The Black Tie Guide

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.

Improved Made to Measure Suits

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 house pattern for made to measure suits

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

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!

Made to Measure Suits - new Holland & Sherry range

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

made to measure suits

Our made to measure suits are now available to complement our bespoke shirts. The first suit is already in the process of being made using a fantastic herringbone cloth from the Holland & Sherry perennial range. This 13oz 100% Wool worsted cloth is an excellent choice for a suit.

We will bring you pictures of the suit as it is developed.