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Give the gift of cutting-edge cool - with Adam James Bespoke gift cards

Wed, 03 Aug 2022 19:36:57 GMT

When it comes to both tailoring and gift-giving, nothing is quite like bespoke.

Whether it’s a personalised present for a loved one or an incentive to show hardworking employees that you've got their back, they deserve a pick-me-up with a pinch more panache.

That's the beauty of giving an Adam James Bespoke gift card. You simply choose the amount you want to gift and they get to choose their entire experience, from their favourite fabrics to fits.

It’s completely fool-proof (because, let's face it, we all know a fool or two).

Adam James Bespoke Gift cards

Occasions

Ideal for special occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries, special celebrations and even Christmas, show that you care deeply with a gift that, essentially, they get to choose themselves. The lucky recipient will enjoy a one-on-one fitting session with me directly and have the pleasure of thinking of you every time they put on or shrug off their new favourite jacket or suit. Sound good? It’s time to start dropping some not-so subtle hints to your loved one!

Corporate incentives

Employers need to work harder than ever before to retain staff. In the wake of ‘The Great Resignation’, thousands of employees have down tools and gone onto supposedly greener pastures. Casual Fridays and boozy lunches are unlikely to show seasoned employees that you value their input or that you’ve got their best interests at heart.

Why not opt for a more personal approach? Investing in an Adam James Bespoke gift card not only shows your team that you want them to look and feel their best - it also ensures that they’ll be ‘business ready’ at the drop of a hat.

Give them the ultimate reward for a job well done - and it’s as easy as pushing a button.

Get in touch with me directly to order your Adam James Bespoke gift cards today.

Cloth merchant review: Scabal

Wed, 03 Aug 2022 19:32:39 GMT

I talk exclusively to Andrew P. Goldberg from Scabal

Welcome to the first of my monthly merchant reviews, in which I sit down with some of the finest cloth merchants and millers to find out what fashion trends and fabrics they have in store for us in the months to come.

Let's begin with a Savile Row staple: Scabal. As one of the finest fabric suppliers and tailors in the UK, we have rather a lot in common - including that they provide me with exclusive fabrics that I use to hand-craft bespoke suits and business separates.

Join me and Andrew Goldberg, Scabal's National Sales Manager, for a clarifying conversation about the latest exciting developments in the world of men’s tailoring.

A bit of background from Andrew

I’ve worked with Adam for the past 4 years. I remember that I first met Adam whilst he was working for one of Europe’s leading tailoring brands. We definitely have a good relationship - anyone who knows Adam recognises his passion for tailoring, however, it’s our love of football that unites us.

What do you think is unique about Adam James Bespoke, and why?

There’s an old adage: people buy from people. That saying to me implies an integrity and an honesty which is especially apt as, in tailoring, garments have to have integrity to fit well and look good.

Adam combines these must-have values and elements and then hones them perfectly into his tailored garments on behalf of his clients.

What is your favourite (or a standout) menswear fashion trend right now and why? Can you give some examples?

My burgundy Converse All Stars – my daughters convinced me to get the Converse after I purchased some jogging pants for a family holiday!

The last time I owned a pair of Converse was in the 70s – that said, I thoroughly embrace the contrast between my bench-made shoes and handcrafted tailored trousers for the working week, then, at the weekend, my Converse and joggers!

Do you have a personal favourite fabric or suit, perhaps, that springs to mind? If so, why?

My favourite cloth from Scabal is the Londoner Super 140’s 250grm because it’s supremely comfortable and a great example of contemporary style.

The Londoner is a luxury cloth that delivers pure performance and the presence I require from a cloth in my ambassadorial role for Scabal here in London.

Can you tell us about any exciting new creations or upcoming collections to look out for?

We are celebrating 50 years on Savile Row. As you know, the home of Scabal is No 12 Savile Row.

To mark the occasion, Scabal has created a new bunch of quality fabrics, called Savile Row. The cloth has been woven at our world-renowned UK mill, based in Huddersfield.

This worsted quality reflects and appreciates the finest traditions of Savile Row but with Scabal’s distinct twist, making it a unique curation of innovative designs, colour and a benchmark in quality.

The Savile Row bunch has been in development over the past 18 months and will be launched this September.

Happily, Adam James Bespoke will be one of a select few Scabal customers to receive this very special commemorative cloth bunch!

My sincere thanks to Andrew for sharing his insights and his prized picks of fabrics to look out for. Join me next month for the next instalment of my new merchant review series .

Style without stiffness - why sports jackets are your summer staple

Wed, 03 Aug 2022 19:18:05 GMT

We all know that lightweight fabrics and weaves are the way forward when it comes to fending off the heat of the summer sun, but there is an even harder-hitter: sports jackets.

These unstructured blazers strip away much of the heavier elements of a traditional suit jacket - meaning they lack canvassing and often an internal lining. The result is the appearance of a formal jacket but with a much more relaxed feel and a beautifully breathable garment that offers unparalleled comfort.

Why sports jackets are your summer staple

With the more cumbersome elements of a suit jacket removed, you’ll find a sports blazer is much easier to carry and fold without creasing.

It’s also much more versatile than a traditional jacket as it has the overall appearance of a formal jacket but with a subtle, almost imperceptible, casual finish - which means it can be paired with a t-shirt and jeans just as easily as a shirt and tie.

One crucial element of an unstructured sports jacket, however, is the fit. For it to hang well and look good, the fit must be precise and tailored to you. Without the support of canvassing and the internal lining, any minor defect in the fitting will be much more visible - and harder to style out.

Of course, one way to ensure the perfect fit and a personalised finish is to get in touch with me directly to arrange a fitting for your very own sports jacket.

Sustainable style to suit every taste: Why vegan tailoring is a cut above

Wed, 06 Jul 2022 14:17:27 GMT

Whether you’re looking for a sustainable suit to see you through the 9-5 or a plant-based showstopper for a special occasion, at Adam James Bespoke, you’ll find that every taste is catered for.

Each part of creating your bespoke suit is tailored to fit not only you but also your particular preferences - and ensuring your look is as ethical as your ideals is paramount.

That’s why I’ve sourced a signature range of vegan alternatives to traditional fabrics which don’t use animal by-products in any shape or form.

This is style at its most sustainable. Let’s explore my full vegan offering.

Plant-friendly panache

Luckily for the vegans about town, formal finery and smart/casual business wear isn't limited to wool or other traditional weaves - there's a whole host of plant-friendly fibres and innovative synthetics which can create supple suits that cut a clean figure - without harming a soul.

From cotton gabardine, to bamboo, velvet and more, there's plenty of carefully cultivated cloth that can have you in standout style with no animal by-products in sight.

Going green doesn’t have to come at the expense of comfort - quite the opposite. For example, opting for a cotton gabardine ensemble not only gives you a soft, incredibly comfortable fabric to wear, but as it’s composed of a tight weave, it’s naturally soil-resistant and water-resistant. It also has a distinctive weave of 63 degrees - which means that it catches the light and seems to subtly shift colour in different lighting conditions.

With it’s lightweight draping, it’s ideally suited to the hotter temperatures of spring through to autumn - making it a prime candidate for casual wear or office attire.

Every detail of our vegan range is completely, 100% natural - even down to the buttons. For these, we use the grain of a nut (known as Corozo) which is a type of vegetable ivory - so no pesky plastic will blight your best look.

For more information, click here to explore the full Adam James Bespoke vegan tailoring range.

Client spotlight: “I'll never go 'off the peg' again!"

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 14:52:42 GMT

With Fathers’ Day fresh in our minds, I thought it would be only fitting to share a recent testimonial I received from a father and son who invested in a pair of complementary bespoke suits. Meet Nigel and Tal.

“I had a great experience with Adam James when buying tailored suits for the first time for my son and I,” enthuses Nigel.

“Adam immediately put us at ease with his nice manner and guided us through the process from start to finish, giving us advice when required whilst allowing us to make our own choices.”

“Simply incredible!”

Nigel goes on to say: “Adam’s incredible attention to detail meant that we had an initial session to be measured then a further fitting session for some fine tuning before the suits were completed just four weeks later.

“As for the suits: simply incredible! Everything from the fit to the tiny details such as our initials on the inside of the jacket and the bespoke lining on the waistcoat was perfect. We both felt and looked amazing.

“I would highly recommend Adam and I will never go back to ‘off the peg’ again!”

If you’re interested in creating memories while I create a bespoke suit to fit and flatter, why not treat someone you love to an Adam James Bespoke gift voucher today? Get in touch to order yours now .

Tight turnaround? You can’t rush quality craftsmanship

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 14:01:20 GMT

Those of you lucky enough to own a Porsche will know that the average wait time for it to be carefully constructed and calibrated is between six and eighteen months. That seems perfectly reasonable when you consider the precision that goes into every detail, right?

The same can be (and should be) said of tailoring. Both a bespoke suit and a high-end car are status symbols in their own right - but you'll arguably get a lot more wear from your wardrobe.

Sadly, people often don't factor in enough time to have a truly bespoke suit made for their special occasion - whatever that might be. The men among us are surely guilty of suffering from this blind spot in the male mentality (it's certainly caught me out on a few occasions!) - so let's talk turnarounds.

If you're wanting a handcrafted and perfectly tailored suit, read on to learn the average lead times - so you know exactly when to drop me a line to avoid missing out.

Don’t wait for weddings

As a general rule, it’s a good idea to leave at least 12 weeks between getting in touch to discuss your bespoke suit for a wedding and the big day itself. This ensures that we have enough time to go over your options, check that any favoured fabrics and patterns are in stock and have them delivered from the fabric mills to begin the intricate process of handcrafting your suit.

12 weeks might seem like a long time, but the average wedding takes 12-18 months to organise. Surely you want to put as much thought into your threads as you do the flowers?

Attire for the office? We mean business

For business suits, whatever style or shape, there is usually a turnaround of between six and eight weeks. This can, of course, vary depending on the fabric and weave density you prefer, but if you’re thinking of investing in a new suit to elevate your office attire, you won’t go far wrong if you allow about two months for the process.

Looking for a bespoke suit but unsure of where to begin? Get in touch today to arrange your free fitting.

Client story: “immediately at ease” with his tailored suit

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 11:31:05 GMT

Rob came to me a short time ago looking for a custom suit for his wedding day to his blushing bride Juliet.

He’d spoken to a few tailors first-hand but was still very much feeling out his options to ensure going down the bespoke route would be the right fit for him.

“From my first telephone conversation with him, I instantly knew Adam was the man to create my suit for my wedding day,” he said.

“Within minutes, we spoke like friends and Adam seemed to fully appreciate how special this whole process was for me. Once Ian (my best man) and I met with Adam, we were immediately at ease chatting and listening to Adam’s professional advice to choose our fabric and design.

“Like meeting with friends”

“The fittings became like meeting up with friends and my finished wedding suit was everything I hoped for on my special day.

“The wedding day was the happiest day of my life and the suit and shirt Adam created for me made me feel so special. Juliet, now my wife, was so impressed and utterly delighted with my outfit!”

I’m glad I was able to put Rob at ease for his big day and I’m especially touched by his kind words about it being like meeting with friends. I like to think of the fitting and tailoring process as being one that, much like the premium range of fabrics I use, has to be organic and flow well to make it as comfortable as possible.

Whiskey and weddings

Rob opted for my whiskey and weddings package, which is a particular favourite among budding grooms. Given that it’s a unique two-hour tasting experience with a whiskey connoisseur, in one of London's best whiskey bars, whilst you get measured up for tailored suits for the big day, it’s clear to see why.

With wedding season ramping up, make sure the happiest day of your life is also the best dressed. When people think back fondly to your vows, make sure they’re visualising you at your most confident and cutting a clean silhouette. But don’t take my word for it; take Rob’s!

“I would wholeheartedly recommend Adam to any prospective groom or to anyone looking for that bespoke item of clothing. Adam is so professional, friendly and provides a fantastic product and service.”

Get in touch today to enjoy your own tailored fitting experience.

My personal picks from the Royal livery

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 11:13:27 GMT

We've seen a lot of the royal family lately, but it has to be said that they don't always have the sharpest style. This isn’t necessarily to their detriment (as you’ll seldom see them on a ‘worst dressed’ list) but because for so many events and occasions, they’re quite literally draped in tradition. They have strict guidelines in place, which can certainly limit your livery.

However, it does mean that when a member of the family steps out of their comfort zone and dons something more dramatic, the impact is immediate.

With that in mind, let's have a bit of a breather from the jubilee and dive into something different. Here are my picks of the best threads from the royal family.

Black velvet? If you please

Prince William always strikes a clear-cut figure in a suit - but this is a particularly playful outing for him. At the recent premiere of Top Gun: Maverick, the future king can be seen wearing a black velvet Alexander McQueen tuxe. It’s a look we’ve seen before but one he wears especially well.

A classic, crisp tuxe is certainly a thing of beauty - and this perfectly tailored suit with strong, structured shoulders is a prime example of how to exude understated sophistication.

While the suit certainly steals the show, I’d also like to give a nod to the matching velvet slip-ons he dons in this picture, ingeniously embroidered with the F-18 Super Hornets on the upper - in a fitting nod to Tom Cruise’s aerial acrobatics. While the shoes aren’t available to the public, they’re a great insight into the more impish side of the heir to the throne that we rarely get to see and one that complements the soft, subtle sheen of his statement suit.

Regal and recycled

Let’s dispense with the inane idea that we can only wear something once. Clearly, with care and the right styling, there is no reason that a quality suit can’t endure for decades - as Prince Charles shows us at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding in 2018.

He’s recycling a suit that he’s had safely tucked away in his closet since 1984 - and one he looks particularly refined in. The grey morning suit, by Anderson & Sheppard, is a staple piece of his core collection, and it’s clear to see why. While you might think he would opt for a brand new suit for such a televised occasion, Prince Charles disagrees.

He said to British Vogue: "I've considered it. But in the case of that particular morning coat… you want to keep those sorts of things going, for as long as I can go on getting into it! I only wear it a few times a year, in the summer.

“I'm one of those people who hate throwing anything away. Hence, I’d rather have them maintained, even patched if necessary, than to abandon them,” he added.

Clean and classic

Here we see HRH yet again, this time decked out in a lightweight airy number fit for the rising temperatures of spring and summer. While he was known for wearing single-breasted suits for many of his earlier public appearances, Charles does now seem to prefer the structure and subtle sophistication of the double-lapel. The understated splash of colour, with blue offset against the soft beige/brown of his suit is a crisp and clear contrast, which really brings the look together.

For Queen and countryside

We can get so used to seeing the royals in their regalia that sometimes, a change in tone is just the ticket to remind us that, like us, they’re just people trying to do their best whilst looking their best. And what is a more abrupt change in tone than from regal to rural?

Here we can see the late Prince Philip wearing a form-fitting country-style tweed jacket with rounded statement buttons against a subdued cheque pattern; it really is a quintessentially British look and it’s one of my personal favourites. I especially enjoy the deep, rich green of his tie and hat, which really highlights the warm undertones of the tweed.

Get the royal treatment

Whatever your personal style, whether you have a drive to be daring, a penchant for the peculiar or perhaps you’re simply looking to switch up your silhouette, you can find it at Adam James Bespoke.

Get in touch today to arrange a fitting of your very own.

Thrifty in a three piece

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 10:45:56 GMT

Why the office is the new occasion

I've seen a huge increase lately in the number of clients asking me for a three-piece suit. Interestingly, this isn’t for a specific special occasion but instead as an essential all-rounder. It’s a trend I simply can’t ignore - and neither can you.

Intended to be worn mainly at the office but also doubling up as a handy all-purpose menswear staple, this is something of a role reversal from ‘business as usual’. That’s right; the classic two-piece has slipped off the top spot.

Whether it’s for business, pleasure, or both - the man on the street dons a three-piece. With selective styling making it fit for essentially any occasion, it’s the shrewd and streetwise choice.

Whereas in the past I’ve recommended opting for a single-breasted, peak or notch lapel design in an all-seasons worsted wool as a flagship suit for virtually every occasion, the trend of ‘dressing up’ a standard suit seems to be turning on its head.

Increasingly, people are wanting more for their money - and it has to be said that nothing is as adaptable and as inherently trustworthy as the three-piece suit.

Whether you’re watching the pennies or watching the stocks climb higher, there’s never been a better time to get true value for money.

Dressing down? Done

Whether you’re after a polished look for a long-awaited occasion, wanting to command attention on your commute or simply make a statement in the office, there’s no reason for this to include three separate suits.

If you opt for classic tones, such as black, navy or dark grey, you effectively have an all-purpose suit which can see you through the thick and thin of the year.

Overdressed for that garden party? Simply remove your waistcoat, set it down somewhere safe, and you’ve gone from form-fitting formal finery to a structured but playful look that wouldn’t look out of place on any streets - whatever the postcode.

I’d still advocate a durable fabric choice, such as worsted wool, to provide warmth in the winter whilst keeping you light and airy in summer, but opting for a three-piece suit offers greater versatility and greater value for money in the long run.

You may think it easy to embellish an existing two-piece, but it’s arguably much easier to remove a layer than it is to coordinate and craft a new and fresh look from your favourite suit.

