Founded in 1849 as a ‘gaiter and breeches maker’, Huntsman of Savile Row has clothed royalty, Hollywood icons, and the upper echelons of society for over 170 years.
But in an age where off-the-rack suits can be had for a fraction of the price, you must wonder: is a Huntsman suit worth its eye-watering price tag?
In this article, we answer this question by delving into the rich tapestry of Huntsman’s history, analysing the tailor’s unique cut, craftsmanship, and longevity, comparing its offerings, and assessing the prestige associated with its name today.
Huntsman’s Heritage
Originally located at 126 New Bond Street, the company earned royal warrants from the Prince of Wales (later Edward VII) in 1859, followed by Queen Victoria’s son Prince Alfred in 1876, and Queen Victoria herself in 1888.
By 1919, Huntsman had moved to its current location at 11 Savile Row, just in time for its golden age.
In the Roaring Twenties, Huntsman’s client list included royalty like the Duke of Kent and King Alfonso XIII of Spain and Hollywood elites like Rudolph Valentino and Ivor Novello.
This fusion of aristocratic heritage and silver-screen glamour cemented Huntsman’s reputation as the tailor of choice for those who demanded the best.
What Makes a Huntsman Suit Distinctive?
At the heart of Huntsman’s allure lies its distinctive house style, developed in the 1950s by legendary head cutter Colin Hammick.
The Huntsman cut is characterised by a strong shoulder with high armholes, a defined waist, and a flared skirt.
Most notably, Huntsman jackets typically feature a single-button fastening, a daring departure from the more common two or three-button styles.
This unique silhouette combines a dinner jacket’s elegance with a riding coat’s practicality, reflecting Huntsman’s equestrian roots.
The result is a suit that cuts a striking figure, particularly flattering for men of smaller stature.
But is this distinctive cut worth the premium price?
Some argue that while the Huntsman style is undoubtedly elegant, it may be too bold for some occasions and not versatile enough to justify its cost.
However, we think the Huntsman cut is timeless. It transcends fleeting fashion trends and offers a silhouette that commands attention in any room.
Huntsman’s Bespoke vs. Ready-to-Wear
Huntsman offers three tiers of suiting: bespoke, made-to-order, and ready-to-wear.
The bespoke service, starting at £5,997 (as of 2024), involves multiple fittings and over 60 hours of handcrafting.
Made-to-order suits, beginning at £2,900, offer some customisation but lack the full bespoke experience.
Ready-to-wear options, available from £1,995, provide the Huntsman look without the wait or personalisation.
Huntsman’s offerings cater to different needs, budgets, and timelines.
Ready-to-wear suits are ideal for those who want the Huntsman look without the wait or higher price tag.
We think the ready-to-wear option is perfect if you need a suit quickly or are new to luxury tailoring and want to experience the Huntsman style before committing to a more expensive option.
However, if you have a unique body shape, off-the-rack suits won’t accommodate you well, and Huntsman made-to-order suits are a more suitable option.
Made-to-order, offers a middle ground between ready-to-wear and bespoke and allows some personalisation without the full bespoke price.
Made-to-order also allows for customisation of fabric, lining, and some styling details, and it offers a better fit than ready-to-wear.
The pinnacle of the Huntsman experience, however, is the bespoke option.
This option is for those who demand perfection in fit, style, and craftsmanship and who view their suit as a long-term investment.
Bespoke is ideal if you have a specific vision for your suit, a challenging body shape, or want the best that money can buy.
Ultimately, your choice should depend on your budget, timeline, and how much importance you place on perfect fit and customisation.
For many, starting with ready-to-wear or made-to-measure can be a good introduction to the Huntsman world before eventually stepping up to bespoke.
However, we think saving up for the full bespoke experience from the start is worth viewing it as a once-in-a-lifetime purchase.
But remember, whichever option you choose, you’re still getting a piece of Huntsman craftsmanship and style.
Analysing Huntsman’s Craftsmanship
The stratospheric price of a Huntsman suit is partially justified by the level of craftsmanship involved.
Each bespoke suit requires over 60 hours of skilled labour, with much of the work done by hand.
Huntsman prides itself on training its staff in-house, ensuring the continuation of traditional tailoring techniques.
For instance, in 2015, two of Huntsman’s apprentice tailors, Dionne Reeves and Vanessa Black, qualified as finalists for The Golden Shears, often called the Oscars of Savile Row for new tailors.
The company’s commitment to quality extends to its materials, with Huntsman even producing its tweeds on the Isle of Islay in the Inner Hebrides, Scotland.
This attention to detail and commitment to tradition is undoubtedly impressive.
However, critics argue that other Savile Row tailors offer similar craftsmanship at lower prices.
Is Huntsman’s craftsmanship truly superior, or are customers paying a premium for the name?
The answer likely lies in the eye (and wallet) of the beholder.
