Category: Style & Advice

  • What Are Your Options When Choosing a Bespoke Suit?

    If you’ve ever looked into ordering a bespoke suit and thought, I’ve no idea where to even begin, you’re in very good company. Most people don’t.

    But that’s the whole point of visiting a tailor. It’s not about knowing everything before you walk in the door, it’s about discovering it together.

    The process is meant to be enjoyable. Choosing a bespoke suit should feel less like ticking boxes and more like shaping a story. One that happens to fit you perfectly.

    After almost twenty years in tailoring, I can tell you this much: people often come to me thinking they need guidance on what’s correct, but what they really need is help finding what feels right for them.

    So let’s talk through the main choices that define a bespoke, handmade suit.

    1. The Style: Structure and Character

    This is where everything starts. The style of your suit determines the shape, the feel, and ultimately the message it sends when you wear it.

    Single or double-breasted. Peak or notch lapel. Two-piece or three. Side vents, centre vent, or none at all. Soft shoulder or roped. Modern slim or timeless British drape.

    It’s not just about fashion, it’s about proportion and personality.

    Some clients bring in photos. Others just point at the Sean Connery picture on the studio wall and say, “That one.” Either way, your tailor should interpret what you’re drawn to, explain the reasoning behind each detail, and build something that complements you, not just your frame.

    2. The Cloth: The Heart of the Suit

    If style is the structure, the cloth is the lifeblood running through it.

    The cloth determines how the suit drapes, breathes, and behaves. How it looks under light, how it feels after a long day, and how it lasts over time.

    At Edinburgh Tailoring Company, we have access to thousands of options: fine worsteds, tweeds, mohair blends, wool and silk, even pure cashmere. Each one brings a different energy.

    A daily office suit might call for something durable and practical. A wedding suit allows you to explore texture, weight, and luxury.

    One of the first questions any good tailor will ask is, how often will you wear it? That single answer shapes almost every decision that follows.

    3. The Lining: Your Personal Signature

    This is where the fun begins.

    Lining choice is the hidden expression of personality inside every bespoke garment. For some, it’s bold, such as a deep red paisley, a flash of cobalt satin, or a full printed scene that no one else will ever have. For others, it’s understated. Something clean, tonal, and quietly refined.

    We hold over 1200 lining choices, and if none of them feel right, we’ll help you source something that does.

    Think of it as the inside joke between you and your suit.

    4. The Experience: Guided, Not Overwhelming

    If all of this sounds like a lot, don’t worry. That’s what the process is for.

    Your tailor’s role is to listen, ask the right questions, and narrow down your options until the choices feel effortless. By the end of a consultation, we’ll usually have distilled everything into three or four strong combinations. This is the moment where you start to see your suit coming together.

    And that’s when it gets exciting.

    5. The Point of It All

    A bespoke suit isn’t about chasing trends or copying someone else’s idea of style. It’s about crafting something that could only belong to you.

    That’s what makes tailoring so powerful. It’s design with purpose. It’s confidence made visible.

    And yes, it’s also a bit addictive. Once you’ve had something made properly, it’s very hard to go back.

    If you’re thinking about commissioning a bespoke suit, come and have a chat. No sales pitch, no pressure at all. Just a conversation about what’s possible when you start from scratch.

    Book a consultation to visit us in Edinburgh or our Glasgow visit (each Tuesday). Let’s talk style, cloth, and everything in between.

  • How Much Should a Bespoke, Handmade Suit Cost from a Tailor?

    It’s a question people ask us all the time.

    Usually they all or email and ask, “Chris, how much should a bespoke, handmade suit cost?”

    My honest reply: “Well, that really depends on what you need, how often you’ll wear it and whether it’s for a special occasion. How long is a piece of string?”

    It’s not the answer anyone wants to hear, but I do tend to win them back when I say our bespoke suits start at £749.

    “£749? How is that even possible?”

    Let’s break it down.

