Hong Kong Tailors in the UK

MylesBetter

With Hong Kong Tailors now coming to the UK to do business I have the following questions.

How much should I negotiate a 120 fabric bespoke suit for with 2 pairs of trousers? I am being quoted £625.

What wool mixture is optimum for all year round use?

Does anyone know of a WEB site that explains the difference between 100, 110, 120 etc suit cloth?

The same but explains shirt fabrics.

point3

MylesBetter wrote: »

With Hong Kong Tailors now coming to the UK to do business I have the following questions.

How much should I negotiate a 120 fabric bespoke suit for with 2 pairs of trousers? I am being quoted £625.

What wool mixture is optimum for all year round use?

Does anyone know of a WEB site that explains the difference between 100, 110, 120 etc suit cloth?

The same but explains shirt fabrics.

Why not consider a short trip over there, do a bit of sightseeing and get your suit made at the same time? £625 sounds too much for a HK suit, but I guess that includes a sum set aside to cover the tailor's travelling expenses, import of materials, etc.

The thickness of the fabric is more important than the mixture in determining how warm a suit feels. Synthetic fibres add strength to the fabric and will make for a more hardwearing suit, but the more wool in the fabric the softer it will feel and drape. Predominantly wool mixtures will also be more breathable and cooler to wear in summer.

When worsted wool cloth is described as 100, 120s etc it refers to the number of twists in the yarn. A 'standard' weight jacket suited to year round use may use 60-80 twist fabric. 100s, 120s are considered fine grade - greater number of twists = finer fibres. These may be a little too cool during the winter months. Superfine 200s+ fabrics also exist - these are very lightweight and are great for tropical climates.

Choose a fabric that you like the look and feel of, and not what it says on the label. Bespoke shirts typically cost less than M&S ready-mades (maybe £15-£18 each) and are ready in under 24 hours.

Be aware though that the quality of the cut will not compare to a Saville Row suit. HK tailors specialising in European suits will have typically sprung up in the past in response to the needs of British and US servicemen and women. The styles are conservative and are generally simple and functional...but at least you get a great fit!

If you do travel out to HK then try Sam's (even Jay Kay shops there ).