SPIER & MACKAY - Official Affiliate Thread

[breakaway01]

I know Rick posted about this a few years ago (pre-COVID) and he said that Neo cut suits generally did not do very well compared to their standard cut suits. But I wouldn't be surprised if the dramatic shifts in workwear caused by COVID have resulted in more of their sales coming from SF-minded customers.

I personally like side tab trousers with specific outfits -- suits or (somewhat paradoxically to me) summer trousers (e.g. linen) where it's more comfortable not to have to wear a belt. But with most other kinds of outfits I still like wearing a belt. Not really into side tabs on corduroy or moleskin trousers personally.

 

[Imperatores]

They do have a tendency to be very responsive to comments on SF. If you like the SF-style, that's clearly a benefit. It does create the impression that they don't have a strong vision of their own. Maybe that's okay, it's not pure art -- it's a business. But it creates a sense that the designs are transient, you can't necessarily expect to find something you like and come back year after year. I think that's one reason the changes generate a bit of rancor here. It's always annoying to find something you like and then it changes.

Agreed. That's why I don't think they should make significant pattern changes to the whole range at once. It's possible that it would be too expensive or difficult to produce multiple pattern variations for each season, though. I don't really know anything about the practical realities of (relatively) small scale clothing production. It seems to me like MTO could be a good solution for a lot of SF-minded customers. Having the raised armhole as an option in the MTO configurator rather than the standard RTW cut, for instance.

I know Rick posted about this a few years ago (pre-COVID) and he said that Neo cut suits generally did not do very well compared to their standard cut suits. But I wouldn't be surprised if the dramatic shifts in workwear caused by COVID have resulted in more of their sales coming from SF-minded customers.

I would be surprised if SF-minded customers haven't been responsible for the vast majority of jackets, suits and trousers sold during COVID.

 

[Stylewords]

Yes, I think Rick said that they were now focussing on neo-cut jackets as menswear/instagram enthusiasts are now the major market. This is a real shame as I like the ordinary cut, but find the neo a little too instagrammy.

 

[EUtroll]

Didn't he even say that they were pretty much the only ones buying tailored clothing during COVID-19?

I've never viewed side tabs as something out there, I just find it super practical on my suits and chinos.

 

[ericgereghty]

Side tabs are far less an affectation than suspenders...and I don't say that to bash the latter in any way. If I had my druthers (which, as I've said before, Rick and SM should NOT abide for RTW lol), I'd prefer a fully bare waist. Side tabs serve no functional purpose for me since I wear suspenders, so I could happily go without.
Though, that said, if the option is tabs or belt loops...I'll take tabs any day.

 

[Stylewords]

I think side tabs are fine if wearing a tie and a jacket. Otherwise, they look strange/affected.

 

[ericgereghty]

Why though? Are you consistently wearing "proper" pants without jackets?

 

[Brennenman]

I think side tabs are fine if wearing a tie and a jacket. Otherwise, they look strange/affected.

I’m going to disagree, a linen popover with khaki pants looks incomplete without side tabs or a Gurkha style pant

 

[Stylewords]

Why though? Are you consistently wearing "proper" pants without jackets?

I wear "proper pants" with jackets. If I'm not wearing a tie, I prefer pants with a belt.

 

[hpreston]

IMHO, Trousers with side tabs look fine in a business casual setting sans jacket with a just a shirt or a knit.

YMMV

 

[AtlRock]

It sounds like individuals have personal preferences .... amazing! Who would have thought such a thing.

 

[XxLogo]

If @Riva was here he would say the pant waist should have elastane in them instead of both belt loops and side tabs to keep up with the times

 

[losrockets]

I’m going to disagree, a linen popover with khaki pants looks incomplete without side tabs or a Gurkha style pant

Braided leather belt.

 

[Bacharini]

Braided leather belt.

Speaking of which, are these dropping this Spring? I thought I remembered discussion about this.

 

[ksinc]

This sort of boils down to "Is the customer always right?"

I had a charcoal chunky cardigan in XXL waiting for me when I got home this evening. Terrific item!