Reader Questions

From Sam

"Since my lifestyle does not require me to wear a suit on a daily basis, I find odd jackets to be more useful and versatile than suits. I prefer a 1-button jacket a-la Huntsman style and will most likely commission a notch lapel jacket with patch pockets and side vents from my tailor. What would you say is the quintessential fall jacketing?"

Since it's for Fall, the jacket should probably be tweed (like the one on the Prince of an actor in the photo) unless you've already got an abundance of tweed jackets.

Gray Harris tweed (or a black and white houndstooth) is useful if you're going to wear the coat principally while earning a living. If it's for the country, or for a campus, consider a Breanish or a Donegal in tan or orange (like the ones from Andrew Elliot Ltd).


From Raymond

"I thought that perhaps you could help me navigate a situation. I ordered a few made to measure shirts from a well known artisan and the sleeves are simply too short. Everything else is great. Is this a do over? Or are shirtmakers able to simply make new sleeves? Should I insist on new shirts?"

First order? Since you didn't mention it, I presume there was not a sample shirt made before the rest of the order to get the fit right. In that case, if you did nothing to cause the sleeves to be too short, the maker should fix them at its expense. Reputable shirtmakers will do so, and hopefully you are dealing with one of them.

If they do agree to fix the problem, how they fix it will be up to them. They should be able to replace the sleeves without you being able to tell any difference.