Latest news from the Sartorial Executive

The Black Tie Guide

2010-02-03T11:50:00.000-08:00

Every now and again, I come across websites that I am really impressed with. One such website is the Black Tie Guide. This is the most complete and accurate guide I have seen in respect to the correct way for a gentleman to dress when attending a black tie (or white tie) event.

The guide splits the requirements for black tie into its component pieces, namely Jacket, Trousers, Waistcoat, Shirt, Neckwear, Shoes and Accessories.

For the jacket, four classic designs are shown at http://www.blacktieguide.com/Classic_Components/Jacket.htm.

Fabric colour should be either black or midnight blue (which actually looks blacker in a subdued light setting).

Here at the Sartorial Executive we can, of course, offer a wide range of fabrics suitable for a black tie jacket, in all four styles starting from £390 if using Holland & Sherry Black Tie fabrics - cheaper fabrics are of course available.

Evening waistcoats are described at http://www.blacktieguide.com/Classic_Components/Waist.htm and ours start from £230 made from the same fabric as the jacket. We suggest one of the Holland & Sherry Black Tie range for the jacket and waistcoat.

At http://www.blacktieguide.com/Classic_Components/Trousers.htm they state that "Formal trousers are made of the same fabric as the jacket. While plain-front trousers are more common today, pleated styles remain the dressiest option." Needless to say, we are able to make both plain-front and pleated styles from £230.

Black tie shirts are always white and generally have a turn down collar. Collars and cuffs are generally marcella covered and a white marcella bib on the front with dress stud fastening. We can make these shirts from a wide range of fabrics but recommend the Alumo Supraluxe white cotton as a beautiful fabric for this purpose. For a small extra charge we can also add a detachable collar for genuine traditional style. See http://www.shirt-style.co.uk/prices.html for our prices.

Next time you attend a black tie event ensure you are wearing the correct dress by reading the guide and contact us to make any garments you require.

Monti 200 YORKSHIRE Fabrics

2010-01-31T13:11:00.000-08:00

I have been sat down drinking a pint of excellent Spitfire Ale this evening whilst looking through some of the multitude of bespoke shirt fabrics that we have to offer.
One collection, that we have not really promoted as much as we should, caught my eye. Made by one of the leading Italian fabric mills, Tessitura Monti, the Yorkshire range is a fantastic collection of high yarn count fabrics in a wide variety of colours and patterns.
The high yarn count and the excellent quality dyes used by Monti mean that the fabric pattrens are as sharp and bold as any fabric we have to offer. This means that they are able to create patterns such as stripes and checks with very fine and sharply defined lines.
If I had to pick out one card from the collection it would be number 513 with a selection of six striped fabrics with fantastic use of pink, blue and white.
Shirts in these fabrics are £165 for bespoke and £155 for Stock Special (and worth every penny in my opinion!)

Cotton Socks - reduced for February

2010-01-29T12:06:00.000-08:00

To make our fantastic cotton socks more affordable during February we have a special offer. Each pair of socks is available at just £6.00 instead of the normal £7.50.

We are confident that after trying these socks at this reduced price you will agree they are among the most comfortable socks that you have owned and will want to continue buying our socks.

Our socks are made for us by a small family company in Turkey, using fine Pima cotton fibres. The socks are made with hand linked toes and are ribbed in the calf which adds a level of elasticity ensuring that the socks will stay up throughout the day.

Currently our socks are available in five colours - Black, Navy, Charcoal, Brown and Claret - but other colours will be added shortly.

These socks are of the highest quality, especially when the price is taken into account. You will not be dissapointed.

The number one source of bespoke shirts is now the number one source for socks.

See http://www.shirt-style.co.uk/socks.html for details.

Improved Made to Measure Suits

2010-01-10T12:13:00.000-08:00

We know how much our clients like to be able to order a Made to measure suit at the same time as buying their bespoke shirts, so we have improved the house style sillouhette, and are now able to offer made to measure suits in a more Savile Row inspired style.

Remember, we offer some of the finest fabrics from Holland & Sherry and Dugdale, and particularly recommend the new Holland & Sherry Inter City range of fabrics which for a 2-piece suit we are able to offer at an unbeatable £450. An example of a suit from this fabric in a plain Navy is shown to the right.

New socks coming soon

2010-01-06T14:00:00.001-08:00

We still have some of the Navy Corgi socks in stock in Large size, but all the Medium size are sold.

