SPIER & MACKAY - Official Affiliate Thread

[smrad]

Specific question about lapels with S&M sportscoats. I wanted to get a custom done using a fabric not in RTW.

The sportscoats in contemporary 38S fit me great off the rack. I would just like a slightly wider lapel. Is that possible if we do a custom order?

 

[Imperatores]

Specific question about lapels with S&M sportscoats. I wanted to get a custom done using a fabric not in RTW.

The sportscoats in contemporary 38S fit me great off the rack. I would just like a slightly wider lapel. Is that possible if we do a custom order?

There's an option to change lapel width if you click on "view" on the jacket model you want in the MTO configurator. Looks like you can add half an inch, which should be pretty much exactly what you want?

 

[smrad]

Thank you

 

[SteveMc]

I'm frankly shocked that S&M ever achieved any level of accuracy or consistency with Chinese factory labor at this price point. I hate to call their customers' expectations unrealistic, but there's a reason you pay 2-4x more for tailored products from well-regarded Italian factories. In my experience, you really do get what you pay for, and you pay for what you get.

Speaking of sizing, I find this A/W season merino sweaters a lot closer to the size chart than in previous years. I'd be interested to hear if other people had the same experience.

 

[Jlee80]

I'm frankly shocked that S&M ever achieved any level of accuracy or consistency with Chinese factory labor at this price point. I hate to call their customers' expectations unrealistic, but there's a reason you pay 2-4x more for tailored products from well-regarded Italian factories. In my experience, you really do get what you pay for, and you pay for what you get.

I don’t think anyone does or should expect a bespoke experience with online MTO. You should however expect to get the basic sizing correct. If a company has a size configuration model that allows certain adjustments, I assume they can handle said adjustments. The “oh well, sorry… tolerances” excuse is not only used too much but far too often accepted too much. For example, If you want your sleeves at 24 inches and they come back 1/4 shorter or longer.. that’s a big deal, and what you paid for it shouldn’t make you more or less accepting.

 

[Jlee80]

I don’t think anyone does or should expect a bespoke experience with online MTO. You should however expect to get the basic sizing correct. If a company has a size configuration model that allows certain adjustments, I assume they can handle said adjustments. The “oh well, sorry… tolerances” excuse is not only used too much but far too often accepted too much. For example, If you want your sleeves at 24 inches and they come back 1/4 shorter or longer.. that’s a big deal, and what you paid for it shouldn’t make you more or less accepting.

And again, this isn’t directed at S&M… this practice occurs way too often with a lot of MTO providers.

 

[Imperatores]

I took a chance and pulled the trigger on the duffle coat. If it doesn't work out I'll have to swim across to Canada and strangle @XxLogo.

Speaking of sizing, I find this A/W season merino sweaters a lot closer to the size chart than in previous years. I'd be interested to hear if other people had the same experience.

Interesting. Does that mean they fit more like the cable knits, then?

 

[dapperclassic]

I'm not sure when these MTO issues started but it would appear to coincide with the change of personnel in the MTO team. I know that with my previous orders, Mike or Haris would measure up prior to despatch and would report on any spec deviations over email, along with details of any corrective action that would be taken. For instance, I had a SC that made up slightly smaller in the chest and was advised that their tailor would let it out slightly - on that occasion, the deviation was so small I told them not to bother and to ship as is, the jacket turned out to be just fine.

I haven't ordered any MTO for a long time so cannot comment on the current state of play.

 

[SteveMc]

I took a chance and pulled the trigger on the duffle coat. If it doesn't work out I'll have to swim across to Canada and strangle @XxLogo.



Interesting. Does that mean they fit more like the cable knits, then?

Can't say as I don't have the cable knits.

With respect to the merino sweaters, this year Ls measure exactly as specified, while last year Ls measure as M.
This is just my personal experience so interested if others noticed a similar thing.

 

[Maximus Rex]

I'm not sure when these MTO issues started but it would appear to coincide with the change of personnel in the MTO team. I know that with my previous orders, Mike or Haris would measure up prior to despatch and would report on any spec deviations over email, along with details of any corrective action that would be taken. For instance, I had a SC that made up slightly smaller in the chest and was advised that their tailor would let it out slightly - on that occasion, the deviation was so small I told them not to bother and to ship as is, the jacket turned out to be just fine.

I haven't ordered any MTO for a long time so cannot comment on the current state of play.

I'm sorry to pile on this, but my last 6 MTO suits have all had significant issues - wrong buttons, wrong inseam lengths, missing details, wrong shoulder padding, etc. all have had to go back. Some full canvas are really half (I've even ignored some errors out of exasperation). Even after repeatedly asking them to check before mailing, that has fallen on deaf ears, and so they have all had to go back. Not sure why a quick QC check can't be done prior to mailing...

 

[Jlee80]

I'm sorry to pile on this, but my last 6 MTO suits have all had significant issues - wrong buttons, wrong inseam lengths, missing details, wrong shoulder padding, etc. all have had to go back. Some full canvas are really half (I've even ignored some errors out of exasperation). Even after repeatedly asking them to check before mailing, that has fallen on deaf ears, and so they have all had to go back. Not sure why a quick QC check can't be done prior to mailing...

Yikes! Not good…

 

[Stylewords]

I'm sorry to pile on this, but my last 6 MTO suits have all had significant issues - wrong buttons, wrong inseam lengths, missing details, wrong shoulder padding, etc. all have had to go back. Some full canvas are really half (I've even ignored some errors out of exasperation). Even after repeatedly asking them to check before mailing, that has fallen on deaf ears, and so they have all had to go back. Not sure why a quick QC check can't be done prior to mailing...

I'm not disputing this, but why didn't you give up after 2 or 3?

 

[Imperatores]

Can't say as I don't have the cable knits.

With respect to the merino sweaters, this year Ls measure exactly as specified, while last year Ls measure as M.
This is just my personal experience so interested if others noticed a similar thing.

I'd love to hear from others as well. Which specific merino sweaters did you get from the current season? I was planning on grabbing a few knit polos, but maybe I won't have to size up this time around.

 

[MrFingers]

I'd love to hear from others as well. Which specific merino sweaters did you get from the current season? I was planning on grabbing a few knit polos, but maybe I won't have to size up this time around.

I got the cream cable knit turtleneck and charcoal, black turtlenecks. Last year I sized up to L and it fits fine but it looks like a comfy look. This time I stayed “TTS” and it looks form fitting (not tight) which is good because I plan on wearing these under a sportcoat. I’d advise to stick to your true size if that’s the idea and size up if you want to layer casually

 

[Imperatores]

I got the cream cable knit turtleneck and charcoal, black turtlenecks. Last year I sized up to L and it fits fine but it looks like a comfy look. This time I stayed “TTS” and it looks form fitting (not tight) which is good because I plan on wearing these under a sportcoat. I’d advise to stick to your true size if that’s the idea and size up if you want to layer casually

You mean the regular merino turtlenecks in charcoal and black (not cable knit)? The cable knits have always fit well in my true size. I'm wondering about the regular merino crew- and V-necks, turtlenecks and knit polos. Form fitting but not tight sounds ideal.