How Can You Tell If a Suit Is High Quality?
Inside this Article:
When it comes to suits, quality is paramount. A well-crafted suit not only exudes confidence and sophistication but also serves as a testament to the client's discerning taste. Today, we at Apsley Tailors delve into the intricacies of identifying a high-quality suit, exploring the nuances that separate a true sartorial masterpiece from a mere garment.
How to Tell If a Suit Is a Good Quality
Fabric: The Foundation of Bespoke Suit Excellence
The fabric is the cornerstone of any exceptional bespoke suit. High-quality suits are crafted from premium materials that exhibit finesse and durability. Wool, a time-honoured choice, offers breathability and wrinkle resistance, while cashmere and silk blends add unparalleled softness and lustre.
Examine the suit fabric closely, looking for a tightly woven surface that drapes elegantly and maintains its shape over time.
Construction: The Art of Tailoring
A suit's construction is a testament to the artistry and skill of the tailor. Fully canvassed tailor suits, featuring a layer of canvas between the outer fabric and lining, are hallmarks of exceptional quality.
This construction ensures the suit retains its shape and hangs impeccably on the body, moulding to the client's form of bespoke excellence for every occasion.
Look for hand-stitched details, such as the lapel and armhole, which exemplify meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Discover the art of tailoring in our article "The Art of Bespoke Tailoring: A Journey into Customised Elegance".
Fit: The Essence of Elegance
A well-fitted suit manifests elegance, accentuating the client's physique while allowing for comfortable movement. Observe the garment's fit, ensuring it:
- Drapes smoothly over the shoulders
- Hugs the waist without unsightly bunching
- Falls gracefully along the length of the body
A high-quality suit should be perfectly tailored, reflecting the client's unique proportions and posture.
How to Check the Quality of Suit Fabric
When assessing the quality of suit fabric, engaging your senses beyond just sight is essential.
At Apsley Tailors, we invite our clients to experience the fabric firsthand, running their fingers along the material to feel its texture and weight.
High-quality suit fabrics, such as those from our complete list of fabric brands, have a distinctively soft and luxurious hand feel, thanks to the use of the finest raw materials and innovative weaving techniques.
The fabric should drape effortlessly, flowing with the contours of the body without feeling stiff or bulky.
Additionally, please pay attention to the fabric's lustre and how it catches the light.
The best suit fabrics have a subtle sheen that adds depth and richness to the colour, enhancing the overall appearance of the garment.
By taking the time to appreciate these tactile and visual qualities, you can distinguish the true excellence of a suit's fabric and make an informed decision when investing in a high-quality piece.
Can People Tell a Cheap Suit?
While an untrained eye may struggle to discern the nuances, those with a keen sartorial sense can often distinguish a high-quality suit from a cheap one.
Inexpensive suits are usually crafted from inferior fabrics that lack lustre, durability, and breathability. They may also exhibit shoddy construction, with hastily sewn seams, misaligned buttonholes, and an overall ill-fitting silhouette.
Indicators of a low-quality suit include:
- Shiny Fabric: Synthetic materials often have an unnatural sheen
- Poor Fit: Off-the-rack suits may not align well with body contours
- Visible Seams and Imperfections: Mass-produced suits may exhibit visible machine stitching, puckering, and uneven hems
How to Tell a Good Suit from a Cheap One
Distinguishing a well-crafted suit from a cheap imitation involves paying attention to several vital aspects.
- Examine the suit's fabric: High-quality suits are made from premium, natural materials like wool, cashmere, or silk, which offer superior drape, comfort, and durability. Conversely, cheap suits often use synthetic blends that lack the same luxurious feel and long-lasting quality.
- Assess the suit's construction: A well-made suit will feature a full canvas interlining, which helps the jacket maintain its shape and conform to the client's body over time. Cheap suits, on the other hand, often use fused interlinings that can bubble or delaminate with wear.