If you’re looking for a bespoke, tailored suit in London - or anywhere in the UK - I’d suggest making your next purchase one that is as flattering on the wallet as it is on the waistline.

Get in touch today to discuss how you can make bespoke menswear work in your favour with a three-piece suit suitable for any occasion.

The mane event: why morning wear is a must for race season

Thu, 05 May 2022 16:12:18 GMT

With the spring foliage coming into bloom and the mercury climbing, race season is officially upon us.

Kicking off with the QIPCO Guineas Festival in Newmarket last weekend and with the Epsom Derby Festival rearing its head on June 3rd, now’s the time when gents up and down the country will be exploring their wardrobes for the best attire to strut around the racecourse in.

As one of the earliest catwalks to showcase your finery and with honoured guests in attendance, it’s no surprise that race days insist on a strict formal dress code. Whether you’re looking forward to sun-drenched spell at Royal Ascot or “Glorious Goodwood”, one thing for certain is that you’ll want to ensure you’re decked out in morning wear to fit the dress code and reflect the respectable tone they’re known for.

Why morning wear matters: my top picks

People often ask me ‘what is morning dress’ and ‘how do I wear it?’. It’s perfectly natural to want to make sure you’re putting your best foot forward at such esteemed events, so let’s run through your options, shall we?

Morning dress, or morning wear, is a formal dress code reserved for the top tier seasonal events, such as race day at Royal Ascot or a right royal affair, such as weddings or galas.

The Royal Ascot website tells us that “Gentlemen are kindly reminded that it is a requirement to wear either black, grey or navy morning dress which must include [either] waistcoat and tie (no cravats or bow ties), a black or grey top hat, [and] black shoes worn with socks”. Boys aged 10-17 are also encouraged to follow this code.

For the ladies, their options are as varied and plentiful as the colour spectrum. For us gents, while the choices are a bit more limited, there’s still a great spread to get stuck into.

Morning suits

Let’s start with the obvious: the morning suit. As standard, you’ll be expected to wear a three-piece suit and a top hat. The suit element consists of a tail coat, a waistcoat and matching trousers. Perhaps counterintuitively, this is actually the less formal of morning dress looks. Black is the norm, but grey is also acceptable and is more likely to set you apart from the crowd - if that’s what you’re after.

While the waistcoat usually matches, given the slightly less formal nature of the morning suit, there’s no reason why you couldn’t opt for a tasteful colour coordination. Think less ‘contrast’ and more ‘complementary’ - such as a soft pastel to add a subtle splash of colour.

Tail coat and trousers

This is the more formal of the morning dress looks, despite not technically being classified as a suit. A black tailcoat can be contrasted with trousers of a different colour, which acts to highlight the stark colour difference between the three allied elements. Trousers typically don a tasteful stripe but checked is also acceptable.

Novelty is a no-no

While you can opt for a tasteful splash of colour, on your waistcoat for example, be sure to not include any slogans, cartoons or otherwise even vaguely inflammatory imagery! Don’t be tempted to decorate your top-hat with any coloured ribbons either, as only black or grey is permitted within the enclosures at such events.

Style tips

The morning tail coat is often worn unbuttoned, for optimal comfort and to allow movement. Be sure to get advice on the best length to suit your frame, but typically it should skim the back of the knee without extending beyond it. In this sense, proportion is everything.

Stick to a block lining of your coat to ensure the overall look isn’t too overpowering - remember, this is one of the most visible elements of your outfit, especially if it catches the wind. You can include braiding around the lapels of your coat if you wish, which Prince Charles has worn in the past, but overall this is more formal and not a necessity.

Trousers should be cut relatively high in the waist; this is to ensure it is in-keeping with the fit of your waistcoat, so braces may be needed to secure them and keep you comfortable for the duration of festivities. Trousers should not employ turn-ups as it clashes with the formal feel of the occasion and would appear as quite an abrupt visual. After all, the only whinnying should be on the course itself, not in response to your fashion faux-pas.

Shirts should be white, but soft pastels again are an option. A safe choice for this would be what we call a Winchester shirt, which can be coloured or patterned but with a white collar and cuffs. Stick to a turn-down collar - don’t be tempted to ‘wing it’!

Don’t forget your silk tie and slip to make sure you’re stylish, sartorial and savvy as you navigate both the enclosure and the social graces of such an exciting occasion.

If you’re at all unsure or are looking to revive your raceday wardrobe with a new contender for best-dressed, get in touch to arrange a fitting.

Double-breasted suits: why formal finery is back and bigger than ever

Thu, 05 May 2022 16:08:20 GMT

As one of the hardest hitters of men's style for generations, it's great news for the gent about town that double-breasted suits are firmly back on the roster.

I'm not a fan of 'fast fashion', so I'm delighted that this timeless livery is getting the attention it deserves in 2022.

From old favourites like James Bond to modern reimaginings such as The Batman, this cult classic has long since been embraced on screens and on the streets - now as one of the year's biggest fashion revivals. In fact, more and more people are asking for a double-breasted suit for the office and looking to smarten up their style with this reinvigorated classic.

Let's explore why this subtle, trimmed silhouette draws the eye and lifts your look - whatever the occasion.

It’s a cinch

With wider lapels, and overlapping flaps down to the waist, this creates a flattering figure and accentuates a slimmer stomach while also creating the illusion of a broader chest. What’s not to like?

Interestingly, they also usually place the arm holes slightly higher and with trimmer sleeves, which combine to give a sharper, more refined look that highlights posture. With a typically shorter length than its single-breasted siblings, it can even create the illusion of being taller by showing more leg and balancing out your proportions - which is especially good for those of you who seldom skip leg day.

There’s a reason why the double-breasted suit has been in style for decades: because it underscores a man’s best features with unashamed aplomb and easy elegance. While other trends come and go or have their ‘moment’, true style is absolutely ageless - and there’s no finer example than this.

Whether you’re wanting to raise the bar at the office, look trimmer for a special occasion, or are simply raring to revamp your wardrobe with an essential update, you won’t go wrong with a quality double-breasted suit, crafted with care (and the finest fabrics!).

Get in touch today to arrange a fitting.

Cool for the summer? Weave it to the experts

Thu, 05 May 2022 16:06:54 GMT

A stylish way to beat the heat

Now that we’re officially in the ‘20s again, the 1920’s preppy revival is roaring back into full swing. You might recognise the fabric more as wide-striped alternating colours, such as the iconic white and blue combo, but this is simply a stylistic choice; the effect can be subtler and still grant all the benefits of the seersucker’s heat-dispersing pucker - without making it look like you’re fresh from a shift on the ol’ railroad or starring alongside Dick Van Dyke!

Whether you’re aiming for a lighter look for the office while maintaining a formal feel or a fun and carefree casual vibe, the seersucker weave is the one to opt for if you want to stay cool this summer - in both senses of the word.

Crisp, clean - and green

While linen is often seen as the natural choice for fending off the summer heat, seersucker is actually a lighterweight fabric, and it’s lower maintenance as, unlike linen, its signature pucker is intentional and adds to its unique aesthetic.

Importantly, seersucker is also typically made from cotton, so like other plant-based fabrics, it’s a great option for those that want to go ‘green’ whatever your preferred colour scheme.

Speaking of colours, the options are as versatile as the weave itself.

Opt for a traditional white and blue stripe for a fun but formal suit that will set the office alight while keeping you crisp and cool, or stick with darker tones to enjoy the fresh feeling afforded by its unique breathability without appearing too frivolous - there’s no ‘wrong’ answer when it comes to staying cool and looking good in a tailored suit just for you.

Not big on bright colours? Don’t fret. It’s increasingly popular to create a seersucker suit without choosing different colours - opting for a block colour but of two different density weaves will offer the same benefits, without affecting the way it drapes. After all, the best part of a tailored suit is that it’s entirely crafted around you.

For added oomph and extra breathability, you can even request shorts with your seersucker suit.

If you’d like to explore how you can keep cool this spring and summer without being glued to the linen press, drop me a line.

Worth the weight: Bulletproof businesswear

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 12:12:10 GMT

It’s official: people are back in the office and back in businesswear.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve had an increasing number of clients tentatively ask me if I’ve been fitting people for a return to work, and the answer is a resounding ‘yes’.

With lockdowns now in the rearview, many of them are looking for a new tailored suit for the occasion - one that ensures they look fresh and focused.

The wait may be over, but what about the weight?

You’ll no doubt have heard people talk about suits in terms of ounces, weight or wear - but what exactly does it mean? Let me give you the low-down.

Explaining suit weights

There’s no ‘right’ weight for a suit but there are optimal materials for every occasion. Typically, fabrics are broken down into three core categories:

Lightweight materials or weaves sit lighter on the body and are optimum for comfort. Materials such as linen allow more airflow, which makes them ideal for keeping cooler in hotter climes or during the summer. They’re buoyant and delicate with excellent breathability, making them the ideal choice for spring or summer to keep you feeling as cool as you look. Lightweight materials tend to weigh between 7-8 oz .

Mid-weight materials or weaves are more robust, yet they retain their breathability, making them the perfect choice for year-round wear. If you’re looking for something versatile that ticks all the boxes and will always promote comfort, no matter the environment, a mid-weight weave is the way to go. Unlike lighter materials such as linen, these often maintain their shape better due to crease-resistant formulations. Mid-weight materials can weigh anything from 8.5 - 13.5 oz .

Heavyweight materials or weaves are the hardhitters. They are exceptionally robust, making them incredibly resistant to wear and giving them superior structure to ligherweight weaves. They help you to retain heat, making them - ideal for autumn or winter and are especially suited to outdoor events. These tend to weigh between 14 - 19 oz. In my opinion, heavyweight weaves are the definition of bulletproof businesswear; they’ll last longer, hold their shape and do what a jacket does best: keep you warm. These particular fabrics (such as flannel or tweeds) are heavy-hitters and are well suited to being overcoats or shooting jackets.

Whether you’ve got a firmly established wardrobe or are building your businesswear with key pieces over time, it pays to watch your weight. Get in touch today and I’d be happy to smooth through the scales.

Client story: “The best dressed I’ve ever been"

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 12:12:06 GMT

“I felt the best dressed I’ve ever been and probably ever will - which is what you want on your wedding day.”

Could you wish for better client feedback? More importantly, could you wish for a better feeling on your big day? At a time when all eyes are on you and your loved one, that kind of confidence is absolutely priceless.

This is Aaron’s story in his own words…

“I got married in Italy, which was the inspiration for my bespoke suit. I wore a dark navy slim-cut double-breasted jacket and trousers with a turn-up. Adam also sorted me a crisp white high-collared shirt. I felt like the complete bullocks.

“I had a great many complimentary comments about my suit from the guests. Mine and everyone else’s favourite part of the suit was the special lining which, amongst other images, included a tribute to my late mother-in-law.

“I think the bride liked it. Well, for a start, she didn’t run away at the altar and we’re still married! (She loved it, really).

“But seriously, this was my first ever suit fitting of any kind, so I was pretty nervous. I expected the appointment to potentially be pretentious and pompous - and I’m definitely not that sort of person. Luckily, Adam is very down to earth and it felt like we were cut from the same cloth. He completely put me at ease which allowed me to properly enjoy the experience.

“However, his laidback style doesn’t take away from his knowledge and passion for what he does. Adam is pwoper geezer that pwoper knows his stuff!

“I’d recommend Adam James Bespoke to other grooms without shadow of doubt. An old colleague of mine got in touch and wanted Adam’s details - so expect a call soon!”

Sophisticated style - but make it sustainable

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 12:12:01 GMT

Resilience is always an admirable quality - and one that we’ve all had to tap into over the last two years - but it isn’t something we usually associate with plants. That all seems to be changing, with more and more people asking for a sustainable alternative to traditional wool suits.

Demand for ‘going green’ is surging and by far the best alternative material for creating crisp bespoke suits might surprise you: it’s bamboo.

The fast-growing grass is incredibly sustainable and requires less water and labour than cotton or other traditional mainstays. “But how do you make fabric from a plant?” I hear you ask.

This intriguing process turns edible shoots into a wearable, washable wardrobe that’s ideal for any occasion - and perfect for your next bespoke suit.

How does bamboo go from stem to suit?

It’s a complex process but it starts by stripping the plant and crushing it to make bamboo pulp, which creates an almost mushy consistency. This is then poured through a filter to produce long fibres, combining water and amine oxide to soften these fibres, before then spinning them into a yarn which can be weaved much in the same way conventional fabrics are.

Clients are always surprised when I pull out my bamboo fabric swatches and find that it’s soft, luxurious to the touch but ruggedly resilient to wear and tear. Naturally, I’m proud to only stock the very finest bamboo for beautifully fitting and feeling suits: Huddersfield Fine Worsteds .

Based in West Yorkshire and with a state-of-the-art mill in Italy, HFW is an premier fabric manufacturer that’s internationally renowned. They supply some of the world's biggest design houses and most prestigious tailors, like me.

A natural fit with my vegan range, the premier fabric provider has three unique collections of bamboo fabrics, ranging from weddings and business wear to more casual looks. Comparable to cashmere in its incredible quality, in HFW’s own words, the fabric “exhibits a silky lustre and excellent tailorability” - which makes it a natural fit for me and, of course, for you.

Get in touch today to see why bamboo really is best.

My substantial guide to an ethical tailored wardrobe

Fri, 18 Feb 2022 15:40:57 GMT

My vegan range has become increasingly popular in recent months. Many new clients are coming through the door with the same ethical concerns and complaints that there are limited options for humane tailoring, especially in the UK.

My vegan range is an additional service that I offer alongside my traditional tailoring, making it available all year round - so it's not simply a seasonal staple. I focus on crafting a bespoke experience for each individual client, which is all part of the one-to-one service I thrive on.

Part of that experience is offering essential advice and insight, so - I’ve been asked by my vegan clients to put together a wardrobe essentials blog just for them. Well, here it is.

Business suit

Finding a durable business suit can be quite tricky, but there are options available. This is a suit I recently made from Bamboo - as you can see, it’s still very flattering and still gives me a great silhouette. Bamboo is naturally an incredibly resilient natural material, so this makes a great option if you’re looking for a practical choice that you can wear to the office time and time again - without showing the telltale signs of wear.

Casual suit

A seasonal suit is always a great addition to any wardrobe. For me, corduroy is great for winter and linen is great for summer. Corduroy, with its trademark texture and rugged durability, is a tactile and tasteful choice for staying warm whereas linen is ideal for the hotter months with its lightweight and breathable weave. Best of all, these suits can be broken up to their core elements, so that you can create multiple looks for different occasions and to suit any mood.

Blazers

It doesn't matter whether it's a formal or casual occasion, there are an assortment of different options available to fashion the ideal aesthetic for you. I find that a cotton velvet jacket works for both formal occasions like a black-tie event but can also be worn casually with a pair of jeans and t-shirt. It’s a suave choice that makes a statement and confidently complements virtually any look.

Trousers

I’ve always worn corduroy trousers - I find them super comfortable and very easy wearing. As well as being a distinguished choice, they’re also low maintenance and easy to clean. Whether you’re in the thick of it in the city or out in the countryside, corduroy is as strong and simple as it is versatile.

Shirts

You can never have too many shirts! My personal recommendation is to balance textures and colours to vary your look and your style by occasion, such as a crisp white shirt for business, denim for a more casual approach, and piquet for that trip away. (You know I've packed mine!)

Cocked and loaded: Gun check

Fri, 18 Feb 2022 15:31:46 GMT

The days are slowly getting longer - but spring is still a fair way off, which means that tasteful layering is still very much ‘in’. You’ll have seen the distinctive gun check pattern often associated with country chaps - but perhaps you’re not aware of its rich rural heritage?

Let's look down the barrel, shall we?

We know 'gun check' today because the now-famous style was adopted by the American Gun Club in 1874, which popularised the iconic criss-cross pattern across the world - but the seeds of this seasonal staple were sown, surprisingly, in Scotland.

The pattern was originally known as The Coigach and the regional ‘district check’ of the Ullapool area in West Scotland. It's very similar to how different versions of classic tartans signalled belonging to a specific family; the gun check pattern represented different Scottish estates and was instantly recognisable by their bespoke colours - usually earthy hues like tan/light brown, fresh greens and red-browns.

Like most things across the pond, bigger is better - and the Gun Club’s love of this distinct geometric pattern and its bold colours took the humble Coigach global. Which is exactly why we're still talking about it today.

The look is widely associated with country chaps, outdoor sports, and hunting - and it's now making a rightful resurgence as the classic style comes full circle - but don’t worry, my vegan friends, you can snag the look without firing a single shot.

Client story: A season ticket to style

Fri, 18 Feb 2022 15:23:38 GMT

This is possibly one of my favourite suits I've ever created. Can you guess why?

Lifelong LFC fan Alex (aka AGT) recently allowed me to make his first tailored suit, which he’ll treasure forever - well until Liverpool wins the champions league again, that is.

As a proper Kopite, he hosts Kop TV, which is "the voice of football’s most famous stand". He runs through his post-match thoughts, predictions and interviews fans for their unfiltered feelings, riding the wave of adrenaline that sets Anfield alight at every kickoff.

So, you'll see why this suit is certainly something special - both to myself and Alex. As well as a bespoke fitted suit that makes him look sharp on the streets, he's also always carrying treasured memories close to his chest. Plus, it's sure to be a talking point whenever he whips it off, whatever the context!

Here’s what Alex had to say about his Adam James experience…

"The suit is so unique! It's difficult to describe it in any other way apart from special because essentially it’s an unreal suit with something so unique inside of it that it just can't be replicated again. It makes you feel special, especially with the excellent service which is mirrored by his showroom.

"I've seen Adam’s previous work before I actually got the suit made - especially how clean and fresh it all was, I thought 'this is the guy for me'.

"What makes Adam different? I think the personable service plus the option to totally customise your suit in any way - that’s what makes him stand out.

"The whole process was seamless. I’ve already told people - if you need a suit, Adam’s your guy"

Film and TV, suits that inspire

Thu, 27 Jan 2022 11:29:53 GMT

It’s no secret that clients often come to me with ideas that have been inspired by film or TV shows, and I’ll be honest, it makes my job easy when replicating a garment that’s been seen on set. Whether that’s a suit, blazer or overcoat, for me there’s no shame in it, we’ve all done it.

Look at it this way, it’s just the same as when you visit the hairdressers and ask for a cut that you’ve seen in a magazine or online – ultimately we all take inspiration from the things happening around us at that time, and tailoring is no different.

I recently made my business partner Martin this James Bond inspired corduroy suit, which was influenced by the recent ‘No Time To Die’ film that hit the big screen late last year.

I’m also currently making my client Nick an overcoat inspired by Adrien Brody, who plays Luca Changretta in popular BBC show, Peaky Blinders.

It isn’t surprising that Peaky Blinders is a popular client reference in tailoring, especially after they re-ignited the world's love of tweed, monochrome three-piece suits and corduroy trends – and I love it, always have. I often take inspiration from vintage fashion and history of the 1920’s and 30’s, so having clients come to me with the same love of that style and era is nothing but a thrill.

Having a desire for something new is natural and stimulating, so is finding inspiration from film and TV. Whatever it is that sparks your interests and helps you escape and feel inspired, don’t shy away from it, embrace it!

’21-‘22 Winter Wedding Recall

Thu, 27 Jan 2022 11:17:53 GMT

We had a number of clients tie the knot over the Christmas period and throughout this month, and with the weather being bitterly cold, it was a great opportunity for me to dress the grooms and groomsmen in some of our finest Tartans & Tweeds.

Firstly, congratulations to both Gavin & Joanna Litton who got married January 8th. Gavin wore a tweed 3-piece suit using the Yorkshire Rose Collection by Dugdale, a true British classic that will last Gavin a lifetime.

Congratulations to Calum & Alex Jewell who said ‘I Do’ in Scotland on December 18th. Calum and his brother, best man Crawford, both wore Adam James Bespoke on the big day.

Calum’s tweed blazer and waistcoat is from the Porter & Harding Glen Royal Collection and his kilt was made using our luxury tartans range by Dugdale Bros. Best man Crawford also selected a tweed blazer from the Porter & Harding Glen Royal Collection, which complimented his waistcoat & trousers that were chosen from our tartans range by Dugdale Bros. I’m sure you agree, the entire wedding party look phenomenal and as ever, I am thrilled to of been a small part of the day.

My client Ash attended his brothers’ wedding on December 10th, wearing a suit from our Vegan Formalwear Collection. His eco-friendly blazer is from Scabal’s Cotton Velvet Collection and his black trousers were designed with W.Bill’s Cottons Collection.

I never tire seeing our vegan collection making such a mark, especially for a special occasion like a wedding.

I’d like to say a huge thank you to all of the grooms and bridal parties we worked with in 2021, it was a real pleasure, and I very much look forward to spotlight even more Adam James grooms throughout 2022.

Want to know more? Discover more about our wedding collections, plus make your own enquiry by clicking here .

Going Green

Thu, 27 Jan 2022 11:10:38 GMT

Over the years I’ve had this discussion with many clients, but it’s a question that is rarely understood, so here I am wondering again, ‘is green an inappropriate colour for a work suit?’

Most clients investing in a traditional business suit typically opt for one that is in navy blues and charcoal greys, but recently I’ve been thinking; what’s wrong with a bottle green? Is it overlooked, or does it come across as too daring?

The words ‘business-professional attire’ hold certain expectations of formality. A conservative or corporate office expects its employees to look polished and smart, and so they should, it is a professional setting after all. Indeed I understand how employees need to match their surroundings, but trust in me when I say that a green suit can most certainly accommodate the dress code for multiple industries and demographics. So why aren’t we seeing more of it?

Well we just might be.

There’s no denying that how you present yourself at work signifies your respect for the role in your company. It signals to your co-workers, your boss and clients that you care about your work – it’s the same mutual respect and care I have for my own clients too.

Alate I’ve worked on a number of bespoke business suits and not one of them were overpowering or exhibitionist because they steered away from traditional colour palettes. Each one was custom to the right shade of green, in the appropriate durable fabric and executed to the perfect fit.

I’d say green is back, and I hope this time for good.

Overcoat Season is Here

Thu, 02 Dec 2021 15:24:22 GMT

Whether it’s for the office or general everyday wear, clients are starting to wrap up warm for Winter and invest in a new business overcoat for the change in season.

The History of the Overcoat

Originating in the Spanish provinces, the overcoat first came in to play during the 18th century. At the time, the outer garment appeared single or double-breasted and was only affiliated to be a garment choice for peasant workwear, and you can see why, due to its practicality suiting many trades - especially during the cooler months.

The trend didn’t stay exclusive to the Spanish for long, with the garment swiftly merging overseas with European countries such as France, Russia and England all welcoming an outer item to their everyday wardrobe. But it was the English who (of course) brought aristocracy and elegance to the commoners coat. Over the decades the overcoat has represented the wearers social status and even become a key part of uniform, both for professionals and the military.

It goes without saying that the overcoat is a timeless garment that’s not just for warmth, but an item that will stand the test of time and continue to be a key fashion garment that has practicality and purpose.

The Adam James Overcoat…

In my opinion the overcoat is one of the most understated wardrobe essentials a man can possess. It is an expression of your personality and a preview to your style. That being said, there is an overwhelming volume of styles and shapes available, so I wanted to showcase some of the recent designs I’ve been working on to fuel your imagination and tailoring taste buds.

One of the key elements that differ my style to others is that my overcoats are bespoke. An Adam James overcoat is tailored to you and your taste, however, that doesn’t mean choosing the right one is made easier. I always recommend to clients that you keep in mind some key characteristics such as: weight, fabric choice and colour to ensure you are left with a garment that lasts a lifetime, not just the year.

Client story – Luke’s Story

Thu, 02 Dec 2021 10:02:32 GMT

When choosing your wedding suit a lot of clients expect they have to opt for a traditional matching three piece, or that they should only stick to black, blue or grey fabric colours because that’s what’s expected of them, but the truth is that really isn’t the case. It’s also one of the reasons why I loved working with my client Luke recently.

Luke came to his initial appointment with very little expectations and together we tailored a bespoke suit that matched both his style, personality and the occasion.

Here’s what Luke had to say about his Adam James experience…

“I first came across Adam on LinkedIn and was very impressed by his style and the suits I’d see him posting, which was the main reason I decided to contact him for my wedding suit.

"Going in to it I didn't really have any expectations, I am a pretty odd size so didn’t know what to expect, but I definitely wasn't disappointed with the process and end result.

"I feel incredible when wearing my suit; it fit like a glove, my wife was incredibly impressed with how well it looked, everyone commented on how great the colour was and the quality in the finish.

"I think it goes without saying that I’d 100% recommend Adam to others, and I will be getting myself a Summer suit custom made in 2022, because Adam is (and was) a quality professional bloke who I couldn't speak more highly of.”

AS SEEN IN PRESS: Menswear Style

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 10:06:05 GMT

Last month Menswear Style explored the popularity of vegan fashion and featured yours truly within their article .

The story opened stating that: “When we hear the word vegan, most of us think of plant-based food or beauty products. But vegan fashion has also been increasingly visible in the fashion industry - although there are still a lot of misconceptions about it. Interestingly, most of the vegan fashion styles available today are geared toward feminine tastes. There was (and still is to some degree) a gap in the market for vegan fashion geared towards men for quite some time. Today, however, that gap is slowly starting to close. As vegan fashion becomes more popular, there are also more brands able to cater to masculine tastes in the industry.”

I do agree with the need for Vegan tailoring - it’s the area of the business where I am getting the most enquires – and with a large majority of my existing male clients looking to either sample or extend their vegan wardrobe, I am seeing first-hand how consumers are branching out in to sustainable fashion.

Veganism isn’t gender specific, and I hope that through my offering, expertees and ambition to keep the conversation going, I can break that stigma and showcase the same beautiful garments my traditional fabrics create, whilst accommodate for a more eco-consious man.

Next year I plan to expand on my vegan tailoring offering and keep the conversation going for menswear fashion and I am so pleased to be on this journey with you.

You can read the full article here.

Bamboo Suits

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 15:24:24 GMT

There is a big drive from fashion designers and consumers looking to use natural materials in tailoring, and with customers becoming increasingly interested in the authenticity quality province in the way that their suits are made, fabric alternatives to traditional wool are on the rise.

With Bamboo becoming the popular fabric substitute, its popularity is down to its quality. The material has the same durability as wool, but with a hand-feel more close to cashmere. Bamboo is extremely resilient, robust and has a much higher breaking tenacity. It is also one of the most eco-friendly raw materials available and one of the fastest growing woody plants in the world.

About Bamboo

Bamboo can grow in almost any climate, from cold mountains to hot tropical regions, and it covers nearly 40 million hectares of the earth’s surface. This high growth rate combined with its ability to grow in such diverse climates makes the bamboo plant a sustainable and versatile resource.

How does bamboo become your suit material?

It starts by stripping the plant and crushing it to make bamboo pulp (creating a consistency that’s a bit like mush), pour that through a filter to create long fibres, combine water and amine oxide to soften the fibre, then spin that into a yarn and weave to create the bamboo material.

Will your next suit be made from bamboo?

Whenever I present samples of bamboo fabric to clients their first reaction is always a mix of surprise and intrigue. Huddersfield’s Fine Worsteds are one of many mills to introduce a bamboo offering into their collections and the luxury finish the collection offers have become a popular choice with customers.

I’m inspired and mindful of the importance of supporting and offering sustainable, vegan and eco alternative suits for my clients. So much so I’m currently in the process of making a bamboo suit for myself, which I can’t wait to share with you all soon.

The Corduroy Suit Comeback

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 15:15:09 GMT

With corduroy making a huge comeback this Autumn/Winter, I decided to make myself a casual two piece suit for the change of season. A good cord suit is one of best suits you can wear during the colder months. The corduroy fabric is so versatile, durable and easy wearing and if that wasn’t enough, it’s also great for those looking to grow their sustainable and vegan wardrobe . Not to mention the cord suit being the perfect garment for those wanting to opt for something more smart-casual too.

For my latest suit I opted for a navy cord fabric from Dormeuil, one of my most trusted cloth merchants that I work closely with for clients. When it came to the design and finish I wanted to create something unique to execute this staple suit – all the while staying true to my personal style and taste.

To bring my vision to life I used fabric covered buttons with a contrasting lighter blue thread for the button/lapel holes that matched the inside playing card pin-up lining. I also opted for notch lapels and patch pockets on the jacket for a more relaxed design. The loose fitting trousers assisting quite high with a double reverse plate made them the perfect fit for comfort and ease, finishing the look with turn up finish trousers so I can wear with my trusty loafers.

Contemporary corduroy is perfect for those that work in a creative or professional environment and can be worn as a full suit or as individual pieces - as smart blazers to casual trousers.

This season I have some great collections available, with sourced fabrics coming from Dormeuil, Scabal, Dugdale and Holland & Sherry. The cord suit is a must-have for A/W, but thanks to the fabrics durability it will be a suit that lasts for future seasons too.

Client story - “A suit I would treasure for the rest of my life”

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 15:06:15 GMT

I like to spotlight my clients and share their Adam James Bespoke experience - whether it be a look at their first bespoke suit, catch up with clients who are conscious consumers, or discuss the importance of having trust in your tailor - and this month is no exception.

Last week we caught up with my client Pavel, who came to me for his bridal suit. I never underestimate the importance of working with a groom, and how timeless the pieces need to be to ensure future longevity. Here, Pavel shares his story and explains why his chosen outfit will become a staple for future special occasions.

Here's Pavel's story...

“I learnt about Adam James Bespoke through a LinkedIn message I received direct from Adam and it was the story of someone who had built his own business, and was clearly passionate about it, that resonated with me. I wanted my tailor of choice to enjoy the process, especially as this would help my overall experience be a much better one too.

"This was my first bespoke tailoring experience, and hopefully not the last with Adam. The biggest reason being that the process felt memorable and knowing that the suit was not just an off-the-peg design, with a couple of small adjustments made here and there, but instead crafted with small details in mind. This level of craft meant that I knew I was wearing something genuinely unique and something I would treasure for the rest of my life.

"My now wife loved the suit on our wedding day and she especially loved the colour choice, she said it was perfect. Adam and I had spent the time to choose the fabric colour together and I took part in some of the ideation during some of the fittings further down the line, which really made me feel a part of the process as a whole from start to finish.

"Adam is professional, trustworthy and down-to-earth"

"It’s because of this approach that I would love to work with Adam again - hopefully in creating a work suit that I will enjoy wearing on a more regular basis. For me it would be interesting to know how the process of creating the suit for work will differ to the experience of designing my bridal suit – I guess time will tell.

"That being said, knowing that Adam James is professional, trustworthy and down-to-earth guarantees another memorable encounter. I didn’t regret choosing Adam in help ing me realise a perfect suit for a very special occasion and I didn’t regret choosing Adam in helping me realise the potential of menswear tailoring.”

Autumn Leaves

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 14:30:15 GMT

As we prepare for darker nights and cooler climates the Autumn Leaves collection by Scabal is the supreme choice for those wanting to create something extra special this season.

Whether it’s for a bridal suit or a standout statement jacket, the collection boasts both beautiful designs and winter greens, browns, reds and blues to create stylish looks. Woven in either a wool and cashmere combination, or in an extra fine merino wool, this plush collection is warm and comforting – perfect for this time of year.

Raghu, who is a very good client of mine, has recently prepared for his winter wardrobe with a new suit from this very collection and I can’t wait to share the finished product with you soon.

Do the price tags of the world’s most expensive suits justify the finished product?

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 10:23:20 GMT

This week I read an interesting article which detailed some of the most expensive suits in the world and while there were some impressive designs, it brought me back to why I founded Adam James Bespoke.

Many of the suits included in this article were from Savile Row tailors. However, unlike me these tailors design their suits for a very specific market only - the elite. With one of the world’s most expensive suits estimated to cost almost one million dollars.

Designed by Richard Jewels & Stuart Hughes, the aforementioned suit took 600 hours to create. I know first-hand how much a labour of love a tailored suit is, and hard work does deserve to be rewarded, but is such a hefty price-tag justified? I'm not too sure. The article tells us that there are three of its kind in the world, I for one would hate to spend a fortune only to see another man sporting the same design.

Another suit featured on the list is designed by Savile Row tailor, William Westmancott. The 'Ultimate Bespoke Suit' which comes with a £58,000 price-tag and is designed and woven in a traditional English mill. Supporting independent suppliers like this to ensure that the sector doesn’t diminish is essential and a belief that William and myself clearly hold in common.

Although, where our differences do lie, is not only in our fees but also our audiences. Though William Westmancott is a London tailor, he has stated that this suit receives interest from those further afield, both extremely wealthy Russian & Middle Eastern businessmen.

From the beginning my ethos has always been very different from that of my London neighbours. Adam James was founded to make British tailoring more accessible and affordable to every type of professional, demographic and fashion focused individual.

After many years working in men's fashion for other brands, it became apparent to me that clients were being unknowingly short-changed. For the money they were spending on made-to-measure and ready-to-wear suits, for me, the end result was all too often underwhelming.

I wanted to change that.

So while it may be your thing to go out and drop a small fortune on a new suit, just know that there are other options available. I will always create bespoke suits that not only make my clients look good, but feel good too, without hidden costs and additional fee, and if you are looking for something a little ‘extra’ like gold plated threads or glass buttons, I’ll be sure to source it.

I dress real people wearing real suits for real-life; commutes, meetings, nights out, weddings and occasions. I don’t design suits with a price tag in mind that means they’re best left untouched and resigned to remaining inside pristine garment bags, only to be taken out for the occasional photo opportunity.

A suit from Adam James is a suit to be lived in - after all, when they look this good why wouldn’t you want to show them off.

AS SEEN IN PRESS: Adam James in SLMan

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 11:47:48 GMT

This month, I had the pleasure of being interviewed by ‘South London Man’ for their feature entitled, “9 Cool Men Share Their Favourite London Pubs”.

By now you will all know the love I hold for a good whisky, so when I was given the opportunity to share what I believe to be the best spot for a glass of salt malt scotch, or even a pint with friends, the choice was easy.

