By Anna Culver | Fort Mill Now
Right on Main Street in downtown Fort Mill sits a brand with a reputation that extends far beyond our town limits. R. Hanauer, known nationwide for its hand-sewn bow ties and men’s accessories, is celebrating an impressive milestone—40 years of style, craftsmanship, and family tradition.
From a Dining Room Table to National Recognition
The story begins in 1985, when founder Randy Hanauer saw a void in men’s fashion. At the time, the only pocket squares available were oversized handkerchiefs—meant “for blow, not for show.” From his dining room table in North Carolina, Randy designed and pressed his first pocket squares, offering something refined, elegant, and sized for a gentleman’s suit pocket.
Those first designs—simple yet stylish—were just the beginning. Soon, R. Hanauer expanded into bow ties, cummerbunds, and a full line of men’s accessories, all with the same guiding principle: true style is in the details, and craftsmanship should endure.
A Fort Mill Legacy
By 1990, R. Hanauer had outgrown its dining room beginnings and moved into its own workshop in Fort Mill, South Carolina, where operations remain today. Over the decades, the company has tripled the size of its facility while maintaining the same values of quality, honesty, and care.
Every product is still hand-cut and sewn in Fort Mill, a point of pride for both the company and the community. What makes R. Hanauer exceptional is its sourcing: silk, linen, and wool from storied mills in England and Italy, and cotton grown in South Carolina. Each fabric is selected by hand, then crafted into heirloom-quality accessories meant to be worn, enjoyed, and passed down.
Family-Owned, Family-Led
Though the business has grown, family remains at the heart of R. Hanauer. Today, Randy works alongside his son Randall, who continues to carry forward his father’s vision of Southern elegance and timeless design. This father-son partnership ensures the same dedication to craftsmanship that began four decades ago continues well into the future.
A National Name, A Local Treasure
It’s no small thing that a brand with a nationwide following—sold in fine clothiers across the country—calls Fort Mill home. To step into R. Hanauer’s shop on Main Street is to see tradition in action: skilled seamstresses, carefully chosen fabrics, and designs that balance both heritage and modern sophistication.
For the well-dressed gentleman, R. Hanauer’s Heritage Classics remain essential—timeless designs that embody the craftsmanship and tradition the brand has stood for since 1985.
Gratitude and Celebration
As R. Hanauer celebrates its 40th anniversary, the family reflects on the relationships that made it possible: talented craftsmen, dedicated staff, loyal customers, and clothiers across the country who believed in their products. Above all, they are grateful to the community and customers who have made R. Hanauer a part of their stories. Hanauer attributes much of his success to, “good honest working relationships and a product based on quality.”
A Style That Lasts
Some pieces never go out of style—and R. Hanauer proves that Southern craftsmanship, family tradition, and timeless design are among them.
As Fort Mill continues to grow and evolve, R. Hanauer stands as a reminder that the very best stories—and styles—are often sewn close to home. Here’s to 40 years of bow ties, pocket squares, and timeless elegance—and to many more ahead.
Photos sourced from RHanaurer
Written by Anna Culver | Fort Mill Now
