Thursday, 6 November 2008

Readers Question - Affordable Bespoke


Hello Style Salvage,

I hope you are well. Love everything about the blog, a real refreshing (and adult) take on men's fashion. Just had a quick question which I was hoping you may be able to help me out with. I'm looking to get hold of a bespoke suit (a penchant of yours I know), but am looking to get one a little cheaper than the £2,000 price mark. Have been doing some serious reading on the
askandy forum which has proved quite informative, with a few places coming highly recommended for a price of £1,000. My only slight concern is that they probably tailor for the professional classes and my 2-piece isn't for work (I work in TV so would prob be a little toooo much) but for lounging and wearing to dinner etc. Just wondered if you had any recommendations for places around the London area that may do a reasonable bespoke number, with a young-outlook. Plus, I'm tall and skinny, so any where you think they may be able to cater to that would be great. Anyway, any help you could offer would be gratefully received, even if it's just pointing me in another blog direction.

Thanks

Thomas

We love receiving readers questions here at Style Salvage (we still can't believe that people actually value our sartorial opinion) and the most recent question is my favourite thus far. I say this only because it is something that I have been questioning myself, where can I find an affordable bespoke suit without taking a trip to the Far East? I'm quite sure that there is nothing quite like dressing in bespoke. The comfort that comes from the perfect fit combined with the pleasure from owning a piece of true craftsmanship finished off by the quiet confidence you gain from knowing that there is nobody in the room better dressed. A bespoke suit is certainly worth the investment but it is taking that first leap which is quite daunting...I should know because I'm still standing on the edge of the board myself. However, receiving this question has reignited my desire to jump in to the wonderful world of bespoke myself. So as well as researching the options for Thomas I will be looking for myself as well. Over the course of the next week I will scour London and beyond for the best, affordable bespoke (and the best of the rest) solutions available which will presented to you in daily segments. There is a wealth of information out there but it is difficult to find and presented poorly at times and therefore we would like to present the ultimate guide to buying bespoke over the course of next week. In the meantime The English Cut has this great advice on picking a bespoke tailor which will hopefully wet your appetite.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Good news !!!!

Anonymous said...

For anyone in New York, take a look at Michael Andrews Bespoke, a small, stylish workshop that makes bespoke suits starting at $900...

http://michaelandrewsbespoke.com/

Berkley Magazine said...

If I'm not mistaken G&W's entry level bespoke suits start at £700-800 and one or two other Savile Row tailors probably offer something comparable. Under £800 isn't too bad unless you want to fly over to China and go on a bespoke-safari.

Anonymous said...

How does that compare with Turnbull and Asser? I've never gotten up the nerve to actually talk price when I've wandered in there. It's like something out of another world (the New York store, I mean.)

Dan

TheSundayBest said...

Affordable bespoke feels like an oxymoron. There is a company in Portland that will make a suit for you from vintage patterns for around $650...but not sure that qualifies as pure bespoke. I say save up until you can afford the real deal.

Style Salvage Steve said...

A quick update on this. I will be posting three posts on this next week where I'll look at the various options in and around London. Hopefully some time soon I can look at the world beyond London town but please send in your recommendations from across the globe. I would love to go on a bespoke safari one day. Maybe I'll begin a tour...who's with me?

I can see your point Mr Wong but there are a number of great tailors out there who offer bespoke services at a reasonable price whilst not sacrificing on skill or execution.

Izzy said...

GQ once made a feature on having a bespoke suit made in Hong Kong versus having it made in the UK. I think it turns out that even with the air fare from London to Hong Kong, the suit comes out cheaper, and just as sharp.

I, for one, am lucky to have a great relationship with a tailor who charges a fraction of Hong Kong bespoke (meaning: very, very cheap). He knows the way I like my clothes to fit, and is very patient with my ambitious tailoring projects. Unlined suit jackets for about USD 45, USD 100 if you want lining. But I live in Manila, and labor is cheap.

Anonymous said...

What's the update on this ?

Anonymous said...

Thanks to today’s hi-tech world, now you can order bespoke suits and shirts online too.Euro Tailors based in Hong Kong and have been providing custom made suits & shirts since 1997.

Anonymous said...

I found a french tailor who sells bespoke suits from 250€... full canvass. I ordered one online : The suit's quality is amazing, and the suit fits really well !!!

Anonymous said...

Sorry for the mistake, the website is www.pernac.com

Anonymous said...

I think you are missing the point of a true bespoke suit. I have had suits made for me in Hong Kong for just 200USD, the material was great but the workmanship was just shoddy.

You pay for what you get. If you want real workmanship, there is no shortcuts. I would love to see how these suits look in a matter of months

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