Opinion needed on MTM in Toronto - Page 3

Yes, when I did ask if Sydney did offer alteration services he did point out that his shop was not there for that sort of thing but he was kind enough to do so anyway. What I was trying to bring up in my previous comment was that in our conversation there was a definitely clear understanding that I had sought out his services for the sole purpose of his expertise in altering the coat himself. Furthermore I also brought in a pair of trousers that had some damage to the fly. Admittedly he didn't want to try to mend it because he wouldn't be able to guarantee the quality of his work - a quality of honesty that I really appreciate and had suggested that I take it elsewhere (Studio Kim's in fact). That aside, in the end what I had paid for was not entirely what we had agreed to. The jacket sleeves had a 4 button design that he said he would reduce to 2 in order to remain in balance was not complete; all 4 buttons were found on the jacket. Also, I had asked that the threading which held the pockets in place be removed were found to not have been touched at all. Hopefully that provides some better insight.

Trend made this for me.

Hey Mustapha,

Thanks for sharing; is that a recent addition by any chance? I don't know if you've noticed some of the comments made regarding Trend as to whether they are truly bespoke or not. Do you think you can comment on this to provide some clarification?

Hi Albern, This coat is my 2nd from Trend. It's 6 months old. There was one fitting for this. During the fitting, Don took padding out of the shoulders and we talked about my stomach (it pooches out there, like a lot of guys my age.. 50+). I also asked for more room for a sweater, this was all done. He also said he would make this coat shorter than my suit coat, as this one was a sport coat. It is. My 1st coat is closer fitting. Looking at this pic, I need to lower the sleeves a tidge. I am basically tube shaped; with a chest and stomach the same diameter - 39 inches. I have sloping and narrow shoulders that every gym teacher in high school pointed out to me. I have wide hips like a woman and a bum that sticks out to the back - and a stoop - I have swayback posture. Don has done a good job for me - giving the impression that I have shoulders and a waist. The lower half of the coat seems to have a lot of fabric - that's hiding my hips. There are customer's paper patterns all over the walls inside his place. I have over 25 shirts from Don - I'll post a pic of me wearing one soon. The one in this picture was from the 1st batch 3 years ago - the sleeves are a tidge long, with links - they button ok (convertible cuffs). There was no fitting shirt. I don't know how Don operates with new customers now. He has ladies on staff - Johanna and Rosa - who measure you and sew. Rosa is the boss and is Chinese - not much of an English speaker - she comes in and looks at you; and without saying anything goes off and makes adjustments that you didn't ask for to the next batch. This is charming and it works. It doesn't work if you are anal. I am an easy going guy. I ask them to surprise me with collar and cuff lining choices and I am always pleased. I asked for 2 button collar height right from the get go and I got it. Rosa then inched my collar height 1/4 higher for the next three batches and then stopped. It looks - tall - but great. Lots of compliments. Don is very responsive - I am sure if anyone wanted mother of pearl or supplied him with buttons, he would use them.

Here's a Trend shirt. Lower left. Light blue stripe. Split yoke, 70's height collar, snug all over, the way I like it.

Wow Mustapha,

On that description alone I think I would have been terrified to have seen you without a jacket . However, your second picture proved me wrong. Great pics by the way!!

Are the button holes hand sewn or machine made?

On both my coats and all my shirts - machine made. The hand sewn thing never came up - it doesn't matter to me.

As to whether it can be done.. the question should be put to Don directly by you if you are interested.

somewhat related but unrelated question: has anyone in toronto been able to purchase AE in a retail store lower than listed MSRP (i.e. through negotiations)?

Uhm, does that mean I shouldn't consider the Coppley MTM being offered by Harry's "starting at $795" as their adverts say?

This has been commented on extensively and repeatedly in this forum. Try the search function, it will guide you to your answer.

(all roads point to no) - for $800 you can get a much better MTM suit

I don't think that is necessarily the correct answer. If you know exactly what you want, and if you can direct a 'tailor' to give it to you, and if they have a decent selection of actual fabrics, and if they listen to you when you need adjustments and if they actually make the changes correctly, you MAY be able to get a better suit for same or less.

However, if you want to walk in, get good service and good fabrics on a decent fitting suit for a good price, I think the Coppley option is a good one. Especially if you have not had a suit made for you before, the other routes mentioned in this thread are much more risky than getting a MTM Harry Rosen suit.

YMMV, of course....

that's a lot of "ifs" LOL


I agree with you here, the service (if you get a good SA) can sometimes definitely be outstanding if you are "new" to the MTM market...but, like you said, YMMV