Four decades ago, Charles Tyrwhitt consisted of eight shirts, eight ties and a one-page leaflet. Today, the British menswear retailer is celebrating its 40th anniversary, dressing more than two million men worldwide. 

That includes men in Malaysia too. Last year, Charles Tyrwhitt opened its flagship store at Suria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur.

Charles Tyrwhitt is best known for practical, well-made styles that cover everything from office wear to less formal occasions—across suits, shirts, trousers, shoes and accessories. Tailoring remains important, but the brand has evolved with the times, as men’s daily dress codes have loosened.

A man who once came in for a white shirt can now leave with a Merino Quarter Zip, Smart Polo and a pair of Non-Iron Chinos. Dangerous territory for the credit card.

The shirt, of course, has never disappeared. The Original Twill remains one of its signatures, joined over the years by linen, Oxford, poplin, stretch and performance styles. Its broader collection follows the same practical logic: classic menswear that makes it easy for men to dress well.

The story behind it all begins in a room at the University of Bristol in 1986. Founder Nick Wheeler was studying Geography, although selling shirts by mail was apparently a more tempting use of his time. He spent £99 on 5,000 leaflets, another £199 on an Amstrad word processor, and started taking orders. The name came from his own middle names—Charles and Tyrwhitt—which, to his ear, had more shirtmaker potential than “Nick Wheeler”. 

Wheeler thought he could make a better shirt. He wanted well-made menswear at sensible prices. The Original Twill became the basis for that philosophy, and the founder still gives it its due: “I owe this little beauty everything.” 

The shirt is made from 100 per cent cotton and finished with the non-iron treatment that has become one of the label’s calling cards. Meanwhile, details like the complimentary brass collar stiffeners showed an early fixation on getting the small things right. 

The early years weren’t exactly wrinkle-free. Yes, Charles Tyrwhitt passed the £1 million sales mark and hired its first employee, but the business also hit hard times and briefly folded before Wheeler brought it back.

In 1997, the label opened its first shop on Jermyn Street—London’s historic home of shirtmaking. The brand took its place in a long lineage of British craftsmanship and design. Charles Tyrwhitt launched online soon afterwards, then crossed the Atlantic with its first American store on Madison Avenue in New York.

40 years since Wheeler first brought his shirt to life, Charles Tyrwhitt is now synonymous with elevated staples and timeless pieces. Like Wheeler, you might find yourself starting with one shirt, and emerging with a whole wardrobe. 

Charles Tyrwhitt, Level 2, Suria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur