With almost 50 years in Cirencester, the Company was originally established in Swindon’s Old Town in 1863, after George Pakeman, great great grandfather of the current owner, Robert, returned from service in the Crimean War. George was the regimental tailor for the 50th Regiment (later the West Kent) before opening his first shop at 22 High Street, Old Town, Swindon. The focus of the shop was to provide exceptional quality and customer service and then, as now, the clothes were impeccably made. Suits today are still made using patterns originally cut by our bespoke tailor. Five generations on, and now situated in the Market Place in Cirencester (with another shop inside McEwens of Perth, in Scotland), Pakeman Catto and Carter pride themselves on being able to clothe their gentlemen customers from head to toe, covering all stops in between. Offering a traditional and conventional approach to design and manufacture, Robert Pakeman also believes there is room for a little eccentricity: "Many items in our exclusive range boast vibrant colours, patterns and features that make them unique. It’s a signature look for many of our customers." He also ensures that the finest cloths are sourced from Britain and Europe, from English Moleskin and Scottish Tweeds to Irish Linen and Italian Cottons. Such has been the success of the shop in Cirencester, Pakeman Catto and Carter also produces a popular Catalogue and has a successful Website sending its unique Britishness all over the world. The business has truly been a family affair with five generations of the Pakeman family involved; control of the business passing from George to his son John Henry, with Robert’s grandfather, Oscar, joining after World War I and his father, John, after World War II. Robert is modest about his family’s successful business. "Although times and fashions have changed, our values haven’t – it’s still about offering clothes that are made to the highest standards to ensure exceptional quality and happy customers."