The Sun Tavern in Bethnal Green immediately sprung to mind. This brick-lined 1850’s building was my local when I lived in the East End and it’s weathered bar that serves local microbrews, alongside a great selection of whiskies, brings back many fond memories for me.

You’d often find me taking a pit stop here on my way home from a long day at work or swinging by to catch up with old friends. This proper East London institution honours it’s roots as it welcomes locals and visitors alike. The warm atmosphere will put you at instant ease and provides the cosiest of settings to while a few hours away as you nurse your favourite drink.

This much-loved neighbourhood bar will always make me feel like I belong, and that’s the feeling I know will resonate with a lot of people when they think about their favourite boozer too.

You can read the full article here and if you’re ever in the East End, you now know where you should be heading for a pint.

Client story - Tailoring Friendships

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 14:35:33 GMT

One of the things I love about my job is being able to meet new people, but the part I never expected when I began this journey was for client relationships to turn in to ‘out of office’ friendships.

Nick, who has been a client of mine from the very beginning is just one example of this. We caught up with him recently to see why he’s stuck with me for all these years and what it is about Adam James Bespoke suits that has made him so loyal to the brand.

Here’s Nicks Story…

“I’ve been a client of Adam James from the very beginning and I’ve loyally followed him with great interest ever since.

"My first impressions of Adam were that he was of course incredibly well-dressed, and there was nothing boring or predictable about his style.

"As for the work needs, Adam James can create a high quality suit for any look, on any man. From the first meeting Adam was extremely helpful and responsive to my wishes. He made sure the design, theme and finishing touches were perfectly thought out and exactly how I wanted.

"In my experience Adam has consistently provided an excellent service. He has always been flexible and willing to change things too, meaning there is always peace of mind in the knowledge you can change your mind.

"From the get-go Adam was easy to deal and connect with and we quickly developed a strong working relationship as well as a genuine friendship.

"I’ve been loyal to Adam James, first and foremost, because of Adam’s reliability. He is always happy to talk, have numerous unrushed appointments and to run through both old and new ideas. He always offers fresh and different options for style, cloths and colours. It is always a fun and enjoyable experience to have a suit fitting with Adam, which always finishes with a couple of pints at the local pub.

"I have introduced Adam James to a number of friends, family members and colleagues, chiefly because I am always confident they will be as satisfied as me. Most importantly, when I’m wearing an Adam James Bespoke suit I feel its high quality, durability, strength and unique style. You could not ask for more.

"In summary, Adam James is in my view an affordable luxury and a faultless service and there really is no reason to go to any other tailor. I look forward to our next beer in the city soon!”

James Bond

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 14:27:09 GMT

With ‘No Time to Die’ set to be released on September 30th, nineteen months after its original release date, James Bond is heading back to the big screen.

The iconic fictional character has been played by some classy men over the past 58 years, so to mark the occasion of the 25th James Bond release, I wanted to look back on three of my favourite Bond looks.

The Man with the Golden Gun

Roger Moore’s safari jacket in ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’ has been endlessly spoken about and recreated for years - with luxury retailers reviving this fashionable 1970’s stylish jacket every Spring Summer season since it made its premier. The iconic safari jackets are fully tailored garments that are structured like a traditional suit jacket, but designed for more of a casual approach to tailoring.

Casino Royale

Daniel Craig’s navy chalk stripe 3 piece suit in ‘ Casino Royale ’ is such a classic tailored look. I’ve always been a fan of stripes which date right by to the 19th-century, when stripes became a theme in the city. Bonds suit collection is to be desired, but let’s agree he looks much slicker in 3 piece number.

Dr. No

Sean Connery’s midnight blue shawl-collar tuxedo in ‘ Dr. No’ is probably one of the most widely recognised . Bond ordinary follows tradition and wears his dinner suits using barathea cloth in blues, black and ivory. With a total of 28 dinner suits being worn across the films history, it was quite hard to single one out, but I opted for Connery’s midnight suit as this is what I’ve always pictured myself wearing on my wedding day.

Access-All-Areas Visit with Dugdale Bros & Co

Thu, 26 Aug 2021 10:58:09 GMT

Watch the full access-all-areas video by pressing play above

Here is an access-all-areas look in to my recent trip to the iconic Dugdale Tower, which is the HQ of Dugdale Bros, the traditional English cloth mill and merchant based in the centre of Huddersfield, West Yorkshire.

At the heart of British tailoring are the fabric mills and merchants, like Dugdale Bros, who produce the finest cloths which hold both important heritage and authenticity. Dugdale Bros have stayed true to their roots and kept traditional methods such as weaving of fabrics in all modern and current collections. Their aim of being ‘needle ready’ and to produce cloth which is “perfect for the world’s finest tailors” is one of the reasons I continue to work with the team.

I believe it is essential for me to keep supporting independent suppliers like this, to ensure that the sector doesn’t diminish and their legacy can continue alongside the growth of the British fashion industry.

My passion in keeping the cloth mills and their legacy alive is also shown in my #FabricFriday feature on LinkedIn – connect with me to read more cloth insights. In the meantime, enjoy this exclusive introduction to one of the best suppliers that I have the pleasure of working with.

Watch the full access-all-areas video of my visit to Dugdale Bros & Co by pressing play on the image above.

Three year anniversary

Thu, 26 Aug 2021 10:15:48 GMT

This month marks three years of Adam James Bespoke and although it sounds a cliché, it really has been quite the journey.

Adam James was founded to make British Saville Row tailoring more accessible and affordable to every type of professional, demographic and fashion focused individual.

A clear business objective was set from the very beginning, which was to expose Saville Row stereotypes and to give customers an opportunity to experience bespoke tailoring at ease and with confidence. Which ironically was the same sentiments of Adam’s business partner Martin Hurworth, who spent years trying to find a tailor he could have every confidence in, prior to meeting Adam.

The partnership between Adam and Martin is incredibly special and together they have built Adam James Bespoke to be what it is today - one of the most exciting and honest British tailoring providers to come from this century – the proclaimed Lone Wolf of Saville Row as hailed by the London Economic.

So as another landmark year is celebrated, we asked Adam and Martin what this anniversary means to them.

Here's Adam's reflection on the last three years

“It feels overwhelming even thinking about the last year and how bleak things were looking at the start of it, not just for us but for so many due to the pandemic. That being said, over the course of the last 4-5 months there’s been a transition that has been really exciting for Adam James. I’m really proud of what we’ve achieved, and to hit our third year of business after all that we’ve faced is a really strong and humbling position to be in.

"When I think back to my first ever client, it was a week after I set-up and the hottest day of the year, the combination of the heat and my first fitting really did make me hot under the collar (forgive the pun), but once I got to work I’ve never looked back. My approach hasn’t changed from that first day, I still have the same personal touch, it’s who I am, and hopefully one of the things my customers take away from our meetings.

"The highlight of the last year was probably my client Tom’s wedding finally getting the go-ahead, which I featured on my journal. We all know the challenges Covid-19 presented a bride and groom, but the repercussions also affected businesses and suppliers. I had to store Tom’s suit for 18-months after his original fitting, which is completely out of the norm. So to be able to produce Tom’s first bespoke suit for a day he waited so long for was a privilege – making people feel and look great is what I love about my job.

"The future of Adam James is looking bright, we’ve extended the team, collaborated with new suppliers and I’ve gained my first national editorial feature. The London Economic interview was another highlight, as it’s something me and Martin had been working towards for some time. To see my name there was such a great experience and proof that the hard work and our approach to bespoke tailoring is starting to be noticed.

"Recently somebody said to me that ‘in life you should have three people with you on your professional journey – a loyal accountant, a trusting solicitor and a good tailor’ and it’s stuck with me. I want to work with clients who we can go through life with together, there’s scope for my clients to meet one another for business and I want to work with young aspiring business leaders who are looking to progress their wardrobe as much as their career.

"As a brand we’re now working with the right people and people are wanting to work with us. My business partner Martin has always encouraged me to try new things, and that confidence he has shown in me is how I am with my customers. I’m looking forward to the future and thank all of our clients and suppliers who continue to support us on this journey.”

The other poignant individual in the Adam James Bespoke machine is Adam’s business partner and mentor, Martin Hurworth.

Martin knew from the very first meeting with Adam that he had something special, so in true form to his nature, Martin has encouraged and transformed Adam’s mindset ‘to give Adam the confidence to be Adam’.

Here's Martin's reflection on the last three years and the future growth of the business…

“I met Adam a few years ago when I needed a suit, he was working at a popular retailer in central London and was booked for my fitting. At the time I was MD in a business that was rapidly growing and I wanted to reward myself with a suit that would fit my larger thighs and small waist – not as easy as it sounds.

"Adam was an intriguing character, I found him fascinating, but most of all he was incredibly talented. We had very little in common, yet in true Adam style we forged a friendship and at my next appointment he had remembered all there was about me, everything that was discussed at our first meet, and offered the most incredible customer service that made me feel special. The total opposite to the previous bespoke suit I had made in the far East. That process felt incredibly unpersonal and detached to say the least.

"Adam moved to a new employer and I followed him to create me another suit, however, it was obvious that Adam had outgrown the roles he was in and mentioned how he was looking to set-up on his own. After a couple of conversations I realised he was wrestling with both business and the client aspect, and it became apparent that a partnership was the perfect and most organic thing for us to do.

"Being at the time, Adam’s target audience, and having experience of bespoke tailoring, we formatted a strategy that allowed me to guide Adam through the business elements, as well as encourage him to shine at what he does best.

"From the very beginning of our partnership the emphasis has been on our customers, exploring what’s special about Adam and the brand. Time being the key word as it took time to get ourselves in a good place, but we never adjusted our mindset and the results over the last year, even under the most unique circumstances, have come out on top.

"A high point of the last year was the Lone Wolf of Saville Row interview. The article indicated our uniqueness and brought together our clear manifesto of what the brand and Adam is about. The components have always been there, but the news story was a coming together moment for the brand and our future.

"Looking in to the future we want to keep our relationships with current clients, whilst building and growing our network and the education around British tailoring. We don’t want to, and never will, lose the personal approach of Adam James, it’s very special. We would love to support aspiring tailors in the early stages of their career as we know all too well the importance of giving new opportunities.

"Adam and I have designed the business to guide customers through their wardrobe. It is an organic and warm partnership and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for us. Thank you to everybody who is with us on this journey."

Adam James x Black Rock

Thu, 26 Aug 2021 10:09:54 GMT

As most of you know, this Summer I launched the Whiskey & Tailoring events within London’s Black Rock bar and the collaboration has been nothing but charm since the concept was set in motion.

I caught up with Kuba Korzynski, the General Manager of Black Rock, to ask how he has found the tailoring concept within his establishment and the merge of our two worlds coming together;

“The partnership is pure pleasure and you are a full on professional and passionate about what you do. I really liked the idea from the very beginning. The idea of it brings together great craftsmanship and knowledge, delivering an amazing experience for clients, changing the not-so-thrilling shopping experience in to something really pleasant and enjoyable - and to be completely frank - bespoke suits and whisky is one hell of a pairing.”

“The events are also working very well for of our business and we now have a perfect opportunity to showcase Black Rock’s drink selection and our knowledge to a wider audience (often to new customers who are based in our neighbourhood).”

My sentiments are the same as Kuba’s, which is probably why this collaboration is working so well and receiving high praise from those joining us every month.

My passion for tailoring is being complimented by my admiration and love of whiskey . It is the perfect blend for my existing and future clients and I look forward to see where this alliance takes us.

AW/22 TRENDS

Thu, 26 Aug 2021 10:01:54 GMT

As we’re nearing towards the end of Summer, and transition in to cooler autumn months, fall fashion comes back in to our wardrobes and next seasons trends are all about warmer muted styles with complimentary pops of colour.

The change in season provides plenty of opportunities to get dressed up, with winter months bringing the office party, award-nights, Christmas, New Year and everything else in-between.

I believe staying in-touch with current trends is a great way to feel your best, but also an opportunity to try something new.

Here’s a breakdown of the styles you need to know about for the upcoming season.

Corduroy

Corduroy has been an essential Autumn/Winter staple since gaining popularity in the 1970s. The classic fabric is not only soft and sturdy, but it’s come a long way aesthetically since the 70’s to offer more versatility for the modern man.

The term corduroy itself translates as ‘the cloth of king’, and is an apt description for an alternative suit that can be dressed up, or dressed down, for every occasion.

I’m currently making my first corduroy suit for my personal collection and opted for a classic 2 piece with notch lapels. Keep your eyes peeled for the finished product very soon.

Colour Recommendation: Green, Cream & Navy.

Houndstooth

Originating in the Scottish borders, Houndstooth is a recurring theme in tailoring and one that never goes out of style – mainly because the subtle pattern blends sophistication and versatility.

Being such a versatile woven check, you could even pair Houndstooth suits with a number of garments such as gloves, hats and coats.

For my clients that work within a more conservative environment I have to make a more careful decision when picking out materials. However, this classic option offers reassurance through wardrobe longevity and always looks the part.

Colour recommendation - Grey, White, Navy.

Gun Club Check

The Gun Club pattern takes its name from a design adopted in 1874 by the New York Gun Club, based on the Glen Check or Glenurquhart Check.

With a large overcheck of windowpanes, which traditionally should consist of two different shades, Gun Club Check is a great design for winter blazers or overcoats.

The beauty of the Gun Club Check is that it never goes out of fashion, you could wear this suit, blazer or coat in the city or in the country and feel confident in it too.

Colour recommendation - Green, Brown, Orange.

The change in season can feel overwhelming, but with an insight of the trends coming through in A/W22, and keeping your wardrobe essentials updated, you’ll be ready to tackle the colder months in style.

Client story – Vegan Tailoring

Thu, 29 Jul 2021 14:53:44 GMT

Veganism is so much more than a trend, it is a sustainable lifestyle choice that extends far beyond food choices. In fact it affects all aspects of consumer habits. Yet large fashion brands and retailers are still not adapting their offering to cater the emerging conscious shopper.

One of the things I love about what I do is getting to work with a diverse group of clients, and recently my client Matt came to me for a vegan suit and really allowed me to show him how sustainable, vegan fashion doesn’t have to be hard. In fact it’s quite the opposite.

Here is Matt’s story…

“I discovered Adam James Bespoke after he reached out to me on LinkedIn during the pandemic. At the time we were in lockdown, but his message was a timely approach as I was thinking of suiting myself back up to be ready for when I could be back in the office again."

"A suit that is sustainably sourced is something I’d had prior experience of, so I knew from those conversations how difficult it can be to achieve. That being said, Adam took it in his stride and delivered in every aspect - from the type of fabric, down to the details that were available to me. In fact the process was really personalised and fun. I found it staggering to see the options that were available, especially after I made it clear after first contact that I was wanting a vegan suit.

"The whole experience went above and beyond my expectations. It wasn’t like walking in to a high street store, or even a luxury shop or tailors on Saville Row. The service has been incredibly personable, Adam is great to get on with, he is a brilliant bloke, with brilliant products and brilliant service (so it’s a tick, tick, tick).

"I purchased two everyday business wear vegan suits and both were quite similar to one another, but with different accents that Adam ensured differentiate the two. Adam brought his experience and flair to came up with ideas that would give it a bit of extra flavour, and I loved that he did that.

"In terms of how the suit makes me feel, I can say that the suit itself and the tailoring is phenomenal, so to pair that with sustainable and vegan materials is for me, much more comfortable. Unlike previous suits that come with an element of guilt-factor, these suits are a much more enjoyable suit all round.

"Knowing my suits are ethical made the bespoke experience and product longevity from Adam all the better. The variety and volume of materials Adam brought to the table was incredible, and listening to Adam explain how they can be pulled together for everyday use was where his knowledge really shone through.

"I would 100% recommend Adam James to others, I’ve already had people ask me where I buy my suits, and to be honest the suits from Adam I just can’t fault, he’s exceeded all expectations.”

Adam James Top 10 Whiskys

Wed, 28 Jul 2021 13:47:30 GMT

I remember tasting my first ever drop of whisky 10+ years ago, a friend opened up a bottle at party and drank it neat. At the time I was more of rum & coke drinker and found whisky very strong, to be honest I also thought of it as an old man’s drink – stupid I know!

But over time my taste buds have matured, especially over the last five years, and I’ve become very fond of whisky, increasingly more so now I host the Adam James Whisky and Tailoring events.

These bespoke tailoring sessions are hosted within Black Rock , which was listed as one of London’s best bars for drinking whisky by the Londonist. I always look to provide my clients the very best service, so hosting these events within one of the best bars in the city was a no-brainer. What’s more, with the help of Kuba from Black Rock, I too have become increasingly more knowledgeable on whisky, which is why I’ve decided to share with you my Top 10 Favourite Whiskys from my personal collection.

1 ) Hibiki – Japanese harmony suntory whisky

2) Craigellachie – Salt malt scotch whisky aged 13 years

3) Teeling – Single Malt Irish Whisky aged 18 years

4) Dalwhinnie – Highland single malt scotch whisky aged 15 years

5) Oban – Single malt scotched whisky aged 14 years

6) Glen Scotia – Single malt scotch whisky aged 10 years

7) Glentauchers – Speyside single malt scotch whisky aged 11 years

8) Arran – Single malt scotch whisky sherry cask

9) Glen Fiddich – Single malt scotch whisky aged 21 years rum cask

10) Jura – Single malt whisky aged 18 years

Robert Black once said, “it is true that whisky improves with age. The older I get, the more I like it”- which are my sentiments exactly.

