The Sartorial Executive

The Brompton Collar

2008-10-31T15:05:00.000-07:00

The Brompton Collar is our standard turn down collar and along with the Albany is probably one of our most popular. It also forms the basis of our house style button down collar. The collar is shown laid out below.

The collar has a standard size band so the collar does not sit particularly high - if you prefer higher collars we have other options which we will detail seperately.

A view of the collar buttoned:

This collar is available both on our bespoke shirts and our online made to measure service.

2008-10-05T04:16:00.000-07:00

Bespoke Shirt maker The Sartorial Executive partners with Birmingham's top bespoke suit company enabling their clients to have a high quality Bespoke made to Measure suit constructed to wear with their luxury bespoke shirts.

The company they have partnered with have been making bespoke suits for over 100 years and it will in turn allow their large customer base the opportunity to obtain the highest quality bespoke shirts to wear under their bespoke suits.

A large number of high quality wooolen fabrics ar available and as with any bespoke service there is no limit to the styles of suit available.

For more details go to http://www.shirt-style.co.uk/madetomeasuresuits.html

Online Bespoke Shirts now available

2008-09-29T13:21:00.000-07:00

For those that have not noticed, we have started offering online Bespoke Shirts - currently these are available in the Acorn Grange range of fabrics but we will be adding some of the Swiss Alumo cloths too, very soon enabling you to buy a premium Bespoke Shirt online.

Our August made to Measure Shirt Offer

2008-08-09T10:13:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to announce a very special offer during the current month of August. A superb Made-to-Measure shirt for just £90 including delivery to your home address. The shirt is available from your visiting consultant if you are within our service area, and for those outside we are able to extend this offer to you by telephone, where you supply us with your measurements.

The shirts are made in England from Thomas Mason Queen range fabrics to our usual exacting standards complete with the best quality pearl buttons.

Go to our webpage at http://www.shirt-style.co.uk/august_offer.html for more details.

The price of a Bespoke Shirt

2008-07-30T13:14:00.000-07:00

I just got off of the phone from a person that had left his details for a call back to make an appointment for a shirt fitting. He had come via our website and the first question I was asked was what are the prices and when i told him, he basically ended the conversation there.

My question is, and I did not ask him, what price did he expect to pay?

I believe the quality bespoke shirt market is suffering in the same way that bespoke suits have with so many companies offering so called bespoke-shirts from an online website and a few drop down menus. People do not realise that the shirts from these companies are 9 times out of 10 a totally different beast than genuine quality bespoke shirts. They are £45 or so for a reason! below I try to list a few of the reasons, which it is best to understand before deciding where to buy you bespoke shirt.

1. Quality of Cloth - A shirt for less than £100 is very unlikely going to be made from top cottons such as Albini, Alumo and Monti. If they are then the shirt has definitely not been made in the UK, more likely the far East in the shape of Hong Kong or Thailand in a factory operation. More than likely the cloth will come from India or China and will have a percentage of microfibre mixed in. Use of a good cloth will add £20 or so to the cost of making the shirt.

2. Quality of Interlinings for collars and cuffs - The collars and cuffs of a bespoke shirt tell us so much about the quality of the rest of the shirt. Cheap shirts will have the interlinings fused to the collar and cuff material, making the collars stiff and lifeless. A quality bespoke shirt will be made without fusing and the interlinings will be hand stitched making for a softer, natural looking collar and cuff. Good interlinings are more expensive and hand sewing takes longer than fusing.

3. Personal Patterns - A qality bespoke shirt will require a personal pattern to be made for you; a cheaper version will be made by working off of standard blocks. The extra time and cost of the pattern making adds to the shirt cost but ensures that the shirt fits you and is exclusive to you.

4. Details - Cheap online bespoke shirts are unlikely to have Mother of Pearl Buttons without paying extra; pattern matching is unlikely on a cheap shirt; contrast collars and similar are likely to cost extra on a cheap shirt, but are generally included in the cost of a quality bespoke shirt.

If you really want to pay less than £100 the you will be better off getting a better quality ready to wear shirt from the likes of Hackett, Aquascutum or Jermyn Street and getting it altered to fit better around the body.

3.

Bespoke Shirt Newsletter Published

2008-07-16T12:03:00.001-07:00

Our first edition of our new newsletter was published yesterday. For those not on our mailing list, we have made it available here http://www.shirt-style.co.uk/newsletter1.html

Latest Products

2008-07-11T13:59:00.000-07:00

We have just added two new ranges of Ian Flaherty cufflinks from their Premium Range. Both series are available in nine different colours of crystals. A fantastic accessory to complement your Sartorial Executive Bespoke Shirt.

