Would you buy used S.R. Bespoke suits?

mafoofan Jr. · Dec 20, 2008

I'm looking at a few stunning suits on ebay from Gieves and Hawkes and am wondering what the folks here think? Some will end in two days and no bidders yet. They seem to fit me provided that the measurements are done correctly.

Lel · Dec 20, 2008

I suppose if they are mafoofan's old suits then they should fit you well.

jkw · Dec 20, 2008

It's really tempting for the craftsmanship and history etc, but in the end it was tailored for someone else, with who knows what kind of wierd body. I would only buy if I could try it on in a store.

However... I did pick up a bespoke dress suit the other day. It seemed close enough to my measurements, and it fits me quite well, although obviously not as if it were formed around mybody

Unless you get tons of measurements, you won't know how much it differs from the "normal" patterns for your size. I suppose it can be a gamble, but if you have enough details you can make a smart buy.

Nugget · Dec 20, 2008

no chance.

Anthony Jordan · Dec 20, 2008

If the price was very good I might, but my strong preference is to buy suits that I have been able to try on and inspect myself.

JimInSoCalif · Dec 20, 2008

I think you have less chance of a good fit with a bespoke suit than with a RTW suit.

Suppose, for example, the bespke suit was tailored for someone with a low left shoulder and you have a low right shoulder.

Marmot · Dec 20, 2008

I have had pretty good luck with the two that I bought. There was enough of a discount that the $200 I spent to get them altered to fit me was well below the what it would have cost to buy them new. But I may also be lucky and have a good tailor.

Matt · Dec 20, 2008

if you are willing to buy a second hand suit, and if the measurements look about right, then sure, why not? In that regard it's essentially the same as buying second hand RTW, only better made.

Irond Will · Dec 20, 2008

I rolled the dice on a pre-owned bespoke tweed suit on eBay. It actually turned out to be an amazing fit for me, the fabric is nice and heavy, and the quality of construction feels very good. The caveat is that the styling is somewhat dated in a way that wasn't apparent from the photos - the pants have a bit of a flare, and the lapel is pretty wide.

On the other hand, my girlfriend loves the "funky" styling, so I guess it was a pretty good deal after all.

Golf_Nerd · Dec 20, 2008

probably no chance

rnoldh · Dec 20, 2008

G & H makes true bespoke, of course, and they also (for a while at least ) sold a RTW line at Saks and Barneys I believe. Check which these suits are?

Great user name for you, but it needs an avatar.

Will foo's old stuff fit you? Do a search. Anyone here with over a 100 posts would probably have an idea of foo's measurements

Foo is mysteriously silent about his pre-Oxxford period. Maybe he has some rookie stuff he could sell you reasonably to get you started.

And if you have the bucks, you could buy his Rubinacci commissions that he doesn't like

Final word. Be very careful in your own measurements and your confidence in the seller's measurements before you buy someone else's bespoke suit.

TheFoo · Dec 20, 2008

Originally Posted by rnoldh

Foo is mysteriously silent about his pre-Oxxford period. Maybe he has some rookie stuff he could sell you reasonably to get you started.

Not much to say. Pre-Oxxfod I was in college and didn't really wear suits or odd jackets. I had one Canali RTW suit that was way too big for me and a couple of random dress shirts and ties.

Will · Dec 21, 2008

If a size 52 works for you, look instead for pre-worn Tom Ford suits.

mafoofan Jr. · Dec 21, 2008

Good advice rnoldh. I'm not as experienced as my Dad so your comments help a lot.

Originally Posted by rnoldh

G & H makes true bespoke, of course, and they also (for a while at least ) sold a RTW line at Saks and Barneys I believe. Check which these suits are? Great user name for you, but it needs an avatar. Will foo's old stuff fit you? Do a search. Anyone here with over a 100 posts would probably have an idea of foo's measurements

Foo is mysteriously silent about his pre-Oxxford period. Maybe he has some rookie stuff he could sell you reasonably to get you started. And if you have the bucks, you could buy his Rubinacci commissions that he doesn't like

Final word. Be very careful in your own measurements and your confidence in the seller's measurements before you buy someone else's bespoke suit.

Would you buy used S.R. Bespoke suits?

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Definitely full canvas only

Half canvas is fine

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Depends on fabric

Depends on price

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