Read more about Whisky and Wedding Suits here.

History of the black tie

Wed, 28 Jul 2021 13:24:45 GMT

The black tie is a formal dress code that originated with British and American conventions in the 19th century. With the first dinner jacket of its type being traditionally traced back to 1865 and worn by the Prince of Wales, who later became King Edward VII.

By the late 19th century there was a gradual introduction of the lounge jacket without tails, which was seen as a less formal and more comfortable leisure alternative to the frock coat at the time. But as the black tie has evolved in status, the fabric choice hasn’t. Commonly the dinner suit is a black barathea material with satin lapels, and a stripe along the outer seam of the trouser.

An alternative to this tailoring classic could be a smoking jacket, which just tipped the black tie in origination and was first designed in the late 1850’s. The smoking jacket is essentially a velvet or silk dinner jacket that was designed for gentlemen who smoked tobacco and was labelled by The Gentleman’s Magazine as a “kind of short robe de chamber”.

Black tie is the most frequently worn formal attire for private dinners, parties and balls. There’s many different ways to describe this formal approach with the British describing it as a dinner suit, and our neighbours across the pond calling it a tuxedo. Either way, there’s no denying that whichever term you refer to, the black tie is the evening look that is about following the rules and staying true to timeless style.

T-shirt and suit this summer

Wed, 28 Jul 2021 13:19:55 GMT

With summer in full swing, I thought now is the appropriate time to re-look at one of my favourite casual tailoring get ups.

There comes a time each year when the weather requires you to reconsider how to wear a suit - I for one have been feeling rather flustered in a shirt & tie as the temperatures continued to soar.

As far as the rules of clothing are concerned, T-shirts have historically fallen under the category of casual, opposed to suits that are very much part of the formal pantheon and commonly dressed with a classic tie and a smart pair of shoes. Rules though, as we all know, are made to be broken, and never has this old adage chimed truer than with fashion trends in the early part of the 21st century.

To really capture the essence of casual tailoring, I suggest wearing your most relaxed suit, something less structured and lightweight, similar to the image below. This style will always allow you to be more comfortable and cool in the heat.

If a suit is too hot to handle, you can also explore the Spezzato look , which is a trend I discussed in last month’s journal. To carry this look you simply remove the jacket and pull on a well-tailored pair of trousers. It’s quick and easy tailoring that empowers you to make the most out of your existing wardrobe.

Whether its worn with a full suit or just a smart pair of trousers, there’s a t-shirt out there daring you to opt for its non-traditional approach, and in my opinion it is the perfect way to be casually tailored this Summer.

Tartan and Tweeds

Sat, 10 Jul 2021 12:50:19 GMT

Wednesday was a momentous moment for English football.

All my life I’ve waited for this moment, but one thing I took away from this semi-final was how those who aren’t avid football fans were also united and invested in the game. Now, we dare to dream that we may just lift the trophy on Sunday night and the thought of it gives me butterflies.

With the Euro’s, Wimbledon, the Open and Olympics on the horizon, sporting events have helped bring the nation together when the public have needed it the most. There’s a sense of national pride, which may explain why British tweed and tartan is making such a big comeback.

It may be a good omen, or just coincidence, that tartan and tweed has been an incredibly popular fabric choice for my clients of late. The term for tweed is ‘homespun’, a fabric that is created with heritage. Throughout the mid-Victorian period tweed was the go-to fabric for country sportswear, due to its warmth, breathability and cultural currency. Tweed has also been claimed to signify British fashion, ranking as the go-to wardrobe staple of any

gentleman or socialite.

When I think of footballers and tailoring I remember a picture of Paul Gascoigne back in 1996. He was attending a press conference for the Euro’s dressed in a tartan suit. He was making a statement with his flamboyance, but he was also celebrating all that is great about British tailoring.

I recently talked about statement fabrics in a blog post that spotlights the rise of sharp fabrics for formal and casual settings; Often clients feel safer in plain more subtle fabric choice, however after Lockdown 3.0 I’ve noticed the same clients returning with a more adventurous and open mind, often favouring a check or tartan.

We missed out when ‘Gazza’ wore that suit in ‘96, so I’m not taking any chances and will be sure to wear my finest homespun suit to see in the final of Euro 2020 on Sunday night.

Now dare I say, football really is coming home?

First tailored suit

Thu, 01 Jul 2021 12:32:24 GMT

Over the past few weeks I’ve been privileged enough to meet with new clients and make their first bespoke suit, whether that be for business or their wedding day. For me, having my first suit made was one to remember. I was so stuck for choice, worrying about making a poor decision on the fabric, it ended up taking me a few days to decide, and that long-thought decision was only for a uniform at a previous job too. I didn’t know it at the time, but this first suit experience has subconsciously become a momentous moment for my career.

In the end I opted for a grey herringbone, which still hangs in my wardrobe with pride today. Although there’s no chance of me squeezing into it again, I do still love it. People probably wonder why I keep it knowing I’ll never wear it again, and my response is simple - I keep it because it reminds me of my

own first tailoring experience and the feeling I want my own clients to have when visiting me for their first.

It has got me thinking though, how must it feel for someone having a suit made without having the knowledge or true understanding about the trade? So, I’ve been having some quite deep discussions with clients to understand how it feels, and one clients response really struck a chord. He said his

godfather gave him some life advice; “in life you need a good accountant, a good lawyer and a good tailor, but make sure that they’re all the same age as you”- which I loved!

The photos are from a recent first time suit fitting with Joe & James, who are the twin sons of my client Mike. They both turn 21 next Monday and creating their first suits was such a great experience, as they both loved the moment and were overwhelmed by the choices. They both selected fabric from Dormeuil and picked fancy lining to really stand out – the perfect introduction to tailoring I’d say!

The Spezzato Look

Thu, 01 Jul 2021 12:30:07 GMT

One of my favourite looks is the The Spezzato. Spezzato is an Italian word that means broken, it’s also the best way to describe the Sartorial technique that involves mixing the jacket, vest and trousers to create customised attire. With a more relaxed look becoming increasingly popular, the Spezzato style can be used to create many different looks and expand a smaller wardrobe selection.

The suit pictured below was originally a 2 piece Summer suit I made a few years ago. Eventually the trousers wore through and rather than throwing away the jacket I made a pair of grey worsted trousers that contrast well with the navy fabric. For me I get a real kick when restoring old suits, it’s a great way to dress sustainably as well as following a trend I applaud.

If you too are thinking of exploring colour palettes then I’d suggest you start with a navy, grey and brown combination as a starting point. The main thing to remember is that you never know the potential your wardrobe has until you explore it’s options, you may just be surprised with what you achieve once you try.

The likes of Scabal have already created two collections with the Spezzato in mind and The Crossover & The Hybrid concept remains simple – create capsule wardrobes with full suits, designed to be worn as ensembles or paired across outfits. Detailed weaves share palettes with plainer fabrics, in looks that promise a ‘put-together’ statement without the heavy lifting or risk taking.

100 years of Smith Woollens

Thu, 01 Jul 2021 11:03:00 GMT

In the centre of London you’ll find the office of the famous West End merchants, Smith Woollens,

which is only a stone throw from Savile Row.

Smith & Co was founded in 1921 by Herbert Smith and Claude Graham. After a few years Herbert Smith decided to pursue other interests, which left Claude Graham to build the business which is now an impressive 100 years old.

Smith Woollens is one of my favourite merchants who stock some of the best worsted wool and barathea fabrics that I’ve used for clients over the years. Smith Woollens built their reputation in the 1930’s when the company started exporting goods to Europe. Their reputation quickly grew and by the mid-1940’s their recognition came from a global audience, and as the saying goes, the rest is history.

To date Smiths are recognised by some of the world’s most renowned luxury brands, such as Balenciaga, Hermes, YSL, Gucci & Ralph Lauren to name a few. They’ve even supplied cloth for the big screen, with the wardrobe designers of films like James Bond and Harry Potter using their fabrics.

It is a privilege to be able to offer such high quality fabrics to my clients and long may Smith Woollens continue to lead the way for London fabrics.

Tom’s Big Day

Thu, 01 Jul 2021 10:56:23 GMT

"There’s nothing better than feeling the best version of yourself... I felt a million pounds."

Like so many others I’ve loved seeing the reopening of the event industry, especially the reopening of wedding ceremonies and civil partnerships. Last month my first groom of the year had his big day, but it didn’t come without complications and set-backs.

Planning a wedding at the best of times can be challenging, so throwing in to the mix a global pandemic and three national lockdowns it certainly can’t of been plain sailing for my client Tom and his partner (now wife) Emily. However, against all odds the couple finally got hitched and the groom looked the part in his bespoke wedding suit.

Here’s what Tom had to say…

“Planning the wedding has been hard. Our first date was supposed to be 13th June 2020 but then the pandemic hit and everything was up in the air. Little did we know what was laying ahead, which is why we thought we could move the date back a couple of months to September 2020 and things will be settled down by then, obviously we all know now that wasn’t the case.

"The whole thing has been pretty stressful and emotional, even two weeks prior to our June 2021 date we didn’t know how many people would be able to attend and what the day would look like - in terms of restrictions and guidelines we had to follow. Thankfully, we were allowed 30 guests to join us and we didn’t let the upset of the lead up taint what the day was about, because in the end we had the most perfect wedding day after all. When it came to choosing my suit I knew I wanted to look nice. I’m not a rich man by any stretch of the imagination, so going to a high street retailer would’ve probably been the first thought. That being said, I always like to dress as nice as I can afford and it didn’t appeal to me to dress the same as any other groom, I knew I wanted to stand out for as far as the budget could stretch.

"When it came to choosing my suit I wasn’t sure if a bespoke design was something I could commit to, but the more I thought about it, and after speaking to Adam on a call, I knew that my decision was made and it had to be a Adam James design for my wedding. It’s not just the bride who can splash the cash and look the best she can on her wedding day. I thought I’d treat myself and feel the best version of myself too. I had such a great experience, Adams customer service and attention to detail has been something else and I can’t fault anything he’s done throughout the entire process - Baring in mind that my first suit fitting was two years ago, when he came to my house and I told him I had an idea. Then the pandemic happened, which meant we’ve had to change our ceremony dates and Adam has had to tailor in and tailor out my suit so many times before we finally got to June 2021. Yet it was never a problem, Adam was always so understanding and adaptable and his service was really high-end.

"To other grooms that think this kind of experience is not for them, I’d tell them that I thought the same, mainly because of the expense. Whereas now I would say to give Adam a call and within half an hour they’ll know that tailoring by Adam James is for them, because who doesn’t want to have a suit that feels good and is made for them. There’s no better feeling than feeling the best version of yourself and I don’t know anybody who wouldn’t want that either. It must’ve worked anyway because as soon as I walked out of the courtyard I had complements about my suit – which I never expected. I don’t know why I didn’t expect the compliments, I thought they’d just be for the bride, so that was a great feeling too and obviously Emily approved of how I looked having not seen the suit prior to the ceremony.

"I felt a million pounds and knew I was ready to get married when I stepped out in my Adam James suit. You can see on the photos, we had the perfect day, so thank you Adam, I will be back!”

The Dugdale Tower

Thu, 27 May 2021 10:31:52 GMT

Huddersfield is a booming textile town located in the green hills of West Yorkshire and I recently had the pleasure of visiting The Dugdale Tower, which has been the home of Dugdale Bros. & Co Ltd for generations.

Huddersfield is one of the many towns/cities within Yorkshire that’s recognised for their woollen trade - it's truly one of the global centres of the textile industry.

There are a few places in the world that can match the reputation of Yorkshire when it comes to producing incredible fabric.

The HQ of Dugdale Bros - a traditional English cloth merchant - is in the centre of Huddersfield.

The listed building has great character, across the four floors you can find century old cutting tables, hard worn flooring & furniture and endless amounts of beautifully made English cloth.

My business partner Martin during the visit

Dugdale Bros has stayed true to its roots and kept traditional methods that have been passed down from generation to generation. They produce authentic well-finished fabrics which can be kept to wear effortlessly throughout long periods of use.

I had the privilege to welcome local lad Jack down to the Dugdale Towers to pick out his wedding suit fabric for August.

Being able to show Jack the history and heritage was a great occasion for both of us.

Thanks to the team at Dugdale Bros for their hospitality during the visit.

Stay Cool in Linen This Summer

Thu, 27 May 2021 10:18:54 GMT

I really can’t for wait this summer and putting on some of my lighter-weight threads, especially linen. Comfort and versatility makes it the perfect fabric choice for a weddings, summer occasions or even a trip away.

In an age where few men wear business suits to work, this relaxed look can be a great way to dress up without looking too corporate.

What I love most about a linen suit, is how easy is it to break up into separates, a linen blazer also looks sharp with a polo and jeans, and the trousers are great with a t-shirt and trainers.

As Linen is one of the earliest woven fabrics, its inimitable qualities of comfort and durability have seen it stand the test of time. Prevailing as a favourite amongst tailors for creating hard-wearing, breathable garments.

Whilst at my recent visit to Dugdale Bros. , I picked out a fabric for my summer suit from the Crommelin Linen collection. Named after Louis Crommelin, the father of the Irish linen industry, this bunch celebrates the heritage of Irish linen.

Get in touch if you're interested in a linen suit or jacket for the summer.

Whiskey & Wedding Suits

Tue, 25 May 2021 12:15:35 GMT

You only get one wedding suit (ideally), so make sure you enjoy the experience!

I'm really pleased to announce that from the May 2021 I will be regularly hosting a new experience for grooms, their groomsmen and any one else looking to blend whiskey and tailoring.

Adam James x Bar Black Rock

A unique 2 hour tasting experience with a whiskey connoisseur, in one of London's best whiskey bars, whilst you get measured up for tailored suits for the big day.

It was important to me that grooms should have an experience at least equal to brides and bridesmaids. So I've created a really cool and relaxed private event that combines tailoring, whiskey and just getting together. And the demand has been huge in a post covid world where everyone's ready to socialise and experience life to its fullest again. Over the bank holiday weekend at the end of May I'm running 3 sold out sessions!

Why I love wedding tailoring

I've been styling clients for their special day for a number of years. I work with a wide range of people to ensure every moment of their journey is one to remember.

One of the best things about preparing for a wedding is finding a look that encapsulates your style. Whether you've experienced bespoke tailoring before or you've decided to make the investment just for the big day, I work with you to deliver exactly what your'e looking for. It’s important to get it right, choosing an experienced tailor who understands your taste, the latest trends and crafts a suit that you’re going to love.

So, what should you expect when you choose a tailor for the most important - and most photographed - day of your life?

A personalised experience

Your experience with a tailor should be as bespoke as the suit they create for you. Every step of the way should fit around your needs and expectations, especially if you’re new to tailoring. You should feel comfortable, informed and confident that your wedding suit will not only fit you perfectly, but fit your special day.

In-depth discussion

Something as personal as a bespoke suit should always begin with a conversation about your style, your wedding and your preferences. A good tailor will give you as much detail as you need, from the cut and cloth they recommend to how they can create a suit that shows off your personal style. Treat it like an interview and it will set the tone for things to come - a great journey that ends with you wearing an incredible custom suit that helps you look and feel your best.

A range of choices

Tailoring has moved well beyond just offering suits for the workplace. At Adam James Bespoke, we create standout suits for the big occasions in your life. So when you need to dress to impress, our exclusive Gold Label range offers the perfect selection of suits to elevate your big day. From different cloth to versatile cuts, you should be offered lots of options so you can find the perfect match.

My goal is to give you the most enjoyable experience from start to finish, and design the most memorable, one of a kind suit for you.

That's why my whiskey experience is designed to be a really enjoyable starting point for your wedding preparations.

Whether you select our semi-bespoke or full bespoke range, we can guarantee that your suit will be available in time for your special day.

Get in touch if you'd like to find out more about my whiskey and tailoring experience.

Check Mate - Sharp fabrics for formal and casual settings

Tue, 25 May 2021 10:28:02 GMT

Over the past month I’ve had several orders for check suits. Check is a style that never goes out of fashion, no matter what the occasion.

Wearing a plaid or check suit is going to get you noticed and remembered, and when going bespoke that’s kind of the point.

Often clients feel safer in plain more subtle fabrics. I like to bring that sharpness out in clients, especially those who are looking to up their fashion game. Check fabrics are super sharp, work in both formal and casual settings and are the perfect way to set yourself apart.

Here are my 3 best check patterns

Prince of Wales

Also known as Glen plaid (taken from the Glenurquhart Valley in Scotland), the Prince of Wales check was dubbed so because the Duke of Windsor helped to popularise it last century. This pattern consists of tightly woven small and large checks in muted colours, usually greys, blues and whites.

Windowpane

Windowpane plaid consists of very wide checks, often in white or off-white. It gets its name from the fact that the pattern does indeed look like a series of window panes, which adds quite a bit of dimension and a huge statement to a suit, or separates.

