Savile Row’s bespoke suit sales have reached an unprecedented high since the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Demand is driven by a return to office environments and formal social events.
- Bespoke tailor Richard Anderson reports a 12% increase in orders from the previous year.
- Traditional and modern dressing styles coexist, with suits paired diversely.
- Skilled craftsmanship challenges arise due to increased demand.
Sales of bespoke suits on Savile Row have soared to levels not seen since before the Covid-19 pandemic. An increase in office workers returning to traditional workplaces and a resurgence of formal social gatherings have notably contributed to this surge. Tailors on the renowned London street have observed a marked growth in demand for their intricate, custom-fit garments.
Richard Anderson, a renowned independent tailor situated at 13 Savile Row, revealed a 12% rise in bespoke suit orders compared to the prior year. This spike in demand correlates with professionals reinstating their presence in office environments and investing in tailored work attire. Anderson’s sales figures underscore this trend, with bespoke suit transactions exceeding £1.5m in the previous year, and 2024 exhibiting even more promising numbers.
In detail, sales at Anderson’s establishment in September showed 216 bespoke suits sold, up from 202 in 2023. Women’s suits experienced an increase from 19 to 28, and made-to-measure suits climbed from 55 to 63. Anderson notes significant growth in all suit categories, attributing this to a renewed interest as more people engage in public and social life post-lockdown. He remarks that, ‘Ready-to-wear dinner suit sales are unbelievable,’ indicating a keen demand for evening attire as social events return in full force.
Current trends show alterations in how suits are worn, reflecting both traditional values and modern styles. Anderson points out the increasing popularity of cotton and linen suits for office attire and mentions a trend towards informality, with business suits often paired with T-shirts or without ties. Heavy fabrics, however, remain popular among certain clientele, particularly American customers from colder climates, appreciating their durability and timeless appeal.
At Huntsman & Sons, another prestigious Savile Row tailor located at 11 Savile Row, bespoke suits constitute 84% of their total turnover. They reported a 35% rise in revenue from bespoke suits compared to 2019 data. Ready-to-wear sales also saw a boost of 25%. Managing Director Taj Phull highlighted that their bespoke suit business had already matched 2023 sales within the first nine months of 2024. Phull also noted a significant uptick in tie sales, a complementary accessory to formal wear, with expectations to surpass previous years by the year’s end. He acknowledged that while formal suits remain a staple, variations like Seersucker fabric have gained popularity as well.
Anda Rowland of Anderson & Sheppard, positioned just off Savile Row at 32 Old Burlington Street, has witnessed a diverse clientele with varying suit purchasing behaviours. Rowland observes that pricing predominantly stays around £6,500 for a bespoke two-piece suit, although higher costs can result from luxury materials such as cashmere or vicuna. She expressed concerns regarding the availability of skilled craftspeople, a challenge compounded by heightened demand for bespoke tailoring. Phull from Huntsman echoes this concern, noting their ongoing efforts to train apprentices to maintain future growth, essential to meeting the bespoke garment industry’s demands.
The rise in bespoke suit sales on Savile Row highlights a return to formality and underscores challenges in meeting craftsmanship demands amidst growing interest.
