Drake's

Overview

Drake's is a British menswear haberdasher specializing in handcrafted ties, shirts, and accessories. Founded in 1977, the brand has built a reputation for quality craftsmanship and attention to detail, producing men's accessories and shirting predominantly known for its ties. The company operates retail locations in London, New York, and Seoul, with these stores accounting for just over 40 percent of annual sales. Drake's positions itself in the premium menswear market, serving a discerning clientele through both direct retail and wholesale channels to high-end boutiques and department stores globally.

History

Drake's was founded in 1977 by Michael Drake in East London, initially producing men's scarves before expanding into handmade ties and pocket squares that became the core of the business. When Michael Drake retired in 2010, the company was acquired by Michael Hill, Drake's lead designer, and Mark Cho, co-founder of The Armoury haberdashers in Hong Kong. In 2011, Drake's opened its flagship retail shop at 3 Clifford Street in London's Mayfair district, positioned between Savile Row and Bond Street. In 2013, the company relocated its tie factory to 3 Haberdasher Street and acquired the Rayner and Sturges shirt factory in Chard, Somerset, consolidating manufacturing and design operations. The brand has won the Queen's Award for Export and the UK Fashion Export Gold Award for its design and export achievements.

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Drake's ties are handmade in London's East End on Haberdasher Street. The company operates its own shirt factory in Chard, Somerset, with a workforce of approximately 35 skilled artisans producing handmade, bespoke, and ready-to-wear shirts. Soft tailoring is produced in Italy and traditional knitwear in Scotland, with all products manufactured exclusively in the UK and Italy using only the finest quality materials.

Notable Products

• Handmade English Ties - Entirely handmade in London's East End, the signature product that defines the brand's reputation for quality and craftsmanship.
• Bespoke Shirts - Custom-made shirts produced at the Chard, Somerset factory by skilled artisans using traditional methods.
• Pocket Squares - Handcrafted accessories that became part of Drake's core offering alongside ties.
• Soft Tailoring - Italian-made blazers and jackets embodying the brand's ethos of 'Relaxed Elegance.'
• Selvedge Denim - Premium denim offerings representing the brand's expansion into contemporary menswear categories.

Reputation

Drake's is regarded as a purveyor of classic British elegance with a strong reputation for handcrafted quality and meticulous attention to detail. The brand is respected among menswear enthusiasts and professionals for its heritage, traditional manufacturing methods, and consistent product quality. Its flagship store at 9 Savile Row has been recognized among the best menswear stores in the world. The brand appeals to a discerning clientele including artists, actors, chefs, and writers, though its premium positioning and limited production capacity restrict its market reach compared to mass-market competitors.