T. M. Lewin
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Retail (menswear) |
| Founded | 1898 |
| Founder | Thomas Mayes Lewin |
| Headquarters | London , United Kingdom |
Area served | United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, United States, Europe |
Key people | Sven Gaede (CEO, 2018) |
| Products | Shirts, suits, outer garments, knitwear, jackets, chinos, ties, men's accessories |
| Owner | Stonebridge Capital (since 2020) |
Number of employees | Approximately 700 (pre-pandemic) |
| Parent | Torque Brands (affiliate of Stonebridge Capital) |
| Website | www |
TM Lewin Shirtmaker Limited, widely recognized as T.M.Lewin, is a British retailer specializing in menswear, established in 1898 by Thomas Mayes Lewin. The company initially launched its first outlet on Panton Street in London before moving to Jermyn Street, an esteemed area known for formal shirt retailers. Starting out with a focus on shirts, TM Lewin gradually broadened its offerings to encompass suits, outer garments, knitwear, jackets, chinos, ties, and various men's accessories.
19th century
Founded in 1898 on Panton Street and relocating to Jermyn Street by 1903, TM Lewin played a key role in popularizing the contemporary button-front shirt, which replaced the older pull-over design.
20th century
During the early decades of the 1900s, TM Lewin earned a reputation among London’s gentlemen for its quality craftsmanship and innovative designs. The “coat shirt,” launched in 1903, was highlighted as a breakthrough in London Opinion and Today. Throughout World War I, the firm supplied uniforms to both the RAF and British Army.
Initially formed as a partnership between Thomas Mayes Lewin and Geoffrey James Lewin at 39 Panton Street, the company transitioned into T.M.Lewin and Sons Ltd after the partnership ended in 1938.
In 1978, ownership passed to the McKenna family. Geoff Quinn joined the team in 1980 and spearheaded expansion efforts that led to the company reaching £1 million in revenue by 1982. By 1993, TM Lewin had introduced an early mail order service and began relocating manufacturing from its Southend-on-Sea facility to Europe.
21st century
In 2000, T.M.Lewin inaugurated its fifth London store at Ludgate Circus and started experimenting with promotional campaigns that would become signature brand features. That same year, it earned a 5-star shirt rating from GQ magazine.
By 2005, the brand had diversified beyond shirts into suits, provided ties for the London 2012 Olympic Bid team, and launched the well-known 4 for £100 promotion.
By 2011, T.M.Lewin operated 99 outlets across Great Britain, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland. The first store outside Europe opened in Sydney, Australia in 2012. Following an investment from Bain Capital in 2015, Sven Gaede was appointed CEO in 2018.
As of 2019, T.M.Lewin maintained ownership of 68 stores within the UK and operated 89 additional locations internationally across Ireland, Australia, the United States, and Europe.
In April 2020, facing retail challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, T.M.Lewin entered discussions with prospective buyers. Among those interested was competitor menswear brand Charles Tyrwhitt. Bain Capital pursued a sale of the company and engaged Alantra to oversee the auction process. On 13 May 2020, private equity firm Stonebridge Capital acquired T.M.Lewin through its affiliate Torque Brands.
During the pandemic closures, around 650 out of approximately 700 employees were furloughed under the UK government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme while physical stores remained shut. A small workforce continued managing digital operations and supply chain functions.
On 30 June 2020, T.M.Lewin confirmed it would shut all 66 UK stores and lay off around 600 staff members. Subsequently, Stonebridge reacquired the brand’s remaining assets—including its online platform—via a pre-pack insolvency arrangement after concluding that continuing with brick-and-mortar retail was no longer sustainable.
Campaigns
In 2017, T.M.Lewin appointed Gary Lineker as its brand ambassador, a collaboration that extended through both 2018 and 2019. The company has also forged partnerships with major sporting occasions and organizations, such as Royal Ascot, the Harlequins rugby team, and the England and Wales Cricket Board. In May 2021, T.M.Lewin revealed a partnership with the British & Irish Lions in support of their 2021 South Africa tour.
Stores
Following a five-year emphasis on digital sales, T.M.Lewin made a comeback to physical retail on 2 April 2025 by opening a new outlet on Bow Lane within London's financial district. Additionally, the brand has teamed up with esteemed names and fabric producers including Liberty, Loro Piana, Albini, and Falke.