Anderson & Sheppard Savile Row Tailors

From its founding in 1906, Savile Row tailor Anderson & Sheppard has risen to rank among the top bespoke tailoring firms in the world, with the 100+ year client list reading like a Who’s Who of international society.  Despite its high profile, the firm takes on new clients with or without appointment between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. from its Savile Row shop.

The process of creating bespoke suits and a custom wardrobe from Anderson & Sheppard begins with a discussion of your clothing needs; e.g., do you wish for a range of business suits, casual sports jackets and trousers, hunting apparel, sports clothes or formal occasions.  You will then go to a dressing room with your cutter, who will take a variety of measurements and offer you recommendations on the cut that would be most flattering to your body type.  Then, within three to four weeks, you will have your first fitting.  A second fitting follows an additional three weeks thereafter.

Once your master pattern is on file, as long as you retain the same body shape, you can simply call the shop and order new suits, sports coats, overcoats and other garments.  You tell them the fabric you would like in the construction and, like clockwork, your finished clothing will be ready in a matter of weeks.

How Much Does an Anderson & Sheppard Bespoke Suit Cost?

When you place your order with Anderson & Sheppard, a 50% deposit is required at the time of order.

An average price for a handmade bespoke two-piece suit is roughly £2,000 including the value added tax.  A three-piece bespoke suit is roughly £2,300 including value added tax.  (In United States dollars, this translates to $3,100 to $3,600, respectively, at current exchange rates, which fluctuate daily.)

Of course, when dealing with bespoke suits the price will vary based upon the material you select for your finished garment.  The cloth you desire will be based on both the pattern and color, as well as the climate, the type of work you will be performing, and the level of luxury you demand.  Cashmere, Tweeds, Oxfords, cottons and linens are just a few of the options available to bespoke suit clients.

The tailor keeps rows and rows of books containing fabrics samples from which the clients can choose.

What Makes Anderson & Sheppard Bespoke Suits Different?

According to the firm itself, the Anderson & Sheppard style, “is defined by a lightly padded shoulder, draped chest and gentle definition of the waist.  Shoulder seams allow for movement and give a little.  We cut a generous sleeve and case the fullness into the smaller armhole by hand sewing.  The shoulder seam is cut a little further back and slightly on the bias, keeping the shoulder and the upper back of the jacket flat to the body.  The set of the shoulder is a key element in the comfort and beauty of the look.  Anderson & Sheppard cutters prefer fewer seams in jackets and trousers, in order not to interrupt the pattern and drape of the cloth.  It makes an especial difference with checked and striped cloths.  All lapels are hand padded giving them a soft natural curve and encouraging them to keep their shape.”

Anderson & Sheppard Suit Accessories

As with most top-shelf bespoke tailors, Anderson & Sheppard offers a bespoke tie service so you can design the perfect necktie to wear with your new suits.  Likewise, they offer a range of high-quality English silk squares that are hand stitched, luxury socks, braces (known as suspenders in the United States) and shaft umbrellas.

Famous Clients of Anderson & Sheppard

Here are some of the elegant men and women who have worn bespoke clothing from Anderson & Sheppard.

• Gary Cooper
• Laurence Olivier
• Fred Astaire
• Cecil Beaton
• Cole Porter
• Cary Grant
• Marlene Dietrich
• Rudolph Valentino

All client measurements are hand written into leather bound books lining the walls of the company’s Savile Row shop.

Where to Buy Anderson & Sheppard Clothing

Anderson & Sheppard clothing, including bespoke suits, sports coats and tuxedos, are only available at the company’s shop on Savile Row in London.