A nice thing about our Finest Tailors series is that, as we add more tailors to it, each becomes a reference for the next, making comparisons easier.
This Henry Poole suit, then, makes an interesting comparison to the Richard Anderson tuxedo we featured first.
Both are traditional Savile Row tailors, both are known for relatively straight, structured styles, and yet there are significant differences in the details.
[For background on the Finest Tailors series, and an explanation of some technical points used, see the introduction here.]
House: Henry Poole
Address: 15 Savile Row, London
Site: henrypoole.com
Cutter: Craig Featherstone
Price (at time of writing): £4810 (incl VAT; same as suit starting price)
Craig Featherstone cut me this double-breasted suit in 2011. We ran a nine-part series on the process, in fact, including coverage of the measuring, fitting, trouser making and coatmaking.
The cloth is a 10oz wool by Fox Brothers, woven exclusively for Henry Poole as its ‘Seafield check’ – referencing the first estate to adopt the pattern we now usually refer to as a glen check, and for whom Poole historically made for. It is distinctive for its fine burgundy overcheck.
I’ve been very pleased with the suit over the years, although the relative dandiness of the check, and the double-breasted style, have limited its use. A single-breasted would have been easier to combine with conservative accessories, and wear to the office.
I’m also still not sure on the four-button style.
I had seen it on a friend and thought it was a nice, subtle alternative to the normal 6×2 (six buttons, two of them fastening). And it was cut exactly the same as a 6×2, just with the top two buttons removed – so I could add those two buttons whenever I wanted.
Somehow over the years, however, I have remained slightly unsure of it and also not added those buttons.
It doesn’t help that I’m also still not quite sure on the grey horn they are made of.
This was intended to make it easier to wear the suit with both black shoes and brown, but they lack the texture of the brown horn I love so much.
Considering the suit afresh now, I might swap the grey for a nice variegated mid-brown horn, and then re-assess the top two buttons.
In terms of style, the suit is made in a very similar way to that Richard Anderson tux. But the cut gives it considerably more shape.
So there is a light shoulder pad (by English standards), a standard three-part canvas, and a little drape in the chest.
The shoulder of the Poole suit is cut rather wider, however: 6⅞ inches from the back neck, rather than 6.
This extended shoulder runs slightly beyond the natural end of my shoulder, and is accentuated by the use of a sleevehead roll to give a slightly roped effect at the top of the sleeve.
There is also more shape to the waist of the jacket – something particularly evident in the side-on view, below. You can see here how the jacket follows the shape of my lower back, curving inwards before running out over the seat.
The hips are also cut a little fuller, and the vents higher (10½ inches).
All this increases the effect of the ‘X’ shape that we talked about last time – the top and the bottom of that X are wider, and the middle narrower.
The position of the buttoning point also makes a difference. Although it is the same height here (20 inches) as the tuxedo, the jacket is a touch shorter (32 inches rather than 32¼), which means relatively, the buttoning is lower.
The bottom of the ‘X’ is shorter, making the top seem bigger.
Of course, given this is a double-breasted jacket rather than a single, we cannot compare the opening of the quarters. And the longer, diagonal lapel of a double-breasted jacket adds visually to the effect.
But the rest of the cut – the most significant points – can be directly compared, and the flattering nature of those larger shoulders and close waist is clear.
The DB lapels, by the way, are pretty modest. They are 3⅞ inches wide, and seem narrower given the breadth of the shoulders.
They have a little belly at the bottom, but otherwise run up pretty straight to the shoulder. (A little belly is much more common on double-breasted lapels than single.)
It would be interesting to see the effect that wider, Italian or Milanese-style lapels would have on a cut like this.
(You can see a comparison of those DB styles in a previous post, here.)
The sleeve is pretty standard, tailored subtly and finishing in an 11⅜-inch cuff.
The jacket is made with a side body (a panel down the side of the jacket), unlike the tux but more standard for Savile Row.
Interestingly, the work inside is perhaps the least of the Row suits in this series.
In the original posts I noted that the collar was padded by machine, and the lining is machined to the facing of the jacket inside, where others do it by hand.
This is also one of the few suits with the in-breast pockets cut straight into the lining, rather than being supported by cloth running around them (shown below). Although a small point, this does mean they’re not quite as strong in the long term.
In the images, by the way, I think I have hiked up the trousers a little too far to try and show their lines. In reality they drop a little lower, just sitting on top of the shoes.
