I am going to London later this year for a long weekend. I want to get some bespoke shirts made. Wondering people's thoughts on T and A Harvie and HUdson, HIlditch and Key, Budd, and Dege (or if anyone would recommend any others). I am tlaking only bespoke here. Also it will only be a long weekend so if anyone knows about sample shirt and how long I would need to be in London to do bespoke that would also be appreciated.
Most of those names mentioned are really MTM and not very good quality, either.
I realize the Italian shirtmakers offer better quality. But, I am going to London for a separate purpose to watch Girls Ball games with my father. So, since I will already be there I would like to get some shirts made in london. Perhaps they are not the best quality but I am too big at 6'6 260 to get shirts off the rack anyway so I think it would be fun for my father and I to get some shirts made while we are there. We went to Hong Kong last year and had shirts made at Ascot Chang and it was fun so we would like to do the same in London.
If you're staying in London for just a fews days there's no chance you can have a sample shirt ready except Russell and Hodge. They make shirt on site and for others including H&H and Richard Anderson.
The main man Kerry Ford isn't known in the trade as a prefectionist so don't expect much quality-wise.
Last edited by Bishop of Briggs (2009-04-17 06:09:14)
Yale Cameron,
As others have indicated, you are really going to be pushed for time to get a shirt turned around that quickly in London.
However, you could try Alexander Boyd and see what they can do for you. +44 (0) 20 7377 8755. Ask for Cliff. They use a trial shirt as part of the service.
You might also want to consider Oscar Udeshi, who has a shop at 8 Davies Street, Mayfair. Seems to know his stuff and cares about fit and quality.
I have had shirts made by a little known maker called Haroutunian (which is almost on the doorstep of the Chelsea football ground if that is where you happen to be going ?)
The shirts are MTM but you can have anything you want and pick from a range of cloths. Prices start around £70 GBP and there is no minimum order.
The shirts are measured in London and then cut and sewn at the firms factory in Cyprus.
Fit for mine was spot on straight off.
John
I read that Russell & Hodge sew up Harvie & Hudson bespoke shirts after they are cut in Jermyn Street. I believe that Budd still makes bespoke shirts on the premises.
Jeeves, I too have used Paris in NYC and love them. I like acorn fabrics, they are very british to me. Do you know how long I would need to be in London to have H and H make me shirts?
I have some news about RTW and MTM shirts in London: Stephan haroutunian in Fulham broadway is great!!!
I went there last week, bought three shirts RTW (consistently on offer apparently):
old fashioned broadcloth or oxford cotton, fairly heavyweight, proper canvas in the collar and wrist, only available in relatively wide collar and cufflink versions, a good selection of classic colours, plain, stripes and checks, plus a few button cuffs with checks for casual wear.
Made in Cyprus in their own family factory.
now the amazement: in RTW, 3 shirts for £ 75!!! I am finding a value that does not even compare to M&S.
MTM looks great too: same construction as the RTW, with whatever option you require, £69 with normal cloth, £79 with 100+ quality cloth. minimum 1 shirt...
I found it due to an article on the bespokeme blog. Really nice quality, my wife finds that the ironing is easier than my brooks brothers...
That will be very nice to see y'all of you tried to be looking smart so that will help you a lot so go for that.