Gingham

A big hit in the sixties, Gingham consists of mini square checks in two colors (typically white and one another colour), it has been referred to as the ‘tablecloth pattern’ in the past, but the micro-check is spreading onto jackets and waistcoats of late.

Get in touch to discuss bespoke tailoring using my wide range of stunning check fabrics.

Summer Picks

Sat, 24 Apr 2021 12:48:10 GMT

With Summer upon us, we call finally enjoy some much-deserved sunshine, outdoor beverages and we can start making plans with friends.

With many of us eager to get back into a normal routine, and also wanting to look our best for summer now that the barbers and gyms have re-opened, here’s a few of my summer picks to make sure you’re on trend for family barbecues, park socials and beer gardens.

1. Harrington jacket

With the launch of my newly anticipated casual range, I couldn’t resist in placing my favourite jacket from the collection in top spot.

2. Moscot Sunglasses

Release your inner rebel with the Momza sunglasses from Moscot. Handcrafted from Italian acetate, they sport a cinnamon coloured frame with tinted blue glass lenses, bringing a slick contemporary look to any outfit.

3. Tiny Rebel, Clwb Tropica.

Brewed by Newport’s Tiny Rebel brewery, this fruity IPA tropical drink, which contains mango, peach, passion fruit and pineapple flavours, is one of the brewery's best-sellers and my personal favourites.

4. Fox brother x Adidas

After the success of last years drop, this chalk and cheese partnership continues with the double release of the Samba.

Available in a Dark Brown and Simple Brown these each consist of Fox’s signature flannel cloth, leather and suede.

5. Paisley shirt

Named for the town in Scotland that gave rise to the pattern's popularity, the teardrop-like motif commonly known as paisley has been around for centuries. This summer I have a great range of paisley materials which can be created to your measurements.

6. Blazer

Want to still look sharp this summer? Even if occasion doesn’t call for a full suit? A blazer should be your first port of call

7. Smart Chinos

The smart-casual trousers, Chinos are a simple staple for any man’s wardrobe. Pulling off the chino look is easy, with so many colours available you won't struggle to piece together a strong summer look.

My Casual Range Has Landed

Fri, 23 Apr 2021 13:29:34 GMT

If the last 12 months has taught me anything, it’s that you have to be flexible in what you offer your customers.

I’ve built up quite a reputation for my suit tailoring – did you see me in The London Economic recently? – and whilst there will always be a special place in my heart (and my wardrobe) for tailoring bespoke suits, our wardrobes need a variety of essentials for everyday life.

So, without further ado, I announce the launch of my bespoke casual range!

I have clients from all walks of life and industries – CEOs, bankers, doctors and high-flying executives in a variety of industries, including some of the more creative ones.

For my clients who work in Advertising, PR or the Arts, their work style is generally a little more relaxed and therefore a fully tailored 3-piece suit might not be appropriate.

I now have the perfect range for those looking for a more relaxed work style or weekend looks that you can dress up or down depending on the occasion.

Versatile & Totally Bespoke

My casual ran ge includes 5 styles of jacket - where you can personalise everything, including the collars - bespoke shirts, tailored trousers and overcoats.

Like everything I create, the casual range is a totally bespoke fit. You no longer need to ‘settle’ for something that doesn’t fit like a glove.

I hear so man y stories of guys trying on designer jackets where one size fits around your waist but the sleeves are too short or if the sleeves fit nothing else does.

Get in touch to discuss how I can help you fill your wardrobe with quality bespoke items that will make you feel like the sharpest version of yourself – for work and play.

Return of the Pin-Stripe

Wed, 21 Apr 2021 09:48:30 GMT

You could say the Pin-Stripe has been the staple of British banking attire dating back to the 19th century.

B anks each owned their own stripe, so that you could identify who worked for which bank.

Following this, the stripe as a power statement continued across the city with stripes becoming increasing bolder and wider before the style crossed the pond to the US and became a staple for the high flyers on Wall Street and the bankers of the ’80s.

Since then, the pinstripe suit has had quite the limelight – donned by famous figures including Winston Churchill and infamous mobsters alike.

Even making it onto our screens in films such as The Wolf of Wall Street , American Psycho and Scarface - Tony Montana even met his fate in a chalkstripe three-piece!

Business Vs Casual

Traditionally, black, navy and grey pinstripe suits are often seen in the workplace and they do add a professional flair when styled with a white shirt and silk tie.

Outside of the office, if you want a more relaxed tailoring look, lighter shades are definitely acceptable. For events, I recommend pairing with a t-shirt and trainers and you'll be guaranteed to brighten up the room.

Drop me a line if you'd like to chat more about pin-stripes (or any other style) and let's talk about how I can help with your wardrobe essentials.

Building a Sustainable Wardrobe

Fri, 26 Mar 2021 14:38:36 GMT

We all know investing in good quality items can be an expensive affair, but in owning these timeless pieces which can be used season after season, year after year, you’re doing your bit towards sustainability. Essentially, they’re trend-proof, well-crafted and designed to last you a lifetime.

I once had a client who visited me with his father’s tweed suit which was nearing 60 years old! The fabric was bulletproof, and the suit was still in immaculate condition. To be able to gain his trust to renovate something with such sentimental value was truly an honour.

If you’re looking to build a lasting, timeless and sustainable wardrobe, I’ve carefully selected 5 items for you to invest in.

1. Tuxedo

Often called upon for formal and other sophisticated occasions, Black medium heavyweight barathea is the most formal. It’s a timeless choice for black tie, the one button model is the norm, with silk peak/shawl lapel - typical of a classic tuxedo.

2 . Overcoat

A handmade overcoat is a real luxury item and brilliantly versatile – you can use it for any casual or formal look. For me, Harris tweed promises long-lasting durability and offers traditional charm to your winter wardrobe. Opt for either single or double breasted with a wide peak lapel to make a statement.

3 . Tweed Suit

The British classic and one I’m most found of, tweed is an informal fabric, it’s smart and versatile. Any man can and should incorporate it into his wardrobe. Yes, you assume that tweed is heavy, but in recent years the mills in the UK have introduced much lighter weight options. Opt for a 3 piece, perfectly suited for any rural occasion, it can be broken down so the jacket, waistcoat and trousers can be all be worn separately.

4 . Travel Bag

You will always notice a well-dressed man at the airport/train station with his stylish suitcase or luggage bag. This is a fantastic way for men to express their style whilst travelling. A stylish leather/tweed bag will bring swagger to any travelling look.

5. Power Watch

Smart, elegant and excellent with a suit, nothing says “style” like a killer dress watch, a watch is an expression of your personality. The best wristwatches are simple, versatile, sophisticated and classic.

Get in Touch

Drop me a line to find out more about my services and how I could help you to build a sustainable wardrobe.

Planning a Wedding?

Fri, 26 Mar 2021 14:22:44 GMT

Can you believe that 220,000 weddings in the UK had to be cancelled or postponed during the last 12 months as a result of the pandemic and three lockdowns? That’s an extraordinary number and the impact on the wedding industry has been huge.

Wedding tailoring is a big part of my bespoke offering but what’s interesting is that I’ve still been meeting grooms all the way through this period (when Covid restrictions permitted it).

Recently, the grooms I’ve been speaking to have told me it’s virtually impossible to hire a wedding suit for the next 12 months due to the backlog of weddings going ahead from June onwards .

I recently caught up with Lucy Zaman and Lianne Crossley from LambethTown Hall to find out more about how they’ve been coping during the lockdown and whether couples have still wanted to go ahead with their weddings, despite the restricted circumstances.

Hi Lucy & Lianne - Would it be fair to say you’ve had a quiet 12 months then?

Definitely not! People think that because weddings were cancelled, we were sitting at home, but we’ve had such a busy 12 months! We’ve had to stay in contact with couples who had planned to get married with us. Planning a wedding is stressful anyway, if we go quiet on them, that just adds to their stress.

For those people who still wanted to go ahead in-between lockdowns, we’ve managed to create packages around micro weddings based on the guidelines. The intimate package was made with the pandemic in mind, with guidelines fluttering between 15-30 people, we created packages for these smaller numbers so that people can continue to get married during this difficult time.

And so, how many of the weddings you had booked in went ahead and how many were part of the 220,000 cancelled?

In the last 12 months almost all of our planned weddings or civil partnerships have gone ahead - we held 81 ceremonies between March 2020 and March 2021 and only had 6 cancellations. Many couples changed their priorities quickly last March. If anything, our overall numbers increased. For all those who delayed so that they could still have the same size of gathering, there are others who had planned something abroad or something bigger at a different venue but then decided to have a smaller wedding so came to us to get the legal part done. In 30% of our new enquiries over the last 12 months, the couples mentioned they had to book with us because their plans changed due to Covid.

Around 85% of those who were booked in before the first lockdown have had to move their date but still kept the Town Hall as their venue. After lockdown 1 ended, just before lockdown 2 started, we managed to do 8 weddings in just 3 days, including a wedding reception. .

Lambeth Town Hall has 11 different spaces for weddings.

When smaller weddings have gone ahead, have you noticed a difference in what the bridal parties have been wearing?

The majority of our brides are quite low key in terms of a jumpsuit or a simple outfit, but for those who had planned something bigger, they’ve worn their traditional gown that they’d planned to wear.

When it comes to the grooms, they have been pretty consistent throughout the pandemic. They’re quite lucky as they’re not really affected, it’s the brides who decide whether they still want to go big or not. If you’re a groom wearing a beautifully tailored suit, you’ll wear that whether it’s a small or large wedding. Most of our wedding have the men wearing tailored suits and their groomsmen wearing matching suits. You get the odd groom who will be more casual with a casual jacket.

With the government’s roadmap due to come to an end on 21 ^st June, how are you planning for the anticipated surge in wedding bookings?

We’re lucky as we have a variety of 11 different spaces, so we can cater for all options and do multiple weddings on one date.

In terms of the couples who had to postpone, we’ve already got those rescheduled in for when we re-start. They obviously go as a priority and then the new enquiries will be booked in after that. We’ve already done a lot of work, we’ve had to book A, B and sometimes C dates in the diary for them over the last 12 months. We’ve learned from the various lockdowns to have a back up plan!

People want to have something to look forward to, so we’re definitely seeing an increase in the later weddings in the winter. Some couples are set in what they want and a summer wedding is non-negotiable, so they’ve re-scheduled for 12 months later.

In theory, from June 21 ^st you can have as many guests as you want, but people are still treading with caution. May is really busy – we’d anticipated that a lot of couples who had held out this long would wait until they can invite as many people as they want, but then many people have adjusted their thinking and decided to have smaller numbers and go ahead before the restrictions are lifted entirely.

From May onwards, we’re flat out from Wednesday to Saturday most weeks. We’ve also started seeing some bookings for Mondays too. September is absolutely heaving for us, and we’ve got lots of bookings from October and beyond over the weekends. Availability is getting quite slim, and we’ve noticed in the last couple of weeks we’ve had a to start turning people away from certain dates because we’re just so busy.

Get in Touch

Drop me a line to find out more about my services and how I could help you create the perfect tailored suit for your wedding.

Feature Credits - with thanks to:

@ wetherallphotography

@ blossomandthreads

@ Tashlivesey.makeup

@lambettownhall

To request a brochure for Lambeth Town H all email the team at venues@lambeth.gov.uk

Client story: Lawrence Keogh

Fri, 26 Mar 2021 14:07:08 GMT

Last summer I had the privilege of creating a suit for experienced chef & author Lawrence Keogh. Lawrence told me that his new suit represented so much for him – in terms of his confidence and positivity. It seems only right that I let him tell you his story, in his own words.

Lawrence's Story

After suffering two strokes, heart problems, going temporarily blind and being back on Hemo dialysis, I’ve stayed positive and risen above my health issues believing all will be well.

Having a suit made by the talented Adam James has made me feel very special indeed.

It was quite an emotional fitting when first seeing myself in the mirror and seeing how the suit has transformed me and made me feel confident about my body & figure which is slowly returning after some dramatic weight loss.

As soon as I met Adam I was impressed – he has a great attitude and prides himself on great service. He came round to the house, measured me up and was very professional. He really understands how things need to fit. I like that he brought all the materials and linings for me to choose from and an incredible variety of buttons.

Adam is very thoughtful, a good listener, in tune with what’s going on. He’s creative, he’s thinking constantly about the look, making adjustments and giving advice about how the suit should feel. He’s confident and it gives you confidence as a suit wearer.

Having a suit tailor made makes you feel the business, it really does.

I knew I wanted a blue suit, that was in the back of my head, but didn’t know about the linings. I found it fascinating, with Adam’s knowledge and expertise he recommended complementary fabrics for the inside for me to choose from.

The finished product is a lovely blue suit with a silver lining that has tiny flowers on it, it’s really cool. The cut is high waisted, so I don’t need a belt as it pulls in at the sides. It’s a three piece too – I’ve never worn one before. Adam also made me a beautiful white shirt with my initials embroidered on it, just on the cuff.

Adam adapted and adjusted the suit based on the weight fluctuation I’ve experienced which means it’s not just a suit for now, it’s a suit for life. He reassured me that he can make adjustments to the fit at any time should l need it.

I decided to use Adam because I wanted something stylish, with attention to detail and also a perfect fit. I look like James Bond when I put it on, it’s really figure hugging around the chest!

When I put the suit on for the first time, with my new shoes and tie, to show my partner her jaw dropped. She said I looked fantastic – which was very nice to hear.

I would definitely go back to Adam again, maybe for different stuff like casual jackets. It's nice to be able to put your trust in someone with a personal touch. He’s always going to be there now; I can just pick up the phone and get him to tailor whatever I need.

Lawrence’s Suit:

Lawrence selected from Dormeuil - Amadeus Action, this a high-performance fabric made from pure Merino wool, blending tradition and the latest innovations, producing remarkable texture and exceptional comfort. The secret of its finish is attributable to the meticulous work of Dormeuil's mills in England.

Get in Touch

Drop me a line to find out more about my services and how I could help you to create the pe rfect bespoke suit.

The Importance of Partnerships

Sun, 28 Feb 2021 16:32:35 GMT

When I work with a client, I like to think of it as a partnership. Both of us working together to get you the finished product that you’re totally delighted with.

Partnership is one of my core values.

So this month I’ve been thinking about those partnerships and how important they are – and that led me to think about my business partnership which started as a client partnership and developed into more.

I like to think every suit tells a story – and in this case, it starts with the first suit I made for my business partner, Martin, when I was working for another tailoring brand.

I think the best way to explain is to let Martin tell you about it in his own words.

Martin's Story

"I was doing well at work and had just been promoted to Managing Director. I felt I wanted to celebrate and also wanted to step up my appearance. I’d had a suit made for me before; it was made by an overseas travelling tailor and I could remember how much better it fitted, but I felt the process was unguided and could be better.

Apprehensively I wandered into the tailors where Adam worked and was somewhat surprised at Adam. Full on beard and clearly more than a passing interest in tattoos; my stereotyping judged him as someone I clearly would not really get on with. I was expecting a very transactional approach.

I couldn’t have been more wrong. It was obvious to me from the beginning that doing a great job for me on my suit was really important to him, it really mattered. He technically knows his stuff but he’s also just really relatable.

Adam put me at ease straight away – he displays warmth and compassion – and the stereotype of people working in the fashion industry is that they can be a bit unapproachable or aloof, but Adam isn’t like that at all.

After the success of my first suit with Adam, I continued to go back to him for other items I needed in my wardrobe. Some 5 years later I can tell you that pretty much every item in my wardrobe is an Adam James creation!"

"It was through that sense of partnership I had with Adam as a customer that I ended up mentoring him whist he was setting up his own label and eventually, becoming his business partner.

I really liked that Adam’s approach was not just focused on the money – he works to build relationships with his clients. He’s building a brand and a reputation by being a true partner to his clients. He won’t just sell you a suit, he’ll help you curate other items that you could wear with it.

As CEO of a business, I’m extremely short on time. I like that Adam just cuts to the chase with me and helps me to understand what’s going to work for me style wise. But on the flip side, I’ve also witnessed first-hand Adam engaging with other clients who want to get really creative and understand the fabrics and the way their suit will be made.

When it comes to choosing a business partner, or a tailor, you want to feel that they’ve got the talent, that magic and uniqueness, and Adam has that in spades."

Get in Touch

Drop me a line to find out more about my services and how I could be your tailoring partner.

The Significance of a Shirt

Fri, 26 Feb 2021 10:52:40 GMT

Ever struggled to find a shirt that fits?

As many of you may be aware, Jermyn Street is renowned for its shirt makers, where I spent my early years training.

During my journey through tailoring, I’ve often found that a well-tailored shirt is overlooked, with clients understandably focusing more on the suits and jackets.

But there is an importance of well fitted shirt.

I have many clients who are looking for something extra special that fits perfectly. Once they buy tailored, they never look back.

I have a great collection of shirts that cater for all shapes and sizes. Whether you wear one every day for work, or if it’s a more casual style you prefer, it is an essential item which no man’s wardrobe should be without.

With our wide range of collars & cuffs, threads and buttons you can really bring your creative side out.

F or me a bespoke shirt is a fantastic introduction into the world of tailoring.

