Founded in 1971 by David Reiss, Reiss began its journey in the heart of London’s financial district on Bishopsgate, initially focusing on premium men’s tailoring. Recognizing a niche for high-quality yet accessible fashion, the brand quickly established itself as a go-to destination for sophisticated menswear. By the early 1990s, Reiss had expanded its presence across the UK, with stores in prominent locations like King’s Road and Bond Street in London, as well as in major cities such as Glasgow and Manchester. This early expansion laid the groundwork for Reiss’s future growth and solidified its reputation as a leader in contemporary British fashion.

The turn of the millennium marked a significant milestone for Reiss with the launch of its first womenswear collection in 2000, coinciding with the opening of a flagship store in London’s Kent House. This move not only broadened Reiss’s appeal but also marked the beginning of its ambitious global expansion. By 2005, Reiss had crossed the Atlantic, opening its first U.S. store on West Broadway in New York City, which later garnered acclaim for its innovative design. The success of the West Broadway store was quickly followed by additional locations in major U.S. cities such as Los Angeles and Boston, as well as international forays into markets like Dubai, Moscow, and Copenhagen.

Reiss’s commitment to quality and style has consistently attracted a discerning clientele, including members of the British royal family. In 2010, the brand gained worldwide recognition when Kate Middleton chose to wear Reiss in her official engagement portrait, sparking a surge in global interest. This period also saw Reiss innovating within the tailoring industry, offering a personal tailoring service that brought Savile Row quality to a broader audience. As the brand continued to expand, its influence grew, culminating in the opening of a shop-within-a-shop at Bloomingdale’s in New York and further cementing Reiss’s status as a major player on the international fashion stage. Today, with over 160 stores worldwide and a legacy of stylish, accessible fashion, Reiss remains a beacon of British design and craftsmanship.

How to tell if Reiss is vintage from the logo

Reiss has maintained a consistent and sophisticated brand image over the years, with subtle changes to its logo that reflect its evolution in style and identity. The Reiss logo, known for its clean and modern aesthetic, can be a key indicator of the era a product belongs to. Below is a guide to identifying the era of a Reiss item based on its logo.

1971 to now Reiss logo

• The Reiss logo from this era is characterized by a minimalist and modern design, emphasizing simplicity and elegance.
• The logo features the brand name “REISS” in a bold, sans-serif font, with letters evenly spaced, giving it a clean and contemporary look.
• Below the brand name, the word “LONDON” is featured in a smaller, similar font, emphasizing the brand’s origin and association with British style.
• This logo has remained largely unchanged since its introduction, making it a classic representation of the brand’s enduring style and quality.

1971 to now Reiss logo

How to tell if Reiss is vintage from the tags

Reiss is a British fashion brand known for its modern and minimalist designs. Over the years, the brand has evolved its tag designs to reflect the changing trends in fashion, while still maintaining a consistent brand identity. Identifying the era of a Reiss garment can be done by closely examining the tags, which have seen changes in typography, color, and overall design through the decades.

Struggling to identify vintage tags or labels? Submit a picture on our vintage tag identification page, and we’ll help you out!

1990s vintage Reiss tags

• Tags from the 1990s typically feature a simple and minimalistic design.
• The “REISS” logo is centered and uses a bold, sans-serif font, often black on a neutral background.
• The tags during this era are usually rectangular with clean edges.
• Some tags may have additional details such as a smaller tag indicating size or fabric composition.

1990s Reiss tags

2000s vintage Reiss tags

• Tags from the 2000s continue the minimalist aesthetic but with a slightly more modern feel.
• The “REISS” logo remains in bold, sans-serif font, but the tags may now feature different background colors such as black or dark brown.
• Some tags may have the logo in contrasting colors like white or light pink, offering a subtle shift from the more monochromatic designs of the 1990s.
• Occasionally, the tags might include additional elements like embroidered outlines or a slight texture to the fabric.

2000s Reiss tags

2010s vintage Reiss tags

• In the 2010s, Reiss tags became more varied in design, reflecting the brand’s broader range of collections.
• The “REISS” logo is still prominent but may appear in different font weights or sizes, sometimes in more refined and thinner lettering.
• Tags from this era may also feature additional branding elements, such as “1971 REISS” to signify the brand’s heritage.
• There is more experimentation with color and material, with tags ranging from traditional fabric tags to more modern, textured materials.

2010s Reiss tags