Ambrosi ready-to-wear trousers

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Last year, while in Japan at Bryceland's, Salvatore Ambrosi offered me two pairs of his new ready-to-wear trousers to try.

Regular readers will remember that the bespoke trousers I had from Ambrosi the previous year suffered from consistency issues. The fit was often good, but there were persistent mistakes.

Since then Salva has expanded into ready-to-wear, often with fit adjustments available.

The trousers vary between different stockists: Bryceland's, The Armoury NY and The Armoury HK all have slightly different styles, for example.

They're made to the same level as bespoke, so have a huge amount of hand detailing, tacks, pick stitching etc. That all makes them pretty pricey - around $800 at those three locations.

Having liked the fit and style of Salva's trousers, despite the issues, I was interested to explore adjusted RTW as an alternative.

I was also curious to see how things had changed - Salva had mentioned to me in passing that he was focusing more on order notes and production consistency.

When we met in Japan, he had new order sheets on which to note all the various requests, and assiduously took everything down.

(He also mentioned that, following my comment on his use of plastic buttons, all his trousers now use corozo.)

Ethan (Newton, Bryceland's founder) has two specific styles: one higher waisted with two pleats, the other slightly lower waisted with a single pleat and a more extended waistband (pictured).

I was particularly interested in the difference in rise in the former, which was much higher at the back than the front.

Most tailors will try to have a similar rise at front and back, with the view that a horizontal waistband is more attractive and flattering.

But I've often found that this can be at the expense of fit, and my bespoke trousers often end up being slightly higher at the back.

Ethan (below) agreed that most trousers fit better with a higher back rise - although it is dependent on the physique of the customer. And it is more useful the higher the rise.

I ordered one pair in each style - a tan cotton in the single pleat and a pale linen in the double pleat.

The results were much more accurate than before. The length and waist were perfect, and all the details were correct.

Indeed, one style point that I thought was wrong actually turned out to be correct - with Salva sending me a picture of the order form to prove it.

But there was one issue with the fit on the cotton pair. The seat appeared to have been made smaller, not bigger, and as a result they were very tight - almost unwearably so.

This is only one issue, but of course the problem with having trousers made in a foreign shop by a (differently) foreign tailor is that there is no immediate means of recourse. Salva doesn't currently do trunk shows in London.

I'll likely wait until Pitti and give them back to him, though I could also have them adjusted locally.

Aside from consistency, price might be an issue for Ambrosi RTW, as for $800 you could have good trousers made bespoke with the same level of workmanship.

That said, the style and fit elsewhere was perfect, as before.

Particularly nice touches were the extended waistband design and the gun-holster side adjustors on the linen pair.

I'll post pictures of those as I wear them. 

Salva, by the way, is wearing a beautiful black-linen overshirt from Bryceland's. 

Photography: Jamie Ferguson @jkf_man

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Anonymous

Aside from speed and convenience, I can’t really understand why anyone would opt to purchase these trousers as opposed to having a pair made?

And was it really necessary for him to smoke during the fitting?! Not sure I’d want to visit a tailor if I knew I was going to be coming away smelling like an ashtray.

Dave Carter

It doesn’t look like he was actually smoking during the fitting

Max

The cigarette does not appear to be lit. I can relate to having an unlit cigarette between my fingers or between my lips to satisfy my habit when not allowed to smoke for longer periods.

Anonymous

Agee with the above comments on both counts—the rationale for these RTW trousers, and the gag factor of having the tailor dangling a cigarette in his mouth during the fitting. And while I’m ranting about the latter point, here’s a related one::

This isn’t 1950; cigarettes are not some element of sprezzatura style. So my vote? Don’t show photos of people with cigarettes— this site should not, even if only subtly, be promoting/condoning something we now know kills people.

Anon

What’s with the sanctimony? People are adults here and can do what they’d like. So long as the tailor asks if the client minds if he smokes, what’s the issue? And, being that we’re all adults, I’m sure we can make our own decisions with what we want to do with our bodies.

Had some great whiskey tonight. It was delicious

P.B.

He’d probably ask you if you mind before lighting up.
It’s not a big deal.

Jesse B.

i don’t disagree, though to be fair it doesn’t look like the cigarette is actually lit. Probably just a habit/comfort thing for Salva…

Max

As a customer of a tailor whose very small shop could fit three chain smoking worksman, I think this habit should be dealt in deliberate manner by the shop owner. My last garment (wool with some mohair) I made there reeked of cigarette smoke for the better part of the year, stinking up my closet along with it.

John

Hi Simon,
This post is an interesting fllow up on the previous one indeed. Salva’s RTW seems to be a good alternative to his bespoke.
For those who are not regular formal dressers but jacket wearers instead, these trousers would belong to special occasions outfits. One can imagine having one in light grey fresco for Summer, and one in light or mid-grey Fox Bros flannel for Winter. I wouldn’t go for cotton or linen. unless the first mentioned ones were already secured.
John

Anonymous

Simon,

What’s your preference as to pleated pants these days? In the past, you seem to have favored flat-fronts.

Phil

I tried on a pair of these last week. I thought they were superb, the material is so thick they could almost stand up by themselves. I did baulk at the price, though. Simon, do you have a recommendation for reasonable value bespoke trousers? A&S start at 1500 I think.

Nick Inkster

Having bespoke trousers rather than RTW is far more an issue of fit than anything else. Apart from 501s, I have never been able to find an off the peg trouser that come anywhere near to fitting. Fortunately I have a very talented alts guy, but there is a limit to the adjustment that can be made. So for me, casual off the peg normally makes sense, but anything else has to be tailored.

