DEDICATED FOLLOWERS OF FASHION • November 2015
London style: The best shirtmakers on Jermyn Street
At the heart of London’s St James’s, Jermyn Street is celebrated worldwide for its craftsmanship. A sister street to Savile Row, it dates back to 1664, and is today home to some of London’s finest shirtmakers. Here Gary Kingsnorth, founder and editor of thestyleking.com, recommends the ones worth visiting
Emma Willis
Jermyn Street’s only female designer, Emma Willis is renowned for the quality of her shirts. Patterns are sewn 18 stitches to the inch for neatness and strength, collars are hand-trimmed to ensure sharp points, and all shirts (pictured) are hand-cut and finished in an 18th-century townhouse in Gloucester.
Where? 66 Jermyn St
What to buy: Navy butcher stripe shirt (£240). Features real mother of pearl buttons for added elegance.
Hilditch and Key
Making shirts in London since 1899, this brand is ideal for anyone who appreciates timeless classics. Customers include heads of state, royalty and A-list celebrities.
Where? 73 Jermyn St
What to buy: Cutaway collar, two-button cuff in plain blue (£155). Small stitching and smooth seams are both marks of quality.
Budd Shirtmakers
This small store dates back to 1910, and forms part of the thoroughfare of shops leading into Jermyn Street. Budd prides itself on being one of the few remaining West End shirtmakers to still have its own cutting room (above) on the premises.
Where? 3 Piccadilly Arcade
What to buy: Red stripe shirt (£175). This shirt is created from the house stripe originally designed in the 1920s.
Harvie and Hudson
The sole remaining family-owned shirtmaker on Jermyn Street, the store offers a personal touch. With three generations of experts behind the brand, quality is guaranteed, whether ready-to-wear, made-to-order or bespoke.
Where? 96-97 Jermyn Street
What to buy: Blue pencil white collar and cuff shirt (£75). Wear with any dark suit and statement tie.
Emmett London
Founded in 1992, Emmett is one of the street’s newest designers. Ideal for those who want to preserve their uniqueness, each shirt range is created in a limited edition of 25, with new styles available each week. All are made in Italy.
Where? 112 Jermyn Street
What to buy: Light blue gingham poplin shirt (£125). You can dress this shirt up or down.
Hackett London
What started life in 1979 as a market stall selling second-hand suits has grown into a coveted global menswear brand. Partnerships with the worlds of polo and rugby make Hackett (above) popular with those who like to dress down as well as up.
Where? 87 Jermyn Street
What to buy: Brompton houndstooth multi-trim shirt (£95). Made from the finest cotton and soft against your skin.
Inspired to shop? If you live in the UK or the US you can collect Avios for every pound or dollar spent. Simply visit BA’s shopping portal Gate 365 and sign in with your Executive Club number.
This article has been tagged Fashion + Style, Destination