Huntsman Savile Row: Tradition weaved with innovation
Bespoke tailors Huntsman have been at the forefront of Savile Row for over 160 years. Founded in 1849 by Henry Huntsman, they’ve made suits for royals, aristocrats, film stars, musicians, politicians, businessmen – everyone from Sir Laurence Olivier to The Prince of Wales to Rolling Stone Charlie Watts. Even on London’s world-famous tailoring street, their heritage is one that few can match.
What are Huntsman known for?
As well as their storied background, Huntsman are famous for their innovative approaches to tailoring, which set them apart from most other Savile Row tailors. They make their own tweeds, for one, woven on the Isle of Islay in the Inner Hebrides, Scotland, site of the oldest working mill in Britain. They also invented the one-button suit in the 1940s, now a staple of design houses all over the world.
What’s their Savile Row store like?
Walk into the Huntsman store in London and you’ll see their famous stag heads on display, left there in 1921 by a customer who mysteriously went out for lunch and never came back. The store’s basement is also noteworthy, as it’s where they hand-make each and every one of their suits – you can actually see them in action from the street. Nice to know that in an age where more and more tailors are making their suits elsewhere to keep down costs, Huntsman still do it at home in Britain.
Should you invest in a Huntsman suit?
If you have the wallet for it, absolutely. Every Huntsman suit is expertly crafted and meant to last a lifetime, making it a proper investment. Their jackets also have their own, unique style, recognised and appreciated by suit aficionados everywhere. Of course, ‘bespoke’ means you can go for any style you like, but we recommend listening to their tailors if you decide to make a visit. After 160 years, they know a thing or two.
Find Huntsman suits at 11 Savile Row, London W1S 3PS, or visit huntsmansavilerow.com.
Read our interview with Huntsman head cutter and creative director, Campbell Carey.
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