The whole point of having a garment made bespoke is that you can pretty much have anything you like. Here is an overview of what you can expect from a Lucy Adams Shirt.. it is by no means finite however, and I will source any specific requirement individually.
Step 1: The Cloth
Firstly you would choose fabrics for your shirt, we use two main shirting companies Acorn and Ringhart. These are both English manufactured, in Cumbria and Surrey. Customers of English Cut may have had SIC Tess fabric for previous shirts, I also have samples of this, arguably the best Italian cloth you can buy. Alumo, a swiss manufacturer and silk for example can be sourced if required. Some customers have had a printed cloth for the inside of the cuff and collar, I have a sample book of Liberty prints which give a twist to traditional shirts.
Step 2: The Measures
I take about 15 measures first of all and then discuss the fit that most suits you and that you are most comfortable with. I will also look at your posture and figuration. It is always preferable that you come to the meeting in your favourite shirt. It is useful to see how a normal shirt sits on the body. It also helps with the styling.
Step 3: Styling
At this point we would look at the fabric choices again, and decide what type of collar/cuff and front you would like. Below are some diagrams and images of the types available. Again these are only guidelines and should you require a more specific detail a new pattern can be made. Standard buttons are white mother of pearl, (and black mother of pearl on darker shirts) but any can be sourced. Coloured mussel shell are good for brightly coloured shirts as well as more fancy button options/antique or decorative ones.
Step 4: The Shirt
The shirt takes 3-4 weeks to make and ship. I will send the shirt out to you to wear and wash a few times, then if neccessary make any alterations. This is only needed for the first shirt as once the pattern is perfect then repeat orders can be made easily.
An £80 deposit is taken at the first appointment, then the balance has to be cleared before the order is shipped.
4 Comments
November 6, 2008 at 10:42 pm
Hi Lucy,
In your bespoke shirt process, how do you determine collar size and height? I’m looking to try different bespoke shirt makers because I haven’t been quite satisfied that the collar size and height fits the shape of my face or with the collar “staying up” (not stiff enough?) My current tailor has not been able to provide me with guidance on this, so I’m looking for other options.
Thanks,
Cam
November 9, 2008 at 12:44 pm
Hi Cam,
We have general guides of course but as its bespoke we can make them to the dimensions that suit you. In order to do this I always ask people to come to an appointment wearing their favourite shirt, whether that be from a fit/styling/collar/cuff or fabric perspective. That way I can see what you like/don’t like, then improve any aspect that is required, half an inch here or there, crafting the perfect shirt is a process, the first one is the one where we get the pattern right.
L
March 19, 2009 at 8:48 pm
Thanks Lucy. Where can I find your shirt pricing?
April 8, 2009 at 8:51 pm
Hi Cameron, just spotted your comment…the 1st shirt is always £180, then any subsequent shirts depend on the amount ordered at once. For fabrics higher in quality than Super 140 the additional cost to me is passed on top of the £180 (usually between £20-40) There is no minimum order. Hope this helps, feel free to email if you have any further queries!