Does Huntsman’s Celebrity Endorsement Equal Value?
Huntsman’s client list reads like a Who’s Who of the 20th and 21st centuries.
Gregory Peck, who has ordered more than 160 suits from Huntsman over 50 years, stands out as a particularly devoted customer.
Other notable clients have included Clark Gable, Laurence Olivier, Paul Newman, Katharine Hepburn, and even Winston Churchill.
More recent patrons include David Bowie and Alexander McQueen, the latter of whom interned at Huntsman before launching his own fashion empire.
Even fictional characters have donned Huntsman suits, with the shop featured prominently in the Kingsman film series.
This celebrity endorsement certainly adds to Huntsman’s allure and mystique.
But does it add tangible value to the suits themselves?
While some argue that this star power justifies the premium price, others contend it’s simply clever marketing.
After all, a well-made suit should stand on its own merits, regardless of who else has worn the brand.
Huntsman Price vs. Similar Savile Row Tailors
Savile Row is home to numerous prestigious tailors, each with its own house style and pricing structure.
Compared to its neighbours, Huntsman sits at the higher end of the price spectrum.
For instance, bespoke suits from Anderson & Sheppard or Gieves & Hawkes are priced lower than almost any of Huntsman’s offerings.
However, Huntsman is no longer the most expensive option on the Row, with houses like Richard Anderson and Chittleborough & Morgan commanding even higher prices.
In terms of style, Huntsman’s structured silhouette contrasts with the softer, draped look favoured by Anderson & Sheppard.
This difference in house styles means that the ‘best’ Savile Row tailor is largely a matter of personal preference.
What cannot be denied is that Huntsman’s pricing positions it as a luxury option even within the rarefied world of bespoke tailoring.
Huntsman Suits’ Longevity
One argument often made in favour of investing in a Huntsman suit is its potential longevity.
A well-made bespoke suit, properly cared for, can last for decades.
Huntsman even offers an ‘Inherited Alteration Service’, allowing inherited garments to be altered free of charge.
This service speaks to the quality of construction and the timeless nature of Huntsman’s designs.
However, whether a suit that remains wearable for decades is necessarily a good investment is worth considering.
Fashion changes, bodies change, and a suit that seemed perfect in one’s thirties might feel dated or ill-fitting in one’s fifties.
While the quality of a Huntsman suit is undeniable, potential buyers should consider how their needs and tastes might evolve over time.
Huntsman Shopping Experience
Purchasing a bespoke Huntsman suit is more than just a transaction; it’s an experience.
From the initial consultation to the multiple fittings, customers are treated to a level of service that goes beyond mere tailoring.
The shop, with its wood-panelled walls and mounted stag heads (left behind by a customer in 1921), exudes a sense of history and tradition.
In 2019, Huntsman launched a private members club above the shop, offering a champagne and whiskey bar in an English pub-style setting.
For many, this experience is part of what they’re paying for when they commission a Huntsman suit.
It’s a chance to be part of a tradition that has clothed some of the most influential figures of the past two centuries.
But is this experience worth the premium price?
Some would argue that the end product – the suit itself – should be the primary consideration.
Others contend that the journey is as important as the destination, particularly when investing in a luxury item.
Huntsman Alternatives to Consider
For those drawn to the idea of a Huntsman suit but baulking at the price tag, there are alternatives worth considering.
Other Savile Row tailors offer bespoke services at lower prices, though still in the thousands of pounds.
For a more accessible option, consider Huntsman’s ready-to-wear line, which offers a taste of the house style at a fraction of the bespoke price.
Alternatively, other high-end brands like Tom Ford or Kiton offer luxurious suits with impeccable construction, often at prices lower than Huntsman’s bespoke offerings.
Made-to-measure services from luxury brands can also provide a personalised fit without the full bespoke price tag.
While these alternatives may not offer the full Huntsman experience, they can provide excellent quality and style at a more palatable price.
Are Huntsman Suits Worth the High Price Tag? – The Verdict
So, is a Huntsman suit worth it? If you value old money tradition, craftsmanship, and the cachet of wearing a suit from one of Savile Row’s most storied houses, we think a Huntsman suit may be worth every penny.
The distinctive cut, impeccable construction, and the experience of commissioning a bespoke garment all contribute to its appeal.
However, for many, the price tag will be too high to justify. But if you have the means to afford it, wearing a Huntsman suit makes you feel like the best-dressed person in the room, and just for this reason alone, it is indeed worth it.
Styling Beyond Huntsman Suits
Knowing what Huntsman stands for and the brand’s unique heritage is the first step – granted, a small step – towards dressing like a confident and successful gentleman.
Perfect men’s styling starts with your unique body type and colour palette and only then, with the occasion, location, season, and time of the day – and this is a men’s styling secret that only expert image consultants know.
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