Jermyn Street, in the area known as St. James just off Piccadilly, is considered by many to be the world's premier street for fine shirt makers & retailers. In short, gentlemen, if you're looking to buy a dress shirt of the highest quality this is the place to go. Jerymn Street delivers a tremendous shopping experience - it's like travelling back in time to a London we perhaps image of 150 years ago. Although it's dominated by purveyors of shirts it's also home to several high-end shoe shops and other fascinating establishments including England's oldest cheese shop that dates back to 1797! One quick practical note before we go any further - 'Jermyn' is actually pronounced 'german'.
The majority of Jermyn Street retailers offer their customers three shirt options: bespoke, made-to-measure and ready-to-wear. To clarify, a bespoke shirt (or suit for that matter) is designed totally to the customer's own specifications (style, material, measurements), whereas a made-to-measure shirt is made to fit the customer's measurement specifications but is created from a pre-existing pattern. As you might imagine all of these shops have an extensive selection of ready-to-wear shirts. The overall variety of materials, colors, patterns and styles is mind boggling.
It seems to me that if one has a highly specific size or style requirement then bespoke or made-to-measure offer the perfect solutions, if not then ready-to-wear is the way to go.
One clearly does not visit Jermyn Street to do discount shopping. That said prices do vary, and for those looking for both quality and value Charles Tyrwhitt is a good call.
As if to underscore the fact that Jermyn Street is at the epicenter of London style, there's a life size statue of Beau Brummell on the street opposite Piccadilly Arcade. For those not familiar with Brummell he was an iconic figure in Regency England who was considered the arbiter of men's style - he rejected the overtly ornate fashions of the day for understated, perfectly fit and tailored clothing. He was educated at Eton and Oxford, acquired a commission in the 10th Royal Hussars and was a close friend of the Prince of Wales - the future King George IV. Today's common descriptive terms beau and dandy trace their origins back to Brummell.
When one's enjoyed Jermyn Street, maybe continue the day's style-adventure by strolling up Piccadilly Arcade (perpendicular to Jermym by the statue of Beau Brummell). This covered arcade is home to many more high-end retailers - clothiers and others. At the far end is the street Piccadilly. Cross over and directly you'll encounter Burlington Arcade - more great stuff. Upon exiting the far end of Burlington turn right onto Vigo Street and about 100 yards ahead is Savile Row! Savile Row is of course synonymous with the finest tailoring. If you, and more importantly your credit card, are still up for it, shop-on just a little while longer.
By the end of the day you'll hopefully be the proud owner of one or more new items of quality, stylish clothing that over the years to come will be fond reminders of your visit to London.
The closest tube stations to Jermyn Street are Green Park (to the west) or Piccadilly (to the east). The following link provides, amongst many other things, a detailed street map of the area. http://www.jermynstreet.net/
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