easy
2–4 hours
Suitable for most fitness levels; moderate walking ability required
Step into London’s fashion legacy with Fashion Tours London’s Breeches to Bellbottoms Tour, a detailed walk through the history of the three-piece suit. Discover iconic tailoring and vintage style across St. James’s, Soho, and Covent Garden.
£30 Student Price | £55 per Adult
Embark on a captivating journey through fashion history, tracing the evolution of the three-piece suit from the 17th century to today's streetwear. Explore iconic tailoring houses, vibrant shops, and vintage styles in St. James's, Soho, and Covent Garden, gaining insights into timeless craftsmanship and the enduring essence of classic style.
Individual: £55 Student Price: £30 each for two or more
2-4 hours
We take you from the beginnings of the three-piece suit worn by Charles II in the seventeenth century, through wild doings of the eighteenth century and its macaronis, to Beau Brummell and a cast of Victorian dandies in the nineteenth century, on into the rebellions and classy revivals of the 20th century, including Oxford bags, Zoot suits, the new Edwardians, the Teddy Boys, the Mods, Rockers, the Mod revival, Punks, the New Romantics and right up to date in the ever changing world of streetwear, workwear and leisure wear.
We begin in St. James's and spend enough time in Jermyn Street and the tailoring houses of Savile Row to ground ourselves in the history and structure of the suit. We then move to Soho and Covent Garden, and all along the way, we visit fabulous shops whose clothes, colognes and shoes are rich in history and craftsmanship. We chat with staff members wherever possible and are happy to explore some men's vintage wear and discuss how to make it look fresh and contemporary. You will come away confident that a sense of classic style remains as vital as ever and that the best clothes are made to last and can be beautifully worn any decade, no matter the current fashions.
The tour covers several neighborhoods on foot, so sturdy footwear helps you stay comfortable throughout the 2-4 hour experience.
You’ll hear detailed stories and style tips—jot notes or take photos to retain the insights for later fashion inspiration.
London weather can shift quickly; bring an umbrella or rain jacket if rain is expected to stay dry during outdoor segments.
Staff in participating shops love sharing knowledge; asking about craftsmanship or styling can deepen your experience.
The three-piece suit emerged in the 1600s under Charles II’s reign and has continuously evolved through London’s changing social scenes.
The tour promotes sustainable fashion awareness by emphasizing longevity and craftsmanship over fast fashion trends.
Supports all-day walking across city streets and pavements.
Helps you stay dry during London’s unpredictable rain showers.
spring|fall|winter specific
Capture the intricate details and vibrant streetscapes throughout the tour.
Keeps you comfortable through fluctuating temperatures and cool breezes.
spring|fall|winter specific