Ordering suit from "travelling tailors"

I've never tried it but I looked into a local guy who does the travel routine. After doing some research it seemed like he'd just take your measurements and send them off to Hong Kong, in which case you're better off with one of the much less expensive web-based places:

www.indochino.com
www.blanklabel.com
www.jhilburn.com

And the article I read that lead me to these sites: http://www.slate.com/articles/life/shopping/2011/09/hot_collars.html

I don't know if Blank Label does suits, and I haven't used J.Hilburn yet, but I basically replaced my entire work wardrobe with stuff from Indochino including a few suits, pants, a bunch of shirts, a peacoat, ties, etc. Since I'm not some sort of sartorial master I don't know what to compare it to for quality or anything, but I've been really happy with what I've received so far.

 

I have from a couple - one from hong kong who does bespoke for 400-500 and an English tailor who does bespoke for 3k but made to measure for a little under a thousand depending on the material. The so-called bespoke from HK is fine, but you're getting what you pay for - no 2nd fitting, etc, and the material is what it is. For the money, which is far less than a brooks bro suit, I am very happy with it - get to customize everything from material, to outer pockets, to interior pockets that fit your phone, to fun linings and the fit of the suit I've had good luck with Sam's Tailor - suits fit like a glove and theyre cheap.

The English tailor that I've used for made to measure gives you similar custom options, but the basic pattern of the suit is fixed - ie if you prefer higher armholes or a more hourglass fit, then you're out of luck. That being said, the fit was impeccable, the material is gorgeous, and I've gotten more complements on it than any other suit I have. Hemingway Tailor is the guy I've used for this.

I'd look for reviews on either style forum.com or askandyaboutclothes.com. They will prob have some reviews if it's a decently well known tailor.

 

The links make interesting reading. I am going to try a couple of shirts and see how it goes.

Sams in HK is very well known and I didn't know they did online made to measure.

 

Don't believe that they do online - he comes to the states once or twice a year.

 

FYI - Sam will be in the states this month. DC, NYC and Dallas I think - might be more, but don't recall off the top of my head. No affiliation, etc etc etc

 

I would think that in all of Edmonton you could find a local guy who would do MTM for a reasonable price. I use a local guy who buys and stocks the fabric himself, measures you, and sends the fabric and measurements to H. Freeman to actually make the suits.

The advantage to this arrangement is that if I have an issue, I have a local guy to deal with.

 

There is a guy here that goes by the name cohiba_man that does this. PM him and he may be able to help you out.

 

I always enjoyed reading the travels of www.englishcut.com and said one day I would get one by him.

 

Exactly right. There is some VERY good made-to-measure work out there that can be tremendous value. However, don't mistake it for true bespoke, which is made from a pattern cut specifically for you as opposed to a stock pattern modified for you.

I also agree that AskAndy is a good resource if you're just getting into MTM/Bespoke.

ND, compliments on using Hemingway; I've never seen their work but understand it's excellent. I also use an "Off-Row" tailor: Ken Austin of Benson & Clegg. A little less expensive than Dege or A&S but of equal quality, I feel.

 

Anyone have any additional places in china or good mtm suggestions. I'm looking. Thanks.

 

Save yourself the difference and travel to HK. Mix it into a vacation

 

Yes. I think you're right. Are there any other reputable tailors there beside the one mentioned?

 

$999 is waaaaay toooo much money for one suit.

Try www.onlinesuits.com

I've spent thousand with them and their work is outstanding.