Ede and Ravenscroft is one of those shops that really belongs in Oxford. It's a little glimpse into…read morethe past and into the world of esteemed traditional businessmen. I reckon most people who go in are just curious at the idea of a traditional tailors, and it's a refreshingly quiet change to similar shops in London. It specialises in menswear, but I've had a browse around for cufflinks and ties as presents for male friends and family members. Unfortunately for me, the price is high for such quality products, so I remain an admiring window shopper. There is a 10% discount for students, so it's a good place for interview or internship clothes, or even for sub-fusc, if you want quality clothes that will last. It also caters for academics, legal professions and even clerical outfits. You can treat it as a normal shop or get professionally measured and have clothes tailor-made. Great fun to browse around, but definitely not an everyday shop.

The Ede & Ravenscroft branch on High Street is most likely the best choice for suit, shirts and…read moreformal wear in Oxford. As part of the Ede & Ravenscroft tailoring house in London's Old Burlington Street, not only does the Oxford shop offer ready-made suits, sweaters, ties, shirts and accessories, they are also able to deliver custom-made shirts and suits and to my knowledge -at least until recently- had a tailor coming in for bespoke clothes. The choice of clothes and formal wear is quite remarkable for a small city like Oxford, and with quite a few well-off kids joining the local university each year, there definitely is demand for a shop like E & R. They do provide a great variety of dinner suits, and since every student at Oxford University at some point during his university life requires a dinner suit, this would be my recommended place to get it from. And students even get a 10 percent discount (at least they got it during my student time).

When the Elmsleigh Centre in Staines was renovated, the Clarks shoe shop moved to another site…read morewithin the Centre and in the process lost a lot of it's ground space. This means that the selection of shoes is now really limited and moving around the shop to browse can be difficult. The staff aren't particularly interested in helping you. A good example of this is when I bought some sandals, got home and discovered they'd given me one Size 7 sandal and one Size 5 sandal. When I took them back the next day the manager wasn't very happy to sort this out and commented that I should take responsibility for it as I should have checked both shoes were the same size before leaving the shop. There isn't a great range of shoes to choose from due to the small size of the shop so you quite often see styles in magazines that you can't find in the Staines branch. Distinctly average.

Of all the sights to see when visiting Oxford, this store should also be on your list. I had the…read moremisfortune of my luggage being lost on a trip to Oxford and by chance happen to walk past this store. I live in the United States and if they had a store near me... I would likely visit them at least once a month. When you walk in, it might seem small. They have quite a bit to choose from downstairs from dress shirts to dress shoes. But go upstairs and you will find everything you could possibly need for a men's wardrobe. My first time visiting Walters, I needed everything since all of my luggage was lost. Everything from a suit down to the shoes, socks and belt. But this isn't any kind of department store clothing shop. Here you will only find the highest quality material and if you have the time, get it custom made. On my first visit, I just needed something to wear for the next day and was able to get an off the rack jacket, trousers, dress shirts, shoes, belt and socks. They are more than happy to help you pick out an ensemble if you want help. I first met Sara when I discovered they can have family crests made to put on a jacket. For years I have tried and tried other places but the crest always comes out looking nothing like the original graphic. But I saw some examples and she was able to get some made. It was as simple as uploading an image of the crest and what I received back, looked exactly like the photo but it looks hand stitched and of the highest quality I have ever seen. When I had the patch, I decided to get a custom fitted jacket. In addition to a wonderful selection of jackets you can buy off the rack, they have an extensive selection of materials you can chose from and get a custom fitted suit and/or jacket. I was fortunate to be helped by Tom Shirley who measured me completely for the jacket and took care of all the details. I have jackets made in places like Hong Kong but never with this much detail put into it. Not only was there a wide array of buttons to choose from, but this was the first time I have ever picked the lining and the lining under the collar. There was no detail too small when it came to designing my jacket. I have been back to Oxford several times and each time, I always stop off to see Tom and see what else I can add to my wardrobe. Although a men's store, I was so pleased with the jacket displaying my family crest, on the last visit, my daughter was able to get fitted for jackets bearing the crest as well. Of course London is know for high quality men's shops, but if you are in Oxford, and you enjoy quality clothing, you will want to make time to stop by here.

I received excellent service from Walters of Oxford. I…read morerented my wedding suit online, with follow-up emails to a member of staff called Ben. I travelled from Ireland to Oxford the day before the wedding only to discover the suit trousers didn't fit. Martin, the General Manager of the store organised new trousers to be delivered from another store the next morning. Once the trousers arrived Martin rang & emailed me. I collected them and the wedding went off without a hitch! HUGE THANKS to both Ben & Martin for all their assistance!

The manager here was lovely. She was very patient and friendly as she helped me try to find a pair…read moreof suitable shoes that fit. Her knowledge was useful.

The Clarks Shoe Shop in Pinner is along the main high street towards Lidle. It is quite difficult…read moreto park in Pinner so we tend to park in the Lidle car park and buy something in the shop on our way back through. Pinner Clarks is a smaller shop than the one in Harrow but it is still a great place for getting kids school shoes. There is a good selection of shoes and the staff are well trained. The shop is comfortable and child friendly. The beauty of visiting this branch over the Harrow branch is that it is very quiet and it is possible to walk in and get served straight away. The staff are patient with the children and are prepared to take time over the fitting.

A very popular place on High St. to buy T-shirts and sweaters. They have a large selection of…read morevarious clothing (tourist type clothing) at very good prices. It seems they always have a bin of Oxford T-shirts on sale for 4.99 pounds, a real deal. One of my favorite places in Oxford to buy presents.

I am in Oxford frequently on business from the US and always to try to stop by Shepherd & Woodward…read more Each time I have been able to stop by, there are items I can't find in the US and usually on sale. Staff has always been helpful and knowledgeable. I am not a long time customer but have had only have positive experiences with them.

Much smaller than the Dorothy Perkins I usually use on Oxford St but much less crowded although…read morevery difficult to move through. The racks are tightly packed in but the staff are friendly enough. I wouldn't want to have to actually try on clothes or find a new outfit - it's the place to buy stuff without having to queue for 30 minutes like at other shops. The clothes are well organised, sizes are in order, most of the range is available and despite it being uber-small it is also super convenient.

The tiny Abingdon branch of Dorothy Perkins is a bit disappointing, although it is nice to have a…read morewell-known fashion chain in the town. If there are a few customers in the shop it can be hard to get to where you want, as the rails are quite close together. They have a nice selection of clothes, costume jewellery and underwear at a reasonable price, not the hugest choice but it whets your appetite! The staff are always helpful and efficient.

The Staines branch of Gap is quite a large one and is over two floors, so there's lots of choice…read more Staff tend to greet you as you come through the door, which I suppose is intended to make you feel welcome, but in fact I always find it intimidating and false. The children's wear in particular is nice and is reasonably priced. The mens and womenswear is less impressive and my particular bugbear is that they produce relatively large sizes, but don't order very many larger items for each store, meaning that we fatties are often disappointed. Once you get past the initial awkward American-style greeting, the staff are generally friendly and helpful.

I love their urban/contemporary style and the edginess of some of their designs. Their fit really…read moreworks for those who are slim or have a small frame. I personally think my BF looks extra hot in their jackets or coats - then again, he always looks good :P This shop is quite large and is a bit hidden past the Oxford modern art museum. They had am awesome 50% off winter sale when I stopped by and their staff were really helpful.