SPIER & MACKAY - Official Affiliate Thread

[yanagi]

I got my contemporary fit solid navy blazer this morning. Well worth 199 CAD.

 

[losrockets]

Just wanted to clarify something re: this season's flannels - are they 280 gsm or 310? The description for each of them says 310 but you're saying 280 here.

 

[linds_15]

are the pictures with the shirts from an off angle the older shirts? or is this the new collection?

 

[variancelog]

I picked up my shirt last week but didn't want to post anything until I'd had the chance to wash and wear the shirt.

First a bit about the ordering process. Back when I saw Rick post that pretty much anything is possible pattern wise, I asked him if it would be possible to send the pattern I'd been working on. This was back in July. He got back to me right away and started helping me figure out the details to make this work. I placed my order for two shirts a week later, but it took me awhile to finalize my pattern. I eventually got the pattern to Mississauga on August 15.

Regarding timelines, several people have mentioned that custom order do take awhile. In my case, I hoped that sending a pattern (that I was under the impression could be used directly) would speed things up. But from the time my pattern arrived in Mississauga to delivery took ... 12 weeks. A bit of a wait, but a local tailor still holds the record for taking 5 months to make me a sport coat

Throughout these four months Rick has been very gracious in responding to my emails. I just checked my email history and a total of 34 emails were sent between the two of us! I felt embarrassed when I saw that number

. There were a few times I was told that I would get a response about something and and didn't, so I followed up a week or so later. But if I were Rick I probably would have just told me to take my business elsewhere after so many emails!

Finally, the shirt! The value on these shirts is amazing and I am very happy with the result. The fabric is really outstanding, one the nicest cotton shirtings I've had the pleasure of wearing. It's OSH-520 Blue Morningside Gingham, very smooth and lightweight and will be perfect for summer. Included with my shirt was an information card called "Consider the anatomy of our shirts". It points out some interesting construction features such as a double row of stitching on the hem that "minimizes hem roll when worn untucked." The card describes the buttons as 3mm, but they are actually 2mm white shell. (Edit: it turns out I specifically requested thinner buttons.) I actually prefer buttons with more of a pearly shine and will ask if there are any different ones available. Buttons are cross stitched but not shanked. Patterns are admirably matched where you would expect. Most of my custom requests were interpreted correctly but I'll follow up with Rick about these for the next order (because I'm sure he just can't wait for another email from me...).

The collar is a custom button down with 3.25" points and a 1 7/16" back stand height. I actually like how it looks worn open but the roll is kinda lost with a tie. I sent a sample pattern I drew up as reference but that I couldn't get it to look quite how I wanted. So I asked Rick to ask the the tailors to use similar dimensions but make it look more like a G. Inglese button down (of which I sent a picture). The result is more like the reference pattern than the picture, so I think I'll ask for it to be more like the Inglese collar next time. Regarding its construction, the collar stand seems to be slightly stiffer than the collar, which is a good thing. The collar is nicely constructed with a natural curve to the stand which helps it stay put when unbuttoned.

Here are some pictures of the shirt I received. I'll post some fit pics later as well for feedback before ordering more shirts. I plan on ordering several more

Thanks again to @SPIER & MACKAY for putting up with such a difficult customer! Now that the hardest parts are done I shouldn't be such a bother anymore

Full frontal, custom in Blue Morningside Gingham:


Pattern matching on split yoke:


Pattern matching at sleeve attachment:


Custom button down collar. I may ask for this to be made more like the reference image I sent (below):

Inglese Button Down reference image:


Very nice buttonholes; underside on left, top side on right:


The buttons are 18L, 2mm thick shell, white and translucent.

 

[spiermackay]

Just wanted to clarify something re: this season's flannels - are they 280 gsm or 310? The description for each of them says 310 but you're saying 280 here.

Sorry, my mistake on this thread. The flannels are 310 gsm. Thicker, heavy flannel is normally in the ballpark of 340-360. Or normal worsted is 280.

are the pictures with the shirts from an off angle the older shirts? or is this the new collection?