We have been working with a family owned sock manufacturing business based in Turkey and will soon be bringing you a fantastic range of luxury OTC socks in a wide range of colours. The socks have been made and refined until we have a quality that rivals any of the best UK sock producers, but because we use a family run Turkey based factory we can keep the sock prices low leaving you with more money for your bespoke shirts and made to Measure suits!

New house pattern for made to measure suits

2010-01-06T13:51:00.000-08:00

We have changed the Made to Measure suit company that we use, and are now able to offer what we believe to be a much nicer sillouhette of suit. The image here shows one of our new jackets with a typical Savile Row style figure. The jacket shown is made with Holland & Sherry's Inter City range in Navy, an excellent business suit fabric. Suits made from this fabric are just £450 for a straight finish (£50 extra with a forward fitting).

If you want a stylish made to measure suit to go with your bespoke shirts then contact us today for an appointment.

Bespoke or Made to Measure

2009-11-29T12:34:00.000-08:00

It is quite simple but often abused. The difference between bespoke and made-to-measure.
Bespoke involves a garment, be that a sduit of shirt, made from scratch. It will mean that no pre-existing pattern is used for the first shirt or suit for the client. The pattern is drawn up by hand from a range of measurements and figuration details, drawn out on paper and the fabric cut to that pattern. The pattern is unique to the client - nobody else has a garment made from that pattern. The pattern is then fully modifiable to ensure the best possible fit. Everything else after that is a bonus - such as hand stitching etc.
Made to Measure on the other hand uses pre-existing patterns that are used with some modification to produce a shirt or suit that will fit the wearer generally better than ready to wear.
Both bespoke and made-to-measure may offer a full range of customisations, but the pattern is really the key to the difference.
Our shirts are bespoke - we make a new pattern for every client. Our suits on the other hand are made-to measure - we make them from pre-existing patterns.
So, when buying a bespoke suit or shirt ask if a personal pattren is drawn up and cut by hand. Make sure you are getting what is being advertised!

Bespoke Shirts - A Royal Fabric

2009-11-28T15:01:00.000-08:00

The Alumo Soyella Royal has arrived. A fantastic 75 g/m^2 240/2 - 240/2 100% Swiss Cotton, literally the most luxurious and fine cotton shirt fabric that we have seen.

The fabric has a handle and feel similar to silk, but is 100% long staple cotton.

Eight plain colours are available from White to Black with three shades of blue, a pink, a lilac and a cream.

These fabrics would make luxurious dinner shirts for that special event.

Book a consultation today and we will show you this fantastic range of bespoke shirt fabrics.

http://www.shirt-style.co.uk/

Cotswold based but worldwide

2009-11-25T14:13:00.000-08:00

We have had ordersfor our shirts from quite a few different countries, but yesterday we had our first order for a bespoke shirt and a pair of Corgi socks, from a client in Japan.

This really shows that quality British made products are in demand by people the world over.

The ultimate bespoke shirt fabric

2009-11-23T15:24:00.000-08:00

Hot on the heels of the availability of S.I.C. tess fabrics, I have just been notified of the despatch from Switzerland of the swatch card for Alumo's new Super Royale range.
This is an awesome 2 x 2/240s which comes in six block colours. My feeling is that the white will be the most popular.
If you want to spoil yourself then this is the fabric from which to get your next bespoke shirt made!

New bespoke shirt collars available online

2009-11-23T15:18:00.000-08:00

We have been able to expand the number of collars available for our online bespoke shirt ordering service - see http://www.shirt-style.co.uk/bespoke_shirts_online.html for details.

S.I.C. Tess Fabrics are here

2009-11-23T15:08:00.000-08:00

We are extremely pleased to announce that our fabric range is now supplemented with the splendid Pronti collection from Italian fabric house S.I.C. Tess. These are among the best fabrics available, sitting with Alumo as one of our best ranges. As an introduction to this range we are offering a £10 discount for shirts ordered from this range between now and the end of the year.

There really is something for every shirt wearer here from 80s to 200s, poplins, oxfords, twills and Linen fabrics.

Book an appointment with one of our visiting consultants today and ask to see the beautiful range of fabrics.

The Sartorial Executive - the luxury bespoke shirt maker.

2009-11-11T14:15:00.001-08:00

The bespoke shirt maker that offers more fabrics than any other shirt maker in our area, will soon be able to offer you the fine Italian shirtings from S.I.C. Tess.