See the full range in our shop at http://shop.sartorialexecutive.com/

Hats off to the Social Season Hatters

2008-07-10T14:31:00.000-07:00

We don't sell hats (yet) but we do believe that not enough people wear hats (and I don't count a baseball cap as a hat).
I came a cross a delightful hat stall at the recent Cotswold Show in Cirencester last weekend. The stall, run by Peter and Jilly Sinclair-Knipe went by the name of 'Social Season Hatters', an apt name for a setup that sells its wares at numerous shows and fayres across the country.

The hat I bought was a Baileys of Hollywood panama, an american creation with an absolutey fantastic Cream and Brown grosgrain band and bow, with a stylish manufacturers logo. Looking on the Baileys website at http://www.baileyhats.com/ it appears the model that I purchased is called a Carnegie.

The hat is a fantastic addition to my wardrobe and something that goes fantastic with some of my bespoke shirts.

Why not treat yourself to a new hat by checking out their website at http://www.skhats.co.uk/ and meeting them at one of the events at which they have a trade stand.

Looking after your bespoke shirts

2008-05-29T14:16:00.000-07:00

Let's face it, a bespoke shirt is an investment. At around £100 to £200 a go you want it to last longer than a few months. To help you on the way here are a few tips to keep your bespoke shirts in tip top condition.

Wash your cotton bespoke shirts in a washing machine at 40 degrees - any hotter and you will reduce it's life
Iron on setting number 2. Yes, i know setting 3 says Cotton, but it is too hot, cotton will iron fine with less heat - but do use steam or ensure shirt is slightly damp.
Hang the shirt up after each wear. If it has creases but you want to wear it again before the next wash then run the iron over the body again.
Remove collar bones after wearing.
Check all buttons for security before hanging, and repair or replace ny that need it.
Don't eat spaghetti whilst wearing your bespoke shirt.

That's all, not much too it, a good quality cotton bespoke shirt almost looks after itself.

new cufflink collections

2008-05-13T14:55:00.001-07:00

We are now able to bring you cufflinks from designers Ian Flaherty and Denison Boston. ideal to wear with your bespoke shirts. look out for more detail on the website.

Thomas Mason Cloth now available for our bespoke shirts

2008-05-13T14:52:00.001-07:00

We are pleased to be able to announce that we are now able to supply our bespoke shirt clients with Thomas Mason Cloths. Italian owned, but with an English tradition stretching back to 1786.

The cloths we have are from their Silverline Collection, a range of approximately 100 cloths including plains, checks and stripes.

Shirts from these cloths will cost between £90 to £105 dependant on quality.

A quality bespoke shirt deserves a quality hanger

2008-05-04T12:13:00.000-07:00

When you have paid good money for a quality bespoke shirt then you don't really want to be hanging it in your wardrobe on some wire or plastic coathanger.

We have found the perfect solution from a company called the hanger project and here are the details from their website:

Solid Maple Wood - Beautifully Finished
Flatter the rest of your closet. The Hanger Project designed these shirt hangers to the same standards of our premier suit hangers. Available in both a standard 17.0 and wider 19.0 inch widths, our premium shirt hangers ensure that your shirts will look just as good when you put them on as they did when you first hung them in your closet.
The wider 19.0 inch shirt hanger is especially popular among men with broader shoulders because it prevents they typical puckering experienced when one's hanger is too narrow.

website: https://www.hangerproject.com/

Bespoke Ties

2008-04-28T14:05:00.000-07:00

We are currently talking to a bespoke tie manufacturer which should hopefully result in us being able to offer bespoek ties as well as bespoke shirts.

Why buy a bespoke shirt over an off the rack?

2008-04-25T13:04:00.000-07:00

This is a question I have been asked many times so I have put together a few bullet points in the merits of bespoke shirts over off the peg shirts.

The obvious one - fit. Most ready to wear shirts are a poor fit for most people; not surprising really as one neck size of shirt has to fit everybody with that neck size.
Choice of Cloth - this applies both to quality of cloth, i.e. the type of yarn and the yarn count and also to the choice of colours and patterns on the shirt.
Durability - a well made bespoke shirt with good quality stitching is likely to last much longer than a ready to wear (although that is not always the case as you tend to want to wear the bespoke shirt every day)
Choice of style - most bespoke shirt makers will be able to provide you with a tailor made shirt that allows a multitude of options for collars, cuffs, pockets and any other detail you may desire.