The accessories here are from the Anderson & Sheppard Haberdashery, and the shoes from Edward Green. I should have mentioned previously that they are sponsoring this series and therefore are providing these pieces throughout.
The Edward Green shoes are Berkeleys in black calf.
Next up will be Anderson & Sheppard. And there the proportions get wider again.
Style breakdown
- Shoulder width: 6⅞ inches
- Shoulder padding: Moderate
- Sleevehead: Slight roping, pre-made sleevehead roll
- Sleeve: Moderate, standard cuff
- Lapel: 3⅞ inches (double breasted), slight belly but pretty straight
- Gorge height: 3½ inches
- Drape: Small
- Outbreast pocket height: 10 inches (shoulder seam to bottom of pocket welt)
- Buttoning point: Low, 20 inches from neck point
- Waist suppression: Slim
- Quarters: No opening (double breasted)
- Length: 32 inches
- Back seam: Suppressed
- Vent height: 10 ½ inches
- Trouser width at knee: 20½ inches
- Trouser width at cuff: 17 inches
Photography: Jamie Ferguson @jkf_man
Nice suit Simon.The 4*2 buttoning is fine..I would’nt worry too much about a 6*2 config…..although that would be my default option on a db.To add a louche or casual look to the suit I would just button up the lower one….looks nice I think…but what do I know!
I like the black shoes much nicer than brown with light grey summer suits…it also has the advantage here of toning down the exuberance of a Glen check suit.On the latter point I would have chosen a navy or black tie…red in my opinion is too striking with a check suit.Knitted is always good….Bondian.
Thanks. Yes, red is a little bright for what I normally wear – trying out a little more colour than I normally wear.
Really interesting thanks. Which pair of EGs are those oxfords? Would you say they are a good go to for work / wedding shoe?
Please (after A&S) can you do W&S? I know you commissioned more recently and not quite as high high value bespoke but given its lower barrier to entry would be good to have done in this objective comparison
Thanks. I’ll think about W&S, yes. We haven’t shot them yet, and I have done slightly better coverage of their cut generally, but it would be good to include them
I would second the W&S request, because of their price/value and travel
Adding my vote too (doesn’t necessarily need to be next after A&S given you haven’t shot the photos—just at some point). In particular, would be nice to know what are the compromises if going with more affordable bespoke.
Apologies, just read they are the berkelys. Rest of my comment stands!
Thanks. Oh and yes these are great work shoe – for a wedding or black tie you’d ideally have as little decoration as possible, so perhaps the Chelsea instead (no brogueing on the toe cap)
Fair – don’t think the chelsea comes in the more rounded last though. Seems to be the same problem with C&J – the handgrade collection only includes the longer lasts. Would like a suggestion of where to find a conservative british oxford to a very high quality as I can’t find anywhere!
I have both Alfred Sargent and Vass oxfords on rounded lasts. The Vass F last is especially comfortable on my higher instep and with a higher heel cup, but the AS sole and waist are above anything I’ve seen at that price point.
Thanks Hugh! Do you know where I can find in London?
Anon,
Unfortunately, I don’t (I live in the states). A quick Google search tells me that Ascot shoes looks to have a London presence (prices are much better from Vass directly though). I bought by Alfred Sargent from A Fine Pair of Shoes in Northampton
Have a look at the Edward Green 202 last.
Do you mean a ready-to-wear British Oxford? Try any of the Northampton shoemakers. They’re as conservative as they come (and thank God for that).
Have a butcher’s at the Edward Green 202 last.
Simon, I’m afraid this (impressive) suit is best seen in person, and not in digital photographs. At least on my screen, the nice glen check pattern is obscured by a strong moiré effect.
Yes, the checks do that on some screens annoyingly. Still, hopefully doesn’t change the view of the lines and cut
I tend to feel that one can get away with a bold choice of fabric or an unusual cut but not both at the same time.
Even if you can make it work, it’s going to severely limit the number of situations in which you can realistically wear such a suit without sticking out like a sore thumb.
Interesting that you commissioned this one early in your bespoke journey, as that’s often when one tends to go a bit mad with the nearly limitless choice of options available.
And what’s with the Christine Keeler-style poses?! It’s enough to put a chap off his lunch!
Just thank your lucky stars the tie is well positioned…
Hah!
Technicaly very competent but I think it’s a case of great suit but doesn’t do a thing for you.
It just looks terribly bland.
Obviously it is the essential nature of the job that you hop from one tailor to another.
