The London Lounge

JS GROOT: For truly beautiful grenadine ties, google Sam Hober. The colours and construction of the ties are splendid. David Hober and family are topnotch, and they're willing to make ties to your preferred specifications in terms of width and length. Others swear by Drakes, but their ties strike me...

Carl: When it comes to bespoke shoes, the best of the best starts with John Lobb, St. James, and ends with Cleverley. What's the difference between the two makers? John Lobb has been making shoes and boots and slippers forever, so it would seem. The firm really is the best of the best. Time was Lobb...

If you have a tendency to get hot under the collar (read: sweat), 7 fold ties should be avoided. It doesn't matter if they're made of silk or wool; they'll make your blood boil, and they can create serious problems with your heart rhythm. Stick with three- or four-fold silk ties, which knot easier a...

For fans of cuff links: American made cuff links are typically one-sided and have a toggle closure, which always reminds me of the exposed underside of the Golden Gate Bridge. Convenient, but not terribly aesthetic. Double-sided cuff links, which are typical of the handiwork of jewellers in the Unit...

rodes: The classic shoe for business is a plain cap-toe five-eyelet lace-up in black calf. Some prefer a cap with a single row of stitching at the seam, others opt for two closely spaced rows of stitching at the seam, still others like punching along the seam with a border of pinking just above. Any...

Dempsy444: Nothing in this world is perfect. Not nature, not art, not architecture, not religion, not politics, not even the guarantee of our childrens' well-being and stability in the future. At its best, bespoke tailoring can be well made, even beautifully made ... on occasion. The shortcoming of ...

uppercase: Why dark brown only? You might want to eventually consider black suede full brogues and cap-toe lace-ups with punching along the straight seams. You might also consider mid-grey suede brogues and cap-toe lace-ups with punching. Additionally, there are different styles of slip-ons in black...

vmills: Treat your suede shoes as you would their smooth calf or grained leather counterparts, which is to say don't wear any pair of shoes day in and day out. Give any pair of shoes in your collection an outing no more than once per week. Suede is relatively easy to care for. A light brushing with ...

Guest: With a brand-new pair of shoes with leather soles, the first thing you want to do is buy a good pair of shoe trees. Next lay in a good supply of shoe creams and wax polishes. Google Valmour, France, which makes wonderful creams and polishes for leather shoes as well as all your needs for sued...

There was a time in the upholstery trade, say, in the mid 20th century when genuine silk velvet was readily available from sources in France and Italy. Very beautiful and ungodly expensive. Mohair velvet was also available. It was somewhat less expensive than its velvet counterpart, but neither silk...

Cathach:

Google Huddlesfield Fine Worsteds and tap on Flannels. You'll find a range of wool flannels in 14 to 17oz per meter weights, most of which seem to be plain flannels.

JMB

Samuel & Slewfoot: Unless both of you are living in very warm climates, 9 to 10 ounce flannels are somewhat lightweight for your needs, especially during fall and winter. Both of you would be better off and more comfortable with a 14 1/2 ounce per meter West of England wool flannel from Fox Flannels...

The advantage of braces and side adjusters with buckles is the ability to wear your trousers where they belong, on your natural waist. Low rise trousers may work for young men and women in their teen years, but grown-ups look idiotic in them. The same could be said for men wearing shorts and women w...

Samuel: The 14 ounce Smith Woolens navy blue hopsack cloth you mention sounds ideal for a double-breasted blazer to be worn in winter weather through early spring. One hopes the cloth is woven in a basket- weave pattern. Pay close attention to the buttons you choose for the blazer, which is the jewe...

As far as I'm concerned, double forward pleats that are somewhat deeper than usual are the only way to go, especially when you're seated. Furthermore, pleated trousers should be held up by brace buttons or self-fabric side adjusters with metal buckles. The proper placement for side adjusters is half...