We are awaiting the swatch books from this fine bespoke shirt fabric mill, which will sit aside the fantastic fabrics we already offer from Thomas Mason, Tessitura Monti and Alumo.

For more details about this company see here http://www.sictess.it/eng/prodotti_pronti.html

We are very impressed both by the fabrics and the company and will beoffering a special discount on fabrics from this mill when we have them available.

Remember the highest quality English made bespoke shirts in the region are only available from the Sartorial Executive - the luxury bespoke shirt maker.

Dressing in a relaxed working environment

2009-09-24T01:35:00.000-07:00

There is a popular trend towards dropping the jacket and tie from the dress code in the workplace, and whilst personally I think this is a bad idea, there are some simple ways to ensure that you can still look professional whilst others around you are making do with a pair of jeans and polo shirt.

If a jacket and tie are not to be worn, and a tie should not be worn without a jacket, then the fit and cut of the shirt and trousers becomes more important as they are the articles of clothing that are projecting your personal image.

A popular phrase for 'dressing down' at work is 'business casual' (which traditionally meant wearing a sportcoat rather than a suit) but I feel many emphasise the word 'casual' with little regard to 'business'. To balance this out why not, rather than wear a polo shitrt and jeans/chinos to work wear a nice shirt and a well tailored pair of woollen trousers? If you are no longer wearing (and therefore buying) suits then the cost of a made to measure of bespoke shirt and a pair of tailored trousers is going to be a more modest cost than previously required.

The Shirt

If you are wearing a shirt open neck then a spread collar tends to work better than a cutaway or point collar (a button down is another option but may look too casual when paired with tailored trousers). Cufflinks should not be worn without a jacket, so a buttoned cuff with 2 or 3 button fastening would be a good choice.

The fabric used is really a personal thing, but I would suggest cream, blue or pale plain plains. Stripes and checks can be worn also as the shirt colour has to do the job that is traditionally left to the tie, but these should be chosen carefully to suit the business environment being worked in.If you are going for made to measure of bespoke shirts it is best to keep to fabrics of no more than 120 yarn count else the shirt will tend to look wrinkled during the second half of the day. Alumo Supraluxe or Thomas Mason Silverline would be suitable.

Trousers

For trousers we would suggest a 100% wool flannel of about 9oz weight in the summer and 12 to 13oz in the winter. Sticking to Navy and Charcoal shades will be safe whether plain, herringbone or pinstripe are chosen. We would recommend the Holland & Sherry Perennial bunch HS507 for these.

Looking professional is always important in a business environment, especially in these harsh economic times. First impressions do count and the first thing anyone sees of you is the way you present yourself. Make sure that others first impressions of you are positive even in a 'casual dressing' environment.

Stock Special Shirts - Full Acorn Range now available online

2009-09-04T13:06:00.000-07:00

We have expanded the range of fabriocs available for our online stock special shirts to include all the Acorn range. Prices range from £100 for the Grange 100s Poplin to £150 for 100% linen. these shirts are made in England using traditional shirtmaking techniques in one of the oldest shirt making workshops in the country.

We have no minimum order for these shirts and the price includes delivery (a small surcharge is added to international orders).

If you are looking for the best quality in gentlemen's shirts and a better fit than anythiong on the high street then these are the shirts for you. See details at http://shirt-style.co.uk/bespoke_shirts_online.html

For those that want an even more exclusive shirt then our bespoke shirts are available.

Made to Measure Suits - new Holland & Sherry range

2009-08-31T11:31:00.000-07:00

We are pleaseed to be able to announce the arrival of a new bunch from Holland and Sherry - Bunch HS529 - which goes under the name of Conquest. This is new range of Luxury Worsted Flannels and we feel these are going to prove exceptionally popular.

There are 14 cloths in 100s which are 11oz in weight and 17 that are 120s and 9oz in weight. The 120s would make delightful suits for the autum and the 100s making excellent suits for the coming winter.

The price for our suits from these fabrics should please you also - see http://www.shirt-style.co.uk/tailormadesuit.html?blog

CORGI SOCKS - Two Pairs for £25

2009-08-12T08:28:00.000-07:00

We are offering our 100% cotton, navy over the calf, socks at the special price of two pairs for £25. Go to http://www.shirt-style.co.uk/socks.html

Removable Collar Bespoke Shirts available

2009-08-11T14:37:00.000-07:00

We are proud to announce that we are happy to make bespoke shirts with detachable collars, particularly useful in enabling a formal dress shirt to be changed from a wing (turn-up) collar to a turn-down collar.

