Ordering a Savile Row suit

What is involved when you decide to buy a bespoke suit from a Savile Row tailor? These are the stages…

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Before your first visit

Prior to your first appointment with your tailor, there are a number of things you need to think about – such as what you like and when you will be wearing the suit. Ask yourself: Do I prefer a suit with a single- or doublebuttoned front? Am I after a threeseason (autumn, winter, spring) weight? What about trouser width?

Honing options

With years of experience, the tailor will be able to advise you on your requirements and work out what you need. Once you have decided on the garments, the cutter will help you choose the best fabric – each cloth has its own properties, so it’s best to get their expert advice.

Pattern cutting

Once you’ve chosen the cloth and style, the cutter takes your measurements in order to cut your own personal paper pattern, which you will keep for life.

Trimming

The paper pattern is laid out on the cloth and chalked around. The fabric is then cut by hand, leaving extra cloth at certain seams or ‘inlays’, so the suit can be altered at a later date if your weight changes. Material trimmings, such as natural wool, canvas and linen, can also be added to the garment’s construction.

Putting together

The garment is then assigned to a highly skilled tailor – often, that same tailor will be dedicated to you as long as you remain a customer to ensure both a continuity of service and a consistency of quality.

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First fitting (or baste)

The tailor canvasses the suit by hand ready for the first fitting. During this fitting, you will find yourself wearing a rough draft of your suit that is only loosely stitched together. This is the time to say whether the jacket feels tight in the shoulders, for instance. The cutter will then alter the suit to fit and enhance your posture.

Marking up

After the first fitting, the garment is marked up with all the re-adjustments and then completely taken apart and re-cut. The paper pattern is also adjusted at the same time so it can be used again for future orders. The garment is then given back to the tailor to be prepared for your next fitting.

Second fitting

The second fitting is more about getting the details – such as trouser and sleeve length – right. The suit is checked over for break over shoe, seat of trouser and drape. Alterations and amendments are refined, giving the suit its fit and comfort. A good tailor should be able to deliver a suit that looks and feels fantastic.

Buttonholes

After the final alterations are carried out, a tailor hand-makes the buttonholes and hand-finishes the suit inside and out. Only the best trimmings and pure natural fibres, such as hand silks, are used, giving the suit its longevity and lasting finish.

Final piece

The garment is then ready for your final fitting. You’ll be given advice on how to clean, press and care for the suit to maintain its shape. Each is numbered and logged so the tailors can source any materials to repair even minor damage. This process also means subsequent orders will require fewer fittings, so it will be much quicker.