The thought of flying down to Birmingham, Alabama just to visit Harrison Limited is certainly something that has crossed my mind. At the end of the day I love clothing, but what I really love is retail. And when it comes to my favorite shops, independent men’s stores are by far my favorites. Case in point: Cuff’s Clothing in Chagrin. Men’s shops in the Southeast? That’s when things get really tasteful and very distinctly American. It’s both an aesthetic and an approach that I have come to appreciate and actively seek out as the true shops of this stripe are few and far between. While in Florence (Italy, not Alabama) at Pitti I spent about 30 minutes peppering the Oxxford Clothes sales guy about his favorite men’s shops, specifically in the Southeast. I wasn’t looking for stores with a more New England spin like O’Connells (I already know it, already love it), I was seeking classic, Southern, gentlemenly, tasteful, understated and confident shops. The Oxxford rep reminded me of Harrison Limited and here we all are. It was the perfect call out and it is an amazing place for true menswear.
Having spent some time with Mr. Billy Reid in Northwest Alabama, I love the state’s take on “prep” or whatever you want to call it. I love the classic menswear that emanates from places like Harrison Limited. To visit and shop stores like these is such an elevated and enjoyable experience compared to most retail scenarios. It is especially good when folks like Harrison Limited merchandise the place in an interesting and regional way, so you actually see something unique and new as opposed to seeing the same five brands that all of the other stores offer. The service and the good selection make all the difference – that’s the heart of the experience. If you have to pay a bit more for the product, it is very obviously worth it. It all goes back to a merchant with an honest, fair and measured approach. In a perfect world, every town should have a Harrison Limited. It’s a shame I can’t go by every Saturday, though eventually I know I will just bite the bullet and fly to Birmingham.
I am about to move about 70 miles from that shop. Can’t wait to visit. Thanks for sharing it.
Oh excellent shop!
excellent. the first check shirt is reminiscent of a brand from the 70s in the uk called Brutus.
wow very nice shop. i also appreciate a good mens shop that is carefully crafted. you need to take a trip to ball and buck on newbury in boston. ask for a shave too.
Cigar Shell PTB on Plaza Last, do I see?
Great write up on a fine men’s shop in Birmingham (and there are other’s too – Shaia’s, Plain Clothes, Mobley & Sons). Harrison Limited is the best, though – thanks for this.
others*, dammit.
Will,
Didn’t Walker Percy write about you in his book The Last Gentleman? ;-)
Best,
John
P.S. Don’t forget about The Locker Room in Tuscaloosa.
Gotta give it to you on this one…
I grew up watching my father shop here (he’s purchased virtually his entire wardrobe from these guys). Now living in New York and still haven’t found anything quite like it.
Not only do they carry excellent product, but their customer service is impeccable which is truly why they are so brilliant.
From a women’s perspective, I love linen on men in the summer. It makes casual look great.
Love every photo. Damn.
Love those Alden shoes.
What you say is so true. Selection and service are the new trademark of the Menswear store. There are so very few that excel at this! …
This shop looks amazing. I am a big fan of olden style dress shirts and shoes. It has a preppy, casual feel with a pinch of Oxford style.
Anyone have any idea who made the solid Blue Oxford at the top right?
John – the Locker Room and the Shirt Shop are old, dear friends. Best!
I love belts but I’ve been getting tired of the leather being worn out. I finally found a belt with no holes that uses a new design and still looks great!
The solid blue Oxford Cloth shirt featured at the top is the Harrison Limited brand
It is made by a manufacturer located in New England.
James-
Cigar shell cordovan PTB on Aberdeen last…
SHP
It is refreshing to see an old-school gentleman’s shop presenting well made clothing without irony.
This was wonderful article to see and I have known Scott for many years..He is a very fine retailer with good style and a wonderful taste level…He and I are in the same business…
Great to see fine clothing being shown more and more..
Continued good luck,
Briggs aka:BAD
Love the name Harrison Limited…
NEEDS to know who makes the camp mocs!
Camp Mocs made in America by Alden Shoes.
I am a Birmingham native and have shopped in Harrison Limited before (the store is actually in Mountain Brook). In my humble opinion there are other shops that I find more appealing and with much better customer service. The last time I was in there I was shopping for my own wedding apparel and needless to say I didn’t end up buying anything. If you do make to Birmingham try Mobley & Sons.
nice apparell
I’m looking at the picture with the moccasins and chukka-style boots. Who makes the moc-style shoes in that picture?
Great review of Harrison Limited! As a Birmingham native, and raised in Tuscaloosa, I grew up wearing clothes from Mobley and Sons (remember when it was called The Varsity Shop?), the Locker Room (my first gray interview suit), the Shirt Shop (where we bought our Duckheads in the 80s and early 90s), and also Harrison Limited (my first tuxedo for subdeb and deb balls). And my great uncle, Woody, worked and managed Shaia for many years! All the gentlemen who own these establishments have inspired me and influenced my sartorial tastes. I now live in DC, and with the exception of Wm. Fox & Company, have found the independent traditional gentlemen’s clothiers very lacking. Luckily, in my trips home to Bama throughout the year–Chris, Alex, Charlie, and Scott, keep me well-clothed! Its great that Alabama is being recognized for this! Lee
The moc style shoes are made by Alden.