50 Years of Suit Yourself in Leicester

When you walk down Belvoir Street, it’s easy to get caught up in the modern bustle of Leicester. But step inside Suit Yourself, and you’re instantly transported to an era where quality, craftsmanship and good old-fashioned hospitality reign supreme.

We had the absolute pleasure of visiting Suit Yourself, which has traded from the exact same spot on Belvoir Street for half a century. The business is owned by Bhavik Popat, the driving force behind its continued success. Standing on the shop floor, we watched Francis, one of the shop’s longest-serving members of staff, at work with the dedicated team. We were struck by something that feels increasingly rare on today’s high street: a genuine, unhurried dedication to personal service.

From carefully measuring up clients for tailored suits to showing them through to the fitting rooms with attentive care, Suit Yourself delivers that gold-standard, face-to-face service. It’s an experience you simply can’t replicate online. You have to touch and feel the luxury fabrics of their high-end menswear to truly appreciate the calibre of what they offer. The range includes fine suits, polished shoes, silk ties, trousers and crisp pocket squares.

While Suit Yourself is celebrating a remarkable 40 years on Belvoir Street, the Popat family’s roots in Leicester run even deeper. The shop forms part of a wider family enterprise that includes Popat Properties and several other businesses, trading since 1976. Celebrating an incredible 50 years in business this year, the family holds a number of property investments across the city. It’s a true testament to their enduring pride in Leicester.

Having worked at Suit Yourself for so many years, Francis is a living archive of Leicester’s rich manufacturing and textile heritage. With a warm smile, he recalled the days when the business supplied products to national fashion retailer Burton Menswear. Among them were iconic leather neckties, crafted by skilled women in a factory right here in Leicester. Hearing first-hand how the business and its people were an integral part of traditional UK manufacturing was nothing short of fascinating.

While Suit Yourself is deeply rooted in Leicester’s rich textile heritage and local community, its influence extends far beyond the city’s borders. For the past five decades, this independent business has built strong partnerships with internationally respected brands, including Orkhon Luxury Cashmere, renowned for its premium craftsmanship; Belvaren, an exciting new label launching this year; and Baumler, a household name across Europe in suiting and jacketing. Through these partnerships, the Suit Yourself team supplies retailers throughout the UK and Ireland, showcasing the very best of Leicester’s textile expertise on a wider stage. They prove that true quality knows no boundaries, taking Leicester’s textile excellence across the globe while remaining steadfastly loyal to their hometown base.

What stands out most when speaking with the team is their unwavering passion for Leicester. Under Bhavik’s leadership, Suit Yourself has remained a vital pillar of our local trade through changing retail landscapes and economic shifts. It’s driven by a deep pride in the city, a willingness to keep innovating and an unshakable commitment to quality products and face-to-face care.

Suit Yourself isn’t just a local shop. It’s a jewel in Leicester’s crown, an international success story and a beacon of inspiration for surrounding independent businesses, from Belvoir Street down to Belgrave Road. It serves as a proud reminder of what makes our city’s business community so special: heritage, global ambition and timeless quality.

Planning a visit or looking to upgrade your wardrobe with a tailored touch? Head down to Suit Yourself on Belvoir Street to experience proper, personalised service for yourself.