The off angle are older. The overhead, direct are all new.

 

[spiermackay]

I picked up my shirt last week but didn't want to post anything until I'd had the chance to wash and wear the shirt.

First a bit about the ordering process. Back when I saw Rick post that pretty much anything is possible pattern wise, I asked him if it would be possible to send the pattern I'd been working on. This was back in July. He got back to me right away and started helping me figure out the details to make this work. I placed my order for two shirts a week later, but it took me awhile to finalize my pattern. I eventually got the pattern to Mississauga on August 15.

Regarding timelines, several people have mentioned that custom order do take awhile. In my case, I hoped that sending a pattern (that I was under the impression could be used directly) would speed things up. But from the time my pattern arrived in Mississauga to delivery took ... 12 weeks. A bit of a wait, but a local tailor still holds the record for taking 5 months to make me a sport coat

Throughout these four months Rick has been very gracious in responding to my emails. I just checked my email history and a total of 34 emails were sent between the two of us! I felt embarrassed when I saw that number

. There were a few times I was told that I would get a response about something and and didn't, so I followed up a week or so later. But if I were Rick I probably would have just told me to take my business elsewhere after so many emails!

Finally, the shirt! The value on these shirts is amazing and I am very happy with the result. The fabric is really outstanding, one the nicest cotton shirtings I've had the pleasure of wearing. It's very smooth and lightweight and will be perfect for summer. Included with my shirt was an information card called "Consider the anatomy of our shirts". It points out some interesting construction features such as a double row of stitching on the hem that "minimizes hem roll when worn untucked." The card describes the buttons as 3mm, but they are actually 2mm white shell. I actually prefer buttons with more of a pearly shine and will ask if there are any different ones available. Buttons are cross stitched but not shanked. Patterns are admirably matched where you would expect. Most of my custom requests were interpreted correctly but I'll follow up with Rick about these for the next order (because I'm sure he just can't wait for another email from me...).

The collar is a custom button down with 3.25" points and a 1 7/16" back stand height. I actually like how it looks worn open but the roll is kinda lost with a tie. I sent a sample pattern I drew up as reference but that I couldn't get it to look quite how I wanted. So I asked Rick to ask the the tailors to use similar dimensions but make it look more like a G. Inglese button down (of which I sent a picture). The result is more like the reference pattern than the picture, so I think I'll ask for it to be more like the Inglese collar next time. Regarding its construction, the collar stand seems to be slightly stiffer than the collar, which is a good thing. The collar is nicely constructed with a natural curve to the stand which helps it stay put when unbuttoned.

Here are some pictures of the shirt I received. I'll post some fit pics later as well for feedback before ordering more shirts. I plan on ordering several more

Thanks again to @SPIER & MACKAY for putting up with such a difficult customer! Now that the hardest parts are done I shouldn't be such a bother anymore

Full frontal:


Pattern matching on split yoke:


Pattern matching at sleeve attachment:


Custom button down collar. I may ask for this to be made more like the reference image I sent (below):

Inglese Button Down reference image:


Very nice buttonholes; underside on left, top side on right:


The buttons are 18L, 2mm thick shell, white and translucent.

Very glad you are happy with the first go. My apologies for the the timeline on this. It was the first time we worked with an outside pattern and I had to make sure the tailors were clear with the details. It's a bit difficult to do remotely as well. I work from Toronto, the tailors are in India. Then I speak to the supervisors and order team and they relay all the into to the tailor.
Now the pattern is made any revisions will be much quicker.

Re: Buttons. We do normally use 3.2 mm river shell, but I recall you specifically asked for thin shell, so the substitute was used. We do have 3.8 mm White Australian MOP available for an additional $10 if that is of interest. They shine like a beacon.

For the button down, It's better to go with longer point in the range of 3.5" to get a great roll. We can change that up for you moving forward. For the BD collar we use a slightly stiffer interlining in the band to offer better support long term. This of course can be change on request to something softer or un-fused as well.

