Report from Savile Row: 1st experience with Dege and Skinner
Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2006 9:12 pm
This is a continuation of my 'savile row tailor' thread.
Well, I did enjoy my first experience at Dege. Graham Lawless and I quickly worked out that for a first suit a basic 3-Button in navy blue would be best.
The fabric choice took the longest. I picked a subtle pinstripe pattern with the dots farther apart which makes it a less bold visually than denser pinstripes. Because I am slender and 5'8", the pinstripe is wider (about 1.5cm or so) which give me a little bulk but still makes me look taller. Centered between the white pinstripes and about .4cm wide is a slightly darker band that gives a bit of shadow to the pinstripes in natural light. It's hard to describe, but the slightly darker center and helps accentuate the pinstriping but gives the overall look a bit more dynamic without being loud at all. The weight of the fabric was a standard mid-weight cloth suitable for year-round wear.
That done, there were about 100 decisions about things even I had not thought much about, but was able to quickly decide upon. So regarding construction, I will have no back pockets on the trousers - I never use them and you shouldn't use them anyway - a wallet just distorts the fabric. There will be a hidden front interior pocket for a cellphone (or tiny handgun, I suppose?). Both front pockets will have 'coin pockets inside them because I hate the rattling of change and keys when I walk (reminds me of spurs, and I walk in Philadelphia, not the wild west!). Trousers will have adjustable band as well as buttons for braces - I have sloped shoulders that don't hold braces well, but perhaps in summer it would be nice to loosen up the trousers and breath a bit with braces. No cuffs on the trousers. I wanted a clean look that was a little formal for weddings, opera, etc, should I need to dress up the suit a bit.
For the Jacket, single back vent to discourage stuffing hands in pockets. Short wallet-length left breast interior pocket with zipper for a secure and accessible wallet - I HATE groping for a wallet that is in a deep breast pocket! Longer pocket on the right breast interior for plane tickets and such that need a little length to hold the item. Horizontal exterior side pockets - the angled ones reminded me too much of a hunting jacket.
I think that was all the decisions.
Then I was measured - can't remember the fellows name. But he took about 87 different measurements, most of which had to do with my upper body, especially the shoulders, upper arms, etc. He said they preferred 3/8" of shirt cuff to show, which seemed a bit much to me, but we'll see how it looks. I think I usually do with 1/4" or less, just enough to show the shirtcuff. By the end, I was absolutely certain that D&S and the cutter knew my body better than any woman or me ever have!
Overall, the look is supposed to say 'military man in civilian dress'. I figure with this kind of expense and precision, I want something that is precisely fit - loose and relaxed I can buy off the rack.
Any thoughts or questions, please feel free to post.
All enquiries and comments / suggestions welcome. I am turning my mind to the design of the coller - pointed? What?
Incidentally, is Savile pronounced with the flat 'a' (bad) or some other way?
Well, I did enjoy my first experience at Dege. Graham Lawless and I quickly worked out that for a first suit a basic 3-Button in navy blue would be best.
The fabric choice took the longest. I picked a subtle pinstripe pattern with the dots farther apart which makes it a less bold visually than denser pinstripes. Because I am slender and 5'8", the pinstripe is wider (about 1.5cm or so) which give me a little bulk but still makes me look taller. Centered between the white pinstripes and about .4cm wide is a slightly darker band that gives a bit of shadow to the pinstripes in natural light. It's hard to describe, but the slightly darker center and helps accentuate the pinstriping but gives the overall look a bit more dynamic without being loud at all. The weight of the fabric was a standard mid-weight cloth suitable for year-round wear.
That done, there were about 100 decisions about things even I had not thought much about, but was able to quickly decide upon. So regarding construction, I will have no back pockets on the trousers - I never use them and you shouldn't use them anyway - a wallet just distorts the fabric. There will be a hidden front interior pocket for a cellphone (or tiny handgun, I suppose?). Both front pockets will have 'coin pockets inside them because I hate the rattling of change and keys when I walk (reminds me of spurs, and I walk in Philadelphia, not the wild west!). Trousers will have adjustable band as well as buttons for braces - I have sloped shoulders that don't hold braces well, but perhaps in summer it would be nice to loosen up the trousers and breath a bit with braces. No cuffs on the trousers. I wanted a clean look that was a little formal for weddings, opera, etc, should I need to dress up the suit a bit.
For the Jacket, single back vent to discourage stuffing hands in pockets. Short wallet-length left breast interior pocket with zipper for a secure and accessible wallet - I HATE groping for a wallet that is in a deep breast pocket! Longer pocket on the right breast interior for plane tickets and such that need a little length to hold the item. Horizontal exterior side pockets - the angled ones reminded me too much of a hunting jacket.
I think that was all the decisions.
Then I was measured - can't remember the fellows name. But he took about 87 different measurements, most of which had to do with my upper body, especially the shoulders, upper arms, etc. He said they preferred 3/8" of shirt cuff to show, which seemed a bit much to me, but we'll see how it looks. I think I usually do with 1/4" or less, just enough to show the shirtcuff. By the end, I was absolutely certain that D&S and the cutter knew my body better than any woman or me ever have!
Overall, the look is supposed to say 'military man in civilian dress'. I figure with this kind of expense and precision, I want something that is precisely fit - loose and relaxed I can buy off the rack.
Any thoughts or questions, please feel free to post.
All enquiries and comments / suggestions welcome. I am turning my mind to the design of the coller - pointed? What?
Incidentally, is Savile pronounced with the flat 'a' (bad) or some other way?