In the real world that wouldn’t happen.
As I’ve said before one of the great merits of this site is that you can bring us great things and make mistakes for us.
That said, if you were a mere mortal you would have one or two tailors and I suspect that Henry Poole wouldn’t be one of them.
But I may be wrong ?
I agree with you, David, but would go further. It is true that the suit does not do a thing for him. More importantly, a UKP 5,000 bespoke suit from Savile Row doyen Henry Poole simply does not fit him! There can be no argument that the single most important area of fit for any suit is the shoulders. Both sides on this suit visibly overshoot the natural shoulders, making the jacket look at least size too large and giving a baggy look to the shoulders and chest. In my own recent and repeated experience with Henry Poole I found similar fundamental errors in tailoring that have twice caused me to reject bespoke suits they have made, with owner Simon Cundey’s acknowledgement that gross mistakes have been made.
Thanks Paul, but this is not a mistake. An extended shoulder is a perfectly valid tailoring technique that has been used for a long time. As noted above, the fit is fine, and you shouldn’t conclude anything about it from these images
Thank you, Simon, but the second photo (front-on) does show visible divots at the top of both arms, indicating a poor fit. As others have indicated, and I must agree, the suit has many, many problems. A glen-plaid check in a double-breasted lounge suit is far too busy, appears visually disorienting, and is certainly inappropriate for business wear. The lapels of the jacket are too narrow, given the overhang of the shoulders, and accentuate the bagginess of the chest drape. The casual 4×2 , rather than a more conventional and formal 6×2, button arrangement makes the jacket bottom-heavy and look rather odd and out-of-place on a town suit. The grey buttons are lost in the welter of glen-plaid and unfortunately look rather tacky. The trousers seem to be cut too short and are too narrow and tight, giving a blue-jeans-like appearance without drape to the leg and posterior, and making the shoes and feet appear disproportionately large and prominent. I apologize if my comments seem overly froward, but since the purpose of this series is a studied appraisal of past bespoke assays, a critical perspective may prove of some use. Kind regards.
Thank you Paul, it is.
Interesting points all of them, but just on the fit ones, as I said you cannot judge these things from these photos. As noted in the piece, you hitch your trousers a tiny bit and already they look short, when they’re not
For what it’s worth, I had the exact same issue with a commission from Henry Poole with the very poor shoulder fit / divoting. I’m quite surprised how they are letting items come out like this.
Bit of a shocker this one. Actually emphasises the sloping shoulders rather than compensate for them. Sexton DB a much better example.
I would agree David. Perhaps it’s the photography or merely a difference in taste but this is the least flattering suit I’ve ever seen Simon in. In fact, I was quite taken aback by how “off” it looked to my eye.
Hello Simon
I can totally sympathise with your comments on the buttons. I’ve always felt that a mottled brown horn button at whichever end of the light/dark scale is preferable most likely in an effort to distinguish them from plastic buttons that you might find on a cheap RTW suit. I’m tempted to say shades of brown are more common in nature and therefore appeal to those of us that like those natural elements in muted colours, buttons, leather etc but I can’t escape that there are a lot of natural rock formations in grey that undermine my thinking!
How often do you wear suits like this?
I mean… it may have been nice, stylish, fashionable in 2011 to wear a suit like that but these days I’m not so sure especially since you have some incredible pieces
Not that often, it’s true. As I said, in a single breasted I would have done, but in a DB, it’s more for events, particularly those related to tailoring
Splendid cut of jib, what what? But turn-ups on a city suit? They just look orf to me.
On the in-breast pockets, cutting them into the lining seems to be – I stand to be corrected – the Italian way. It the sort of the thing done by the tailor (or coatmaker, if the house has specialised workers) rather than the cutter, so you’ll get in even on some Row coats. I had the lining torn around the pockets in some of my office suits, what with carrying mobile phones and wallets and various Important Things and suchlike. I suppose you just have to be extra careful.
Otherwise, the cut is clean and understated, the fit looks good, the trews drape nicely, and the skirts are the right length. I’d wear this piece.
Looking through my Italian pieces, there’s a mix of cutting into the lining inside and not from Neapolitans. None of the French or Milanese do it
That manner of sewing the lining is far more common on English suits. The cloth extension onto which the pocket is sewn and the lining trimmed around is in fact called a French facing. They are not terribly common on English suits. In fact, more than a few English makers (notably Huntsman) will cut a French facing and trim the lining right up against the pocket jettings, making it look like a regular machine sewn lining.