Contact us on 01684 878195 or complete the form at http://www.shirt-style.co.uk/order.html

Hand made Italian neckties reduced from £65 to £25

2009-08-10T12:54:00.001-07:00

We have reduced the price of our hand made 100% silk neck ties by £40 prior to the launch of our Made in England range of neck ties. Be quick as there is very limited stock remaining and at this price they are proving vey popular. Click here for details.

Bespoke Shirts available worldwide

2009-08-03T13:19:00.000-07:00

A post on Style Forum shows one of our recent bespoke shirts (along with some Finnamore shirts from Italy) at http://www.styleforum.net/showpost.php?p=2319789&postcount=1247
This shirt was ordered by a client based in Copenhagen, Denmark after seeing shirts made for other Style Forum members. The shirt has a customer designed collar, based on one of our collars previously designed for another client.

This is one of the best features of bespoke shirts, the ability to personally dewsign features of the shirt to suit your own style and because we use hand cut paper patterns for all the components of the shirt all future shirts will be made to exactly the same specification (unless the client requests changes, of course).

The bespoke shirt shown on the Style Forum page is made using an Acorn Grange Gingham fabric - a particularly nice gingham check.

If you would like to order a bespoke shirt from the Sartorial Executive, made to the finest English shirt making standards then call us on +44 1684 878195 and we will work to you to create the shirt for you.

The Sartorial Executive - Fine English Bespoke Shirts
Telephone 01684 878195
or visit
http://shirt-style.co.uk

How a man should dress

2009-07-31T13:23:00.000-07:00

Luxury Bespoke Shirts, Cufflinks, Socks and Ties

2009-07-25T13:44:00.000-07:00

The Sartorial Executive are a company that focus on traditional luxury and quality ahead of fashion and gimmick. Take for example our fantastic Sterling Silver chain-linked cufflinks. Fanbtastic value at just £65, but no compromise in quality. They are a perfect partner for our bespoke shirts.

Our socks are, in our opinion, the best available from any UK manufacturer. Ultra soft cotton, hand finished, over the calf to ensure they stay up and only £13. Why only navy? 90% of respondents to a recent survey included navy as their sock colour of choice - so here they are the ultimate navy sock. Other colours are in the pipeline - just let us know your favourite colours.

Our ties are hand-made 100% fine Italian Silk. Made using traditional Italian tie making processes in the Como region by skilled tie craftsmen. These are of a limited supply as we plan to move production to the UK using fine English silks. Our current ties are very luxurious; our new ties will be even better.

And that leaves our shirts - the best Italian and Swiss cottons are used, with yarn counts up to 200s. The mills we use have rightly earned their reputation as the best in the world. Our clients know what they want when it comes to quality and we deliver.

A bespoke shirt cuff with a license to kill

2009-07-18T23:34:00.000-07:00

Looking for something a little different on your next bespoke shirts? How about a cocktail cuff? This cuff is essentially a turnback cuff which fastens with buttons rather than cufflinks. Apparantly it was originally designed by Frank Foster, the esteemed bespoke shirt maker from Pall Mall and made popular by Sean Connery and later Roger Moore wearing the cuff on shirts in James Bond movies (Moore also wore them in some episodes of The Saint). The cuff is often called the James Bond cuff for this reason.

Originally designed for use with evening wear (hence the term 'cocktail cuff') the collar is today worn regularly with lounge suits in a more informal environment.

If you are looking for a cuff on your bespoke shirts with the flamboyance of the turnback, but want to do away with cufflinks then the cocktail cuff may be for you.

One for the ladies

2009-07-06T12:20:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder that our bespoke shirts are not just for Gentlemen. We are also able to produce excellent bespoke shirts for ladies at the same price.

To view our excellent range of fabrics, the largest and most comprehensive in the region, just call 01684 878195 or fill in the contact form at http://www.shirt-style.co.uk/order.html

Fleet Support Group Charity Polo Day

2009-07-03T12:17:00.001-07:00

As we mentioned earlier we recently donated a Made to Measure shirt to the charity auction at a recent Polo day in support of cancer charity 'Hope for Tomorrow'. I am pleased to say that the event on the day raised just over £21,000 for the charity. An excellent result.