Made to measure suits for £169

Recently I needed a new summer suit.

I'm 5' 7" with a 36 inch chest, and no off the peg suits fit me.

Previously I've had them made to measure by British tailors, who charge £400+

Then I saw an advert for this company:

http://www.raja-fashions.com/

They are a travelling tailors who set up shop in hotel rooms across the UK, measure you up, show you fabric samples then phone through your details to Shanghai and a suit is run up for you in a couple of weeks.

I was sceptical, but decided to give them a try. I was very impressed with the results. The fit was good and the quality similar to suits in Hackett, Austin Reed etc. You get coloured linings, working cuff buttons, hand stitched lapels etc, all for £169 inclusive.

You do have to be careful though, they tend to run a 'production line' so make sure you are quite clear what you want and don't let them rush you. If the suit doesn't fit right they will adjust it for you next time they're in town.

I suppose the main downside is taking jobs away from British workers, but if you buy a suit from the High Street the chances are its been made by unskilled labour in the far east anyway, and at least this way you're paying for skilled work.