Among the storied names that line Savile Row, the sartorial mecca, Huntsman stands tall, commanding prices that might make even the most seasoned luxury enthusiasts raise an eyebrow.
But what exactly drives the hefty price tag of these renowned suits? Let’s unravel the threads of this costly tapestry and examine the factors contributing to Huntsman’s eye-watering prices.
Huntsman’s Heritage
Huntsman’s narrative is woven with the threads of British high society, and its rich heritage is a significant factor in the price tag.
The Label’s story begins in 1849 when Queen Victoria sat on the throne, and London was the beating heart of an empire.
From its inception, Huntsman catered to the cream of society, crafting hunting attire for British aristocrats and royalty, from Winston Churchill to King Charles III.
The prestige of this clientele contributes to the astronomical cost, as you’re essentially joining an exclusive club that spans generations.
Huntsman’s Bespoke Tailoring
The bespoke journey at Huntsman is a meticulous affair that can span several months and involves multiple fittings.
Your suit begins life as a unique paper pattern, drafted by hand based on over 50 precise body measurements.
This pattern is then used to cut the chosen fabric, performed by skilled cutters with decades of experience.
The cutting alone can take hours, as each piece must be perfectly aligned to ensure the pattern matches at every seam.
Following the cut, your suit enters the capable hands of Huntsman’s tailors, who will spend up to 80 hours constructing your garment.
Every stitch is placed by hand, and every buttonhole is meticulously crafted.
This level of handwork is increasingly rare in today’s world of fast fashion, and it comes at a premium.
The sheer number of man-hours invested in your suit significantly contributes to its price tag.
Huntsman’s Premium Fabrics – Why They Cost More
Huntsman doesn’t compromise when it comes to materials, and neither should you if you’re after the pinnacle of suiting.
The fabrics used in a Huntsman suit are among the finest in the world, often costing upwards of £130 per metre – super 150s wool, vicuña, and even fabrics woven with platinum and 24-carat gold.
Huntsman’s relationship with cloth merchants spans decades, giving them access to rare and exclusive fabrics.
Many of these fabrics are produced in limited quantities, driving up their cost and, consequently, the price of your suit.
The buttons are made from mother of pearl or ethically sourced horn, each a tiny work of art.
Even the canvas interlining, invisible to the eye but crucial to the suit’s structure, is of the highest quality, often made from horse hair and cotton.
Huntsman’s insistence on using only the best materials at every stage of construction significantly impacts the final cost of your Huntsman suit.
How ‘The Huntsman Cut’ Price Impact
The Huntsman cut is renowned for its strong shoulders, nipped waist, and longer skirt – a style that elongates the body and exudes power.
The house style has been honed over decades, with each head cutter adding their subtle refinements.
Achieving Huntsman’s signature look consistently requires a level of skill that commands a premium in the tailoring world.
Moreover, adapting this signature style to flatter each client’s physique is an art form.
The ability to maintain the essence of the Huntsman look while ensuring it complements your unique body shape is a rare skill, and you pay for this expertise.
Time and Labour Behind Each Huntsman Suit
In an age where fast fashion reigns supreme, the time invested in creating a Huntsman suit is almost anachronistic – and deeply valuable.
From your first consultation to the final fitting, crafting your bespoke suit can take up to 12 weeks.
This isn’t idle time; it’s filled with intense periods of work interspersed with necessary waiting periods as the garment takes shape.
Your suit will undergo at least three fittings, each one a crucial step in achieving the perfect fit.
Between these fittings, skilled artisans will spend countless hours making minute adjustments.
It’s common for a single suit to represent over 80 hours of hands-on labour.
This time investment is reflected directly in the price – after all, you’re paying for the undivided attention of some of the world’s finest tailors.
Considering that many high-street suits are churned out in hours, the contrast becomes stark, and the price difference is more understandable.
Exclusivity and Prestige – The Celebrity Connection
Huntsman’s client list reads like a who’s who of the 20th and 21st centuries, and this star-studded heritage comes at a price.
When you order a Huntsman suit, you’re joining a lineage that includes royalty, Hollywood icons, and captains of industry – see who wears Huntsman suits.
This exclusivity is part of what you’re paying for – the knowledge that your suit comes from the same hands that have dressed Gregory Peck, Lawrence Olivier, and even the British Royal Family.