My Top Summer Tweeds

Fri, 26 Feb 2021 10:52:38 GMT

Summer is the season of celebration. With countless wedding invites, sporting events, and outdoor bashes allowing you to pull out your best suit.

In recent weeks, I’ve had several orders and enquiries for tweed summer suits which seems to be a theme this year. Something I find quite flawless and timeless, so I’ve decided to showcase the 3 bunches I admire the most.

Dugdale - White Rose Caldonaire

This lighter weight alternative to your heavyweight winter tweed, which still offers the warmth, richness and reliability associated with Dugdale’s country sportswear collections.

Woven in Huddersfield, this collection has over 50+ various options, which includes an array of Windowpane, Birdseye, Herringbone, Twill, Prince of Wales and Donegal Tweed patterns in a variety of pastel and bold colours, makes up into a beautiful suit or even a shooting jacket.

Dormeuil - Woodland

Newest collec tion of the 3 which was launched late last year, the new Woodland fabric brings timeless cloth for contemporary styling. It wears well for both town and country settings.

The collection comes in a wide range of colours with fashionable checks, and the bunch is completed by a selection of modern corduroy fabrics for trousers which it makes the ideal choice for more casual country weddings or even smart look for work.

Porter & Harding - Glorious Twelfth

Porter & Harding was founded in 1947 by John Porter and Bill Harding, two lovers of country sports. The glorious twelfth collection is a mid weight range of tweeds with patterns and colours are largely those of the country.

For me, a classic 3 piece suit is your best option here; which is what one client has already opted for. As the fabric is much lighter than normal tweeds, the suit which feel much more comfier

Get in Touch

Does Summer Tweed seem like the perfect fit for you for Summer 2021? Get in touch !

Doremeuil With A Bespoke Lining

Fri, 26 Feb 2021 10:52:36 GMT

When Alec my connection at Dormeuil first introduced me to this bunch, I had to make myself a suit using the fabric.

With its natural stretch, crease resistance and water-repellent formula, this was perfect for my lifestyle.

I went for a 6x1 double breasted, soft canvas with a natural shoulder for comfort.

For buttons I used smoked mother of Pearl to contrast the greys.

The trousers have double pleats, side adjusters and cuffed bottoms.

The main feat ure of this suite is , of course, my Swansea City Football Club bespoke lining, which features some of my favourite players.

Bespoke football linings are becoming increasingly popular with clients - one recently ordering a suit with a Highbury themed lining.

The suit is styled with an Adam James denim blue shirt & Ralph Lauren tie I’ve had for over 10 years.

A Tailor's Guide to Wardrobe Essentials

Fri, 29 Jan 2021 17:38:53 GMT

Read on for my list of 16 items you should always have in your wardrobe.

As a personal tailor my job is to make clients be the best versions of themselves and help build the sharpest wardrobe possible.

Here are some of my personal top tips on where to get started.

Suits

1. The Power Suit - Opt for single-breasted, peak or notch lapel design in an all-season wool, which provides warmth in the winter and is light and airy in summer. This classic style will travel seamlessly from the boardroom to an evening night out.

2. The Occasional Suit - Be adventurous! Choose a bold check or brighter colour to make a statement at events or weddings. Whether it’s wool, cotton or linen, make the suit more relaxed with a natural shoulder and softer construction.

Jackets

3. The Deconstructed Blazer - Wool blends or linen are always a great option for style, comfort and versatility. The Deconstructed Blazer isthe perfect style for a summer wedding or trip away. With the jacket half lined I'd recommend a natural shoulder and patch pockets. This jacket can be worn with jeans as well as smart trousers.

4. The Harris Tweed Blazer - A true winter warmer, famous throughout the world for its origin and quality. It would generally be my go-to fabric for a tweed jacket.

Trousers

5. Flannel trousers - classically in grey but also in navy and other colours. They can be worn with any jacket for that smart look or for that dress-down option, just a t-shirt and trainers, personally my favourite material.

6. Tailored cotton chinos/jeans - Either of these will go with both the jackets. Simply a wardrobe must have.

Shirts

7. White Twill/Oxford - You can never have enough white shirts, but these fabrics can be worn simply with any suit or jacket, open collared or with a tie.

8. Striped blues - vertical for business and horizontal for casual, there are so many different versions of stripes so don't be afraid to have too many.

Outerwear

9. The Overcoat - Quite the classic, always a statement piece over the top of a tailored suit. You'll see many well-dressed men walk the city streets during winter with their timeless overcoats.

10. The Bomber Jacket - The majority of men will own a bomber jacket. Perfect for mid-season layering, it's an essential in any stylish man's wardrobe.

Knitwear

11. The Roll neck - The winter-ready replacement for your go-to white T-shirt. Always great to have a selection of colours.

12. The Knitted Polo - A polo shirt is an immensely versatile thing. It's is the poster boy for the smart-casual dress code. Looks great under a cotton suit.

Ties

13. Knitted - For the smart/casual option, go for a knitted tie. The style is a favourite among the sartorial crowd and looks great with a striped button down collar shirt.

14. Silk Patterns - Not quite everyone’s go to but it will certainly add some personality to your plain business suit and shirt combinations.

Shoes

15. Black Oxford - Oxfords are as versatile as they come and will serve you for everything from daily office needs to weddings.

16. The Suede Shoe/Loafer - Probably the only one that really does it all. From a smart business look to smart-casual dress codes.

Get in Touch

If you’d like expert support to put together your wardrobe essentials, please get in touch.

‘Tis the season...for proposing!

Mon, 21 Dec 2020 15:56:16 GMT

According to a recent survey, Christmas Day is the most popular day for getting engaged.

With Christmas Eve, New Year’s Day, New Year’s Eve and most of the Saturdays and Sundays in the run up to the festive season also featuring in the Top 10.

Although this year has been so bleak for many people, the vaccine on the horizon has given us something to feel optimistic about. Especially those who may have delayed any wedding plans due to this year’s restrictions.

I’ve certainly had an uptick in the number of people making enquiries about wedding suits. People are starting to think about it, so they’re making bookings with me for their own wedding suits or something special for a friend’s wedding in 2021.

I’ve also had a run of enquiries about occasional suits from people planning for other events in 2021.

With so much doom and gloom around right now, conversations with these customers have really helped to put a spring in my step. It’s wonderful to start thinking about people celebrating together again.

Are you hoping to get married in 2021?

I have been fortunate enough to make many wedding suits during my career.

From morning suits or evening suits for traditional church weddings to more casual wedding attire for overseas beach weddings.

Last weekend, one of my friends who is getting married in Italy in the summer, was looking for some inspiration for her husband to be. So I sent her over a bunch of smart casual examples that you can dress up and down

I can make things look formal or more natural - for instance thinning the shoulder pads out to make it more natural rather than looking square.

And this got me thinking, I should prepare a quick guide to wedding suit styles.

Here are some of my best tips for you to consider when planning your wedding suit.

The 3 Piece

The 3 piece is the most common style wedding suit for me, always a great standout look. From lightweight linen to heavy tweed for more country weddings. Or plain twills to bold Prince of Wales checks for classic weddings. You can also lose the waistcoat to use the suit for business or other occasions once the big day is over.

The Morning Suit

The morning suit is more common for church weddings. Black coat, usually black in twill or herringbone wool, silk or linen waistcoat with black and grey stripe or houndstooth trousers.

The Tuxedo

A tuxedo is always a great option. The black barathea is traditional fabric but in more recent times light er wools have been selected, navy, cream and even tartans are amongst current trends.

Keeping it Casual

Opting for a more relaxed suit is a great option for summer/beach weddings. Light wools, linen & cotton are appropriate for this style. Deconstructed style, also a great option, can be worn with a grandad collar shirt or even a t-shirt.

Get in Touch

Purchasing a suit for your wedding or a special occasion may be a once in a lifetime experience.

If you’d like expert support from a tailor who understands how to guarantee you look your very best on the big day, please get in touch .

Dress for Success

Mon, 21 Dec 2020 15:14:03 GMT

The way we dress is so important. I think it’s a measure of your success.

A lot of my clients are old school city boys and they tell me stories of a time when wearing a tailor made suit was a symbol of success. But standards have dropped in the city these days and there’s often a more relaxed working environment

Call me old fashioned, but I hate it when I go into an office and the CEO looks smart but the juniors come in in their scruffy gear, without their shoes polished.

Whatever happened to dressing for the job you want, not the one you’ve got?

You should dress how you want to be presented. If you were going for a promotion with an un-ironed shirt or going to meet clients, it’s not a good image.

I used to work in a place where there was this one guy who would always leave his clothes in a bag so they were creased when he came out and his tie was never knotted properly. I always felt it really cheapened the brand.

Covid and the rise of working from home and video calls

Of course one factor in the changing standards this year is the global pandemic. Never before have we all been as obsessed with the way we look from the waist up. It’s like we’re suddenly a nation of newsreaders!

But if your working from home style is more casual than the office, you can express yourself a little bit more with tailor made casual shirts.

When tailoring a casual shirt, I help you consider exactly what fit you’d like - spacious, roomy, tapered like the Italian fit or regular fit. You might also consider a printed fabric for a bit more drama.

A casual shirt is something you can wear out, wear in, have in your wardrobe for years. Don’t just think you have to play it safe and go to the usual branded retailers for your casual shirts. Tailor made is often comparable with some of the bigger high street names when it comes to price, but you can perfectly match your look to your personality.

Get in Touch

If you'd like to discuss how I can give you a tailor-made Zoom wardrobe, get in touch.

My Ultimate Guide To Vegan Tailoring

Mon, 21 Dec 2020 15:03:05 GMT

How I made a 100% Vegan Suit

This year I was approached by Matt about having some suits made. He was keen to extend his wardrobe with suits and shirts that were totally natural materials.

Initially, Matt took a trip up to Savile Row, one of the main capitals of suiting, to only be rejected by multiple tailors. So he reached out to me and said he was looking for something very specific and would it be something I could do?

Before the first meeting with Matt I did my research. It was critical that I got this 100% right, no accidental animal products, no compromise on the vegan materials.

I love a challenge, and I was sure I could get him the result he was looking for. So by the time I was able to take him to the pub to explain how it would work, I knew a vegan suit was totally possible.

You have to start the process from complete scratch.

Rather than using a natural horse hair canvas, we replaced it with viscose fabric. We used nylon shoulder pads. Normally you’d finish button holes with silk, so we did it with cotton instead.

The suit fabric was 100% cotton, the lining viscose and rather than using a horn button we used buttons made from nuts. Everything in the finished product is totally natural.

When I approached my merchant, they gave me a brochure with a selection of fabrics in place to show Matt. There was bamboo, cotton and linen.

But I had to make sure it was business style - a linen suit wouldn’t be appropriate and bamboo isn’t hard wearing. Cotton seemed like the best option

Cotton does crease. So this was something he was obviously worried about, he didn’t want it to look crumpled or cheap.

In the end, I used a cotton twist as there’s a bit of weight to it. With him then ordering a second pair of trousers, he can rotate them. He can have one day of wearing them and then hang them up for creases to drop out.

When I first started researching this project, I didn’t realise how much variety was out there. Sometimes you can be quite limited with specialist stuff like this, but I had enough choice that Matt was able to think about a casual blazer and some buttons to choose from. It’s easy for him to now build a whole vegan wardrobe.

Vegan Tailoring: The Rundown

Here’s what plant-based materials and innovative synthetics are available to you.

Fabrics

Bamboo - In my opinion this cloth looks and feels most like wool, the yarn is made from bamboo fibres making the cloth breathable. Perfect for warm days and travel.

Cotton - Again a comfortable and breathable fabric that is often the choice for a summer suit tailoring. With crease- resistant fabrics now available, for me this is the most appropriate for city wear.

Velvet - Not the obvious choice for business wear, more your statement piece at an event or occasion. Made up of a cotton/modal blend, this is a great choice for formalwear or a sports jacket.

Canvas - With suits often using a horsehair canvas, which is the interior layer that’s sandwiched in-between the jacket's fabrics and body lining, by swapping this out for a synthetic canvas, I prefer to use a cotton & viscose on my suits. In addition to that I use nylon shoulder pad and synthetic melton which sits underneath the jacket's collar to give the suit that fully constructed tailored look.

Lining - The Lining on your suit is an important addition to the overall look and a chance to bring out your personality, poly blend, cupro or viscose linings can be used and come in a variety of colours, prints and designs. As for buttons,Corozo which is a grain of a nut, can be used to give that clean finish to your suit.

Get in Touch

As a vegan, purchasing a suit can often be proven difficult with most off the peg & made to measure brands often using animal based products in their garments such as wool, silk, horsehair & horn.

If you’d like expert support from a tailor who understands the ins and outs of vegan tailoring, please get in touch .

The Art of British Bespoke

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 14:45:35 GMT

100% Sourced & Made in Britain

I typically use five British cloth merchants. I don’t limit myself to five, it’s just that these are the ones I use the most.

I’ve worked with designers in Cardiff on my casual range and for my bespoke suits, my cloth and canvas comes from mills in Huddersfield. All my buttons and linings are also made here in the UK.

There’s a market overseas to turn suits around in 48 hours. I had a client recently who bought a cashmere blazer from a tailor in Singapore. It was made in a few days, but some stitching was missed under the collar and it had come apart. Sadly, quality is being sacrificed for speed.

The Art Of Bespoke

If someone is looking for something quite particular, I have plenty of connections.

When you’re buying a luxury item, you want to do your research and get some security. I can give that and I often use my suppliers showrooms as well. It’s great to be able to say to a client ‘this is the guy I buy my cloth off’. They get a meet and greet so they know it’s all legit.

I also have the option to source fabrics from specific locations. I once made a Liberty print Tuxedo. Bespoke is bespoke. You can have whatever you like. If you want your lining to have photos of the family dog or the logo of your football team, the sky’s the limit!

It’s all in the details.

For instance, you can have button holes in different colour stitching. I recently worked with a client on a burnt orange lapel and cuff and buttons, it was a cool idea, and it really shows you’ve had something made bespoke for you.

I advise clients to be unique and balance it with what you’ll need for the future. There’s always a way to make even the most conservative suit bespoke and unique to you.

Please do get in touch if you'd like to make a booking

Adam

My Grandfather Was My Style Inspiration

Mon, 02 Nov 2020 16:30:49 GMT

My style is quite traditional. I normally wear smart trousers daily, I don’t really wear jeans. I have got chinos, but I feel more comfortable in converse and smart pleated trousers.

I just love the pleated trouser style, it reminds me of my grandfather, who was really stylish in and around the 1920s era. I like a thick waist band, it looks neater, gives a clean finish and doesn’t fold down. My weight fluctuates (like a lot of my clients) so the side adjusters come in handy.

I love old school stuff, my grandfather used to wear sleeveless cardigans and flannel check shirts. He looked like a vintage golfer - he was probably my style icon.

I like going against the grain.

I’m very different in terms of my style, but I do keep it quite conservative. Rock and Roll AND conservative - that’s me - I like to wear a band t-shirt with a suit. I’m quite rebellious and like to wear my suit trousers out and about, if going out for food with the Mrs, a pair of smart trousers with my converse.

I’ve had a client before who was contemplating whether to have a suit made with me. He thought I was too young and he said ‘you don’t look like a tailor!’

I’m up against that. I don’t want to look like a tailor, I’m just myself. I’m quite happy to rock up with my tattoos on show.

In the end I let the suits I make do the talking.

Please do get in touch if you'd like to make a booking

Adam

Travel resistance by Dormeuil

Fri, 04 Sep 2020 13:28:39 GMT

As a new addition to Dormeuil’s range of exceptional technical cloths, Travel Resistant is the ideal fabric choice for a suit with immaculate style.

Its high-performance qualities, natural stretch and a high twist yarn make for a perfectly fitting suit. Whether you’re out for the day or simply travelling to work, you’ll appreciate how it holds its shape, from dawn till dusk.

The technique of thrown yarns gives the fabric a vintage, trendy 1960’s feel, creating a modern, balanced look. It boasts the added benefit of a Nano water-repellent finish – let sudden showers do their worst!

Exclusive, invisible textile finish developed in the UK

However, the revolutionary aspect of this ground-breaking suiting is its antimicrobial textile finishing, based on state of the art silver ion technology.

Silvershield is an exclusive, invisible textile finish developed in the UK. Oeko Tex approved and fully certified, it provides invisible natural protection against the growth of bacteria and microbes.

No matter what the reason for your journey or your destination, Travel Resistant is the guarantee of optimal shape-holding performance.

Discover their range here or get in touch with me to make a booking .

Adam

Introducing: The Vegan Suit

Fri, 04 Sep 2020 13:20:01 GMT

I heard this story last week - a guy goes into a Savile Row tailors and tells them he's vegan. Can they help him? “No. I’m afraid not sir”. It's the same story next door too.

Ludicrous. Of course a vegan suit can be made. Wool is out, plant-based is in and there are plenty of great looking alternatives for suits using only plant-based products. Here's how.

With suits often constructed by horsehair canvas (the interior layer which is sandwiched between the jackets fabrics and body lining), it's simple to swap this out for a synthetic canvas and using a cotton & viscose body canvas. In addition, you can use Nylon shoulder padding and synthetic melton which sits underneath the jackets collar to give the suit that constructed look.

