Some brands make clothing. Raffi Shaya makes clothing with a story. For over 35 years, the Raffi name has stood for luxury knitwear, innovative fabrics, and a family passion that turns every garment into something worth wearing for years. Bespoke By CB is proud to now carry Raffi polos and shirts in our Miami showroom, bringing this legacy of quality to our clients.
The Raffi Shaya Story: From Cashmere to Knit Polos
Raffi Shaya founded his namesake company in 1988, originally building a reputation as the "King of Cashmere." Based in Newburyport, Massachusetts, the brand started with luxury cashmere sweaters that redefined what premium knitwear could be. Raffi was not content to simply make sweaters. He innovated constantly, experimenting with garment washing, tie-dying, and even developing machine-washable cashmere blends.
What makes Raffi special is that it has always been a true family business. Raffi's wife Arlette and their three daughters, Kareen, Limor, and Shirley, all work alongside him in design, sales, and product development. The daughters grew up in the business, spending time on retail selling floors at premier partners like Harry Rosen, Mitchells, and Boyds, learning firsthand how men shop and what they want. That hands-on education shaped the brand's evolution from pure cashmere into the broader knitwear collection it is today.
Quality You Can Feel: What Sets Raffi Apart
Raffi's knit polos and shirts are not your average golf-course polos. They are knit, not woven, which means they stretch, breathe, and move with your body in a way standard cotton pique polos simply cannot. The brand uses premium yarns and specialized knitting techniques that create a softness and drape more commonly found in high-end sweaters than in casual shirts.
The aqua cotton that Raffi uses in many of its polos is a perfect example. It is a proprietary blend that feels cool against the skin, resists wrinkling, and holds its shape through a full day of wear. The fabric has a subtle sheen that reads polished enough for a business meeting but relaxed enough for a weekend lunch. This is the kind of versatility that Miami professionals need, and it is exactly what Raffi delivers.
The Raffi Aesthetic: Color, Texture, and Joy
Raffi Shaya is known in the menswear industry for his mastery of color. Every season, the brand releases a new palette that balances classic neutrals with unexpected pops of color. The result is knitwear that feels fresh without being trendy, and pieces that integrate seamlessly into an existing wardrobe while adding personality.
The brand's philosophy, as daughter Shirley Shaya describes it, is "positivity perfected." There is an optimism to Raffi clothing that is rare in luxury fashion. These are not stiff, serious garments that demand a certain attitude. They are comfortable, joyful pieces that make you look good and feel good at the same time. For Miami's climate and culture, that combination is ideal.
Why Raffi Belongs in Your Wardrobe
A Raffi knit polo does something a standard polo cannot. It elevates. The texture, the weight, the way it drapes, it reads as a step above, the kind of shirt that works with tailored trousers for a client dinner and with chinos for a Sunday brunch. In Miami's year-round warmth, a knit polo is often the smartest choice you can make. It breathes better than a woven shirt, looks more intentional than a cotton pique polo, and transitions effortlessly between settings.
At Bespoke By CB, we selected Raffi because the brand shares our commitment to quality over quantity. Like our custom suits, Raffi garments are built to last, not to be replaced after a season. The stitching, the fabric weight, the color fastness, every detail reflects decades of expertise from a family that has dedicated itself to getting knitwear right.
How to Style Raffi Knit Polos and Shirts
The beauty of Raffi's knit polos and shirts is their range. Here are a few ways to wear them:
- Office-ready: Pair a Raffi knit polo with tailored trousers and leather loafers. The knit texture elevates the look beyond a standard polo, making it appropriate for business casual offices.
- Weekend sharp: Wear a Raffi crewneck knit with chinos and suede drivers. The clean lines and premium fabric read polished without trying too hard.
- Dinner out: A Raffi knit polo under an unstructured blazer with dark trousers and monk straps. The knit adds texture under the blazer in a way a woven shirt cannot.
- Travel day: Raffi's aqua cotton polos resist wrinkling and breathe well, making them the perfect travel shirt. Pair with stretch trousers and slip-on sneakers for comfort that still looks intentional.
Three Generations of Craftsmanship
What started as one man's passion for cashmere has grown into a three-generation family business that remains independently owned and operated. Raffi Shaya still leads the company, but his daughters now shape its direction, bringing a contemporary sensibility to the collection while honoring their father's standards. The brand has expanded beyond cashmere into aqua cotton polos, knit shirts, and athleisure-inspired knits, all while maintaining the quality that made Raffi famous.
This is the kind of brand story we love at Bespoke By CB. When you buy a Raffi polo, you are not just buying a shirt. You are buying 35 years of family craftsmanship, innovation in knitwear, and a commitment to making clothing that brings joy to the person wearing it. That aligns perfectly with what we do with custom suiting, every garment is personal, every detail matters, and the goal is always to make you look and feel your best.
Experience Raffi at Bespoke By CB
Our collection of Raffi polos and shirts is now available in our Miami showroom. Whether you are looking for a versatile knit polo to anchor your business casual rotation or a premium crewneck that elevates your weekend wardrobe, we can help you find the right piece and build a look around it. Pair a Raffi polo with one of our custom blazers for a polished but relaxed outfit, or keep it simple with tailored trousers for effortless style.
Book a consultation with our team to explore the Raffi collection and discover how luxury knitwear can transform your wardrobe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Raffi knit polos different from regular polos?
Raffi polos are knit, not woven, which means they stretch, breathe, and move with your body. They use premium aqua cotton and specialized knitting techniques that create a softness and drape closer to a high-end sweater than a standard cotton pique polo.
Where is Raffi Shaya based?
Raffi is headquartered in Newburyport, Massachusetts. The company was founded in 1988 by Raffi Shaya and remains a family-run business with his three daughters actively involved in design and operations.
Can I wear a Raffi knit polo to the office?
Yes. Raffi knit polos are polished enough for business casual offices. Pair them with tailored trousers and leather shoes for a look that reads professional without being stiff. The knit texture elevates the polo beyond casual wear.
How should I care for Raffi knitwear?
Raffi's aqua cotton polos are designed for easy care and resist wrinkling. Follow the care instructions on each garment, but most Raffi knit pieces can be gently machine washed and laid flat to dry to maintain their shape and softness.
Can I pair a Raffi polo with a custom blazer from Bespoke By CB?
Absolutely. A Raffi knit polo under one of our custom blazers is an excellent combination. The knit texture adds depth under the blazer, and the tailored fit of our blazers complements the relaxed drape of the knit. Book a consultation to explore both.
