I’m not much of a style guy. I hate shopping. I don’t really care too much what labels I wear. Much to more style-conscious people’s dismay, including my two teenage sons, couture just isn’t that high on my list of priorities.
Unless, of course, we’re talking about suits. That’s one area of my wardrobe where I recognise the value of spending a few quid extra. If you’re an odd-shaped bloke like me, where off-the-peg suits don’t fit properly, that means made-to-measure.
Tailoring since 1771
And, for me, made-to-measure tailors mean only one thing: Gieves & Hawkes. These guys know the drill. They have been tailoring since 1771. During those more than 250 years, Gieves & Hawkes have honed their craft to globally recognised expert standards.
Renowned as “the UK’s military tailor” for its distinguished history of crafting uniforms for British royalty, the armed forces and international dignitaries – including members of the Norwegian and Danish royal families – the house is synonymous with tradition and excellence.
One British-made fabric leapt out
On July 18, I popped into the Gieves & Hawkes store in the Mialbox, Birmingham, to meet the manager, Max Harvey, and his colleague, Ben Morris, in search of a two-piece suit.
After a measuring me – waist, chest, legs, arms etc – Ben sat me down to look at the fabric brochure, including a wide range of British and Italian cloth.
One cloth immediately leapt out – a dark blue (approaching black) woven in with a brighter, royal blue. From some angles it looks dark; from others it takes on a brighter hue. Almost two-tone.
The cloth I chose is British-made. British fabric is known for its durability. As a 16-stone former rugby player with a large backside, a harder-wearing fabric is preferred (probably “TMI” but … I’ve split the bum of countless sets of trousers over the years, not to mention the pocket seams).
Tiny tweaks took the suit from “awesome” to next level
Six weeks later, on August 28, I was back for the “first fitting.” This time Peter assisted me, sizing up the suit, which to my untrained eye, looked awesome. But Peter recommended a slight lengthening (half an inch) of each trouser leg, and a slight shortening of each jacket arm (quarter of the inch).
Once those teaks were pinned in place, an “awesome” suit suddenly looked even better. The magic of bespoke tailoring. Eye for detail and professionalism. Great service.
Career as a model awaits …
The following week, September 3, I returned for the big reveal. Those delicate amendments by Peter were now sown in. The suit looked next-level. Store manager Max lent me a tie and handkerchief and even advised me how to pose up for a photo – button done up, hand in pocket etc.
So, thanks to Max and the Gieves & Hawkes team, if the journo and PR gig doesn’t work out, a career as a suit model beckons.
To find out more, and to book in a made-to-measure appointment, go to: https://www.gievesandhawkes.com/pages/madetomeasure
