The London Lounge

Dear LL Members, I've been invited to a wedding next year where the dress code is morning suit (no hats). I'm contemplating going bespoke but, before doing so, was looking for some advice / views on the extent to which there is flexibility on colours / patterns, specifically: - Would plain midnight ...

Thank you David. An Internet search had suggested that as an option but some personal experience is very helpful - much appreciated.

BJS

Sadly not - I have no plans to be in Madrid in the foreseeable.

BJS

Evening Gentlemen,

Can anyone recommend a bespoke shirtmaker in Milan? My previous shirtmaker has sadly retired (aged 80+) and, as I'm due to travel to Milan in November, I'm keen to check out alternatives in advance.

Thanks in advance,

BJS

Concordia,

The Smith's Botany book (12/13oz) also has a nice navy herringbone, number 3942. Not sure on availability since the takeover. Good luck!

BJS

Some good points here BB. We are lucky in London to still have bespoke options at different price-points. If only more of the London "suit wearing public" spent their money on off-Row bespoke rather than over-priced RTW from the likes of Armani then I think the traditional cloth merchants might be i...

Badden / GSC: thank you for your responses. Think I'm going to give them a try.

Cheers,

BJS

Good evening. Has anyone had any experience - good, bad or indifferent - with Groves & Lindley cloth? I'd never heard of them but stumbled across one of their books at a recent visit to my tailors and they have some nice 11oz worsted with a slightly milled finish. Any insight appreciated - thanks in...

I'd say stick with the worsted (over the flannel) until you have more suits in your rotation. Also, worth checking out the Smith's Botany book (12/13 oz) - it has a lovely dark navy herringbone (forget the number) which may cost in at less than the Lessers fabrics.

my advice is simple: get swatches from Minnis, get the LL swatches from Fox and decide. I'd second this. I'm currently considering getting my first flannel suit and have just received some swatches including some from Minnis. I think the Minnis website provides a sometimes mis-leading impression of...

Good man. And sticking to "safe" fabrics is a sensible approach when you're building a wardrobe.

I, similarly, have had a few suits from Sims & MacDonald in recent years and would thoroughly recommend them. As WhippingBoy suggests it's run by nice people who I think have a decent eye for what works well for different body shapes. Granted, you don't get the level of handwork/finish you would get...

Dear Young Lawyer, I have tried a travelling tailor and, despite living in London, found it impractical and frustrating. As suggested above, building up a long term relationship with an off-row tailor is a better bet IMHO. I have tried Sims & MacDonald and wholeheartedly recommend them... nice peopl...