There’s no denying it: every man needs a suit. Off-the-peg or tailored, a suit is an essential part of your wardrobe: for weddings and funerals, job interviews and classy nights out. Or just for the sheer pleasure of wearing something that fits right and looks good. Here’s a few great places to get kitted out in Newcastle to suit every budget and taste. So, in the immortal words of Barney from How I Met Your Mother, “suit up!”
Mr Munro – Blandford Square
Small but perfectly formed, Mr Munro offers an attentive, family-business service to meet your menswear needs. You can order online or book an appointment for an hour with the Mr Munro team, who’ll bring their skills and experience into play to help you choose the perfect suit and accessories. You can hire suits as well, again with a By Appointment Only service from Mr Munro, and the shop also stocks shoes, shirts and accessories - including hip flasks and watch chains, to get your look just right.
Slater Menswear - Grainger Street
Slater don’t do things by halves: the Newcastle branch of this successful national chain is vast and so is its stock! Whether you’re looking to buy or rent a suit, they have a remarkable range of sizes, styles and brands (with suit hire starting at around £70 for a natty three-piece). They offer a free alterations service, so if the suit you choose needs a little taking up or in, you’re all set. All this plus everything else for the well-turned-out gentleman – blazers, shirts, shoes, outer- and casual-wear. And brands like Ted Baker, Loakes and Fellini.
Isaac Walton Tailoring – Westgate Road
Just around the corner from Slater you’ll find Isaac Walton Tailoring, an entirely different type of men’s outfitters. Waltons have been operating in Newcastle for almost 150 years and offer the ultimate in traditional tailoring. All Walton’s suits are bespoke and made from the highest quality worsted, using some of the finest clothmakers in the land. They also offer sporting wear in a range of fine tweeds. They’ll even try and replicate an item of clothing you particularly love. And don’t forget some excellent hats.
Marcus King Tailor – North Street
Marcus King offers everything you’d expect from a great tailor – made to measure / custom suits (starting from around £400) as well as alterations, dry cleaning, laundry and repairs. Whether you need a new suit for an event, an old suit given a new lease of life with some skilful needlework or a coat or jacket repaired, Marcus King has you covered.
Moss Bros. – Northumberland Street
Even older than Isaac Walton, Moss Bros have been suiting men up since 1851 and have dozens of stores across the country. They’re probably most known for their hire service but have a sterling reputation for sales as well. Their fitting service – where they help you choose the fit and fabric, measure you up and give you a perfectly-adjusted suit within 28 days – is second to none, and they also stock a full range of smart and casual menswear from some leading brands too.
S&S Attire – St Mary’s Place
The newest kid on the sartorial block is S&S Attire, who opened the doors of their Newcastle store on St Mary’s Place in mid-November. Their fashion focus is smart-casual with an emphasis on suits (around 30 different styles) as well as quality footwear, alongside offering a full supporting range of accessories, outerwear and casual wear. Put simply, it's a sartorial stop-off that should be on the radar of any dedicated follower of fashion.
Boss Store – Blackett Street
One of the most renowned high end fashion brands in the world, with a long history of providing quality clothing and accessories, Boss takes suits seriously. The Eldon Square branch of this fashion giant offers a wide range of suits from the formal to the casual, in a range of fabrics from the traditional to the experimental (thermos-regulation tech flannel, anyone?). You can also find a BOSS Shop inside Fenwick.
Fenwick – Northumberland Street
It’s safe to say Fenwick is a Newcastle institution, a landmark of quality in the heart of the city. Among the vast range of products and services available, Fenwick is certainly no slouch when it comes to quality menswear, offering everything you’d need to look your very smartest with a range of brands including household names like Polo, Ted Baker, Armani and more.
Reiss – Monument Mall
Reiss has been selling luxury fashion for half a century now and has a reputation for excellence and style. This extends to its range of suits and formalwear, with a wide range of suits to fit all tastes, from more classic lines to some very contemporary designs. With a full supporting cast of accessories, shoes, shirts and the rest, and the expert staff on hand to help, Reiss will help you dress to impress.
River Island – Eldon Square
River Island is one of the high street’s leading fashion names and offers an impressive range of men’s suits in a variety of styles to match any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a slim and stylish two-piece or a more formal three-piece for a wedding, there’s plenty to choose from. And with some suits starting from less than £100, they’re the place to go if things are tight.
So that’s a selection of excellent tailors and outfitters just waiting to help you get suited and booted in fine style, and with a range of designs and prices to please all tastes and pockets. Food for thought next time you need to suit up!
Mr Munro photo by Natalie Alice Photography