    Understanding what goes into the price

    As a professional tailor with nearly 20 years’ experience, I can tell you that pricing something as unique as a bespoke, handmade suit isn’t straightforward. There are a lot of moving parts. Materials, labour, design work, fittings, potential shipping and finishing. But let’s look at the key factors and what you actually get for your money.

    Our two-piece bespoke suits start at £749, and a three-piece suit starts at £999. On average, clients spend around £1,249 for a two-piece and £1,599 for a three-piece, depending on their chosen cloth and details. At the very top end, a fully bespoke two-piece can reach £10,995, or £14,999 for a three-piece, when we’re working with the rarest and finest fabrics in the range.

    So yes, there’s quite a range. And there’s good reason for it.

    What you get at the starting point

    For £749, you’ll receive a fully bespoke, handmade two-piece suit, crafted to your measurements using one of around 40 cloth options. All 100% four-seasons wool, in a variety of colours, patterns and textures.

    This starting collection does sell quickly, and while we do our best to restock, from time to time a particular fabric may be unavailable. Beyond that, we also work with some of the most respected mills and merchants in the world, including Abraham Moon, Holland & Sherry, Huddersfield Fine Worsteds, Dugdale Brothers, Loro Piana, and Scabal, to name a few.

    If you fall in love with a fabric we don’t currently hold, we can usually source it. Most reputable tailors can, even if they don’t advertise it.

    How we’re able to offer bespoke suits from £749

    People often assume that a starting price like ours means cutting corners. It doesn’t.

    Our process is as traditional as any bespoke tailor’s, but we’ve built efficiencies into how we work. The key is ownership, proximity, and process:

    • We own our house-cloth stock, which means we don’t pay standard industry mark-ups on ‘cut length’ cloth.
    • We keep all our house-cloth ‘in-house‘, so there are no extra shipping or handling costs between supplier and workshop.
    • We run a very precise production system, ensuring every hour of labour and every stage of craftsmanship is accounted for, and nothing is wasted.

    We also accept that we make less as a business on your first order. That’s because it involves the additional work of creating your personal pattern and any adjustments or remakes needed to make it perfect. Once that’s done, the pattern is yours, and future orders become simpler, faster, and even more precise.

    In short, the price of each suit reflects two things:

    1. The cost of the cloth and lining you choose.
    2. The amount of skilled work required to make your garments.

    Bespoke vs Made-to-Measure. Know the difference

    This is where a lot of confusion (and frustration) comes in.

    Made-to-measure garments start from an existing pattern (known as a block) which is adjusted to fit your measurements. The result can be very good, but it’s still based on a pre-existing shape.

    Bespoke, on the other hand, starts with a blank canvas. Every aspect of the pattern is drawn from your measurements and body shape. The chest, back, shoulders, and posture are all accounted for individually, so the fit is sharper and more personal.

    That’s why bespoke usually costs more. It’s more labour-intensive, requires more fittings, and takes longer to make.

    One client once came to me after ordering what he believed was a bespoke velvet jacket from a well-known Edinburgh company. He’d paid a bespoke price but received a made-to-measure garment that didn’t fit, even after nine fittings.

    I explained how we work, offered to make a mock-fitting jacket from calico so he could see the pattern before we cut the real cloth, and we completely restored his faith in the process. He’s now one of our most loyal clients.

    Advice from an experienced tailor

    If you’re shopping around for a bespoke suit, here’s what I’d recommend:

    • Arrange two or three consultations with different tailors. Get a sense of how they work and whether they take time to understand what you want.
    • Ask questions. Any reputable tailor should be happy to explain their process and pricing clearly.
    • Check whether they offer a measurement guarantee.
    • Ask where the suit is made. Be cautious of vague answers like “made by our UK tailoring partner.”
    • Clarify whether it’s truly bespoke or made-to-measure.

    And if you’re working to a budget, be upfront. A good tailor will help you find the best way to achieve what you want, or explain what might need to wait until next time.

