The history of British suit tailoring dates back to the early 1800s, when London emerged as a major center of men's fashion. At the time, tailors began to develop a distinctive style of suit that emphasized a clean, well-tailored fit, with natural shoulders and a nipped-in waist. This style quickly became popular among the British upper class and was eventually adopted by the wider public.
One of the most important figures in the history of British tailoring is Henry Poole, who opened his Savile Row tailor shop in 1806. Poole is credited with developing many of the key features of the modern suit, including the three-piece suit and the dinner jacket. His shop quickly became known as the go-to destination for the British aristocracy and other well-to-do men.
Over the years, other tailors emerged on Savile Row, each with their own take on the British suit. Notable names include Gieves & Hawkes, Anderson & Sheppard, and Huntsman, each of which has developed its own distinctive style of tailoring. Today, British suits are still considered among the best in the world, and Savile Row remains a hub of men's fashion, attracting customers from around the world.