madz wrote:If I bought a standard worsted bespoke suit from a good saville row tailor how long should I expect the suit to last in years on the basis it was worn on average once a week for work.
Many thanks
Office furniture companies can state with certainty the life of upholstery fabrics, such as how many "rubs" the fabric will endure. There are no such specifications for suiting cloths.
Longevity depends upon:
1. cloth;
2. physique (heavy men tend to place greater stress and wear on points of abrasion, such as the area where the thighs rub together when walking);
3. frequency of use; and
4. manner of use.
If you are wearing the suit once a week throughtout the year, then that's 52 uses during the year. That is alot of use. Many of us have seasonal wardrobes, therefore, we do not wear a garment year-round except for shirtings.
A suit worn every week will have to be dry cleaned frequently, at least 2 times a year.
If you're thinking in terms of getting the most use out of the suit you may want to order a second trouser. With many men, the trousers get worn-out first especially since many men work in their shirtsleeves.
Based upon weekly usage, you could get 4-5 years of use.
However, this is purely a guestimate. Bespoke buyers tend to be very careful if not finantical about the care of their suits. Many bespoke buyers proudly proclaim that they have not bought a new suit in many years. Many have their coats relined and the pants relined and re-pocketed.
Whether you get 5 years or 8 years of use or more, if you enjoy the suit and wear it frequently, then you have made an excellent purchase.
Good luck.
