When Calvin and Ryan Smith moved to Dubai in 2015, they shared little more than a love for sharp tailoring and a restless entrepreneurial spirit. A few years later, their brand Suited & Booted has become a name synonymous with modern bespoke elegance, thriving across the UAE and beyond.
A Shared Vision, Different Journeys
Calvin Smith, 33, arrived in Dubai with a sales role and a quiet certainty that he was destined to build something of his own. “Ambitious, determined, and kind,” is how he describes himself, a fitting reflection of the grit that saw him turn an idea into an international brand.
Ryan Smith brought a similar drive. Having grown up in Scotland with an instinct for entrepreneurship, he always imagined leading a company that married craftsmanship with personal service. His guiding motto, Facta non verba (“Deeds, not words”), has shaped both his business philosophy and life outlook.
Building Through Uncertainty
The duo officially founded Suited & Booted in 2019 after spotting a gap for premium bespoke tailoring paired with an elevated client experience. Just weeks before the world shut down in 2020, they opened their first Dubai store. Rather than slow down, they doubled their efforts, transforming a moment of crisis into a launchpad for growth.
By 2023, the brand expanded to Abu Dhabi’s W Hotel on Yas Island, followed in 2024 by their first international store in Glasgow, a homecoming moment for Ryan and the rollout of their Travelling Tailor service in London and Saudi Arabia.
Growth Fueled by Community
From 10 employees in 2020 to over 70 today, Suited & Booted boasts a 70% year-on-year sales increase and a devoted clientele of 350 individuals across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, 80% of whom are repeat customers. In April 2025 alone, the team produced and delivered 200 bespoke suits, while tailored casualwear now accounts for nearly 40% of the business.
Global partnerships with leading sports, luxury, and lifestyle brands continue to elevate their international profile. “We’ve built more than a client base, we’ve created a community,” Calvin says.
Beyond the Suit
Innovation remains central to their journey. Together, the brothers launched By Smiths, a ready-to-wear line that fuses tailored sophistication with everyday functionality, perfect for the modern gentleman on the move.
What’s Next
Both founders share an unwavering commitment to growth. For Calvin, it’s about “pushing tradition forward.” For Ryan, it’s about creating the best tailoring brand in the world. Their story proves that resilience, creativity, and heart can turn a vision into a global enterprise.
