Grey flannel 3 piece

New Years resolution and tailoring etiquette

Friday 19 December, 2014

The luxury sector has done well under the pressure of recession but the quality must always justify the price.  The power of tailoring is that when done properly it cannot fail to make you look elegant and well 'put together' but also creates the confidence to flourish in any situation.  Today’s successful lady or gentleman is prepared to seek out quality and individuality and become very brand loyal once the decision is made.  Off the peg tailoring doesn’t fit properly, is often poorly made and lacks styling and options.  The uniqueness and personality of something made just for you in the fabric that you choose with all the detailing options that you want creates a perfect garment to fit your individual shape.  In a world where perfection is key and image is everything, clothes that fit your shape and lifestyle are vital.

The dictionary definition of ‘bespoke’ is made to order.  Bespoke tailoring has never had it so good and the desire for quality and luxury is more popular than ever.  The advice of the true professionals should be sought when creating a masterpiece, so why when defining your image do you leave it to the shop assistant.  Your suit / jacket should be as individual as you are with all the detailing and design features you require.  Bespoke creation is a myriad of decisions but when done once it is the blueprint for your style.  Whether you choose the traditional Saville Row or a quality made to measure you will find the same British and European fabrics sourced from only the finest mills.  The major difference is the price tag.  Decent made to measure starts from £399 whereas Saville Row from £4000.  Both will involve detailed discussions about fabric and design choices, both will involve detailed client configuration and both will involve a first and second fitting. The choice is yours!  Tailoring creates a silhouette that embraces your shape, accentuating the positives and masks the idiosyncrasies but there is an etiquette associated to this world. It’s simple and straight forward.  Below are 10 top tips to get you started but there are many many more.  Any decent tailor with revel at sharing their knowledge and sartorial advice. 

Ten top tips

  1. Sides vents in a jacket provides a better shape and silhouette as well as being more functional
  2. Hand finished Milanese lapel button holes are the sign of true quality.  Exceptionally difficult but aesthetically far superior
  3. The bottom button on your jacket or waistcoat should always be left unbuttoned
  4. The width of the tie should match the width of the lapel
  5. A pocket square is that extra finishing touch but should not match your tie in fabric or patterns but pick out the colour
  6. Always unbutton your suit jacket when sitting down
  7. Shirt sleeve cuffs should be exposed by approx. half inch
  8. Make sure you socks are long enough so that there is no exposed leg
  9. Your tie should just meet the top of your trouser or slightly above, never longer
  10. Get your suits / jackets / coats /shirts made to fit.  Choose made to measure

Make your 2015 resolution one to invest in quality. For more information contact William Young 1876 just for advice or a consultation