Huntsman’s reputation has been further burnished by its recent pop culture appearances, featuring prominently in the “Kingsman” film franchise.
This increased visibility has only served to heighten demand and, consequently, prices.
The prestige factor is significant; wearing a Huntsman suit is akin to driving a Rolls-Royce or wearing a Patek Philippe watch – a statement of discernment and success.
This cachet is built into the price of every suit, reflecting the value of the Huntsman name itself.
The Cost of Maintaining a Savile Row Presence
Location, location, location – it’s a mantra that applies as much to tailoring as to real estate.
Huntsman’s presence on Savile Row is integral to its identity but comes at a considerable cost.
Real estate prices in this prime London location are eye-watering, and these costs are inevitably passed on to the customer.
The elegantly appointed shop at 11 Savile Row isn’t just a place of business; it’s a part of the Huntsman experience.
Maintaining this historic space, with its polished wood panelling and plush fitting rooms, is a significant expense.
Add to this the cost of employing a team of world-class tailors, cutters, and support staff in one of the world’s most expensive cities.
These overhead costs contribute substantially to your suit’s final price, but they also allow Huntsman to provide the rarified atmosphere and service that its clientele expect.
Scarcity and Limited Production Drives Up Prices
Huntsman stands apart in a world of mass production, producing a remarkably small number of suits each year.
Huntsman’s limited production is a deliberate choice to maintain the highest standards of quality and exclusivity.
Huntsman’s team of tailors crafts only a few hundred suits annually, a far cry from the thousands or millions produced by larger fashion houses.
This limited production ensures that each suit receives the utmost attention to detail, but it also means that the business’s fixed costs are spread across fewer garments.
The scarcity of Huntsman suits adds to their desirability, creating a classic example of supply and demand driving up prices.
When you purchase a Huntsman suit, you’re buying into a very small, exclusive club – and exclusivity always comes at a premium.
Huntsman Suit’s Longevity and Timeless Appeal
While the initial outlay for a Huntsman suit might make you wince, it’s crucial to consider the long-term value proposition.
A well-made bespoke suit isn’t just a purchase; it’s an investment in your wardrobe and, by extension, your image.
Huntsman suits are built to last, with many clients reporting that they remain in excellent condition after decades of wear.
This longevity is due to the quality of materials and construction – your suit is designed to evolve with you, not to be discarded after a season.
The timeless style of a Huntsman suit means it won’t fall victim to passing trends, remaining a staple in your wardrobe for years to come.
When you amortise the cost over the suit’s lifetime, the price suddenly becomes more palatable.
Moreover, Huntsman offers alterations and repairs, ensuring that your investment serves you well as your body changes over time.
Huntsman vs Similar Tailoring Names
To truly understand Huntsman’s pricing, it’s instructive to look at how it compares to other luxury tailoring houses.
With prices starting at £4600 for a standard bespoke two-piece suit, £6700 for a bespoke 1849 two-piece suit, and £7,010 for a bespoke morning dress and climbing rapidly from there, Huntsman sits at the upper echelons of bespoke tailoring.
This places them in the company of other Savile Row stalwarts like Anderson & Sheppard and Gieves & Hawkes, though Huntsman often commands a premium even among this rarefied group.
Compared to luxury ready-to-wear suits from fashion houses like Tom Ford, which can cost upwards of £3,000, the price difference for bespoke doesn’t seem quite so stark.
It’s worth noting that while these off-the-rack options offer high quality, they can’t match the fit and personalisation of a truly bespoke garment.
Huntsman’s prices reflect not just the quality of the product but the entire bespoke experience – something that can’t be replicated at a lower price point.
In Huntsman Suits’ High Price Justified? The Verdict
In conclusion, the eye-watering cost of a Huntsman suit is the sum of many parts: unparalleled craftsmanship, the finest materials, a storied heritage, and the cachet of joining an exclusive club.
When you invest in a Huntsman suit, you’re not just buying clothes; you’re buying into a tradition of excellence that spans centuries.
Is it expensive? Undoubtedly. But for those who understand and appreciate the artistry, history, and sheer quality involved, a Huntsman suit represents the pinnacle of tailoring – and for many, that’s worth every penny.
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