History of Huntsman
Founded in 1809 as a specialist breeches-maker, Huntsman’s early identity was rooted in the demands of equestrian life, where precision, durability and elegance were paramount. The acquisition of the business by Henry Huntsman in 1849 established H. Huntsman & Sons as a leading name among Britain’s aristocracy, with its expertise in riding attire attracting an elite clientele. By the late nineteenth century, this reputation was further cemented through royal patronage, laying the foundations for the house’s enduring association with refinement and authority in dress.
Adele Astaire, wearing bespoke Huntsman jodhpurs at the stables at Lismore Castle
Huntsman's royal warrant plaque - Leather Breeches Maker by Appointment to His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales.
Establishing Savile Row
In 1919, Huntsman relocated to 11 Savile Row, marking a pivotal moment in its history and securing its place at the centre of British bespoke tailoring. This move aligned the house with the most prestigious tailoring street in the world and helped define the distinctive Huntsman silhouette, structured, balanced and quietly commanding, that continues to underpin its identity today.
Dressing a World Stage
1920s - 1930s
During the interwar years, Huntsman became synonymous with the height of British and international society, dressing figures such as the Prince of Wales, later Edward VIII, whose patronage brought global visibility. In the 1930s, the business passed from the Huntsman family into the care of Robert Packer, marking a defining moment in its evolution. Under Packer’s direction, the house transitioned from a specialist breeches-maker into a fully-fledged bespoke tailoring house, introducing suits and evening wear and establishing the foundations of the Huntsman we recognise today.
The Hammick Era
1940s - 1950s
Throughout the 1940s, Huntsman continued its wartime service producing military garments, maintaining the discipline and precision inherent in its tailoring. In 1942, Colin Hammick joined the house as an apprentice, rising to become Head Cutter in the 1950s and ushering in a defining period in Huntsman’s history. Hammick refined and formalised the house style into what became known as the Huntsman cut: a clean, structured silhouette with strong shoulders, a defined chest and an elegant, elongated line.
By the 1950s, this distinctive aesthetic attracted an international clientele, particularly from Hollywood, with actors such as Gregory Peck and Clark Gable drawn to its clarity and authority. Under Hammick’s leadership, Huntsman not only defined its own visual identity but also influenced the broader perception of Savile Row tailoring, establishing a house style that endures to this day.
Gregory Peck on the stairs of Huntsman at 11 Savile Row
Two tailors inspecting work on a jacket before a fitting.
Evolution and Modern Relevance
1960s
Building on the foundations established in the Hammick era, Huntsman continued to evolve throughout the 1960s, maintaining its signature structure while adapting to changing tastes. The house expanded into ready-to-wear and made-to-measure, reflecting broader shifts on Savile Row while preserving its bespoke integrity. Its role within contemporary British culture was underscored in 1966 when Huntsman dressed the England World Cup-winning team, reinforcing its relevance beyond traditional tailoring circles.
An Enduring Presence
1970s - 1990s
Across the latter decades of the twentieth century, Huntsman remained a constant on Savile Row, upholding its traditions while quietly expanding its international reach. Its reputation endured among royalty, Hollywood figures and global elites, with the house continuing to define a refined, architectural aesthetic that distinguished it within bespoke tailoring.
Nicole Kidman wearing a bespoke three-piece Huntsman suit, for the Women in the World conference, 2015.
Hamish Bowles, Editor-in-Chief of The World of Interiors and Global Editor-at-Large for Vogue, wearing a suit made from his own bespoke Huntsman tweed.
A Global Luxury House
2000s
Entering the new millennium, Huntsman evolved into a global luxury brand, extending its reach beyond London through international trunk shows and an expanded product offering that included ready-to-wear and accessories. While the business broadened its scope, it remained anchored in the principles of bespoke craftsmanship, personal service and enduring style.
A New Chapter
2010s
The 2010s marked a new chapter under fresh ownership, bringing renewed investment and a contemporary perspective to the house. Huntsman gained cultural prominence through its association with the Kingsman films, introducing its distinctive aesthetic to a new generation. In 2019, the house celebrated 100 years at 11 Savile Row, reaffirming its position as one of the street’s most enduring and influential tailoring houses.
An Enduring Legacy
2020s
Today, Huntsman continues to balance heritage with innovation, refining its craft for a modern, global clientele. At Huntsman, the traditions of Savile Row are not preserved as relics of the past, but practised daily in the cutting rooms and workshops that shape every garment. More than 175 years since its founding, the house remains dedicated to the enduring art of bespoke tailoring, honouring a legacy of craftsmanship, continuity and evolution while shaping the future of Savile Row and beyond.
