There are more components to a bespoke suit than you might realise. It is and should be more than a tailored suit that simply fits. I discuss why some tailors can leave you short changed.
1. They’re allowing you to make all of the decisions
You’re the customer and the customers always right, right? Wrong, well, in some respects. Some tailors do simply make from customer requests. There are tailors who simply cut, and there are those that do both; design for you and cut. It’s all about choosing which you’d prefer. If you have a clearly defined sense of style and you know exactly what looks good on you, then a tailor who will simply follows your request will be a good choice for you. If you, on the other hand have no idea and want clear guidance, because quite frankly you’ve got your day job and don’t quite fancy another, then choose a tailor who can also design for you. I work with you whilst guiding and offering ideas that I know will make you look 100x better! Which would you prefer?
Headteacher of Eltham college, Guy Sanderson said:
”Alexandra has gently (and correctly!) persuaded me out of my former choice of dull, but safe, grey suits into much more appropriate colours. I would never have bought anything in bright blue before and certainly not in burnt orange, but both get endless compliments when I wear them.”
2- They’re not challenging you to look better
There are a number of options available to you that you’re likely not aware of. For starters, there are hundreds of mixes of fabrics, each with their own unique qualities that can work perfectly for one person and not for another. This relevant guidance is key to ensuring you’re happy. While understandably you can’t discuss for 5 hours every minor detail; the questions you’re asked originally are what enables me as your tailor to make the best decisions for you.
3- They’re being a little lazy
They want you to order and get on with it. You know you want a navy suit, you’re happy, they’re happy say no more. I challenge your ideas (Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean an arm wrestle over the table) it means that if I think you could look better, I’ll tell you because I know you’ll thank me for it in the end. If we always choose what we’ve always had, we’ll get what we always have.
4- They’re not listening.
You’ve said you’d like your suit to fit certain occasions, that you like to be able to access your pockets inside easily, you like shape but wish to be able to breathe, yet they’re intent on designing you something they want to see you in. It’s your suit, your experience and that’s all that should count. Important questions need to be asked from where you’re intending to wear your suit/items, how you like to look and feel in a suit and what’s important to you? This may be that it’s hard wearing, that you travel, so it has to fit into your suitcase without looking like a crumpled heap the other end. Whatever your preference, I listen and respond by designing you something you love to wear.
5- They’re missing the details.
You’ve decided upon your suit design but your tailor hasn’t told you why they’ve chosen what they have for you, nor the finer details as to why they might choose a 1mm stitch or a tortoise shell button vs a plain one. Details like this are what polish your suit off and make your style completely unique.
6- They’re not helping you to understand your choices.
You’ve assumed that made to measure is the best option for you but it may be that bespoke is far more suited to you (Pardon the pun) or a full canvas vs a half. It’s important to meet your expectations and be clear with what will ultimately make you look your best.
7- Having a suit made for you is an investment.
Your bespoke suit should be made from a high quality cloth, cut to flatter you, in a colour, style and design that elevates your image. It’s also an experience to enjoy, so having fun is a great added bonus.
If you relish the idea of being guided through my bespoke tailoring process, simply book a call with me to discuss.
