An opportunity, of sorts

[Aloysius]

I'm sixteen and am decidedly not a fan of the slobwear culture so prevalent today. As I'm moving back to the US in a month or so, I decided to check out a local tailoring shop.

I was impressed at the completed work I saw. I looked around at the fabrics they had, no real heavyweight stuff (this is South Asia,) it was mainly Super 140s and the like. I'm not too big a fan of said fabrics (prefer 12-14 oz,) but with labor costs as they are here, it's negligible, I suppose. Also, the buttons are not particularly nice, but I can always change those later if need be.

I decided to commission a 30s style linen three-piece as a test run (it's only costing me about 70 US.) They took very thorough measurements and I specified a number of period details, which they took note of.

If it turns out well (which it seems like it will,) I think I'll follow up on that order with a few more suits and multiple shirts/trousers in the month or so before I leave for DC. This is potentially a golden opportunity for vintage styles.

As it stands, my suits are a navy blue pinstriped suit and informal evening wear

I think I'll order a few soft linen shirts with stiff detachable collars(cutaway and rounded wing collars.) Also, a few shirts with soft collars.

What do you guys think I should commission for a good, vintage-esque wardrobe?

 

[Aloysius]

*bumpity bump*

 

[MK]

.

$70 for a bespoke suit!! A three piece suit to boot!

At these prices you can afford to experiment. Order it all......IF the suit looks decent.

 

[Baron Kurtz]

Don't miss the opportunity for cheap bespoke!

take this photo to your tailor/shirtmaker and have him/her make up the shirts with this collar. They weren't overly common, but they are certainly iconic of the 1930s.

bk

 

[jgilbert]

at that price, MK is correct. However, I would do a few wearing just to see how you like it after having worn it a dozen times or so.

 

[Aloysius]

Thank you guys.

BK, I was planning to have some done with that collar but did not have a good reference photo - that will come in handy. Thanks!

What do you think the 'essentials' would be that I'm missing?

 

[BellyTank]

I had a few bits and pieces knocked up last time I was in Delhi.
I also took with me to Delhi, a '40s PS suit with me to have altered- $6.

These guys need close supervision.
Keep an eye on them.

Where are you?

B
T

 

[Dinerman]

TheFatPack- what part of DC are you moving to?

 

[Kodiak]

FatPack- have about thirty white linen safari shirts made up in various sizes, bring them to the states and sell them for three times what you paid.

I'd buy one.

If I were you, I'd have a gray chalkstripe suit made up, and maybe a seersucker one, if they had the fabric. But, that's just me.

 

[thunderw21]

If you're going for a suit of vintage style be sure to ask for high arm holes.
Regards

 

[cookie]

Arm holes

If you're going for a suit of vintage style be sure to ask for high arm holes.
Regards

That's right or never show your face around here again!

 

[thunderw21]

That's right or never show your face around here again!

Agreed.

 

[gluegungeisha]

I had a few bits and pieces knocked up last time I was in Delhi.
I also took with me to Delhi, a '40s PS suit with me to have altered- $6.

These guys need close supervision.
Keep an eye on them.

Where are you?

B
T

Where in Delhi did you go? I found a few very good places, but you have to be in the right area. That sounds like a Main Bazaar price...best place to be thrifty, but yeah, you do have to watch what they're doing.

 

[Undertow]

What do you think the 'essentials' would be that I'm missing?

I'm not sure if this is what you're looking for, but Matt D. posted a good list here: http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=7506