RYDER & AMIES: THE CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY OUTFITTERS

Ryder & Amies is an historic tailoring house in the heart of Cambridge that has shared an association with the University of Cambridge since its foundation in 1864. The firm has been a go-to supplier of Oxbridge academic wear (sub fusc) and was the preferred tailor, shirtmaker and robemaker to the discerning Cantabrigian student or don for much of their history. Today, they are the official Cambridge University store, providing university-related merchandise as well as outfitting the various clubs and colleges associated with the university. They are still the go-to robemaker for graduating students and for academic dress. The Ryder & Amies store also stocks a wide range of clothing and accessories for students, staff, and alumni, as well as souvenirs for visitors.

Joseph Ryder founded his business in 1864, entering into a partnership with the well-respected and locally celebrated Edward Amies (who had been the city’s mayor) in 1896. Joseph Ryder’s sons took over the business on his death but had no issue of their own and so the Amies family have maintained control of the firm ever since, still running it today.

In the firm’s early years, it served as one of many academic tailors in the city catering to the young gentlemen attending the ancient universities and nearby public schools (at a time when more formal attire was still the norm and high street retailers selling apparel were not commonplace). The particular nuances of academic dress of certain institutions would, oftentimes, require a well-experienced tailor familiar with the dress code and Ryder & Amies established themselves as the first name in tailors for students and faculty of the university. Their expertise in robemaking, academic gowns and the specific sub fusc outfits of the ancient institutions was such that many of the university’s most famous graduates wore the house’s garments.

The house also maintained a small trade in non-academic tailoring and shirtmaking, as well as crafting robes and gowns for other clients in the legal trade. The firm also distinguished themselves as a maker of fine neckties and blazers for the various colleges of the university and for the various boat clubs and sports clubs of the university and across the city.

Ryder & Amies is located on King’s Parade and also has an online store where you can shop for all of their products. Their range includes: official University of Cambridge merchandise, including clothing, accessories, and gifts; college-specific merchandise, including clothing, accessories, and gifts; books, calendars, and greeting cards; sports and outdoor wear; academic robes; and children’s wear.

Ryder & Amies is a great place to find unique and memorable souvenirs from your time at Cambridge University. They also have a wide range of everyday items that you can use throughout your time at Cambridge.

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