the phillip alexander process
An individual experience
We listen. We consult. We create. For over 140 years Phillip Alexander have been perfecting the craftsmanship that goes into creating a bespoke Savile Row garment. Our commitment to service and excellence has secured our reputation with our customers; and we delight in creating one-of-a-kind garments, hand-cut and handcrafted around the individuals shape and style – providing the ultimate in presence and gravitas.
We are proud of our tailor made suits and want to share it with you. We think by doing this you will come to understand how a Phillip Alexander garment is a unique and beautiful asset to any gentleman’s wardrobe.
Find out more about our process below.
A RELAXED CHAT
It’s important we understand what you want, and why you want it, so we can create a piece that is perfectly suited to you and your needs. Many clients enjoy the creativity of this meeting where we can explore making their garments uniquely suited to their lifestyle, with hidden pockets for their iPhone, loose change and other valuables.
We’ll help you choose from over 15,000 fabric and cloth samples to find the perfect combination and how your perfect suit may look. We then take detailed measurements (over thirty measurements are taken to provide an accurate and individual analysis of your individual size and shape) These measurements are then used to create your unique pattern.
This appointment usually takes between 1-2 hours.
Savile row tailoring
Unlike other tailors who offer ‘made to measure’ but actually send their items overseas, we are proud to say we tailor everything in-house on Savile Row.
Our in-house tailors will then take the the fabric panels and create what is known as a ‘baste template’ which is a ‘skeleton’ of your suit which is roughly stitched together ready for your first fitting.
This part of the process usually takes between 6-8 weeks depending on the garments ordered and the complexity of the design.
FIRST FITTING
We want to ensure the garment fits perfectly, moves as it should, and looks truly beautiful on you.
After all adjustments and amendments are noted, we hand it back to the tailor. From this stage the garment is then stripped down, re-marked and re-sewn ready for your next fitting (if this is required, returning customers seldom need this stage)
FINAL ADJUSTMENTS
Usually by this stage your outfit can be taken to the finishing stage. As many as 80 hours are dedicated to each garment over a period of 8-10 weeks, after which you’ll receive your bespoke, hand-crafted Phillip Alexander garment.
Our expert cutters, trouser makers and coat-makers use time honoured skills to produce the finished garment. Nothing beats the feeling of putting on your hand crafted bespoke suit for the first time.
AFTERCARE
A few weeks after the process is complete, we invite you back to ensure it is functioning as it should and feels perfect. We can also help with dry cleaning options, and any repairs you ever need over the years.
We design our suits to fit for life, and ensure we offer a service to help with that.
“When I’m working my emphasis is on creating something of beauty. Beauty that is meaningful and
relevant to the way a man dresses. I look at the ratio of shoulders to hips and shoulders to waist,
these details are crucial. Making something entirely from scratch that works with your body,
one of a kind, cut by hand, sown by hand, a blank canvas.
That is when you can really put something truly special together.”
Alexander Homoky, Tailor, Phillip Alexander
Book an appointment
It all starts with a relaxed chat over a pot of tea or coffee at one of our studios.