How a Made-to-Measure Jacket Is Made | London Bespoke Tailors

Shelves of suiting and shirting cloth in the shop

1. The cloth

Everything starts at the wall. You pull a few bolts, hold them up in the mirror, and narrow it down. We’ll ask where you’ll wear the jacket, because that decides the weight and weave more than anything.

2. The cut

Single- or double-breasted. Notch or peak lapels. Two buttons or one. How close to the body. Photos of jackets you like help more than descriptions.

Blue double-breasted chalk-stripe suit with peak lapels — Double-breasted, peak lapels.

3. The details

Pockets, vents, buttons, the number of buttons on the cuff, stitching. Small choices, but together they make the jacket yours.

Four buttons on the cuff of a grey jacket — Four cuff buttons.

4. The lining

The part most people enjoy choosing. A plain lining in a matching colour is classic. A paisley or a bright colour is a private pleasure every time you take the jacket off. Contrast piping on the edge of the lining is another option.

Green paisley lining with yellow piping inside a dark jacket — Green paisley lining, yellow piping.

5. Measurements

Chest, waist, shoulders, arm length, back length and more. Tell us how you like things to fit, too, because measurements alone don’t say whether you like a jacket close or relaxed.

6. The fitting

You try the jacket on, move in it, and we adjust what needs adjusting. More on what happens at a fitting.

7. Finished

Pressed, hung and bagged. Collected from the shop, delivered to your hotel, or shipped to you.

A finished garment in its garment bag on an armchair in a hotel lobby — Delivered to a hotel lobby.