    At Edinburgh Tailoring Company, our goal is to give you freedom of choice. With over 10,000 cloths and 1200 linings available, there are billions of possible combinations, and a price point for almost everyone.

    We can also quote cloths from UK and European mills upon request.

    In summary

    If you’ve read this far, thank you. You clearly care about what goes into a truly bespoke suit.

    The truth is, there isn’t one simple answer to how much a bespoke, handmade suit should cost. It depends on the materials, the craftsmanship, and the experience you want.

    At Edinburgh Tailoring Company, we simply believe a bespoke suit should cost no more than it truly needs to, and that you should enjoy every part of the process along the way.

    If you’d like to find out how much your own bespoke suit would cost, get in touch. We’re always happy to have a no-strings chat.

  • What The Celebrity Traitors Taught Us About Dressing for a Funeral

    There are few television moments more surreal than watching a line-up of British celebrities attend their own funerals, yet somehow looking immaculate while doing it. The Celebrity Traitors managed to turn mourning into a masterclass in formalwear, proving that even the darkest setting can draw out the very best in tailoring.

    For all the absurdity of the task, the styling was exquisite. Mark Bonnar, always one to carry quiet gravitas, appeared in Highland wear that struck the perfect balance between heritage and modern precision. His look wasn’t costume, it was culture. The cut of his jacket, the depth of the kilt, the way the ensemble spoke of both pride and restraint. It reminded us that Scottish tailoring, when done well, never needs embellishment. It simply is authority.

    Then came Joe Marler, whose jacket could have stolen the scene at any red carpet. At first look, it was a gorgeous short-pile velvet, but upon closer inspection, I believe it’s actually a beautiful cashmere. Un-structured, and confident, with that slight drama that makes a man look like he’s about to walk into history. Jonathan Ross followed suit, quite literally, his outerwear cut to flatter without shouting. A fur collar adding to the warmth that the heavy wool already brings. Both understood something essential about formality, that the strength of a coat lies not just in its fabric, but in how it frames the person inside it.

    Among the women, Celia Imrie and Clare Balding were studies in composure. Each chose an outfit that read as respectful yet quietly self-assured. They didn’t dress to disappear into grief, but to show that dignity can exist comfortably alongside individuality. And then there was Kate Garraway. Her full-length black pinstripe coat was nothing short of spectacular. Heavy wool, strong silhouette, a statement of presence that never crossed into performance. It was exactly what one should hope to see at a real funeral: clothing that honours the occasion, while carrying the wearer upright through it.

    It’s fascinating how rarely we talk about funerals as moments for sartorial care. Most people think of “dressing up” as an act reserved for celebration. Yet what is a funeral if not the final celebration of a life lived? To take the time to choose the right jacket, to press a collar, to stand straight in polished shoes — these are gestures of respect, not vanity. Clothes can’t soften grief, but they can help contain it. They offer structure when emotion leaves us in tatters.

    At Edinburgh Tailoring Company, it’s something we speak about often. The quiet power of appropriate dress. Not to show off, but to show up. Whether it’s a wedding, a boardroom, or the final goodbye, the principle is the same: dressing well is an act of consideration, for yourself and for those around you.

    How to Dress Well for a Funeral

    1. Keep it dark, but not dour. Black is traditional, but charcoal, navy, and deep brown can be equally appropriate. Avoid too much shine or high contrast. Texture (like flannel, serge, or heavy wool) adds depth without distraction.
    2. Respect the climate and the setting. A funeral in the wintry Highlands calls for heavier cloth and outerwear, while a summer service might require lighter wool or linen blends. The key is looking composed, not uncomfortable.
    3. Fit matters more than fashion. This isn’t the moment for trends or loud statements. A perfectly fitted coat or suit in a modest cut will always read as tasteful.
    4. Mind the details. Polished shoes, clean lines, and a pressed shirt convey care. Accessories should be minimal. A simple tie, plain cufflinks, perhaps a pocket square in subdued tones.
    5. For women: elegant tailoring, coats, or simple dresses in dark shades work beautifully. Avoid sparkle or bold prints (unless someone’s final wishes are for just that). Structured pieces, like Kate Garraway’s pinstripe coat, communicate both poise and empathy.
    6. And above all, remember the purpose. The goal isn’t to be noticed. It’s to stand present and composed, to show respect through attention and restraint. Good tailoring helps you do exactly that.

