online suit makers

[PenMan]

I have a strange sense of deja vu as I write this, so please be kind if this is a repeat topic. I wonder if anyone has experience with online suit makers in Asia. I came across Onlinesuits.com, which sells custom suits for as little as $125, and charges $15 for surgeon's sleeves. Their choice of fabrics is interesting if unspectacular, and they have a good range of styles. Do any of you have experience with them or someone like them, and if so, what sort of advice would you offer. I would rather have fewer items of decent quality than another mediocre suit, but maybe this is a way to get an acceptable relationship between quality and price.

 

[cookie]

Online suits

I bought one (material supplied and buttons and lining) from BKK and it was okay for USD200. But postage is a further AUD30-40. Always give Thais something to copy - that is the way to success.

 

[Baron Kurtz]

I've never had any trouble with online tailors. I used mysuitshop.com and the suits came out as very nice, lightweight, modern-styled conservative business suits. Better then off the rack, there's no doubt about that! (But then, at my small size, it's impossible to find off the rack suits that fit anyway.)

bk

 

[PenMan]

Thanks for the comments. Next time I'm feeling adventurous I might give it a try.

 

[slicedbread]

Do you think they'd be able to emulate a vintage suit? How about a more intricate vintage suit such as a belted back 3pc?

 

[cookie]

Belt Backs in Bangkok

That is the real question... who has tried that? Indy can do it "across The Pond".

 

[Tumbleweed]

I've done the online tailor thing with three different companies and the best advice I can give is specify as much as possible. Don't leave anything to their default 'house style', as they can be quite wacky.

Define and itemise every single feature that you like about a suit and make sure that you explain it all clearly. Provide photos, or even better, send them something to copy. For every non-standard thing you request, ask if it will cause any problems and be prepared to go with alternatives. For example, from Prince Henry I ordered an off-white linen suit with a half lining. I underestimated the translucency of the fabric and the lining shadow was visible, requiring me to have it replaced with full lining at considerable expense. You just can't trust these companies to inform if your requests will end in disaster.

Of the three I've used, Baron Boutique, Prince Henry and MyCustomTailor/Ravistailor, I'd say BB is the best. There's some pros and cons over the comparison MCT/RS but in general they're about the same quality (and they both do full canvas, whereas PH does not) and around a third of the price. MCT/RT has a much wider range of fabrics, but there's a certain ebay seller based in the UK who has an excellent range for very cheap. I'd suggest buying from him and sending along.

(I'm not certain of linking to an ebay store is in violation of the rules here)

Overall, I think they're a good thing if RTW doesn't fit you or you can't afford real tailors. Which is me on both counts.

 

[Jovan]

I've used Baron Boutique for suits and shirts, and yeah, specification is key.