The London Lounge

Hi,

I was hoping for a little advice / opinion. I'm looking for my second bespoke suit, and have narrowed it down to a couple of choices.

In terms of usage, I'm trying to create something that is for eveningwear today (think sit-down meals in an Officers' Mess etc), but will be able to be used for work in the City tomorrow without raising eyebrows. I've already got a charcoal worsted with blue overcheck, a slightly lighter (in terms of cloth and hue) charcoal pinhead worsted, and a rather ancient navy worsted with a royal blue pinstripe that is currently my 'fighting suit' (no actual fighting involved, don't worry). I think that a navy solid should probably be the next addition to the wardrobe, and is pretty much the most versatile suit as far as I can make out.

The cloth choices are either a herringbone worsted (both from H Lesser, a classic navy 29806 from bunch 303, or a dark navy Golden Bale 31144 from bunch 305), but I also love the idea of a flannel (Fox's classic navy 14oz?) as it seems slightly unusual these days. I'm not so worried about the heat (I wear slightly cold), but I do worry about the durability of it though.

As for the jacket itself, it will be a fairly classic 2 button, three piece suit, notch lapels (probably no lapels on the waistcoat though), very structured / fitted, side vents, hacking pockets and a ticket pocket.

Any advice or suggestions would be really appreciated. I think the main question I'm really trying to answer (from people with far more experience than me in these matters) is whether I could go for the flannel for a slightly more old-world look, or whether I would be better off going for one of the other two choices as I'm still just starting out my wardrobe.


Lumbs Golden Bale Dark Navy Herringbone


H Lesser Navy Herringbone, 13oz


Fox Bros Classic Navy Flannel, 14oz

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

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.

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.

Sound advice. There is also a great blue herringbone in the Smiths Steadfast book. The other choice would be the navy Mistral by the London Lounge, there is a suit length left over I believe.

Cheers

I do love my blue flannel and it will give you an excuse to buy a blue worsted as well perhaps RTW.

Thanks for the comments, it sounds as though the flannel will have to wait! Where would I find an image of the navy Mistral please? I've had a good look through the threads here but can only find the grey mistrals..

I think the Navy Mistral is this one:

I took delivery of the dark grey and it's a stunning cloth, I wholeheartedly reccomend it.
If there's still a coat lenght left of the navy after you made your choice, I'd be really interested in purchasing it
Saluti
M.

Harry,

If your user name is a refernce to Tom Brown's School Days or George McDonald Fraser's series then bravo.

I woudl go with a 13oz worsted from Smiths or Lesser. Very substaintal cloth, classic cloth that looks elegant at night and correct but interesting during the day.