Some makers will sew the pocket to the lining and have it floating away from the facing. A few of the Caraceni houses do that and still hand sew the lining. It leaves me baffled.
Great detail, thanks. It always seems rather cheap to me when they cut the facing and then add another strip of cloth around the pokcet to make it look like a French facing
Well, I tend to sympathize, but if you’re being economical with your cutting, it makes sense. A facing with an extension is harder to work into the lay of the pattern than simply cutting an extra piece. There are very talented cutters on either side, as I’m sure your own experience will attest. Another thought, perhaps the piece could be a deliberate measure taken to ensure the pocket is sewn on the straight of grain if it’s otherwise on a slant?
Absolutely – it potentially uses a lot more cloth. And interesting on the grain, I hadn’t thought of that. I dont think it’s the case but I’ll check
You say you aren’t sure about the four button style–I wouldn’t presume to read anyone’s mind, but it might be because the 4×2 configuration is typically used on patch pocket suits and jackets, where the patch breast pocket necessitates the removal of the top two buttons. Still, the wonderful thing about custom is that you can do whatever you want. It’s a beautiful suit, and I hope it serves you well for many decades.
How are you measuring jacket length please?
Great series by the way
Back seam, so along that line from the bottom of the collar to the bottom hem
Thanks
I’ve realised that I’m not a big fan of the 4×2 jacket unless there’s a patch pocket or it’s on a very short man where a 6×2 would be crowded. The 4×2 often looks bottom heavy, as your jacket does. Generally, a 6×2 is more balanced. I’ve come to the conclusion that the 6×2 is the most balanced double-breasted style, though a 4×1 can look very balanced if the button placement is right.
While I am a fan of those grey buttons, I prefer them on a solid or semi-solid grey suit. I put black horn buttons on my glen check suit, which match the black in the check. It almost limits me to wearing black shoes with the suit, but I don’t have a problem with that. I don’t wear suits all that often, and I love my black shoes that don’t get enough wear. I wear brown shoes more often since I usually wear odd jackets. I think brown buttons would go very nicely with this suit. I think your idea to put brown horns buttons on it and make it a 6×2 is fantastic. I also like smoke mother of pearl buttons on a black and white check, since the variation in the colouring brings out the lights and darks in the check, and you can still pair brown shoes with them very nicely.
Stylish cut that will last. Re. the cloth it’s a classic standard, as such it will move in and out of fashion but will always be there. Stick with the 4 on the buttons – they have balance but agree with the change to a brown. One point: you mention 11 3/8” cuff – this must be circumference? Suggest keeping measurements to one standard – you give trouser hem as width – it just gets confusing otherwise. One last point, you seldom include how you feel with the suit on – I know it’s subjective – but it would be interesting to know.
Nice point on circumference v width, I’ll change those.
In terms of how the suit feels on, you mean how comfortable, how soft?
Hi Simon,
Thanks for this instructive post!
“In the original posts, you write, I noted that the collar was padded by machine, and the lining is machined to the facing of the jacket inside, where others do it by hand.” Are there significant implications, as to durability for instance, when done that way? And when on, do you notice any difference if compared with other jackets?
I also wonder whether your remark isn’t relevant when read within the context of your post dedicated to “the 1-6 suit rating system”.
John
Interesting questions John.
No, machining the lining to the facing is not weaker, indeed it’s probably stronger. Doing by hand is largely about aesthetics – and makes it easier to replace.
Personally I’ve never noticed a difference between hand padded and machine padded collars – there is more with lapels and chest generally.
They would be relevant to the 1-6 system, yes. It would be a matter of a couple of decimal points
I do not like it when the armhole seam is strongly angled outward (it gives a saggy silhouette, eg your right upper arm inward-looking, unflattering contour). Do you think it is the tailor looking for a 90 degree angle with your strongly slopped shoulder line or just a necessary condition for an extended shoulder?
I’m not entirely sure what you mean Gonzague. You’re referring to the outer seam in the sleeve? It may be the photography or the posture, but there is no difference here to the other suits – it is something we looked at and compared
Hi Simon,
As someone pointed out, a fairly bland suit. Other than your A&S gray DB suit, I am yet to see an english suit look as good on you as your Neapolitan jackets (or suits).
On the point of fit, whats going on with the right shoulder? Surely, that would give pause to anyone thinking of shelling out five thousand pounds sterling.
