The suit is one of the most enduring symbols of elegance and sophistication in men’s fashion. From its origins in European aristocracy to its current status as a global wardrobe essential, the suit has undergone an extraordinary transformation.
As we explore the journey of the suit, we also uncover the story of P N RAO, India’s pioneering tailoring brand that has been defining elegance for over a century.
👑 The Birth of the Suit – 17th to 19th Century
The history of the modern suit began in 1666 when King Charles II of England introduced a new form of male court dress — a long coat, waistcoat, and breeches. This look evolved during the 18th and 19th centuries, gaining popularity across Europe and giving rise to a new wave of structured, tailored fashion.
Savile Row Influence
By the 1800s, London’s Savile Row became synonymous with bespoke tailoring, where every gentleman desired a custom-made suit that reflected social status and personal flair. This bespoke culture laid the foundation for tailoring excellence — a craft later embraced and redefined in India by P N RAO.
🇮🇳 The Arrival of the Suit in India
As British influence grew in India during the colonial era, Western-style dressing — especially the suit — became a norm among officers and elites. Tailoring hubs emerged in cities like Bombay, Calcutta, and Bangalore, giving rise to bespoke tailoring rooted in precision and legacy.
🧵 The P N RAO Legacy: Tailoring India Since 1923
📍 Explore Our Journey
At the heart of India’s tailored revolution is P N RAO — a name that has become synonymous with the perfect suit. Established in 1923 by the late Pishe Narayan Rao in Bangalore, the brand began as a modest ladies’ tailoring and haberdashery store on M G Road. Within a few decades, it transformed into one of India’s most iconic men’s suiting brands.
📜 Our Suit-Centric Timeline
Here’s how P N RAO evolved alongside the history of the suit:
🔹 1920s
Founded in 1923 by late Pishe Narayan Rao in Bangalore
Tailored garments for officers and elite clients in the British cantonment
🔹 1930s
Established as a renowned ladies tailoring and accessories store
🔹 1940s
Became official clothiers for the British Garrison
🔹 1950s
Post-Independence, under P N Panduranga Rao, shifted focus to men’s tailoring
🔹 1960s
Introduced ready-to-wear clothing, revolutionizing how India wore suits
🔹 1995
Refurbished the iconic M G Road store
🔹 1998
Strategic shift into a suit-centric brand
🔹 2006
New logo launched to reflect our bespoke suit philosophy
🔹 2008–2011
Expanded retail presence across Bangalore; launched P N RAO Signature Wear, inspired by our founder’s signature
🔹 2021
Opened the first solar-powered tailoring unit in Hoskote — one of India’s largest suit manufacturing units
✂️ Types of Suits and Their Evolution
As tailoring grew, so did the diversity in suit designs. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most iconic suit styles:
✅ Single-Breasted Suit
The go-to formal wear today. One row of buttons and a sleek cut — perfect for offices and meetings.
✅ Double-Breasted Suit
A more regal design with overlapping front flaps. Historically linked to military and high society.
✅ Tuxedo Suit
A classic for evening and black-tie events. Featuring satin lapels and elegance, it defines celebration dressing.
✅ Bandhgala (Indian Suit Hybrid)
An Indian evolution — a closed-neck, Nehru-inspired jacket worn at weddings and traditional events.
🕴️ Why the Suit Still Matters Today
Despite fashion trends, the suit remains the global symbol of power, poise, and polish. Today, men wear suits not just for formal events but also as a form of expression — pairing sharp tailoring with personal style.
At P N RAO, we believe the essence of a suit lies not just in fabric or stitches — but in how it makes the wearer feel. Whether it’s a bespoke wedding suit or a made-to-measure office suit, our craftsmanship celebrates individuality.
🔗 Crafting the Future, Honoring the Past
As tailoring moves toward personalization, sustainability, and innovation, P N RAO continues to lead the way — rooted in its legacy yet open to the future. With custom suit services, expert stylists, and state-of-the-art production, we’re proud to shape how India suits up — today and for generations to come.
👉 Explore our legacy of suiting here: https://www.pnrao.com/
🧥 Final Thoughts
The journey of the suit mirrors the evolution of society — from royalty to revolution, from tradition to technology. And within that journey, P N RAO stands as a cornerstone of Indian tailoring history.
Whether you’re looking for a modern power suit or a timeless bespoke design, P N RAO is your destination for unmatched elegance and heritage.
