How to Choose Your First Savile Row Tailor: Londoners Guide

• Bespoke Tailoring
• December 08, 2024

Welcome to the world of true bespoke tailoring in London. As someone who has dedicated their life to the craft of creating exceptional garments, let me guide you through the intricacies of selecting your perfect Savile Row tailor. At Apsley Tailors London, we've spent over 130 years perfecting the art of bespoke tailoring, and I'm delighted to share our expertise with you.

The journey to your first bespoke suit Savile Row should be an exciting adventure, not an overwhelming experience. Whether you're preparing for a special occasion or elevating your professional wardrobe, understanding how to choose the right Savile Row tailor is crucial for achieving exceptional results.

Savile Row in London: A Legacy of Excellence

Savile Row represents the pinnacle of British tailoring excellence, a heritage that spans centuries and continues to set global standards. This prestigious address has dressed royalty, statesmen, and discerning gentlemen who understand that true luxury lies in selecting the most versatile suit color achieving the perfect fit, and experiencing impeccable craftsmanship.

The Evolution of Savile Row

Today's Savile Row presents an interesting dynamic between traditional craft and modern innovation. At Apsley, we've mastered this balance, maintaining the highest standards of traditional craftsmanship while embracing efficient processes that benefit our clients.

Our approach combines:

• Time-honoured hand-tailoring techniques
• Premium fabric selections from renowned mills
• Contemporary styling options
• Efficient delivery timelines
• Exceptional attention to detail

Investment in Excellence

When considering a Savile Row suit, it's essential to understand how to tell if a suit is good quality and that you're investing in more than just clothing. You're investing in:

• Unparalleled craftsmanship
• Decades of expertise
• Premium materials
• Perfect fit guaranteed
• Lasting quality

A true Savile Row suit requires over 30 hours of handwork and more than 5,000 individual stitches.

Today's Savile Row landscape offers two distinct approaches:

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Savile Row Tailor

As one of the best Savile Row Tailors, we've spent decades and decades perfecting not just the art of tailoring  but the art of understanding our clients. Let me share why discerning gentlemen from across the globe choose us for their bespoke journey.

Budget and Pricing Structure: Uncompromising Quality at Remarkable Value

While many Savile Row houses start their bespoke suits at £4,000+, at Apsley, we believe exceptional craftsmanship should be more accessible. Your bespoke journey with us in London begins at £1,500, offering you:

• Access to the same prestigious fabric houses (Scabal, Holland & Sherry, Loro Piana)
• Traditional hand-tailoring techniques
• Over 30 precise measurements
• Multiple fittings for the perfect silhouette
• Lifetime aftercare service

Why Our Pricing Makes Sense:

• No compromise on quality or craftsmanship
• Direct relationships with premium fabric mills
• Efficient processes that save you money
• Transparent pricing with no hidden costs
• Investment in long-term client relationships

Turnaround Times: Setting New Standards in Bespoke Excellence

"Time is the ultimate luxury, and we respect yours."

While traditional Savile Row houses typically require 8-12 weeks for completion, our innovative approach offers:

Standard Service (4-6 weeks):

• Thorough consultation and measurements
• Hand-cutting and crafting
• Multiple fittings
• Final adjustments

Express Service (2 weeks):

• Perfect for urgent requirements
• Same exacting standards
• Prioritised crafting process
• No compromise on quality

How do we achieve this? Through decades of expertise, an in-house team of master tailors, and refined processes that maintain quality while eliminating unnecessary delays.

Why You Should Call Us Today for a Free Consultation

Let me paint you a picture of what makes choosing the right bespoke suit for any occasion truly special. Imagine walking into our elegant Savile Row showroom, where over 130 years of tailoring excellence meets modern sophistication. We've dressed everyone from royalty to sports stars, and here's what makes us truly unique – we treat every client with the same dedication to perfection.

The journey begins with what we call our signature consultation process. Picture this: you're sitting down with one of our master tailors, perhaps enjoying a coffee, as they take the time to genuinely understand not just what you want to wear  but how you want to feel in your garments. Our master tailors take over 30 precise measurements by hand – a time-honoured technique that ensures absolute precision. This attention to detail is why our suits fit perfectly and feel like a second skin.

The magic really happens when we introduce you to our exclusive fabric collections. You'll run your fingers across clothes from the world's most prestigious mills – think Scabal, Holland & Sherry, and Loro Piana. But here's the fascinating part – each suit we create receives over 5,000 hand stitches. That's the level of craftsmanship we're talking about.

What sets us apart? There's no rushing, no pressure tactics. Whether you prefer an appointment at our showroom or the convenience of our visiting tailor service, we adapt to your schedule and preferences. We're completely transparent about pricing and timelines because we believe in building long-term relationships, not just selling suits. It's quite remarkable really – we're bringing together centuries of heritage techniques with efficient modern processes to create something truly personal for each client.