Interesting to explore more what people mean by bland, or by looking good. Flattering particular aspects of the body? Having a stronger or subtler style?
The right shoulder is actually fine. As ever, we could have spent 20 minutes getting every line of the suit tugged to perfection, then have me hold my breath, but that feels too artificial. And the beauty of the fit of bespoke is in movement, not being static. Any RTW suit can look good standing stock still.
Simon,
It is I that used the ‘bland’ word and to explore it further (at your request) I would elaborate by saying that it’s non – descript or of no particular use.
We all have suits like this lurking around at the back of our wardrobe that serve no particular purpose.
If we are going to a formal meeting they simply don’t match the power of that well cut navy blue.
If we are going to a creative meeting or environment it will make us look like a pork chop in a synagogue.
If we are going out on the town it will make us look like our dad.
If we are going to a wedding it will make us look like the most boring member of the congregation.
If we are going to a funeral it simply isn’t dark enough.
In short, it is just plain ‘BLAND’ and as a consequence serves no particular purpose.
I have ploughed this furrow for a very long time and my advice is simple. To spend big is fine but don’t duplicate and get maximum bangs for your buck.
I’d simply never wear this and I suspect neither would you and that has to be part of the review and critique of each commission.
Regards,
David
Very interesting, thanks for expanding David.
I know absolutely what you mean, but I do find I wear this, often to events that sit between a business and social one – though as noted, I’d do more in an SB
What would David wear to a wedding?
Be careful, Simon. You are slipping back into the Royal ‘we’.
Actually, here it is deliberate as this was rather collaborative between myself, Jamie, and the cutter I mentioned that looked through every aspect of these suits with me
I wonder whether this suit, or any lighter suit, may suffer from being shot in a white studio in a way darker tones / colours would not. Are you shooting in a white studio to give a consistent backdrop through the series? Separately, I read your post on black suede shoes recently, struck by how much they added to the look of the recent Ciardi suit. Do you think suede be a good with the colour of this suit also? Great, great site by the way. Thank you.
Interesting point, and yes we’re shooting in a white studio for consistency.
I think black suede might be a little much for the already slightly dandy suit. Better in a single breasted
Disagree with quite a few comments here, far less bland than most of your Neapolitan items here!
Two extra button added to the top would vastly help balance and add to a classic look. The 4 buttons IMHO don’t fit a classic tailor like HP.
Hi Simon! Loving this series–rather quite informative. May I know if your suit reflects the Poole “house style” in the sense that DBs are more representative of their output than, say, a 2B SB? Or, put another way, is the house’s aesthetics best displayed by such a model? Thanks!
Hi Chris, this is house style for a DB, yes, and obviously most of the points we mention apply to SB and DB. But like all house they make more SB
Hi Simon,
I love this suit.
Three years ago , I commissioned a very similar one, and wear it around 4 times a year, mainly on weekend occasions where a dark grey or blue is too formal.
Best regards,
Hi Simon, I mentioned the point on how each suit feels. By that I mean three things. Firstly the level of comfort, fit and drape. Is it a little too soft and without hold, converesly does it have too much hold in that it doesn’t flow with you. Secondly, how does it make you feel; wardrobe favourites give one confidence, comfort and compatibility with the surrounding or proposed event. The opposite may reduce confidence and make one feel conspicuous or out of place. By using these paradigms I wondered how each suit measured up. Lastly the very best of garments seem to move with rather than against the wearer in that, within the cut, they have an element of lattitude that allows for graceful movement (minimum fabric stretch, no binding, no constrictions etc.). Ideally one can therefore feel well dressed but at (nonchalant) ease.
We’ll described, thank you
I’m on the fence with the Glen Urquhart check suit. It’s a bit too busy and informal in pattern for a DB suit. I do love the GU pattern though. It’s a British/Scottish classic
just for accuracy this is not Glen Urquhart; it POW.
You’re right. Not being English, I didn’t have any reference points given how closely related both patterns are. Thanks for letting me know.
This may be a suit you have to see in the flesh to be able to appreciate. From my monitor the busy overcheck pattern just does not come though and looks strobey. I also wonder about the fit re the shoulders – it may be deliberate, but it does not seem to flatter. I don’t wear double breasted (I’ve only had 2 DBs in my life) so I may be simply biased when I say I think this cloth would have employed better in a single breasted number, as the check seems inherently less formal. (though I could never describe it as bland).
What are your thoughts on jackets with no vents? Can they look good ?