    A funeral, at its heart, is a moment of collective reverence. The Celebrity Traitors may have exaggerated it for television, but their wardrobe choices quietly reminded us of something timeless: that what we wear still speaks volumes, even when words fail us.

  • When Should You Order Your Wedding Suit?

    There’s no such thing as being too early when it comes to your wedding suit. I’ve seen people book their suit consultation before they’ve even booked the venue, and honestly, I admire it. Because when it comes to weddings, timing really is everything.

    The truth is, making a bespoke suit takes more than just skill. It takes rhythm. There’s the measuring, the cutting, the first fitting, the adjustments, and the final touches that make it yours. None of that should feel rushed. When clients come in with time to spare, we get to enjoy the process together. The fittings feel calm, the decisions are deliberate, and the result is always stronger for it.

    In an ideal world, I’d tell every wedding client to start the conversation at least six months before the big day. That gives us time to design, choose the right cloth, get the first fitting booked, and allow for alterations if we want to finesse the details further. Four months can still work nicely, but it becomes more of a focused sprint. Three months can still be done, but it involves precision timing and a lot of goodwill from everyone involved.

    Now, I know how weddings go. You tell yourself you’ve got ages, then suddenly it’s eight weeks out, and the venue’s asking for final numbers while you still haven’t chosen your shoes. It happens more often than you’d think. So if you’re reading this and starting to panic slightly, don’t. We can usually help.

    We do offer express orders. They’re not for the faint-hearted, and yes, they come with an additional charge. Because an express job means reworking our schedule, sometimes sewing late into the night, and occasionally chasing couriers across the city to get everything ready in time. We’ll always try our best, but we’ll never pretend there’s a magic button for guaranteed miracles. Quality still comes first, even when time isn’t on our side.

    It’s also worth saying that wedding tailoring is far more diverse than it used to be. We work with people of all genders, identities, and orientations. Some want something quietly elegant, others want bold colour or statement texture, and many want something that doesn’t fit neatly into any traditional box at all. That’s what makes it so rewarding. No two weddings are the same, and no two people are the same either.

    A wedding suit isn’t just about formality. It’s about confidence, comfort, and feeling like yourself on a day when everyone’s looking your way. That’s why we take the same care with a linen two-piece for a beach ceremony as we do with a velvet dinner jacket for an evening reception. Every stitch, button, and pocket is there for a reason.

    So, when should you order your wedding suit? Sooner than you think. Give yourself time to enjoy it. The design stage is exciting, the fittings can actually be fun, and the whole thing becomes part of your story instead of another deadline to juggle.

    If you’ve got a wedding coming up in early 2026, or even next summer, start the conversation now. Come in for a consultation, look through the cloths, have a chat about the style you want. The earlier we start, the more relaxed and personal the process becomes. And that’s when we create something truly special.

  • Understanding Our Shirt Services

    Most people simply want shirts that fit better than anything they can buy off the shelf. That’s where we come in.
    At Edinburgh Tailoring Company, our shirt making services are designed to give you that perfect fit, no matter the level of investment you wish to make.

    Some clients like to build their fit gradually, learning what works for them through experience. Others prefer to invest in the process from the beginning, perfecting every detail through fittings and craftsmanship.
    Whatever your approach, all of our shirts are handmade from scratch. Carefully cut, stitched, and finished by skilled hands to achieve a standard you’ll feel the moment you put it on.

    Below, you’ll find a breakdown of our current shirting services, along with their details, timescales, and pricing.

