First Experience - London Bespoke Suit under 2K

Just want to share my experience as a first time buyer looking for a bespoke suit. Hopefully my post can help others who are or looking to buy a bespoke suit for the first time.

So quick back story at the age of 26, after all the years of getting an off the peg M&S suit and having them heavily altered by a tailor, I still could not find a suit that would give a very good fit.

I am 5'7 and relatively heavy at 75 kgs, Broad shoulders, 10" chest drop and large thighs from my rugby playing days. Finding an off the peg suit that is well made was not possible.

My initial plan was to go for a 2 piece birdseye navy, bespoke or mtm suit.

After doing some research on London Tailors from this forum and few others I decided on a shortlist of the following:

Cad and the Dandy http://www.cadandthedandy.co.uk/
Chris Kerr http://www.chriskerr.com/
Henry Herbert http://www.henryherbert.com/
Elizabeth Radcliffe http://elizabethradcliffe.co.uk/
Alexandra Wood http://www.alexandrawoodbespoke.co.uk/

I went for a consultation with each one, which I recommend for everyone to do before making a decision.

It was difficult decision but from my personal preferences and experience at each consultation I decided to go with Elizabeth Radcliffe.

In our second meeting, I went for my measurements, picked a fabric and explored the different styles of a suit that would best suit my body and personality.

In the end i decided to go for a fully bespoke SB, three piece, navy birdseye. Baste fitting is scheduled in around a months time.

I will be posting updates along with pictures as I go along.

I'm really interested to know how it went. I've just moved to London and am looking at those exact same tailors.
Also, could you elaborate on what you thought of the other tailors during their consultations or what made you choose Elizabeth Radcliffe?

Cheers!

What's this? A company posing as a customer on the internet in order to advertise themselves? Well, I've never seen this on Styleforum before.

lol... I love how the first reply asking how it went is from a brand new account.

Not your best, folks. D+ for effort here.

Also, the OP said he'd be having his baste fitting in a month's time. Why haven't you updated us, Pongy?

Nope, not a company. Sorry that was my first post but google lead me to Styleforum.
I have just moved to London from Sydney. I've had a couple of suits made there and am now looking at what's available in bespoke and MTM under £1500.

Well then I'd advise against the company in the OP, purely based on their advertising methods. Don't ask me for recommendations though. My meaningless username just quickly popped into my head after my first choice was already taken, and I've been stuck with it ever since.

Fair call. Was hoping this thread was genuine as I'd really like to hear a few more opinions on these tailors.
I'll keep searching the forum.

I have just seen this thread and would like to say that it is not a marketing strategy. I have been inundated with orders off the back of recommendations through Style Forum, and feel that word of mouth recommendations are best.

If I am correct in guessing who this client is, he is having his first fitting tomorrow so can post pictures after that.

Sharplytailored, I shouldn't have to justify my first post and Im sorry about your pessimistic outlook and hope others do not share your sentiments.

I decided to post on styleforum for the first time as I thought I should give my insight considering I used styleforum extensively beforehand to research purchasing a bespoke suit in London.

Hi Shane85, I went with Elizabeth as I thought her personality was the best match for what I was looking for in a suit. I highly recommend for you to check out a few tailors and decide for yourself. I was impressed with the works of Chris Kerr and William Herbert as they were made in house and would advise you to give them a visit as well with Elizabeth.

I've had my baste fitting today and will be posting the pictures tomorrow.



Pongy said:

Sharplytailored, I shouldn't have to justify my first post and Im sorry about your pessimistic outlook and hope others do not share your sentiments.

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His comment was fair; there have been a lot of first posts where someone will ask or recommend a company, when they actually work for the company or own the business.



Macallan said:

His comment was fair; there have been a lot of first posts where someone will ask or recommend a company, when they actually work for the company or own the business.

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All too common - especially with a make which is little known or commented upon on this Board as here. I remain suspicious.



Macallan said:

His comment was fair; there have been a lot of first posts where someone will ask or recommend a company, when they actually work for the company or own the business.

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All too common - especially with a make which is little known or commented upon on this Board as here. I remain suspicious, first thread from the OP and then, purely by chance, the tailor turns up and posts as well and discusses the clients affairs. Not very convincing and certainly indiscreet.

It is a shame how companies who have done this, have ruined it for legitimate first time posters who are looking to share their thoughts.

Just in case people think I work for Nomos, maybe I should not post on the watch appreciation forum for my love of my Nomos Zurich!

Like I said, my advice is to see as many tailors that are within your price range and go with who you feel most comfortable with.