Yes they can, and this was discussed a little on the tux post. Perhaps have a quick look there
I think the issue of the shoulders cannot be dismissed quite as easily as you do here, Simon. The fact is that the wider shoulder does indeed accentuate the slope of your shoulders. I have the very same issue and have concluded that a more structured look really is more flattering.
Apologies if I wasn’t clear – I wasn’t referring to the width of the shoulder, as this is something objective that I had stated and measured, and is a definite feature of the style, yes. I was referring to comments around the cleanliness of that line or the top of the sleeve.
An extended shoulder does indeed make my shoulders seem more sloped, as does cutting the collar higher up on the neck. Both lengthen that line and therefore accentuate it. You see a real case of that on the B&Tailor cut as well.
Personally I like sloping shoulders, but it is certain a more subjective aspect
I take it you like the slope because it breaks up the line of the suit, or do you simply favor the natural shoulder?
Let me think more about the reasons. I think because it looks a little more relaxed and comfortable, and because I find drape and extended shoulders make more of a difference to how flattering the jacket is. Building up the shoulders doesn’t really do that
Really love this post series, Simon!
I’ve been looking into getting a “staple” bespoke suit made for myself (staple being a standard navy or gray plain suit). I’ve been reading up on a lot of your content on trying to find the best style or house that would best suit me.
My issue is that I have a very athletic build – broad shoulders, pronounced chest and seat, and thigh area, with a very trim waist. I’ve found that more English style suits with heavier shoulder padding don’t compliment those with an athletic build.
Would you have any recommendations on a “style” that would best compliment someone with an athletic frame? Would something with a very soft shoulder work best? Or something in between?
Thanks!
It’s best to think of this in terms of what you want to minimise or accentuate. What is ‘flattering’ is so much more subjective.
Have you read this post on those points.
Simon, swap the buttons for brown horn. You won’t feel like “john major grey” any more, and you wont have a problem wearing black shoes either. Small step but big change. You’ll start wearing the suit more.
Hi Simon, I have never commented before but your honesty is impressive, to admit having spent a lot of money but the item is lacking in some way. I like your style and emulate it when I can by buying used or O.T.P and do all my own alterations.
As to the suit, the buttons are a little bland IMHO and I find the black shoes too ordinary for you ! This is a great blog and always good to get your updates.
regards Colin
Thanks Colin
Trousers look good on you, if perhaps slightly wide-legged.
With your sloping shoulders, I’d rather more padding there, and a more nipped-in waist. You are slim, but that fact seems concealed by this coat.
Hello again
Looking at your pics once more, I would say that the all grey look of this suit just doesn’t do you justice
regards
Lovely. Great silhouette. Especially (to me) from the hanky and down.
It would be interesting to hear your thoughts on wearing it with vest or not. Too much? I mean as double breasted its an obvious option.
I wouldn’t wear it with a waistcoat, no. In fact I would never really do so with a DB suit or jacket
Thanks, now I have another one if you dont mind; I like a cut where the lapels meet quite high. The main V i short so to speak. David Bowie as example often had that, see https://goo.gl/images/iKiwE1 To me that is the first fifference I notice when comparing with the jacket by Poole’s. Can you tell some about that choice. Also I dont get what measure in your list that tells about this.
Cheers!
What
That’s the buttoning point
Dear Sir–
I am a Yank and live in the Mojave Desert in southern, California. I favor English cut clothing, since my parents are immigrants from Glasgow. I am 85 years old, but would like to buy a double breasted blazer with the styling as shown above. Wide lapel 4-1/4″ to 4-1/2″, high peak lapels. After looking at ready made products and buying some which I have had to return, I find it impossible to buy one. It seems as if I have to spend upwards of $2,000 to buy something, (I don’t want to sell my Harley Electraglide to buy one) but even size 46 makes it impossible, as Italian and or English sizes seem to be about 38 or 40; no larger sizes. Could you possibly tell me where I could find such a blazer? I don’t know what the late model designers are thinking, no one fits in so called “modern fit” and or “slim fit”. It seems as if one would have to be a Tour de France rider to wear one! Am I too “out there” to make any sense?
It is hard I’m afraid George, yes. Most suit designers are not producing this style. You might find something from brands like Ring Jacket online in the US, but they will still be quite pricey
Dear Sir–
Thank you for your reply; it is indeed hard to find s blazer that I like, especially in US size 46. You can find them until the “cows come home”, but not in larger sizes. I guess that most buyers are in the size 38, 40, 42 range, and in one size, the blazer may be “modern fit”, “slim fit”, “classic fit”, “Italian fit” (small and and larger) and who knows whatever size! I’ll keep looking, and again thanks for the reply.
