Tailored Suit needed for Wedding (UK)

[maz123]

So my big day is coming up soon, in around a months time. I am considering tailored as I have an unusual body shape. My abdomen size is much larger than my chest measurement and so I end up buying suits that are basically too big just to accommodate the latter size. My budget is around £800. I have two questions:

1. Any recommendations for affordable tailored suits in the London area?
2. I have found this tailor: http://bespokeattire.com/index.html

His prices look reasonable and the reviewa seem good (although I have not been able to verify them).

The only thing concerning me is that he is asking full payment in advance. Is this normal? He also only takes Cash, Cheque or Bank Transfer. All payment methods of high risk, with no recourse if any issues arises.

Any advice would be appreciated!

 

[Oligarch]

Congratulations on your wedding. I’m sure others will have good input, but this particular option doesn’t smell right to me personally. Beyond what you mention about payment options, the price point just doesn’t sound right for something that is truly handmade bespoke, doubly so if London-based. I think for your budget, you would get far better results and value for money buying something good off the rack and having it altered. I can understand the body shape issue, but perhaps worth looking at specialist big and tall shops. Decent MTM to say nothing about bespoke rarely works well in a time crunch. Even good operations inevitably have delays or need last minute adjustments.

 

[Testudo_Aubreii]

A full month is enough time for MTM (i.e, from measurements to finished suit, with no fittings). For bespoke (i.e, with fittings) it's a very tight timeframe for a first order. If you do have a full month, I'd look around for made to measure makers. And be prepared to pay more than 800 GBP. I'd steer clear of online-only "MTM" like Indochino and Hockerty. For jackets, you want an employee of the maker taking your measurements.

It's not unusual for MTM makers to ask for 100% payment up front. Nor for bespoke makers, if it's a rush job. Refusing to accept credit cards is unusual.

And yes, with that body type, you will notice a marked difference between good MTM and readymade. Even more with bespoke. There are still some bespoke tailors in Sicily with accessible prices.

Perhaps more important than who makes the suit is to find an excellent alterations tailor. That means someone who also does bespoke work as a sideline. Treat them right, and they will work magic for you.

 

[Testudo_Aubreii]

What bespoke can do:

 

[maz123]

Congratulations on your wedding. I’m sure others will have good input, but this particular option doesn’t smell right to me personally. Beyond what you mention about payment options, the price point just doesn’t sound right for something that is truly handmade bespoke, doubly so if London-based. I think for your budget, you would get far better results and value for money buying something good off the rack and having it altered. I can understand the body shape issue, but perhaps worth looking at specialist big and tall shops. Decent MTM to say nothing about bespoke rarely works well in a time crunch. Even good operations inevitably have delays or need last minute adjustments.

Thank you. I actually managed to get through to someone who left a review for him on Instagram, an actor, quite well followed, he gave a positive review, seemed very happy which has reassured me somewhat. I've got an appointment with the tailor tomorrow, I'll discuss the payment. Half up front seem fair to me, I don't think I'd ever pay full upfront, quite high risk.

 

[maz123]

A full month is enough time for MTM (i.e, from measurements to finished suit, with no fittings). For bespoke (i.e, with fittings) it's a very tight timeframe for a first order. If you do have a full month, I'd look around for made to measure makers. And be prepared to pay more than 800 GBP. I'd steer clear of online-only "MTM" like Indochino and Hockerty. For jackets, you want an employee of the maker taking your measurements.

It's not unusual for MTM makers to ask for 100% payment up front. Nor for bespoke makers, if it's a rush job. Refusing to accept credit cards is unusual.

And yes, with that body type, you will notice a marked difference between good MTM and readymade. Even more with bespoke. There are still some bespoke tailors in Sicily with accessible prices.

Perhaps more important than who makes the suit is to find an excellent alterations tailor. That means someone who also does bespoke work as a sideline. Treat them right, and they will work magic for you.

Thank you. I actually have no set date yet, but planning for roughly a month. I have an appointment with the tailor linked above tomorrow. Hopefully it goes well, will report back. £800 was my upper budget actually. I have never gone for tailored before, but you only get married once, so thought it was worth it.

 

[Camerashy]

Congratulations on your forthcoming wedding, please keep us in the loop on your tailoring.

 

[maz123]

So I went to see the tailor, nice guy, seemed to know what he was doing. We chose fabrics discussed details and he took my measurements. However, the day after he told me that there is an issue with his fabric supplier in Italy and therefore, he cannot make my suit in time for my wedding! Unfortunate. So I am back to square one. Budget is around £900. I prefer to avoid retailers like Moss Bros. but if I run out of time, I'd have to go with them. Prefer an independent who hasn't got a thousands of clients. If anyone knows such a person in or around London, even if its an hour or so out, prepared to travel a bit!

 

[wylwu]

Hello, you could try Edit Suits who are within your budget. Otherwise there is also Suit Supply, not sure on timings for either.

 

[maz123]

Hello, you could try Edit Suits who are within your budget. Otherwise there is also Suit Supply, not sure on timings for either.

Thanks, I’m seriously considering Edit Suits, reviews look good. Suit Supply reviews a bit iffy.

 

[Testudo_Aubreii]

Another MTM option a little above your budget is P. Johnson.