ABOUT US
About Black Tie Menswear
Black Tie Menswear has been dressing men for the most important occasions in their lives for over 40 years. Based at 79 Church Street in Crowthorne, Berkshire, we are one of the South of England's longest-established formal menswear specialists — offering suit hire, bespoke tailoring, and off-the-peg retail from a dedicated showroom that has served the region since 1985.
In that time, we have dressed over 2,000 customers every year, coordinated more than 500 functions annually, and built a reputation for personal service that national chains and online retailers simply cannot match. Every groom, racegoer, or dinner guest who walks through our door gets the same thing: the time, expertise, and honest advice of a team that has been doing this for generations.
Our Story
Black Tie Menswear was founded in 1985 by Chris Healy. Chris came to Crowthorne with a background unlike most menswear retailers — trained on Savile Row and with a year spent in military tailoring, he understood fit, construction, and cloth at a level most high street shops never reach. He brought that expertise to Berkshire and built a business around one principle: every customer deserves a suit that actually fits.
For decades, Chris was the face of Black Tie. He built relationships with wedding parties, royal Ascot regulars, and corporate clients across Berkshire, Surrey, and Hampshire — many of whom have been coming back for 20 or 30 years. When Chris retired, he handed the business to Alex, who had worked alongside him for over 15 years and knew the operation inside out. The name above the door changed hands but nothing else did.
Today, we dress men for weddings, Royal Ascot, black tie events, school proms, masonic dinners, corporate functions, and everything in between. Our hire range covers morning suits, lounge suits, tweed suits, dinner suits, and highland wear. Our bespoke and made-to-measure service is available for customers who want something that is entirely their own.
Award-Winning Service
The recognition we're most proud of has always come directly from our customers. In 2016, we were named National Winner at the English Wedding Awards — the highest recognition level at the UK's most prestigious wedding industry awards. We went on to win regional awards at the English Wedding Awards in 2017, 2018, and 2019. We have also been recognised in the You & Your Wedding Bridal Retail Awards, which are voted for entirely by customers.
These aren't industry insider votes. They are awards based on what real customers say — and that matters to us more than any trade accolade.
Meet the Team
Black Tie Menswear is a small, expert team. Every member of staff who takes your measurements, advises on your outfit, or carries out your alterations has trained in formal menswear — there are no generalists here. When you come in for a fitting, you will speak directly to the person doing the work.
Alex — Owner
Alex has worked in the business for over 15 years and took over from founder Chris Healy when he retired. He knows this business — and this industry — better than anyone. If you're booking a wedding party or need honest advice on what will actually work for your occasion, Alex is your man.
Michael — Senior Consultant
Michael came to Black Tie having already built a career in men's formal wear elsewhere. He arrived knowing the product and has been the main point of contact for many of our long-standing customers ever since. The kind of person clients ask for by name when they call.
Jamie — In-Store Specialist
Jamie's story with Black Tie started when he was a teenager — he was the Saturday boy while at secondary school. He went off, did his own thing, and came back years later to join full time. That loyalty says something. He has been an integral part of the team for many years now and is a familiar face to anyone who visits the store regularly.
Ross — Operations
Ross has been with Black Tie for over 10 years. You probably won't see him at the front of the shop — he's the engine behind the scenes. Stock management, logistics, the work that keeps everything running smoothly. Nothing would leave the building on time without him.
Rob — Tech & Marketing
Rob joined Black Tie in 2012 and spent over a decade on the front line in the store. He eventually moved to Australia — but couldn't quite bring himself to leave. He now handles all the technology and marketing for Black Tie from the other side of the world. Proof, perhaps, that once you've worked here it's hard to let go.
Our Showroom
We are based in the centre of Crowthorne, just off the High Street. The shop is compact and deliberately so — every square foot is used. The front showroom has suits available to see, touch, and try on. Behind it is a small warehouse, and the rest of the building is packed room by room with stock. There is nothing tucked away that you can't access. If we have it, you can see it.
Fitting appointments for new wedding party bookings take approximately one hour. Return fittings and adjustments take around 30 minutes. We recommend booking in advance, particularly between April and October when wedding season is at its peak. Free parking is available nearby and we are easily accessible from Bracknell, Camberley, Wokingham, Ascot, Sandhurst, and Fleet.
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 9am – 5pm.
Who We Dress
Over 40 years, we have built our business around a handful of occasions that matter more than any other — and we have become specialists in all of them.
Weddings — Our core business. We dress grooms, groomsmen, fathers of the bride, and guests across Berkshire, Surrey, and Hampshire. Morning suits, lounge suits, tweed, and highland wear all available.
Royal Ascot — We are one of the closest formal hire specialists to Ascot Racecourse. Our Royal Enclosure and Queen Anne Enclosure packages are fully compliant with the official dress code requirements, and we offer top hat hire and purchase.
Black Tie Events — Charity balls, corporate dinners, awards evenings, and gala nights. Dinner suit hire available with a complete accessories package.
Bespoke & Made-to-Measure — For customers who want something entirely their own, cut to their measurements and specification.
Proms, Masonic & Corporate Events — We outfit individuals and groups for a wide range of formal occasions beyond weddings.
Visit Us or Book an Appointment
We are open Monday to Saturday, 9am – 5pm. You are welcome to browse the showroom without an appointment, but for fittings and hire consultations, we recommend booking ahead to ensure we can give you the time your occasion deserves.
Black Tie Menswear
79 Church Street, Crowthorne, Berkshire, RG45 7AW
Tel: 01344 778883
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