Getting bespoke shirt-y

2008-04-24T11:17:00.000-07:00

Things are a-changing here at the Sartorial Executive. We have made a decision to cease meaking Made to Measure Suits and to concentrate what has always been the core of our business - Bespoke Shirts. Whatever you call them : bespoke Shirts; tailor Made Shirts; Custome Shirts or Made to Measure shirts it is impossible to get the same feel and buzz from any off the peg shirt.

Currently we are supplying shirts in our own Sarto di Moda range of cloth, but hope to add Thomas Mason very soon. All being well we also hope to add Tessuti Monti and Alumo to the ranges in the future.

We are also able to take orders from people outside our usual operating area by using our online bespoke shirt ordering process.

Six-Fold Ties

2008-04-21T14:35:00.000-07:00

If you have never experience six fold ties then I suggest you seek some out. You will soon realise that the majority of ties that you buy from the local department store are really just a limp piece of silk.

A six-fold (or seven fold) tie is a different beast altogether. The weight of the tie and the interlinings create a true feeling of luxury when handling the tie.

We love them so much that we are in negotiation with a New York tie designer to bring our own range of bespoke neckwear. We currently have a small number of samples available to purchase at a knock down price on our website. These ties are limited edition, often less than 40 are made of each design - so as well as smart and stylish they are truly exclusive.

These ties are a fantastic accompaniment to any bespoke shirt.

Just in case you want to make your own six-fold ties you can find out how at http://sevenfoldties.reflexblue.org/six_fold/stepbystep.php

2008-04-18T13:06:00.000-07:00

I was in TK Maxx in Birmingham today, because my wife wanted to look around, so i decided to look at the menswear department, not really expecting to find much.

Well I was surprised to say the least. I came out sartorially richer. I bought a beautiful Pringle short sleeve sweater for about £15, a Hacket "City Collar" Burgundy Bini gingham shirt (half retail price) and two fantastic William Hunt of Savile Row ties, normally £85 from their store, £9.99 each from TK Maxx.

They even have some reasonable suits and trousers, although not in the same league as Made to Measure Suits of course, but you get them at a great discount from the RRP. They also have a good range of shirts including, of course Hacket and also Haines and Bonner.

I may sell Bespoke Shirts, but that has never stopped me buying nice shirts when I see them. If you are on a budget then this is a great place to get off-the-peg stuff, ideal to match up with your Sartorial Executive Made to Measure Suit.

An unlikely sartorial experience

2008-04-18T12:55:00.000-07:00

I was in TK Maxx in Birmingham today, because my wife wanted to look around, so i decided to look at the menswear department, not really expecting to find much. Well i was surprised to say the least.

I came out sartorially richer. I bought a beautiful Pringle short sleeve sweater for about £15, a Hacket "City Collar" Burgundy Bini gingham shirt (half retail price) and two fantastic William Hunt of Savile Row ties, normally £85 from their store, £9.99 each from TK Maxx.

They even have some reasonable suits and trousers, although not in the same league as Made to Measure Suits of course, but you get them at a great discount from the RRP.

They also have a good range of shirts including, of course Hacket and also Haines and Bonner. I may sell Bespoke Shirts, but that has never stopped me buying nice shirts when I see them.

If you are on a budget then this is a great place to get off-the-peg stuff, ideal to match up with your Sartorial Executive Made to Measure Suit.

New Cloths

2008-03-18T15:01:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to be able to announce the availability of three new ranges of cloth from Bradford based John Foster of England Ltd.

Based at the historic Black Dyke Mills in Queensbury Bradford, West Yorkshire where for nearly 200 years the name of John Foster has been synonymous with the manufacture of fine Worsted and Mohair fabrics.

These are a great range of very high quality cloth in our opinion in the same league as great cloths such as Scabal and Holland & Sherry.

The créme de la créme of the cloth is a 100% cashmere - not cheap but worth every penny!

Does your image need a makeover?

2008-01-26T14:10:00.000-08:00

I would like to introduce our clients and potential clients to Suzanne Jaya a personal fashion stylist based in South Wales.

Suzanne works freelance offering you an unbiased view on personal styling, image and fashion.
Suzanne and her associates can help you feel uplifted and younger by demonstrating how style and colour can be used to increase your self-esteem. Their aim is to help you realise your full potential and beauty.

