History

In 1865 a Miss Elisabeth New and a Mr Samuel Lingwood founded the business which still bears their names, New & Lingwood. They subsequently married and laid the foundation on which the business still prides itself, unsurpassed quality of merchandise and truly personal service.

The company was formed in Eton to serve the scholars of Eton College, the most famous of English Public Schools, and soon gained official status as outfitters to the College, a great honour for the firm. For over 130 years New & Lingwood has served many thousands of Etonians, in many instances five or more generations of the same family. This is a consequence of the high standards of quality and service that New & Lingwood have maintained. All details of size and fittings still go down on the records, and thousands of lasts are maintained for bespoke shoe customers.

In 1922 New & Lingwood opened a shop in Jermyn Street and although these premises were destroyed in the blitz during the Second World War, we re-established our presence in the street shortly after the war, this time at number 53, on the corner of the Piccadily Arcade. It is fair to say that today New & Lingwood is unique in London in being the most traditional of the small number of gentleman's outfitters supplying bespoke and ready-made shirts, hosiery and shoes of the highest quality.

In 1972 the old and famous shoe and boot making firm Poulsen Skone joined the Company extending the classic range of shoes we have long sold via J. Gane & Company our Eton-based shoe shop.

Most recently one of the longest established and most respected English bespoke shirtmakers Bowring Arundel was added to the Company and has been incorporated into our Jermyn Street premises.

New & Lingwood is of international reputation, serving a clientele of gentlemen of refinement and quiet good taste from all over the world. The traditions that the firm stands for are particularly appreciated in the United States of America, Japan, the Far East and of course Europe.

Twice a year our representatives travel to the USA visiting customers by appointment. The New & Lingwood retail establishments are well supported by our workrooms where we make our own bespoke and ready made shirts, the finest quality piped pyjamas, and bespoke shoes and boots.

These various elements together make what New & Lingwood is today, the most traditional of the English quality gentleman's outfitters, upholding long standing traditions and renowned quality standards.