It’s been a while since my last installment on the journey of my custom suit from VM Clothiers.
While it took longer than I had planned to wrap up this three-part review, rest assured that the extra time I’ve devoted to putting the suit through its paces has only reinforced my total satisfaction with the endeavor.
It’s a great suit and I will be calling on Vishal again soon. Overall, it is very well constructed and, most importantly, fits me just right. The details are well thought out and in the right places and the design is classic yet modern enough to feel fresh.
I didn’t make too many changes to the silhouette except to shorten the jacket’s skirt an inch and narrow the lapels a touch.
This suit has traveled across the country stuffed into coach, sat through too many meetings to remember and given several presentations. In doing so, I can honestly say that it has passed with flying colors and actually received a fair amount of compliments.
The final product
For the price, I think that’s a darn good deal. To be fair, is it the equivalent of a suit you would get from Henry Poole, Eric Finn or Georges de Paris? Probably not. Some of the interior finishing and detail work is not exact and I did not have several fittings and consultations with the actual tailors constructing the suit.
However, in this case I was not expecting the same level of extravagant detail which I would had this suit cost $2,500. For the amount VM Clothiers charges though (in the general range of $500-$600), you get a damn good suit.
Frankly, the kinds comments I regularly receive lead me to believe that no one thinks otherwise and that is just fine by me.
There are a number of details to this suit that stand out.
1. Here, you can see the unique fold-over collar detail. There is no felt backing the collar and none is needed. It is a very nicely constructed collar and lapel.
2. The trousers are cuffed and the standard addition of an extra piece of fabric helps to reduce wear that is caused by the heels of your shoes is another example of thought and detail.
3. While there is a coin slot in the right, front-hand pocket, I love the addition of the watch pocket. It is built into the top of the waistband, so even when wearing a belt, unfettered access to change, or even a pocket watch, is assured.
4. The trousers also have a standard ridged trim on both the right- and left-hand sides of the waistband to reduce the tendency of one’s shirt to ride up. It is very soft and not even noticeable, but still a welcome and practical addition.
5. Here, you can see the hacking cut of the pockets, something new for me on a suit. I really like this look as it gives a personal twist to a traditional garment. I also elected to add a ticket pocket, an English touch I’ve always liked.
6. I also chose surgeon’s cuffs. While a an added expense, though nominal in this case, I am adamant that for a custom suit, working sleeve buttons is a requirement. It’s one of those thing things that makes custom so very custom.
