Henry Poole & Co

In the 1860s, it is widely-believed to have designed the first modern-style dinner jacket, according to specifications provided by the Prince of Wales (later Edward VII).

[4] The company holds royal warrants of appointment and supplies the Lord Chamberlain’s office with court dress.

In 1860, Henry Poole made a short evening or smoking jacket for the Prince of Wales to wear at informal dinner parties at Sandringham.

In 1886, during a visit to London, the Prince invited James Potter of Tuxedo Park, New York, to spend a weekend at Sandringham House.

Fellow members quickly began having copies made for themselves, adopting the jacket as their informal uniform for club “stag” dinners.

Customers examine the wares of Henry Poole and Co. in their 18th century showroom on Savile Row (1944)
A view of the workroom at Henry Poole and Co., showing tailors at work on various types of jacket, including a naval officer's jacket, second from right on the rear row. The men are all sitting on the workbenches. (1944)