I look forward to your feedback so we can start on the next round!

Best,
Rick

 

[variancelog]

Very glad you are happy with the first go. My apologies for the the timeline on this. It was the first time we worked with an outside pattern and I had to make sure the tailors were clear with the details. It's a bit difficult to do remotely as well. I work from Toronto, the tailors are in India. Then I speak to the supervisors and order team and they relay all the into to the tailor.
Now the pattern is made any revisions will be much quicker.

Re: Buttons. We do normally use 3.2 mm river shell, but I recall you specifically asked for thin shell, so the substitute was used. We do have 3.8 mm White Australian MOP available for an additional $10 if that is of interest. They shine like a beacon.

For the button down, It's better to go with longer point in the range of 3.5" to get a great roll. We can change that up for you moving forward. For the BD collar we use a slightly stiffer interlining in the band to offer better support long term. This of course can be change on request to something softer or un-fused as well.

I look forward to your feedback so we can start on the next round!

Best,
Rick

 

[spiermackay]

We are working on a revamp of our website and just looking for some constructive feedback. Some members have already given some great feedback to better the user experience. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

We are looking to make the experience as painless and simple as possible and provide as much relevant information needed. ie. better photos, more photos, better product descriptions, etc.

Thanks in advance!

Rick

 

[7_rocket]

...

We are working on a revamp of our website and just looking for some constructive feedback. Some members have already given some great feedback to better the user experience. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

We are looking to make the experience as painless and simple as possible and provide as much relevant information needed. ie. better photos, more photos, better product descriptions, etc.

Thanks in advance!

Rick
[/quote

To add to my suggestions, I would want to see how the different collar styles look on a human being, ie - wide spread, med spread, button down etc.

Maybe some of those options listed here can be moved at the top of the page instead of the bottom? Remove some of the options under Advice and interests such as "how to iron a shirt" when I click on it, it says dummy text. In my opinion it's not professional. Of course it's not a deal breaker but if you're paying for a product you want it done properly.

 

[7_rocket]

Forgot, showing pictures of the final product (custom shirt) would greatly help buyers

 

[CanadaCal]

Great to see a local company on such a vast forum! Looking forward to doing some business, around to corner certainly helps.

 

[afterthesuit]

Order status updates... maybe different needs for custom orders (in production, shipped to Canada, shipped to customer, etc.), but for the pre-made shirts, I don't need to receive emails from you guys about order status when you've already signed me up for shipping updates with Canada Post.

I can't seem to save my login info, every time I visit your page the same pop-up regarding signing up for updates pops up. I have to close it, then login. I'd like to be able to stay logged in, or at least not have to close that window every single time.

That's it for website feedback...

I'd love to see more contemporary fits with the full spread collar though!

Thanks!

 

[variancelog]

I like being able to save named shirt profiles with style details, but I'd like to be able to save measurement profiles separately.

I don't know how common it is for your customers to select custom style details and measurements beyond the current website options, but it would be nice to save custom details as saved notes, too. Depending on your website data structure, one could create, save, and reselect custom details using a three part table structure, e.g.:
Type: Collar; ID: 001 (system generated); Name: MyPerfectCollar 01; Description: Spread collar with 7" tips and 3" spread to look like a weirdo.
This way customers, you, and the tailors could organize and reference patterns for specific custom details. I could also order another customer's custom collar with reference to their order or customer number and their custom item's number.

I agree with all the points made so far, lots of good suggestions!

 

[spiermackay]

We just had 38 new ties arrive. Just getting them photographed and up on the site by this weekend. Available in store now.

Really beautiful, high quality silk. Self Tipped. 100% Wool Interlining. Classic 3 fold. $29.

Here is a small preview.

 

[Balliol]

Hi, this may have been answered before, but I am interested in a MTM suit. Can you let me know what they start at and what options are included (surgeon's cuffs, contrast stitching etc)?

thnx!