Pick your plant-based suit materials

Bamboo

In my opinion this cloth looks and feels most like wool, the yarn is made from bamboo fibres making the cloth breathable. Perfect for warm days and travel.

Cotton

Again, a comfortable and breathable fabric that is often the choice for a summer suit tailoring. With crease - resistant fabrics now available for me this is the appropriate palette for city wear.

Velvet

Not the obvious choice for business wear, more your statement piece at an event or occasion. Made up of a cotton/modal blend, this is a great choice for formalwear or a sports jacket.

Finishing touches

The lining on your suit is an important addition to the overall look and a chance to bring out your personality, poly blend, cupro or viscose linings can be used and come in a variety of colours, prints and designs. As for buttons Corozo which is a grain of a nut, can be used to give that neat finish to your suit.

So forget Savile Row and their traditional thinking - find a tailor you can trust to deliver a 100% vegan friendly suit.

Adam

The classic all-season suit - My top three bunches

Thu, 30 Jul 2020 10:14:35 GMT

A wardrobe essential

The key to a well-rounded wardrobe suit? Select a colour, fabric and design that isn't specific to any season so you can wear it all year long for any occasion.

Opt for single-breasted, peak or notch lapel design in an all-seasons worsted wool, which provides warmth in the winter and is light and airy in summer. Perfect for cold commutes and warm weddings.

I have an extensive range of cloths for you to choose from, and picking the right material for your suit from our book of bunches makes all the difference.

So, with that in mind, here are my top three bunches that make the perfect suit for all seasons:

Scabal, Turbo Traveller

For the regular business traveller. Efficiency and adaptability are essential traits of a successful working wardrobe and this new collection has been designed with this in mind. Turbo Travel is the perfect choice for the modern gentleman who chooses to travel light. It’s also breathable and crease-resistant, making the ideal pack-and-go suit no matter the size of your suitcase.

Dugdale, New fine worsted

This delightfully cool wool cloth is crafted from Australian merino in our classic and unique plain weave construction. The uptwisted yarn and open weave affords a high degree of breathability so you can wear it all summer long, and keep it on your must-wear list in the winter.

Dormeuil, Amadeus Action

A selection of fabrics perfect for an active business person who’s on the move throughout the day, thanks to its natural stretch. It’s 100% worsted wool, 9.5oz and made in England. Your commute has never been so comfortable.

Need a wardrobe update? Let’s chat .

Adam

Introducing: Scabal - Crossover

Thu, 09 Jul 2020 09:51:02 GMT

Scabal - Crossover; a set of fabrics presented in pairs, each with a fancy and a plain option so they are easily twinned either as a mixed jacket/trouser or across two suits.

Its day into night design makes it acceptable for any occasion, whether it’s a wedding suit, jacket for a zoom meeting or a smart look for a bars and restaurants.

The designs fall into three areas:

1) Pick and pick plains matched with a fancy overcheck design

2) A houndstooth plain, which is then incorporated into a fancy check

3) And finally a selection of micro structures combined into a subtle overcheck.

This finished suit looks stunning, as I'm sure you'll agree.

To discover these fabrics for yourself, get in touch to book your consultation.

Adam

Five suits that every successful man should have

Wed, 13 May 2020 12:22:42 GMT

The essential suit wardrobe

The Navy

The classic choice, it travels seamlessly from the boardroom to an evening out. It combines with almost any shirt and tie combination, but for me a crisp white shirt and silk medallion tie will give you a really elegant look.

The Grey

The anchor of your business suits. Strong, elegant and always appreciate. Again, combine it with any white, blue or pink shirt giving you that really sophisticated look. Any shade of grey is appropriate, for me a mid-grey is a go-to allowing a year-round look.

The Stripe

This cool classic has made a real comeback in recent times, whether it’s a subtle pin stripe or an exaggerated chalk stripe, the suit should be the focal point. A muted shirt is a must but I prefer to be quite eccentric with my ties.

The Check

A seasonal must-have, this head-turner is acceptable at any event, so always be bold and brave with the check. Contrast the colours from the check into your shirt and tie combination to show extra class. A plain shirt and solid tie combination cannot be beaten.

The Cotton

This easy wearing piece can be used for almost anything. You can dress it up with an open shirt and loafers or dress down with just a t-shirt and trainers. Cotton is soft, breathable and durable and resists wrinkling.

Is your wardrobe in need of a refresh? Let's chat .

Adam

Make Adam James Bespoke your new norm

Thu, 07 May 2020 05:24:44 GMT

What’s my plan for keeping clients safe while we live with the threat of Covid-19? The retail world is changing with real challenges for close contact services, but with these changes I can still offer a great tailoring experience.

With me there's no risk of queuing, for one, as I'm fortunate that I have an appointment only private showroom rather than a shop. For some clients, if requested, I will visit them at their home or office.

In the consultation there's only a few minutes when we need to be closer than 2m – at the measuring and fitting stages. For both stages I will be wearing a face mask and gloves.

There's a short-term risk of transmission on fabrics and therefore hand sanitiser will be used before and after selecting materials. As for all styling discussions we will be socially distanced. Consultation times will remain the same as before,

Once completed, your tailored suit(s) can be hand delivered to your home/office within the London area using gloves, at a safe distance, or collected from my showroom. Alternatively, I can post them to you, on request.

I don’t believe my tailoring experience will be significantly affected. My services have always been on a 1-1 basis and we're already equipped for the new guidelines. Now's the time for you to make Adam James your new normal.

The Negroni Tweed - now we're talking

Mon, 04 May 2020 11:41:01 GMT

With only 100 metres woven, it was like gold dust

Fox Brothers - Negroni Tweed, a tweed based on a classic cocktail - now we’re talking.

Renowned for its heritage flannels, Fox Brothers collaborated with editor-of-chief of the WM Brown Magazine, Matt Hanrek, who was celebrating the publication at Harry’s Bar in Florence, the city where the Negroni cocktail was invented.

With just 100 meters of the tweed being woven in one of England’s few working cloth mills, this material was like gold dust.

I managed to source this luxury cloth for a client, but that was the easy part. The hard part was deciding what we would do with it. Was it going to be a suit, a blazer, jacket or waistcoat?

After 8 months of design work we decided that a double-breasted suit would be perfect, with broad lapels and patch pockets to brag the tweed's vibrant colours and exaggerated check. We'd also create high-waisted trousers to complement the short style jacket.

Perfetto.

Get in touch . Together, we can create your own masterpiece.

Adam

The future of tailoring

Thu, 30 Apr 2020 11:21:59 GMT

I'm feeling relief that I became a travelling tailor.

My industry is going through a massive change. To r estart the economy, the British Retail Association has outlined the measures that shops must take to reopen. It follows a pattern we've all experienced in food shops of late; queues outside and keeping two metres away from everyone inside.

As a customer, where is the enjoyment of the experience when you are, understandably, focussed on distancing?

A tailored suit is not fast-fashion

It also seems that we're moving away from fast fashion and towards sustainability.

The impact of the fashion on the world is huge. According to Business Insider, the industry produces 10% of all carbon emissions, is the second largest consumer of water and pollutes the oceans with micro-plastics.

I feel my decision to become a travelling tailor was right - I'm not restricted by location and can easily adapt to social distancing while still provide the personal service that I'm renowned for.

A tailored suit should be part of a collection, not a throw away item.

Let's get together once lockdown's lifted - get in touch

Adam

Why having a tailor is important

Fri, 24 Apr 2020 10:03:16 GMT

Being a personal tailor isn't all about selling

For me, it’s more important about the relationship and trust. Whether you’re having a wardrobe malfunction and can’t figure out what shirt and tie to wear to your important meeting, or you need a quick alteration/repair, or an event has suddenly cropped up that you need a tuxedo for, I’ll always be available.

1. Better Fit

Anyone who wants to look good knows how important fit is. Fit is the key to showing off your body in the most flattering way. That’s the core of bespoke tailoring, using personal measurements while providing enough ease and comfort.

2. Quality Materials.

You can select better fabrics to create your one of a kind suit – before the process even begins. This gives you a big advantage, getting you the perfect suit that suits your environment. If you live in a cooler climate, you can choose among heavier-weight fabrics or those with a tighter weave/blend. For a warmer climate, you can try something lighter than usual to get maximum comfort.

3. Personal Style

Having a personal tailor that understands your lifestyle and personal style, creating a suit that reflects you and you only. There’s a limit to how much “you” is reflected in ready-to-buy clothes but Bespoke clothing allows you to bring out more individuality.

4. Time Poor

Not everyone has the time to spend hours trying on suits uptown, following that, finding a suit, having an alteration done and going in collect and finding out it’s not quite finished, must be frustrating. Having a personal tailor on hand who has your measurements and knows your style could be more efficient for you. Whether this is for quick alterations, style advice, or needing a suit sooner than expected at least have someone who you can trust and that can deliver when needed.

5. Investment

In this consumer-driven world of temporary goods, you want to be a smart buyer. You want to think a few steps ahead and avoid being blindsided by the price tag. That’s how you realise that bespoke tailoring is a great long-term investment; because of the materials used and overall craftsmanship – there are fewer problems to face later on.

Adam

Do you value style and comfort?

Thu, 16 Apr 2020 15:14:37 GMT

Does your suit get better with age? It should

Getting a fully bespoke suit used to be something you walked down to Savile Row to buy - and you could expect a hefty bill in the high thousands to match. Or, at the other end, you would walk into any number of High Street menswear brands and pick up a suit off the peg for anywhere between £300-£800 (with additional tailoring charges on top).

When I set up Adam James, I wanted to break down these out-dated 'either, or' choices, to make true, British tailoring more accessible and affordable.

Tailored suits really are like fine wine; they get much better with age, and like wine, you don't realise quite how much better it can be, until you try it. From that moment, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it, and how you ever got by before on the cheap stuff.

Proper craftsmanship is put into every one of our suits. Our fully bespoke range is completely handmade; the canvas inside your jacket slowly forms to your body, so after a month or so you’ll find the garment fitting better, more comfortably, allowing for years' of elegance.

Poor quality or ill fitting suits made with cheap fabrics (and cheap labour) will get a year's wear, max. You'll see certain areas of the jacket with excess material, bobbling across the chest where the suit has been put together with glue. The length is too long or short on sleeves, jacket or trousers and, worst of all, holes or tears will develop in and around your crown jewels. Like cheap plonk, a cheap suit is a false economy.

Suits aren’t just suits, they're an investment. For now, and for years to come.

Let's discuss your next suit over a bottle. Get in touch.

Adam

Sorry Adam, can we reschedule?

Tue, 07 Apr 2020 15:27:03 GMT

I get it. Work is your priority. If your diary gets squeezed, it’s not your customer, your assistant or your family that you cancel on – it’s me.

I wanted a solution. I noticed it mainly happens when clients book to visit me. For busy leaders, a visit to me is less efficient - the travel time can add up to another hour of disruption in the day.

Adam James is built on service. It's built around you and the service you want.

My travelling tailor service

For ultra efficiency, rather than have you visit me, I can easily arrange consultations and fittings at your place of work. These can be planned in advance, or with short notice if a free space opens up in your diary ( book yours here ).

My showroom is located in Moorgate and I can get anywhere in the City within 30 minutes, or anywhere in London in under an hour.

Whether it’s a quick repair on a current suit or a wardrobe update, my 24-hour alteration service can make it possible. One London-based brand claims to be 'the fastest in London', turning over a made to measure suit in two weeks. Well how about a semi-bespoke suit made in just 13 days? Or a full bespoke suit completed in 4 weeks. I can do that for you, anytime. Let's chat .

Adam

Lock in your wedding suit before the end of the lock down

Mon, 06 Apr 2020 06:13:20 GMT

Don't settle - fabric to fit to finish in four weeks

With wedding season due to kick off over the forthcoming weeks, the COVID-19 virus has unfortunately played its part in disrupting all parties involved including venues, tailors, dress makers. I’ve had several conversations with clients who have already purchased suits from me or were about to start their journey with me before this situation arrived.

I’ve had confirmation that venues are pushing back dates until the September or October, so my feelings are that we will certainly have wedding season this year, but not until autumn time.

I know from my experience that certain brands require a three-month notice period for wedding suits. This could have a huge impact on any plans you have or had. Whether it’s your special day or someone else’s, a three-month wait could most definitely leave you clutching at straws. However there's no need to worry. At Adam James, I’m on hand to create your unique one-of-a-kind suit, from fabric to fit to finish, in only four weeks.

A tall order? Yes. Doable. Yes. I’ve created a suit in two weeks before; a once-in-a-lifetime event for my client and he trusted me to deliver.

You can trust me to deliver for you.

Even with the pandemic lockdown in place, I’m seeing other tailors offering a video consultation service for fittings during this time. There's nothing personal about it, and what happens if it goes wrong? Your suit is for a special occasion, maybe even the biggest day of your life, so don't settle. Leave it to me, the original perfectionist, to perfect your suit once things begin to get back to normal. So while you've got the time at home, give me a call.

Adam

How to get the best fit from your next bespoke suit

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 21:09:39 GMT

When I set up Adam James my dream was to deliver a true bespoke service. With very low overheads, support from my connections in the tailoring industry and with clients understanding my particular approach, I am really pleased that it is all coming together.

We often hear from our clients about their bad tailoring experiences in the past, where they've been sold a 'made-to-measure' garment at a bespoke price. That’s everything I’m against, my suits are replicated to the old school Savile Row style but with my particular take.

There is a huge difference between the two. With semi/full bespoke, I take skin measurements that are used to develop a pattern for each individual, creating your own unique fit. However with a made to measure suit, a pre-existing template is used or you try on suit to get your measurements. At the time these differences might not be clear. As the level of service is personal and different to buying off the peg, it may feel like bespoke, but in reality it’s not.

A bespoke fitting is the best way to get the best fitted garment. To discover it for yourself, get in touch .

Adam

Five tips for getting the most out of your suit tailor

Wed, 11 Mar 2020 09:30:07 GMT

What are you getting for your money?

Some clients walking the streets of Savile Row or the first time have said it feels like visiting a gym for the first time. It can feel quite overwhelming and not somewhere that you can readily admit if you're unsure or inexperienced.

Unfortunately, there are some unscrupulous tailors out there who really will take advantage of this inexperience when you're purchasing a bespoke suit. Here are a few tips to help you 'speak the language' and conquer the salespeople.

Purpose

Take the role of interviewer, not the candidate. Ask them to really go into depth about what your proposed style is, and should be, and which cut and cloth they would recommend to meet your needs for each suit or shirt.

Cloth

Remember that you're the customer here. Don't let the tailor choose this for you otherwise you could easily get overcharged. Spend time going through different bunches and weights to select a cloth that you feel comfortable in.

Fit

I often hear from my clients that they've had bad tailoring experiences in the past, where they've been sold a 'made-to-measure' garment at a bespoke price. Make sure you're having skin measurements taken for a paper pattern to be created - you'll often find tailors use a pre-existing template or try on suit to get your measurements when they shouldn't.

Style

This is key to getting your personality into the suit. Always have a rough idea to your own style and preferences before you get there, and then allow the salesperson to guide you through the other ideas. Never ask them to select for you, or you could end up with finished garments that you're not completely happy with, or an experience you'd rather forget.

Timing

Most tailors take around 6-12 weeks to create your suit. Factor this in from the start, and appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into making the perfect bespoke suit. That said, your tailor should keep you updated throughout the process with further fittings. A lot of tailors fail to communicate, leaving you red-faced on collection if something's not quite right, and in an awkward position of having to complain or leave with something you're not happy with.

Ready for a different kind of tailoring? Drop me a line .

Adam

Meet Adam. Real-life tailoring. Standout suits. Zero nonsense.

Tue, 11 Feb 2020 00:00:00 GMT

I am the founder and tailor of Adam James. After many years working in men's fashion for other brands, it became apparent to me that clients were being unknowingly short-changed. For the money they were spending on made-to-measure and ready-to-wear suits, for me, as a tailor, the end result was all too often underwhelming.

I believed there was a different way. I wanted to give every client a unique, standout, masterpiece suit.

I am not a regular tailor. I don’t look like one. I just love to dress well, whether I’m suited and booted or in a suit and t-shirt with my tattoos on display, I like to prove to my clients there are many different ways to wear a suit. I am there alongside you to make you look and feel great. I will not be talking about the “Sartorial Excellence” , nonsense typically used on other websites. This isn’t just another brand that uses great-looking models, wearing suits and leaning up against classic cars or sailing on yachts. I dress real people wearing real suits for real-life; commutes, meetings, nights out, weddings and occasions. What you will see here are me and some of my clients; normal looking men who are successful enough to afford a stylish, well-tailored suit.

I am building a movement. I want men to dress well and look great and feel the best version of themselves. If you're not already one of us, now is the time to join me.

I will be regularly posting updates. I will use this blog to educate about my tailoring, new fabrics, client suits and exciting, new places, bars and restaurants I have visited. Dip into it as much as you want.

The next post will be about the importance of finding the perfect fit and how I work with your actual body measurements. I will also discuss the almost unlimited styling options that I can offer, and how I help you navigate through it.

Adam