George
You can easily find what you are seeking off the peg………..and without spending anything like $2,000………
You should look at some of the English suppliers such as Charles Tyrwhitt, Samuel Windsor or Brook Taverner, etc…
There are many others ……as there will be in the US……
The ones I list I have found excellent…..
Be aware that some of the pictures shown in catalogues…or online…..very often feature someone wearing something that is obviously too small for them.
Indeed, one wonders why companies allow this sort of thing in their publicity and sales material…..
If distinctions are made between Classic, Tailored and Slim Fit……go for the Classic……they are usually fairly well tailored.
I have bought shirts from Thrwhitt’s now for decades…..and their Covert Coats are so very well made that wearing them seems to be a privilege more than anything else.
I am invariably complimented when I wear their Covert Coats….with pocket squares..
Save the big money for the Harley, T-shirts, Beer…..and Chicks…..!
Just a few thoughts…..trust you might find them useful.
Simon,
Bit of a softball of a question. But where does the Poole house cut sit with regard to softness, on the spectrum from A&S to Huntsman?
In between, but closer to A&S if anything
Having just read all three reviews I am inclined to think that the HP is best overall. It is not my taste but the trousers fit better than the others and it is clear that they have seen more of the Tailors iron than the others. The jacket is a much better fit especially around the armhole and back shoulder. I think the remaining two are being optimistic if they feel that they are offering good value for money compared to the HP submission.
I’m travelling to Seattle (Washington State) from Vancouver (Canada) later this month to visit Henry Poole for what will be my first bespoke suit. I’m very much looking forward to it. I’ve poked around a little bit but can’t find a definitive comment on whether or not HP has a signature house style, any thoughts? Any advice/comments with respect to getting a bespoke suit made though a series of hotel visits rather than attending the storefront in the usual course? Cheers.
You can get a decent idea of the style from coverage on here, particularly this style breakdown piece. Basically, it’s a traditional English suit in cut and structure, a little lighter in make and less square in the shoulder than some (eg Huntsman) but also not a drape cut like Anderson & Sheppard. There will be some flexibility when you meet them, but go with their style and recommendations in general.
In terms of making a suit through trunk shows, I’d say that preparation is important, as you can’t pop in a week later and change your mind. So have a good idea of what you want, and when you’re at the appointment for a later fitting, take a few minutes to wear the jacket if you’re unsure of any decisions around style or fit. Even five minutes of wearing it and walking around can help. And really try to mention everything you’re thinking or concerned about to the tailor. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.
Hey, Simon. Does henry poole & co make MTM suits and if yes, do you have any idea about the pricing.
No they don’t, only bespoke
Simon,
Some guidance if you would please. In your experience with Henry Poole (using their house style), do you think the bespoke fit achieved is noticeably better than you received from Whitcomb and Shaftesbury assuming a similar style from them? I ask because I’ve commissioned a suit with W&S. I’m going through their fitting process during trunk show visits. So far so good, but I won’t have the final suit for months. I’m considering commissioning a suit with Henry Poole. As you know the price is significantly more. I understand price/value ratio is subjective. I’m hoping some feedback on fit might help me decide on this project. Any opinion on how a specific part of the jacket or trousers fits better from Poole compared to what you’ve received from W&S? If in your opinion the fit of the Poole is just marginally better than what you’ve received from W&S, I’d be curious to know. I don’t mean to ask if one house is definitively better than the other, you’ve been clear both do outstanding work.
Thanks,
Chris
Hi Chris,
No, the Poole suit I had didn’t fit better really. They were both very good fits. The price difference is largely the labour being in India for Whitcomb and then the location/rent at Poole.
Thank You Simon. Your input certainly helps me in my decision.
Are these measurements taken by someone else whilst you wear the jacket, or by yourself with the jacket on a hanger? Things like the length eg would be slightly different if measured on the body given factors like natural curvature of the back. Thank you.
They’re taken by someone else, but no they wouldn’t be different, as the tape follows the line of the back very carefully. We did check that.
I am of the opinion that more structure to the shoulders would improve things here…..
With something in such a dominant pattern……..the lack of any real shape to the shoulders lets it down considerably…….
The suit is basically all lapels……….and they dominate the look of the suit more than they should.
