Best Tailors in London: How to Know Who is Right for You?
3 things to look out for online & 3 to discover at your appointment
There are plenty of choices online and in retail when it comes to menswear. Perhaps it's time to upgrade to the next level of craftsmanship and service. Working closely with a bespoke tailor can seem daunting, and you might not know where to start. Unlike buying ready-to-wear, there are more factors to consider when choosing where to get your suit tailored for the first time.
Here's a guide to help you save time and avoid the wrong tailor.
Start with online research and focus on these three things:
Pay attention to these 3 things online:
Social Media Presence
#threepiecesuit combination for the #weddingday
Midnightblue #doublebreastedovercoat #bespokeoverocat that will last a lifetime.
#brownvelvet #dinnerjacket a request from a gentleman for his cigar club visits.
Timeless camel #bespokeovercoat #doublebreastedovercoat
Check if the tailor keeps a regularly updated Instagram account to showcase their latest work. Avoid tailors who only post model shots; those are for ready-to-wear brands. The tailor should show their work on real people. A photo is worth a thousand words, so do the garments flatter real customers? When the tailor is right for you, you'll feel a connection with what you see on their Instagram. If their actual work isn't on social media or you can't relate to their style, it's best to avoid them.
Review Authenticity
Pay close attention to the content of the reviews. Be aware that businesses can fake reviews. How do you spot the fake ones?
Look for reviews written by "Local Guides." These accounts often belong to people who write reviews for a fee. Avoid businesses with many reviews from "Local Guides."
Read through the reviews carefully. Do you notice a common pattern? If the reviews use similar words and structures, they might have been written by the same person, possibly the business owner using multiple accounts. This is a red flag and a sign to avoid that business.
Transparency on Price and Processes
You shouldn't have to dig for basic information. Check if the timelines for completing the work are clearly stated on the website. Are the prices shown clearly? Transparency is key. Look for businesses that make it easy for you to find information both online and offline.
A bespoke suit can cost anywhere between £1600 and £6000, and you need to know this without having to call or email. If the online interaction is clear and simple, it's likely to be the same in person as well.
During your in-person appointment, observe these three aspects of service:
Is the interaction sales oriented?
Does the interaction feel like a sales pitch? If the tailor feels like a car salesperson, don't walk—run. Avoid tailors who try to upsell you with additional items like shirts, extra trousers, or discounted second suits when you haven't asked for them. You shouldn't feel pressured to accept or decline such offers.
Is a relationship being built?
The best tailoring service focuses on building a relationship and earning your trust over time, rather than pushing for a quick sale. Trust your intuition to determine if you can rely on this relationship.
Are you learning?
Guidance and Expertise: The best tailors help you avoid style mistakes by sharing their knowledge about fabric functionality and design details. Do they take the time to guide you, or are you left to navigate the complexities of tailoring on your own? A great tailor strikes a balance between offering guidance and incorporating your personality into each garment. Again, trust your intuition here.
Do you feel at ease with the tailor? Will you look forward to future interactions?
Do you feel at ease with the tailor? Will you look forward to future interactions? A great tailor takes the time to learn about your lifestyle without crossing boundaries or digging into personal details. Feeling comfortable is essential for open communication about your wishes.
You will have fittings and interact with your tailor multiple times before collecting the finished garment. If you don't look forward to these interactions, it's best to walk away. The best tailors strike a balance between understanding you and respecting your personal space, making you the center of their attention while ensuring you feel comfortable.
In short. To Find the Best Tailor in London:
Research Online:
Social Media: Is it actual work on real people, not models? Can you relate to what you see?
Reviews: Are they trustworthy?
Website: Is the basic information clear, such as prices and process?
In Person Service:
Sales Approach: Are you dealing with a pushy salesperson?
Guidance: Is there guidance you can relate to and trust?
Comfort: Do you feel at ease throughout the process?
Trust your instincts. This may seem like a lot of research, but it's worth investing your time. A great tailor brings a new level of comfort to your life. You only need to get measured once, and your pattern can be replicated into a multitude of bespoke garments: suits, casual wear, overcoats—you name it. Having a great tailor is as important as having a great dentist; they can solve a lot of pain when it comes to dressing well with ease.
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