Suit buying

Might even be less than that, gotta decide if I want to spend that extra £100 on the Moss suit.

Paying a visit to Jermyn St this week, have a look at some of the TM Lewin, Charles T, Hawes and Curtis shops, should be a good day out!

So, after hitting Jermyn Street today I had the chance to try on several suits, from several stores, first was TM Lewin, I didn't like the service from some of the staff, really hassley to try and make me buy something, and some kind of dislike towards the younger generation like me!

http://i57.tinypic.com/311vpl0.jpg

Not sure on the shade here, the fit was ok but I didn't feel 100% comfortable with it. Plus the staff's attitude made me leave pretty much after taking this photo.

Next was Hawes and Curtis. Again very pushy sales staff and a very animated middle aged bloke pushing me to try and spunk money on a £399 suit! Better fit and shade:

http://i60.tinypic.com/2d0kx3l.jpg

This was the £199 suit which is British made, he was insistent on the colour and everything. Nice fit and some minor alterations were required.

Next was Charles Tyrwitt, which I tried on this:

http://i59.tinypic.com/x578k8.jpg

Nice fit after a few jacket sizes up and down, and some small alterations. Felt ok.

Next, Harvie and Hudson, friendly service and some banter with the bloke which was pretty funny

http://i58.tinypic.com/jsdp1s.jpg

Ok fit, unfortunately they can't do a bigger waist size, as its got to be the 6 inch drop thing. (Waist size is 6 less than chest size).

Lastly Roderick and Charles where I didn't get a photo of the outfit but a very nice fitting grey suit, nice bloke as well assisting with the suit, out of all the shops the best service by far. £325 for the suit though.

So all in all its Roderick and Charles and Charles Tyrwitt that stood out for me today. I actually would go back to Moss and get the one I tried out in there, it seems to be appropriate for this wedding, plus other occasions. Payable in instalments too which some of the shops I went to today can't offer. And less of the snappy pushy sales staff too!

Why don't you check out some of the online made-to-measure suppliers? Institchu, Dragon Inside and a new venture called Suit-up UK all seem to offer some interesting collections. MTM will always look better than off-the-rack*, and you really cannot beat £250 for a fully-canvassed suit.**

* although you can of course take your OTR suit to an alterations tailor to get a better fit.
** as you may know, a full canvas is one of the indicators of a well-made suit.

Most of the places I went to on Weds and prior do alterations, and there's not alot I need to do as most of them fit well.

I think I'm set on going back to Moss anyway as I felt that was the best fitting and looking suit. Not too harsh on the bank balance either and will do the job in the summer and for future formal events.