The service provided by Suzanne to gentlemen as well as ladies are as follows;

Styling Services
What’s Your Style : Wardrobe Workout
From £75
Suzanne offers a one-to-one consultation to review and de-clutter your wardrobe. The session aims to help you to part with fashion mistakes, refine your style and dress for your shape. Ideal styles and colours for the fabulous new you will be suggested. The session takes approximately 3 hours.

What’s Your Style : Personal Shopping
£25 per hour
A personal shopping service that eliminates the need for you to park, shop and drop. Instead you can try on clothes specially chosen for you, in the privacy of your own home.Average shopping trip takes 3 hours.
Alternatively if you want to know HOW to shop, then you may prefer to have a fun day out with Suzanne who will help you to choose the right clothes for your budget and lifestyle.

What’s Your Style : At Home
£15 per person
An affordable way of picking up tips and considering new styles. These events are a great opportunity to get some friends together and host your very own girls’ night-in with a drink or two. Ideal for new fashion seasons, ‘hen’ parties, pre Wedding styling for the bride and her Wedding party etc., or just for the fun of it!

What’s Your Style: Complete Makeover
price on quotation
Suzanne works with experienced make-up artists and hair stylists who can offer you advice on pulling together a whole new look with your make-up and hairstyle. It’s a fantastic opportunity to shine at a special occasion or just to keep up-to-date with new make-up techniques and trends.

Find her website at http://www.suzannejaya.co.uk/index.asp

New tailoring team on board

2008-01-26T14:06:00.000-08:00

We are pleased to announce that we now have our own tailoring team on board. As well as our existing relationship with Siverde tailoring of Savile Row we will be able to offer our made to measure suits and bespoke Shirts under the 'Sartorial Executive' Brand.

The main advantages to you, our clients, will be quicker turnaround times, and a fully bespoke shirt service enabling you to totally specify the shirt design.

We are really excited about this new partnership and look forward to providing you with attire under our own label.

For those that want their suits to be made by a Savile Row based tailor company, we are still able to offer Siverde suits.

New Bespoke Shirts Coming Soon

2007-11-09T15:00:00.000-08:00

I am currently in discussions with a shirtmaker which should result in us being able to offer our clients a wonderful new range of bespoke shirts. A far greater number of cloths to choose from, better quality and hopefully at a lower price.

These shirts will be sold under our own 'Sartorial Executive' Brand.

Look out for a special offer when we launch them later in the year.

Our latest 'creation'

2007-10-25T14:03:00.001-07:00

This suit was bought by one of our clients for wearing at his forthcoming wedding. Like many of our clients he finds off the peg suits unsuitable because he does not conform to any 'standard' size.

However, with this suit he will be able to attend his wedding with confidence knowing that he has a suit that fits like a glove.

Chester Barrie - nice shirt chaps.

2007-10-23T12:03:00.000-07:00

I was out at the weekend, in our local House of Fraser, looking through the menswear section, as I do. A shirt in there caught my eye, a gorgeous candy pink striped Chester Barrie, double cuff job, with gorgeous cut away collar. It was in the sale too, £40 down from £55. Bargain. I am wearing it as I type along with the Chester Barrie mother of pearl cufflinks that I also purchased for £35.

Yes I know I sell bespoke shirts, but this shirt was a fantastic colour, so I had to have it. I shall be wearing it to my appointments tomorrow.

The world's most expensive suit. A snip at £45,000

2007-10-18T12:17:00.000-07:00

Fancy a new suit for that all important interview? How about one that costs an eye-watering £45,000?
A Saville Row tailor has produced what it thought to be the world's most expensive suit. William Westmancott, 27, has created the 'Ultimate Bespoke' - it is made from a one-off luxury cloth designed and woven in a traditional English Mill.
"It the most expensive, luxurious and indulgent bespoke suit in the world," Mr Westmancott said. It is aimed at celebrities or "the man who has everything and for whom money is no object".
As the cloth is so expensive he creates a complete sample suit first to ensure the pattern is perfect.
"An ultimate bespoke suit will take 150 to 200 workshop hours of construction, with many weeks of work spent designing and weaving the cloth and linings," Mr Westmancott said.
So far the Saville Row tailor said there had been a lot of interest from "wealthy Russians and Middle Eastern gentlemen" as well as premiership footballers.
Of course a rich businessman could not be expected to travel to London for the experience and so Mr Westmancott offers to fly out to 'anywhere in the world' to carry out the fittings.
Still unsure about the price? He also throws in a complimentary set of five bespoke shirts worth £2,475.

(from The Daily Mail)