    Personal Tailoring

    Price: £69 – £149 (Depending on the cloth chosen)
    Cloth Options: Around 300 online, or 500 in-studio
    Timescale: 4 weeks from order to completion

    Our Personal Tailoring service is where most clients begin their shirt journey.
    In the studio, you’ll try on one of our sample shirts in your closest size. Once you’ve found the fit you like, we’ll make your chosen shirt in that exact size and cloth.

    For clients ordering online, the process is just as personal. You’ll book a virtual consultation where we’ll guide you through the measurements we need to create your shirt.

    No alterations are made on this service. The first shirt you order serves as the foundation of your personal pattern (the blueprint we’ll build on). On your next order, you can request small changes, such as adjusting sleeve length or collar size, and your paper pattern will be updated accordingly.

    After two or three shirts, most clients have refined their pattern perfectly, achieving a fit that feels entirely their own.

    white and purple clothes hangers

    Personal Tailoring: Platinum

    Price: Shirt price + £25 pattern adaptation fee
    Cloth Options: Around 300 online, or 500 in-studio
    Timescale: 4 weeks from order to completion

    For those who want to make small refinements right from the start, the Platinum service offers a more tailored experience.

    In the studio, you’ll try on one or two size samples and can request up to three pattern changes before production begins. Perhaps an extra quarter inch on the collar, half an inch more on the sleeve, or a slightly shorter body length.

    Online, the process works slightly differently. Your first shirt acts as a “mock-fit.” Once you’ve tried it on, you can provide up to three adjustments you’d like made. We’ll then cut your true shirt and send it to you.

    Like our standard Personal Tailoring, no alterations are made after the shirt is complete. Instead, each order refines your pattern until the fit is perfect.

    Female tailor in blue adjusting a blue shirt on a mannequin indoors.

    Made to Measure

    Price: £149 – £239
    Cloth Options: Around 800
    Timescale: 4 weeks from order to mock-fit, 4 weeks from mock-fit to completion (approx. 8 weeks total)
    Availability: In-studio only (Edinburgh or Glasgow)

    Our Made to Measure service introduces a new level of precision. It begins with a full set of measurements taken by our head tailor, Chris. Together, you’ll discuss the fit you’d like to achieve, and every relevant area of your pattern will be adjusted accordingly.

    You’ll then return for a mock-fitting, where a finished sample shirt (or occasionally a basted version) is tried on to assess the fit. Alterations are discussed and carried out before your final shirt is made.

    Once complete, this shirt forms the basis of your personal Made to Measure pattern, which we’ll keep on file for life. If you’d like to reorder in future, simply let us know of any changes you’d like before cutting begins.

    Chris meets clients in Edinburgh throughout the week and visits Glasgow every Tuesday for appointments.

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    Full Bespoke

    Price: £249 – £349
    Cloth Options: Around 800
    Timescale:

    • Measurement to first fitting: 4 weeks
    • First to second fitting: 4 weeks
    • Subsequent alterations: 2–4 weeks depending on the work required
    • Typically 2–3 fittings in total

    Our Bespoke service is the highest level of shirtmaking we offer. Every element is designed entirely around you. Your measurements, your posture, your shoulder slope, and your natural stance.

    Each shirt begins with a hand-drafted paper pattern, drawn specifically for your body. Your first fitting is usually a sleeveless baste, allowing Chris to assess balance, shoulder pitch, and general proportions before the sleeves are attached.

    Subsequent fittings refine every contour of the garment until your personal pattern is perfected. The goal is not just to make one perfect shirt, but to develop a blueprint that will serve you for years to come.

    We store every bespoke pattern for life, updating it over time as your preferences or body shape evolve.

    Choosing the Right Level for You

    Every client begins their journey from a different place. Some want a straightforward shirt that fits better than anything from the high street, while others see tailoring as an art to be perfected.

    At Edinburgh Tailoring Company, our role is simply to guide you through that journey, step by step, shirt by shirt, until every detail fits exactly as it should.