson & Sheppard
Anderson & Sheppard swear by two rules: A suit shouldn’t wear the man, the man should wear the suit; and as soon as a man is overdressed, he is badly dressed. The bespoke tailors have been dressing the world’s most distinguished men since 1906. Trained by Frederick Scholte from the start, the fluid style of Per Anderson became the house’s distinguishing feature. First time clients are required to visit three times and a finished suit usually takes from eight to 12 weeks depending on the time of year. Tom Ford once told Le Figaro, “In my opinion, Anderson & Sheppard is the best tailor in the world.”
Location: 32 Old Burlington Street, London WIS 3AT
Cost: £3000
Famous Clients: Gary Cooper, Cary Grant, Fred Astaire, Charlie Chaplin, Douglas Fairbanks Jr, Laurence Olivier, Alec Guinness, H.R.H. the Prince of Wales
Norton & Sons
Producing less than 350 suits a year, Norton & Sons’ designs are extremely exclusive. Established in 1821, they are remain a favorite of royal households including the U.K., Denmark, Italy, Belgium, Prussia, Austria and Spain. Norton & Sons is also well-regarded among younger gentlemen and is known for its lightweight clothing and sporting garments. In the hands of eleven craftsmen, a single suit will take weeks to complete with workers totaling close to 60 hours per client.
Location: 16 Savile Row, London W1X 1AE
Cost: From £3,560 for a two-piece bespoke suit
Famous Clients: King Edward VII, Winston Churchill, Wilfred Thesiger, Former President George Bush
Astor & Black
Founded in 2005 by David Schottenstein, Astor & Black is one of the newest clothiers on the block. Astor & Black uses a 28-Point Fit Profile and fitting process to give its clients the absolute perfect fit. To do so, a professional tailor will meet you at your home or office to take your measurements and address your desires for your suit. They carry the latest seasonal collections from mills around the world including Loro Piana, Zegna, Dormeuil and Scabal. The luxury clothier also partnered with Bentley Motors in 2010, so when you purchase a Bentley, you’ll receive a complimentary custom as well.
Location: 464 East Main Street Suite 100, Columbus, OH
Cost: Prices begin at around £773 for suits
Famous Clients: Ochocinco, Greg Oden, Josh Cribbs, Jonas Brothers, Jermaine O’Neal, Tyreke Evans, Jed York Larry Ellison (Founder of Oracle)