Lambretta

Hi Simon, Do you have an opinion about Robin Pettersson/BnT trousers? He’s coming to London a few times a year, I think.

John

By current standarts, this price tag is not extraordinary at all! Just take a look at Mr Porter US.

Phil

Thanks, I’ll take a look.

Mike

Where can one buy such linen overshirts besides Drake’s (their overshirts are oversized)?

David Blair

I was in Tokyo two weeks ago and went to Bryceland’s and met Ethan. Very cool store and they had just un-boxed your latest book. Ethan was very nice and we talked watches for a bit, thank you for introducing him via your blog!

David

These smoking visuals are completely bizarre.
If a tailor fitting me smoked I’d be out of the shop before he could thread his needle.
Simon – this is your blog and you will do with it as you like but I, and I suspect many others, find smoking the complete antithesis of Permanent Style
Unless you have in mind to do a bespoke leather cover for a portable oxygen tank I’d exercise some discretion. Any publication that promotes this disgusting habit won’t have my patronage.

David

I’m sorry Simon but defacto if you feature photographs of people smoking on a blog titled ‘Permanent Style’ then of course you are promoting it.
Unless of course, somebody else chooses your visuals?

Luke

This is ludicrous. I hadn’t noticed the cigarette until it was mentioned and unfortunately this confirms some of the misgivings I have about the bespoke world, namely that it’s full of people who are too precious by half. The permanent style would surely include such notable smokers as Winston Churchill, David Hockney and Serge Gainsbourg.

Martin

If this kind of intolerance against smoking was bespoke-specific smokers could breathe again. And I wonder if anything one can do with his hands looks as permanently stylish as holding a cigarette, even an unlit on.
So while the cigarette dominates the comments and the trousers the text, for me Mr. Ambrosi´s perfect safari shirt is stealing the show in the photos.

Matt

Hello Simon,
I totally agree with you. We are all adults so everybody has his own opinion about smoking etc. This is a fashion side and no discussion forum about unhealthy Lifestyle. Regards

Peter

What is that jacket you’re wearing in the fourth photo from the top? The green one? Lovely cloth. By chance would you have the reference?

Anonymous

Hilariously amusing how many comment on smoking when the purpose of this article is about Ambrosi RTW trousers.

Thanks for the post Simon as I have always been intrigued on Ambrosi RTW line.

Jackson Hart

I have a few pairs and the speed and convenience is what I need because I travel a lot and I can rarely be in a place when needed for fittings. So it takes many months for me to do bespoke because I am guaranteed to miss fittings. And they fit me spot on. On the cigarette, Salva is a big smoker but never does it in front of customers. If he had a glass of vintage scotch in his hands would there be any complaints? Alcohol is addictive and kills many thousands of people every year- but the lobby has always susessfully fought off the demonization of its products. My point is don’t be so judgmental. We all have sins.

Andrew

Hi Simon,

Having read a few of your articles on bespoke trousers(Cerrato) would you be so kind as to advise in your opinion which bespoke trousers(formal/casual) makers are the best in terms of fit and etc?

It’s enlightening to hear your thoughts as having read your article I would not have known that Ambrosi has his flaws too!!(One always (wrongly) assumes that expensive=good!

Same goes for your comment on Japanese bespoke makers(I always thought Japanese bespoke masters are ‘better’ than their European counterparts (Cifonelli & Camps in particular which I think you hold high regards)with their ‘drive’ and ‘attention to details’ i.e. they just care more as can be seem in the denim industry.You have surprised me with your comments that attention to details can come at the expense of fit(which in my opinion is more important)

Lastly do you think a well known Asian house like WW Chan/Gordon Yao/A-Man Hing Cheong can compare with the European/Japanese bespoke trousers makers/tailors?

Will be looking forward to your analysis!

Thanks.
Andrew

Anonymous

Simon,

I’m interested in the cloth you pick for your single-pleated tan cotton trousers. Would you mind sharing a few details?

Anonymous

What weight do you recommend for a four-season cotton trousers? I find heavier weight (at least 13oz) to be more practical.

Dan

Hi Simon,
Could you please tell me what size you wear in those ambrosi´s RTW trousers?
I’m thinking of buying a pair online, and I have a size similar to yours. But I don’t know if these pants are tighter or looser at the waist and hips. i´m usually between 32/34 (48/50 european size) depending the brand and the fit.
Thank you very much in advance
Dan.

Dan

Sorry my insistence, the alterations were to enlarge or reduce ?
Thanks

Floyd

Quick question from a size/fit standpoint. I am 33 but relatively slim legs. Does it make sense to buy a 32 and increase waist/seat or to take a 34 and dot the opposite? I go one or the other depending on the brands was wondering what was your view on Ambrosi?

Armin

I think that Ambrosi RTW are amazing! For those who love his style, there are few sizes left at a 40% off (around 400 USD) over at https://lundochlund.com/collections/ambrosi-napoli
You’re welcome!

Varun Saxena

So I have a question related to bespoke trousers. Often I have found that even though the tailors get the waist right, the trousers pockets kind of pucker up or stick out. This happens more so in pleated trousers. What could be the reason? Are they cutting the fabric wrong or it could be that they haven’t got the hip measurement right? Sometimes they say it’s the fabric.. is that true?

Varun Saxena

Thank you for your comments.
Following up on the discussion, could it be corrected? The tailors at time don’t accept the fact that it’s being cut improperly and say that it’s the peculiar shape of the body or just that fabric is like that or you have gained weight since the sizing and measurement.
So if there is some extra fabric folded in after stitching ( and there is some), could the issue be corrected.
The issue of using the pockets doesn’t arise as I am talking about the time of receiving the pant.