360 Years Since the Birth of the Suit: 'The New Textbook of Gentlemen's Clothing' Released, Featuring the Techniques and History of the World's Center of Menswear

Shoeisha Co., Ltd. released the book 'The New Textbook of Gentlemen's Clothing: Understanding the Culture and Charm of Suits Through the History and Tailoring Techniques of Savile Row' on May 25, 2026. This book is a comprehensive guide to the tailoring, culture, and history of men's suits from Savile Row, the world's premier sanctuary for menswear.

The Unique Tailoring Techniques Preserved by Savile Row's Master Craftsmen

The suit, essential for business and formal settings, celebrates its 360th anniversary in 2026.

Savile Row in London, England, is the world's epicenter for suits. It is where high-end custom tailoring shops gathered, giving birth to a tradition of prestigious 'bespoke' (fully custom-made) culture. Even today, it remains the ultimate destination for suit enthusiasts.

This book is a translation that clearly summarizes the history and culture of gentleman's clothing created on Savile Row. It explains the unique tailoring techniques, rarely discussed before, that have been preserved by master craftsmen, using detailed diagrams.

The author, Patrick Grant, is a co-owner of 'Norton & Sons,' a tailor shop located on Savile Row. With the cooperation of craftsmen he has worked alongside for years, he explains the construction of trousers, coats (jackets), waistcoats (vests), and shirts, documenting the unique techniques of Savile Row masters.

The book is supervised by Tomo Morita, who trained at historic Savile Row shops 'Kilgour' and 'Stowers Bespork,' and who now operates the bespoke tailor 'SHEETS' in Japan.

It introduces the evolution and transformation of men's suits over eight centuries: from Savile Row, which has dressed historical figures, and the history of fabrics woven in the British Isles, to the original suit created by Charles II, the dandyism of George 'Beau' Brummell, frock coats, dinner suits, morning suits, Edward VII's penchant for the 'Prince of Wales' check, lounge suits, and modern post-corporate suits.

Furthermore, it features a diverse array of figures from politics, economics, and the arts, such as Napoleon III, Winston Churchill, the Bushes, Douglas Fairbanks, Gary Cooper, Fred Astaire, Rudolph Valentino, The Beatles, Mick Jagger, and Elton John.

Book Overview 'The New Textbook of Gentlemen's Clothing: Understanding the Culture and Charm of Suits Through the History and Tailoring Techniques of Savile Row' Author: Patrick Grant Release Date: May 25, 2026 Price: 4,620 yen (4,200 yen + 10% tax) Specifications: B5, 176 pages