Unfunded Liabilities: a/k/a The Cloth Thread

[Cantabrigian]



You're depressing me, Canta.

Once you have a reasonable rotation of decent clothes, you might as well take a chance.

When bespoke goes well, it's genuinely surprising how much better it is than RTW. Odds are that it won't go well the first time but it is usually pretty good by the second go-around, assuming you pick a tailor who's got the skills and a style you like.

If you know going into it that it's a long drawn out process and that you're doing it for the next 10 suits over the next X years, you won't be as bothered by a few bumps at the start. Or by the problems you'll eventually encounter even after you think everything should be going perfectly smoothly.

It's a marriage not a one night stand.

Marriage isn't for everyone but there's certainly something to be said for it.

 

[DocHolliday]

We're you guys dissatisfied with your first items when you received them, or did they fall out of favor after you had better? What made you go back?

 

[TRINI]



Can I get a quick show of hands? Who here found their first commission unworkable?

My first is very much a part of my regular rotation. Like most here, I chose a navy workhorse fabric and as such, I get a lot of use out of it.

 

[patrickBOOTH]



Thanks, gents. dopey? aportnoy? Manton? pB? TRINI? (and any others, of course)

For myself I thought the fit was great, no complaints there, however my tastes in silhouette and style changed for sure. Sold my first commission.

 

[Slewfoot]

London Lounge Brown Barleycorn tweed now funded. Really comfy fabric that feels like I'm wearing a cozy blanket. Heavy stuff at around 19oz. Perfect for today's weather. Made by a MBT. Is it as good as Steed? No way, but still very nice and the fabric is stellar.

 

[Slewfoot]



For myself I thought the fit was great, no complaints there, however my tastes in silhouette and style changed for sure. Sold my first commission.

Same goes for me for my first handful of commissions. I enjoyed them at the time, but gradually the styling began to feel too modern. I also prefer more comfort and drape these days while back then I just wanted a crisp and clean silhouette. Live and learn.

 

[TRINI]



Made by a MBT.

First time using the MBT, David?

 

[Slewfoot]



First time using the MBT, David?

Used him a handful of times throughout the past 4 years. Think this is the 5th item I've had made from him. All turned out nice enough if lacking the panache that Steed has in their garments.

 

[dopey]

..

 

[TheTukker]

Wow - well done Slew! Better hang on to that MBT.

 

[imatlas]

Here here. I love the fabric.

 

[sugarbutch]

Thanks to all for taking a moment to share your experiences.

 

[mactire]

Wow - well done Slew! Better hang on to that MBT.

MBT?

 

[Slewfoot]



MBT?

Mystery Bespoke Tailor. I didn't make up the expression, but it seems to have become the norm.

 

[koolbear]

What is the jacket material?

It's Hunter and Winterbotham, Twister. Lightweight stuff, but good for the hot weather down-under.