- Scrutinise the details: High-quality suits will have hand-sewn buttonholes, well-balanced lapels, and pockets that lay flat without gaping.
- Evaluate the overall fit and appearance: A good suit should be tailored to the client's specific measurements, creating a clean, sharp silhouette that enhances the body's natural lines. Cheap suits often have a boxy, ill-fitting appearance that fails to flatter the client's physique.
By carefully examining these elements, you can confidently distinguish a high-quality suit from a cheap alternative and make a wise investment in your wardrobe. You can also check for the alignment of suit accessories, which will tell you more about the suit's quality. The better the overall image, the better the initial quality.
How Long Will a Bespoke Suit Last?
At Apsley Tailors, we take immense pride in our commitment to crafting bespoke suits that are not only exquisitely tailored but also built to endure the test of time.
A handmade suit, meticulously constructed by our skilled artisans, is an actual investment piece that can last for decades with proper care and maintenance. Unravel the secrets behind our handmade suits in our article "Handmade Suits: Unravelling the Secrets of Master Tailors".
The longevity of a handmade suit is intrinsically tied to the quality of materials used and the artistry of the craftsmanship involved.
We source only the finest fabrics from renowned mills, such as Scabal, Holland & Sherry, and Vitale Barberis Canonico, ensuring that every fibre is of the highest calibre, capable of withstanding the rigours of regular wear.
These premium fabrics, combined with our tailors' expertise in traditional hand-stitching techniques, result in a garment that is not only impeccably fitted but also remarkably durable.
Proper care and storage are paramount in preserving the integrity and longevity of a handmade suit. We recommend:
- Entrusting your tailor suit to a reputable dry cleaner who specialises in handling delicate fabrics
- Storing your suit on a wide, sculpted hanger and within a breathable garment bag to help maintain its shape and prevent unnecessary creasing or fading
With meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to time-honoured tailoring practices, our handmade suits are crafted to be heirlooms, passed down from generation to generation.
Many of our clients have cherished their Apsley tailored suits for over two decades, a testament to the enduring quality and timeless elegance that our bespoke offerings embody.
At Apsley Tailors, we believe that a custom-made suit is more than just a garment; it is a reflection of your personal style, a trivial investment that will elevate your wardrobe and accompany you through life's most memorable moments.
With proper care and appreciation, a handmade suit from Apsley can easily last 20 years or more, becoming a treasured companion that only grows more distinguished with age.
How Much Should You Spend on a Quality Suit?
Investing in a quality suit is a decision that should be made with careful consideration, as it is apparel that will serve you well for years to come.
At Apsley Tailors, we understand that the price of a well-crafted suit can vary depending on factors such as the choice of fabric, the level of customisation, and the complexity of the tailoring involved.
While an off-the-rack suit may be more affordable upfront, it often lacks the perfect fit, durability, and timeless style that a bespoke suit offers.
For those seeking the perfection of impeccable excellence, a custom-made suit from a reputable tailor like Apsley is an investment that pays dividends in both confidence and longevity.
Our bespoke suits, crafted from the finest materials and tailored to your exact specifications, typically range from £1,000 to £5,000 or more.
While this may seem like a significant investment, it is essential to consider the cost per wear, as a high-quality bespoke suit can last for decades with proper care.
Additionally, the unparalleled fit, comfort, and style of a tailored suit make it a worthwhile investment for those who value quality and wish to make a lasting impression in both their personal and professional lives.
Experience the Apsley Tailors difference for yourself. Schedule a consultation with our expert tailors today and embark on your journey to top-notch excellence.
Whether you're in search of the perfect bespoke suit, a luxurious bespoke shirt, a stylish bespoke jacket, or an elegant bespoke coat, our skilled tailors are ready to bring your vision to life.
For expert advice on coordinating your attire for special occasions, read our article on "Wedding Suits and Accessories: How to Achieve a Coordinated Look".
Invest in yourself and your wardrobe with Apsley Tailors, where quality, craftsmanship, and personalised service are our hallmarks.
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