While we absolutely admire the brands progressing and evolving the shape of men’s fashion, it’s the old establishments that we have the up most respect for. Besides their old age, these establishments, or rather institutions, are recognized by their mastery and dedication. For these establishments, some of which devote themselves in one particular craft, quality comes innately or rather naturally. Although we believe in the quality of all the products we purchase, there’s absolutely nothing more so than a man’s suit. Many might settle with an off-the-rack or upgrade to a made-to-measure suit (not to be confused with bespoke), but you simply can’t compare to a hand-made bespoke suit.

Bespoke clothing is created without the use of a pre-existing pattern meaning everything is made from scratch and can be shaped towards your liking. From choosing the fabric to the type of buttons for your suit, the process can be long and rigorous as tailors require numerous measurements and multiple fittings. Although measurements and choosing the subtle details of your suit might take a day or so, the finished product won’t be ready until several weeks later. As always, all good things come to he who waits. The quality, impeccable. The fitting, close to having second skin. With an estimated 40-100 hours of work and production being very limited (depending on the company), expect to pay a considerable amount of money. But keep in mind, you’re not buying from Men’s Warehouse. So don’t expect the same product. You’re purchasing from age-old establishments which have been doing tailoring for longer than you’ve probably been born. Trust us, it’s worth it.

When people think Bespoke, London’s Savile Row should come to mind . Starting as early as the 19th century, the street in Mayfair, Central London, is renowned for its men’s bespoke tailoring. Not much has changed on the Row as many of their earliest tenants are still operating till this day. Henry Poole, Norton & Sons, Gieves & Hawkes. For centuries, they’ve been doing the same profession and perfecting their trade. And while others such as Charvet (creates Bespoke shirts) in Paris in addition to Caraceni and Gianni Campagna in Milan have followed suit, bespoke seems to be an out of date practice. People lean towards brands and logos compared to tradition-rooted, lesser known establishments like these. Some might argue they are a dying breed but we definitely see them as the real revolutionaries.

The following are bespoke clothing establishments recommended by Speakeasy:

London

Gieves & Hawkes
1 Savile Row
T: +44-207-434-2001
www.gievesandhawkes.com

The company formed from two separate businesses: Gieves, founded in 1785 and Hawkes, founded in 1771. Today, Gieves & Hawkes are one of the premier bespoke tailors in the world and a staple on Savile Row. They provide bespoke tailoring for suits as well as casual clothing such as t-shirts. Famed designer Alexander McQueen once worked at the historic establishment.

Kilgour
8 Savile Row
T: +44-207-734-6905
www.kilgour.eu

Fred Astaire, Cary Grant and Rex Harrison. Just some of the famous clients who were customers of this 50 year old establishment. Located on Savile Row, their store has a great modern look comparing elements from the early/mid 20th century. However, Kilgour remains strong and maintaining their tradition to bespoke suits.

Ozwald Boateng
12 Savile Row
T: +44-207-437-0620
www.ozwaldboateng.co.uk

The former IT/businessmen-turned-fashion designer started in 1990 and is known to reintroduced bespoke suits and Savile Row tailoring to a new age group. Although retaining traditional tailoring, he had developed his own style and look. Boateng’s client include a A-list of American stars, most notably Mick Jagger, Jamie Foxx and Keanu Reeves.

Paris

Charvet
28 pl Vendôme, 1er arrondissement
Tel: +44-014-260-3070

Charvet is known to be one of the oldest and best known stores in Paris. Renowned for making high quality traditional bespoke shirts, Charvet is the place to go and a perfect complement for your suit. They also supply a vast collection of silk ties in various colours and patterns.

Eglé Bespoke
26 rue du Mont Thabor, 1er arrondissement
Tel: +33-014-415-9831
www.eglebespoke.com

Rooted in tradition and not afraid of the new, Eglé Bespoke opened recently in by Philippe Le Bian and Régis Decour. Their fathers were into bespoke but the two businessmen are looking to bring bespoke into the 21st century. They are well known for their perfectly fitted shirts.

Milan

Caraceni
Via Palestro 24 (Ang. C.So Venzia)
Tel: +39-265-519-72
www.caraceni.it

While there are many businesses claiming to be the original “Caraceni”, the accurate claim A. Caraceni, run by Mario Caraceni is the finest. Previous clients include Humphrey Bogart, Gary Cooper and Prince Rainier of Monaco. Their suits are “bench bespoke” made, meaning they are produced one at a time.

Gianni Campagna
Via Palestro, 24- Corso Venezia, 53A
Tel: +39-027-788-11
www.campagna.it

After earning the Italy’s Golden Needle award and the Golden Scissors award in his early 20s, he was well on course tailoring suits for King Juan Carlos, Jack Nicholson, among others. Although he would later buy the Caraceni company in 1999, he still personally produces several custom bespoke suits each year under his own name.

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Top Image From Kilgour website