In a city constantly reinventing itself, some things remain reassuringly the same.
Among them are the sound of shears slicing through wool in a Mayfair cutting room, the chalk marks mapping a future jacket on a bolt of navy worsted, and the timeworn tradition of clothes made by hand, for bodies and not for mannequins.
London has long been the historical home of bespoke tailoring, a word so misused by marketing departments that its true meaning now requires a bit of unpicking.
Bespoke refers to garments spoken for before they even exist. It’s a process that begins not by adding an item to your virtual trolley, but with a conversation. And it’s in the backrooms of Savile Row and beyond that the art of true custom clothing has endured.
The tailors of London have dressed kings and rock stars, diplomats and dandies. They have weathered world wars, changing hemlines and the rise of polyester. Yet their core philosophy (craft over convenience, form shaped to function) has never felt more relevant.
We live in an era of algorithm-driven wardrobes and disposable trends, and there’s something subtly radical about owning fewer, better things. While the process isn’t instant, it is infinitely more rewarding than a midnight scroll through new-in tabs.
At a time when the fashion industry is rightly being scrutinised for its environmental toll, bespoke offers a slower, more thoughtful alternative: garments designed to last decades, not seasons.
But don’t mistake tradition for stuffiness. London’s tailoring scene is evolving. Alongside the storied houses with royal warrants and heritage tweeds, a new generation of designers is reimagining the bespoke experience.
They are cutting suits from bamboo silk, courting younger clients, and throwing open the doors to anyone tired of anonymous fashion. From East End studios to Soho workshops, craftsmanship is being reclaimed as both a luxury and a necessity.
Whether you’re a seasoned suit-wearer or simply curious about what it means to own clothing that’s truly yours, here’s where to begin your search for London’s finest bespoke makers.
We’ve divided London’s best bespoke tailors into three categories to reflect the full spectrum of the city’s offerings: from venerable institutions to the new guard, and those championing sustainability without sacrificing style. Keep scrolling for our top picks.
The Heritage Houses
Edward Sexton
The late Edward Sexton’s legacy lives on in bold lapels, assertive shoulders, and a distinctly rakish spirit. Once co-founder of Nutters of Savile Row with Tommy Nutter, the man who dressed the Beatles, Sexton’s house style still turns heads, but always with elegance. A favourite among creatives and fashion-forward clients looking for drama, not costume.
Buy now, Edward Sexton
The New Guard
Kathryn Sargent
Kathryn Sargent made history as the world's first female Master Tailor on Savile Row, bringing over 27 years of tailoring expertise to her eponymous brand founded in 2012. Her approach to bespoke tailoring is inclusive, creating garments for both men and women that blend tradition with innovation. Sargent's commitment to craftsmanship and her role in promoting women in tailoring have solidified her position as a leading figure in the next era of Savile Row bespoke tailoring.
Buy now, Kathryn Sargent
Banshee of Savile Row
Established in 2019 by Ruby Slevin, Banshee of Savile Row brings a fresh and distinctive perspective to women’s tailoring. Drawing on her Irish heritage and background in classic menswear, Slevin creates bespoke garments that balance softness with structure.
The studio is committed to traditional craftsmanship while embracing a more expressive, modern aesthetic. Materials are carefully sourced and each piece is cut and finished by hand. With its focus on slow fashion and individual fit, Banshee reflects a quiet, fluid elegance and a deep respect for the tailoring process.
Buy now, Banshee of Savile Row
Gormley and Gamble
Launched by Phoebe Gormley in 2014, Gormley & Gamble was the first women’s-only tailor to take up space on Savile Row. The brand focuses on made-to-measure tailoring that is accessible without compromising on quality.
Drawing from classic menswear foundations, garments are designed to flatter the female form with precision and ease. The atelier prides itself on an inclusive, straightforward approach - offering sharp silhouettes, practical elegance, and garments designed to last well beyond the season.
Buy now, Gormley and Gamble
The Sustainable Stitchers
Benjamin Fox
Working out of a modest studio in North Norfolk, Fox is one of a handful of designers challenging the idea that bespoke must be fusty or extravagant.
Using deadstock fabrics and natural dyes, Fox creates whimsical, feminine designs for the lover of bespoke, made-to-order clothing who isn’t interested in wearing a suit.
Buy now, Benjamin Fox
Knatchbull
A certified B-Corp founded in 2019 by Daisy Knatchbull, the brand began as The Deck and quickly established itself as a leading name in women’s made-to-measure tailoring. Knatchbull’s career began at The Sunday Times Style before moving into luxury menswear, where she spent several years as Communications Director at Huntsman on Savile Row. It was during this time that she recognised a gap in the market for women seeking the same level of craftsmanship and fit traditionally reserved for men.
Garments are produced in a specialist atelier in Porto, Portugal, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, quality, and timeless design.
Buy now, Knatchbull
Hax
At Clifford House in Mayfair, Hax offers a contemporary take on bespoke, genderless tailoring. Founded by Hattie Hax, the atelier combines traditional tailoring techniques with a modern design sensibility.
The result is a clean, understated aesthetic that suits both everyday wear and occasion dressing. Clients are involved throughout the process, from fabric selection to fittings, making each piece feel personal and intentional. Hax stands apart for its thoughtful approach to tailoring; elegant, adaptable, and rooted in quality.
Buy now, Hax
