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I just realized I originally posted this question in the wrong place. Apologies for that.

The most recent bespoke suit I purchased was made with what the tailor described as a 'much higher quality' fabric then even the super 150s wool/cashmere that I normally get with them. It is supposedly a better wool/cashmere blend fabric. Anyway, I received it and while it looks great when you look at it straight on, if you look at it from an angle, you can see that the fabric is fuzzy or balled up.. I'm not sure what the correct term would be for the phenomenon, but I'd liken it to if you have a nice dress sock that you do not turn inside out and wash and dry a bunch of times (it gets fuzzy or like the fabric is coming apart, unwinding or standing up).

Can someone let me know if this is normal, whether I should be concerned and/or whether it is fixable?

My tailor says this is just the way this type of super high end cashmere fabric is...

Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by meursault42 


well you have a few options since this isn't (or rather shouldn't be) formal. To begin, a white shirt with a blue suit always looks classic. Additionally, consider the opposite, more rakish black shirt. After that really the sky is the limit, a lighter blue for a color blocked look. Any complimentary tone, such as a brown (careful could look embarrassingly 70s). Corresponding tie combos in order of preference, white with red, then lighter shade of blue, then repp. Black none, pop open a button or two and go out like a badass. I could go on but the real answer is to not wear a tie unless you must. A blue shawl collar suit is a party piece and not really office appropriate and should be treated accordingly: casually.

thanks for the reply... well i'll be a single guest at a friend's wedding. so it doesn't have to be formal. i'm a security dog handler so there's also no office, just a desire to look good when i get a chance to

i've just bought a similar tie to this in a houndstooth pattern to wear with a white shirt. i think it looks good. my suit is slightly darker, but similar.

Quote:

Originally Posted by pskusa 

What are some basic rules or guidelines I can take into consideration when judging the quality of an item?

 

I'm slowly expanding my knowledge of clothing and dress by learning new terms, brands, and guidelines for wearing and buying clothing. However, there is no definitive guide out there that offers a holistic approach, or introduction, to the world of dressing well. I also don't have any guidance in real life, seeing as my family and friends don't care to dress this way. Therefore, it makes it a hassle for me when I'm out shopping in thrift stores, looking for clothing to buy and wear.

 

Maybe there's a list of good brands/clothing material I should keep my eye on? So far, I'm avoiding mostly everything which contains mixed material (i.e. polymers - however I'm not sure with suits seeing as they're built differently from shirts, pants, etc).

 

 

SORRY this is a large post. The search function isn't helping me out here, though.

Before I joined SF I lurked for a few years reading through almost every pertinent thread.  I was interested in buying clothes in Naples so I got a notebook and started making notes and built a list of brands based off of the conversations here on SF.  I might suggest that approach might work for you as well.  Read a lot of posts here and take notes, then try to go look at these brands in a store and feel the fabric.  Feel its weight and texture in your fingers- look at the density of the fabric.  Feel is just as important as look.  Take a close look at the stitching- look at the workmanship in the seams and button holes, look at the buttons and how they are attached. 

I don't think you can judge quality garments until you have spent some time with them.  Once you peruse the brand names mentioned here you will have some reference point from which to judge garments you encounter while shopping or thrifting. 

The name brand itself is not the point- but certain brands have consistently high standards- and that engenders trust with the consumer, so don't be too put-off by the impression some get of being a brand-whore.  I think of myself as a quality-whore. 

americangent, is napoli any good for thrifting?

Quote:

Originally Posted by ocatoro 

americangent, is napoli any good for thrifting?

I have no idea!

• Option 1: Tartan cummerbund, with the dinner suit's pants. I do worry about the color contrast between tartan and the canary yellow braces (yes, you're not supposed to take off your jacket but there's going to be dancing and it's just going to happen haha
• Option 2: The dinner suit's U-waistcoat, with my black watch tartan trews. I feel this is more distinctive, but perhaps would stand out a bit too much.

Just wondering how the fit of this dress shirt is. I am a college student trying to transition to a more professional wardrobe. This is a small BR tailored slim shirt. The arms are too long/baggy correct? How is the body? Sorry for the poor quality image.

Where could I acquire some heavyish blackwatch tartan trousers? I don't have the cash for anything approaching purple label, even on sale.