Tailored for Success: Calvin Smith and the Rise of Suited & Booted
Date Posted:Tue, 14th Oct 2025
Calvin Smith, from Edinburgh, is one half of the Scottish duo behind Suited & Booted Dubai - the luxury tailoring brand known for dressing influential figures across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Glasgow. The business was founded by Ryan Smith, from Saltcoats, in 2017, with Calvin joining two years later to support it’s growth and reputation.
Together, the pair have built a brand renowned for tailoring for entrepreneurs, professionals and people of influence who turn to them for style that carries confidence into every occasion.
Although they aren’t related, sharing the same surname is a coincidence that often raises eyebrows.
Calvin says “Both Ryan and I first came to Dubai to pursue careers in sales, but it wasn’t long before we recognised an opportunity to change the way people experience tailoring in the Middle East. We saw a real demand in the region for high-quality bespoke tailoring and contemporary formal wear for both men and women. This is a space we were determined to fill.”
Speaking about the brand’s journey, Calvin said: “Dubai offers so much in terms of lifestyle and luxury, but we felt there was still space for the touch of traditional British tailoring with a premium level of service. That’s what inspired us to bring a more classic, bespoke approach to the city’s style scene.”
Looking back, Calvin admits that he and Ryan didn’t start out as experts in tailoring. What they did have, however, was a sharp eye for style and a real understanding of what clients were looking for. “From the beginning, we surrounded ourselves with the right people,” Calvin said. “We partnered with master tailors whose skills have been refined over generations, and together we’ve built a service and a legacy that brings true bespoke craftsmanship to both men and women in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Glasgow.”
The brands growth journey has been anything but easy. Calvin, who grew up in Clermiston and attended Craigmount High School, recalls the long days and constant learning curve. “There were years when we worked 12-hour days, seven days a week. It took a lot of persistence and we made plenty of mistakes along the way, but those challenges in the early days shaped us. Now the business runs with rhythm and confidence, and we are proud to have built a team that really knows its stride.”
For Calvin, quality and passion sit at the heart of everything Suited & Booted does. Every garment is designed to be more than just clothing - it’s an investment in timeless style. “Our focus has always been on creating capsule pieces that clients can wear for years, not just a season,” he explained. This approach not only ensures lasting value but also offers an ethical alternative to fast fashion, giving clients the chance to build wardrobes that are both sustainable and sophisticated.
A key part of that commitment to excellence lies in the fabrics themselves. Suited & Booted work directly with some of the world’s most prestigious mills, sourcing premium Italian and British cloths from names such as Loro Piana, Zegna, Drapers, Drago and others. By selecting only the finest materials, Calvin ensures that every piece not only looks and feels exceptional but also embodies the heritage and craftsmanship of centuries-old textile traditions.
Among the many world-class fabrics he works with, Calvin has a personal favourite: the Zegna 15 milmil. Renowned as the epitome of luxury, this cloth is celebrated for its unrivalled fineness, softness, and elegance. “It represents everything I love about tailoring: timeless craftsmanship, subtle refinement and a standard of quality that speaks for itself,” Calvin said.
Over the years, Suited & Booted has had the privilege of dressing a diverse mix of clients, from celebrities and sporting legends to entrepreneurs and business professionals. Whether preparing someone for a red-carpet event, a high-profile appearance in front of the cameras, an important boardroom meeting, or simply elevating their everyday style, Suited & Booted take pride in creating garments that give clients confidence in every setting.
Looking to the future, Suited & Booted is preparing to open a new flagship showroom. A milestone that marks the next chapter in the brand’s journey. For Calvin and Ryan, the sky truly is the limit. They credit much of the business’s success to the strength of their team, a group of experts who don’t just work behind the scenes but stand alongside them, sharing the same passion and vision. Together, they are set to embark on an exciting period of growth, bringing British tailoring tradition to an even wider audience in Dubai and beyond.