Given the obvious merits of a bespoke tailored suit I cannot understand why one would not let the tailoring speak for itself.
With structure to the shoulders it would do so………but as it is, it has all the appearance of a suit where too much money has been spent only to result in something that does not look the part.
I just bought a similar prince of wales vtg ralph lauren 3 button, three piece suit with black, white, and red overlays and was curious the best way to pair the suit with shirting, ties and shoes? Do I keep it conservative with a white shirt or do I go with a red striped shirt or is this a difficult cloth to wear?
It can be great with a wide range of shirts and ties. White, blue and pink shirts, maybe with a subtle stripe if it’s different enough in density from the check. Lots of colours of ties, even though I’d start with something simple like a navy
I am looking for advise on commissioning my first Henry Poole suit.
Hi Adam,
Sure, happy to help. I can offer consultancy services in person if that was what you were looking for, or there are lots of resources around the site. Eg the Suit Style guide for all your questions about what to get, or the Guide to Cloth on the material side. Also lots of posts about visiting the tailor if you search
Hi Simon,
Many thanks. The threads you linked me to are just what I needed.
Regards,
Adam
Oh good. Do ask any follow-up questions you have as comments on those posts – it all contributes to the body of knowledge and advice
Will do. Booked an appointment for June. As I continue my research I know more questions will arise.
Great, and yes please do Adam
What does ‘gorge height’ mean exactly and from where is it measured?
The gorge is the line where the lapel and collar meet. The end of that line (the bottom of the ‘V’ between the two on a DB) to the shoulder seam is the measurement.
What is the ‘overlap’ in the front? I.e. what is the horizontal distance between the two middle buttons in the front?
It’s spelt out and compared to other DBs here Andy. Hope that’s useful
I know this is ancient history now but a few observations.
if you want to go classic, go classic. It may appear to be a minor difference but having 6 buttons up front and not 4 up front would make an enormous difference. This is an extremely classic suit from an extremely classic tailor : four buttions on the front sadly does not make it look more modern or youthful or trendy. It makes it look unfinished / aborted. That is the suit’s fatal flaw.
I do tend to agree that the pattern might have been easier in single breasted but another thing would have made it more flexible to wear is to have had it tailored less closely to the body. That additional looseness would have reduced the formality a bit and made it a more flexible suit.
i also think the trousers are an awkward length. They hover curiously above the shoes which does not suit this style of suit which needs a full break trouser, perhaps without turn ups.
Hey,
You’re right on the buttons, I added two more later. And it would certainly be better if more loosely cut – I wish it were today.
But really the biggest issue is that the style and material are too classic for any office, and there are few places to really wear something like that.
I was wondering whether, for example, a dark navy polo knit and brown suede make this more wearable, rather than suit and tie? This, along with your point Simon regarding being more loosely cut could be a way to make it more wearable. What do you think? Incidentally I am with CDBP re trousers and, I know it is slightly sacriligous, but I wonder whether a narrower leg opening might take the edge off the classicism, and also make it more wearable?
On the theme of wearability perhaps the option is morph into King Charles… My wife observed the other day that he is, in her, opinion, one of the few men who seem to pull off a light grey suit with considerable aplomb. Her view is that his slightly ruddy complexion assists in wearing grey whereas for many men light grey seems to wash them out.
Hi Andrew,
Unfortunately a polo knit would be too casual for the material I think. It’s too fine a worsted, rather than anything more casual. I’ve also tried navy as a shirt against and (although obviously different in texture) it didn’t really work. A cream knit might be nice, but as I said the style is just too formal.
I probably agree with you on the trousers too. As to King Charles, it’s funny I was having a conversation like that the other day. Weirdly I think it sounds lovely to be able to dress that formally, but I would really miss not being able to also go out in jeans and a leather jacket! I can’t imagine someone in his position has much freedom.
Is the extended shoulder distinctive for the Henry Poole house style or do they also cut narrower ones?
They can do a little narrower, yes
Could you wear this or an another light grey suit in the evening? Or would it look odd in the winter’s darkness?
It depends a bit on the event – most people would never notice or think it was odd. But as a menswear person who finds these things interesting, I would and it is nice to go for darker colours
That’s more or less how I feel. I like the look of a light grey suit, but it’s hard to justify it in winter as I rarely wear a suit during the day (I tend to wear casual jackets). I wear suits in more casual materials (flannel, tweed, corduroy some less formal worsteds) in the evening for going out.