As any well-dressed man can tell you, there is nothing quite as elegant as a hand-tailored suit. For those not familiar with it, the term “bespoke tailor” has an interesting history. The phrase dates back to the 17th century when tailors had bolts of fabric in their shops. When the customer chose his material, the fabric was spoken for, hence the term “bespoke.” This material was then transformed into a garment tailored to the customer’s individual measurements, just as a bespoke tailor will do today.
1. Gieves & Hawkes
1 Savile Row, London
Since the late 18th century, many of the UK’s most famous historical figures, from George III to Admiral Lord Nelson, have been fitted by the tailors at No. 1 Savile Row. gievesandhawkes.com
2. William Fioravanti
45 West 57th St., New York
Declared the “best of the best” by many, William Fioravanti hails from a long line of great Neapolitan tailors and was awarded the Golden Scissors by the Academy of Master Tailors in Italy. He serves as the President of the Custom Tailors and Designers Association of America. williamfioravanti.com
3. Caraceni
Via Fatebenefratelli, Milan
Clients of the original Caraceni included the kings of Hollywood (Humphrey Bogart, Gary Cooper, and Cary Grant, to name a few) along with actual kings and royalty, such as the Kings of Greece and Italy, the Prince of Wales, Prince Rainier of Monaco, and Aristotle Onassis. a-caraceni.it
4. Raja Fashions
Cameron Road, Hong Kong
Hong Kong has a global reputation for quality bespoke tailoring and at the top of the line is Raja Fashions. raja-fashions.com
5. Richard James
29 Savile Row, London
The first of the ‘New Establishment’ tailors on Savile Row, Richard James has quickly established a reputation as a leading luxury brand that has set the standard for contemporary tailoring and menswear. richardjames.co.uk
6. J.H. Cutler
6/12-14 O’Connell Street, Sydney
For over 125 years, J.H. Cutler has served society’s elite in Australia; including many of the country’s Prime Ministers, governors and entertainers. cutlerbespoke.com.au
7. Cifonelli
31 Rue Marbeuf, Paris
The legendary Lorenzo Cifonelli studio breathes life into the bespoke craft in France and is universally praised for its distinctive styling. cifonelli.com
8. LS Men’s Clothing
49 West 45th Street, New York
LS Men’s clothing counts Nobel prize laureates and leaders of nations among its distiguished clientele. lsmensclothing.com
9. Bhambi’s Custom Tailors
14 E. 60th St., Suite 610 New York
Balancing elegance, style and quality in the best British and Italian tradition, Bhambi’s tailors have been crafting one-of-a-kind suits since 1968. bhambis.com
10. Gian DeCaro Sartoria Tailors & Shirtmakers
2025 First Ave., Suite D, Seattle
Descended from Italian tailors, Seattle’s Gian DeCaro is one of the new breed of bespoke tailor/designers whose fashion savvy makes fashion waves far beyond the Pacific Northwest. giandecaro.com