What to Expect and What to Ask When Choosing a Savile Row Tailor

First up, let's talk about what you're really getting for your investment. When we say our bespoke suits start from £1,500, that includes everything from our master tailors' expertise and multiple fittings to the creation of your personal pattern. You'll also have access to our collection of premium fabrics from renowned mills like Scabal and Holland & Sherry - though of course, choosing more luxurious fabrics will affect the final price.

Speaking of fittings, we typically arrange two to three sessions to ensure everything is absolutely perfect. Each fitting is a chance to refine the garment to your exact specifications. I particularly love the moment during the first fitting when clients see their suit taking shape - it's quite magical, really.

Now, about alterations - this is where our commitment to lifelong service really shines. Once you're an Apsley client, we're here to ensure your garment continues to fit perfectly as your body changes over time.

You know what's fascinating? When clients ask to see examples of similar commissions, it often leads to wonderful conversations about style possibilities they hadn't considered. We have an extensive portfolio of our work, and nothing gives us more pride than showing how we've helped others achieve their perfect look.

As for payment terms, we prefer to be completely transparent - we typically request a deposit to begin work, with the balance due upon completion. It's straightforward and clear, just like our approach to tailoring.

A word of friendly advice? Be wary if you encounter any tailor who:

• Pushes you to make immediate decisions (good tailoring is worth taking time over)
• Isn't clear about their pricing (we believe in absolute transparency)
• Shows you limited fabric options (we offer hundreds of premium choices)
• Can't give you specific delivery timelines (we pride ourselves on precision)
• Doesn't discuss aftercare (we're in this for the long haul with our clients)

Remember, choosing your tailor is like choosing a trusted friend - someone who'll be there for the long term, understanding your style and helping it evolve. That's why at Apsley, we focus on building relationships that last generations, not just selling suits.

Let us now share something really important with you about your bespoke journey - knowing the right questions to ask can make all the difference between a good experience and an exceptional one. 

As top Savile Row Tailors, we actually encourage these questions because they reflect the kind of attention to detail we value in our own work.

Essential Questions for Your Savile Row Tailor

Experience and Construction Method

• "Could you tell me about your tailoring approach and how each suit is constructed?"

Why This Matters: Understanding the tailor's expertise and construction methods helps you gauge the quality and value you'll receive. At Apsley, each suit receives over 5,000 hand stitches and requires more than 30 hours of handwork.

Pricing Structure and Inclusions

• "What is included in your base price, and what might incur additional costs?"

Why This Matters: Transparency in pricing helps you budget effectively. While our bespoke journey starts at £1,500, understanding what this includes – from fittings to alterations – ensures no surprises.

Fitting Process and Timeline

• "How many fittings are involved, and what is your typical timeline from first consultation to completion?"

Why This Matters: This helps you plan effectively, especially for important events. Unlike traditional houses that require 8-12 weeks, we offer standard (4-6 weeks) and express (2 weeks) services without compromising quality.

Fabric Selection and Quality

• "Which fabric houses do you work with, and how do you help clients choose the right cloth for their needs?"

Why This Matters: The fabric choice significantly impacts both performance and longevity. We partner with prestigious mills like Scabal, Holland & Sherry, and Loro Piana, offering expert guidance for your specific requirements.

Aftercare Services

• "What ongoing support and maintenance services do you provide after the suit is completed?"

Why This Matters: A good suit is an investment that requires proper care. We offer lifetime aftercare service, ensuring your garment maintains its impeccable fit and finish for years to come.

Style Customisation

• "How do you balance personal style preferences with your house style?"

Why This Matters: Your bespoke suit should reflect your personality while benefiting from expert guidance. We pride ourselves on creating garments that enhance your individual style while ensuring timeless elegance.

Client Satisfaction Guarantee

• "How do you handle any fit or satisfaction issues after completion?"

Why This Matters: Understanding the tailor's commitment to your satisfaction provides peace of mind. We offer a three-month warranty and are dedicated to ensuring every client is completely satisfied with their garment.

Note: A reputable Savile Row tailor should welcome these questions and provide clear, detailed responses. At Apsley, we believe in complete transparency and take pride in guiding our clients through every aspect of the bespoke journey.

Your Journey to Bespoke Excellence with Apsley Tailors

At Apsley Tailors, we've spent over 130 years perfecting not just the art of tailoring, but the art of making true luxury accessible. Our commitment to providing Savile Row excellence at remarkable value has earned us the trust of clients worldwide, from business leaders to sports stars.

Why do discerning gentlemen choose Apsley?

• Uncompromising quality starting from £1,500
• Express service available in as little as 2 weeks
• Access to the world's finest fabrics
• Expert craftsmanship with over 5,000 hand stitches per suit
• Lifetime aftercare service

Your perfect suit awaits. Experience the Apsley difference - where heritage meets innovation, and excellence meets value.

*Ready to start your bespoke journey? Contact us to arrange your private consultation at our Savile Row showroom.

Best wishes,

Arshad Mahmood

Article Updated: 08.12.2024