You’ve heard of it, but do you know the origins of Savile Row?
Epicenter of British tailoring tradition
You don’t have to be a dandy to have heard of Savile Row. Renowned the world over as the epicenter of men’s tailoring and bespoke suits, Savile Row is a street in Mayfair, London. The street originated as a residential district, home to military officers and their families. In the late 18th century, tailors started to open shops in Savile and neighboring streets.
Bespoke tailoring is synonymous with Savile Row and in fact the term ‘bespoke’ is thought to have originated there. Tailors who are members of the Savile Row Bespoke Association are required to put in 50 hours of hand labor into each two piece suit they create.
Savile Row has been the epicenter of important evolutions in men’s bespoke suits including surgeon’s cuffs, the design of the dinner jacket (which later evolved into the tuxedo) and the style now known as the London Cut.
Over time, the influence and pull of Savile Row has waned as the styles of classic British tailoring fell out of fashion. A revival of interest in the British sensibility however has occurred in recent years, especially with as a growing class of modern celebrities, including rap stars, singers and actors, known for their dedication to all things sartorial renews interest in dressing like a gentleman.
Add a bit of British sartorial swag to your wardrobe with our Classic Stone Prince of Wales suit. A bespoke advisor can help you nail all the details so you will look like you just stepped off Saville Row.