The Cambridge Suit: A Canadian Style Legacy
How Harry Rosen himself introduced Toronto to a fresh approach to tailoring.
In 1954, Harry Rosen opened his modest 500-square-foot store on Parliament Street in Toronto. Located in the residential neighbourhood of Cabbagetown, the store became a hidden gem for those in the know, particularly downtown businessmen who valued the quality and craftsmanship of Harry Rosen's tailored garments.
At that time, Toronto’s menswear was heavily influenced by British tailoring, known for its structured canvassing, angular shoulders, and heavyweight fabrics. However, a trip to New York City would soon change the trajectory of Harry Rosen – and Canadian menswear – forever.
While visiting Madison Avenue, the epicentre of advertising innovation at the time, Harry noticed men wearing a different kind of suit. This modern, approachable silhouette stood in stark contrast to the rigid British styles worn by men at home. Eager to learn more, Harry purchased one of these suits and brought it back to Toronto.
Soft, natural shoulders with less construction and canvassing
Sleek, shorter lapels
Slightly shorter sleeve length, exposing more shirt cuff
Trousers hemmed to rest neatly at the top of the shoe
Embrace of pleats, deviating from the common flat-front silhouette
Recognizing the potential appeal of this style, Harry enlisted Cambridge Apparel in Hamilton, Ontario, to replicate the suit under the Harry Rosen label. The result was what Harry coined as the Cambridge Look – a refreshingly lighter, easier-to-wear suit that quickly became a sensation among Toronto’s financial district.
The launch of the iconic “Ask Harry” advertisements in The Globe and Mail further cemented the Cambridge Look’s popularity, drawing customers from all over the city and cementing Harry’s reputation as a trailblazer in menswear.
Harry Rosen’s foresight and understanding of his clientele’s needs transformed menswear, making the soft, unstructured suit a staple for men’s wardrobes. Today, this style remains the go-to choice for everything from work to evening outings, a testament to Harry’s lasting influence on the industry.
