The Ultimate Guide to Savile Row: Investment Pieces, Tailoring Craft & Why It’s Still the Pinnacle of British Style

Savile Row isn’t just a street in Mayfair. It’s a symbol of craftsmanship, heritage, and timeless elegance. For over two centuries, it has been the global epicentre of bespoke tailoring—where investment pieces are not just bought, but built around your body.

This guide will walk you through what makes Savile Row special, the investment-worthy pieces to consider, which houses are leading the craft today, and how Tellar.co.uk can help you decode your perfect size across luxury and ready-to-wear tailoring.

What Is Savile Row?

Savile Row is a small street in London’s Mayfair district, world-renowned for bespoke tailoring since the late 18th century. It’s home to legendary houses like Huntsman, Henry Poole, Anderson & Sheppard, and Gieves & Hawkes.

Why Savile Row Still Matters:

Unmatched Craftsmanship – Garments are hand-cut, hand-stitched, and fully canvassed by skilled artisans.
Bespoke Fit – A suit isn’t just measured; it’s sculpted to the client’s posture, shoulder slope, and stance.
Timeless Investment – A true bespoke Savile Row suit lasts 20–30 years or more with proper care.

💼 Investment Pieces Worth Buying on Savile Row

When considering luxury wardrobe pieces that appreciate in value or provide lifelong wear, these are the essential Savile Row investments:

1. The Bespoke Two-Piece Suit

Typical Cost: £4,000–£6,000
Made with fully floating canvas, horsehair interlining, and stitched by hand over 80–120 hours.
Best brands: Huntsman (structured, military cut), Anderson & Sheppard (soft drape), Gieves & Hawkes (classic British cut)

2. Bespoke Overcoat

Typical Cost: £3,500–£5,500
Crafted from British wool, cashmere blends or camelhair.
A longline overcoat from Henry Poole or Dege & Skinner is a versatile heirloom.

3. Formal Dinner Jacket / Tuxedo

Typical Cost: £3,000–£4,500
Often cut in barathea wool with silk grosgrain facings and custom lapel shaping.
A black-tie essential from Savile Row will outlast any fast-fashion rental.

4. Morning Coat or Tailcoat

For weddings, royal functions, or formal military occasions.
Usually bespoke-only due to complex structure and fit requirements.

5. Custom Waistcoat or Gilet

Tailored pieces for layering that elevate formalwear or business casual.
Embroidered linings, contrast piping, and fitted silhouettes add long-term value.

✂️ What Makes Savile Row Tailoring So Different?

Feature	Savile Row	High-End Ready-to-Wear
Pattern Cut	Hand-drafted per client	Mass produced in set sizes
Fit Adjustments	2–3 fittings minimum	Often 1 alteration max
Materials	UK/Italian mills, full canvas	Often fused construction
Stitching	100% hand-stitched	Mostly machine
Longevity	20–30 years	3–7 years

Fit Science: Bespoke Means Built For Your Posture

Unlike even the best off-the-peg options, bespoke takes into account your shoulder angle, curvature of the spine, leg length discrepancy, and even dominant hand—resulting in garments that flow seamlessly with your movement.

🔝 Top Savile Row Houses to Know

Henry Poole & Co – The original founder of Savile Row’s reputation. Invented the dinner jacket.
Huntsman – Famed for structured military silhouettes and modern celebrity clientele.
Anderson & Sheppard – Known for softer, less-structured drape cut.
Gieves & Hawkes – Located at No.1 Savile Row; military tailoring heritage.
Dege & Skinner – Traditional house known for ceremonial garments.
Richard James – Modern tailoring meets classic craftsmanship.
Ozwald Boateng – Vibrant colours and African-influenced tailoring innovation.

How to Justify the Price: Value Per Wear

Investment	Initial Cost	Estimated Lifespan	Cost Per Wear (50 wears/year)
Bespoke Suit	£5,000	20 years	£5
Overcoat	£4,000	25 years	£3.20
Dinner Jacket	£3,500	30 events	£116—but timeless prestige

When measured this way, Savile Row pieces outperform high-end designer RTW in long-term value—both financially and in timeless aesthetic return.

🧵 How to Transition from Bespoke to Everyday Tailoring

If bespoke prices are beyond budget, start with:

Made-to-Measure from reputable brands (Suitsupply, Reiss Premium, Hackett)
Structured ready-to-wear suits with alteration credit
Tellar.co.uk for accurate sizing across luxury and high-street brands

📏 Match Your Fit to 1,500+ Brands with Tellar.co.uk

Buying ready-to-wear tailoring that fits like Savile Row? It starts with precise sizing. That’s what Tellar.co.uk delivers—free, instantly.

Here’s How:

Measure once – Use your bust, waist, hips OR input your known size in a brand
Create your free profile
Use the Store Size Lookup Tool
→ Matches your exact body to brands like Reiss, COS, Massimo Dutti & more
→ Finding Your Clothes Size – The Ultimate Guide
Get size-specific recommendations – no more reading sizing charts

Why It Works:

Covers 1,500+ brands
Includes high-end, high-street, and tailoring labels
Works in-browser—no download needed
Always free, always unbiased

🧵 Visit the Tellar Fashion Hub

Once you’ve got the fit right, explore Tellar’s free Fashion Hub, a library of thousands of honest, stylist-written posts:

📣 Follow for Fit & Fashion Tips

Instagram: @Tellarsizing
Twitter/X: @TellarSizing
Facebook: Tellar Sizing
Pinterest: TellarSizing

Final Word

Savile Row isn’t just about a suit—it’s about a legacy of fit, quality, and individuality. Investing in bespoke pieces means aligning with history, craftsmanship, and sustainability. And if full bespoke isn’t in reach just yet, Tellar.co.uk ensures your ready-to-wear tailoring fits with the same precision.

Find your size in 1,500+ brands real-time. It’s free & easy.