Hugh Rae

Prominent and popular shop, especially if you have a Regimental history. I recommend my service pals to get their kit here for re-​unions and such like. The building dates back before 14^th Century, as one of the photos show. Combines.

On my recent reconnaissance rampage for sartorial superiority I came upon Hugh Rae Ltd. A relatively unassuming clothier on Lewes High Street, Hugh Rae offers an environment where the modern aspiring gentleman might browse at ease, unhampered by the pomp and austerity of some of the more established outfitters. It did have the feel of the poorer cousin about it though by comparison to Paul Clark. Perhaps I visited them in the wrong order; it just seemed a little like watching an episode of ITV’s A Touch of Frost after having been enthralled by Inspector Morse.
Still the fact remains that place is a much easier place to do a bit of browsing and the stock consists of a good selection of light tweeds (though I saw no Harris) not only that but there is no element of the boutique or gimmick here. It’s just all a little less extravagant.

Ah, now I know where I should go when I want to buy clothes that will make me look like a sophisticated gentleman as opposed to a broke student. I need money first, but if I manage to find some money (I’m hoping some will fall out of the sky soon), then I’ll be buying a cardigan, a tie, and some fancy trousers at Hugh Rae.
If you’re interested in looking smart, with a particular interest in clothing that has a definite classic feel to it, this is a great place to go. They have everything you need to have you looking like a true gentleman who plays golf at the country club every Saturday morning.

This shop is straight out of Jeeves and Wooster! So straight out of P.G. Wodehouse that I don’t dare go in in case I interrupt a poker game amongst chaps in their shirt sleeves. It is a brilliant menswear shop selling all sorts of goodies for men with a more formal bent– shirts, wool trousers, tweed, ties, silk socks, hats, scarves. And for more relaxed soirees with close friends– wool cardigans, polonecks, and even striped flannel dressing gowns. I love the twenties font for the name over the door ‘Hugh Rae’. Great old-​school style with lots of good quality menswear.