Cloth merchant review: Scabal

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.

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.

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.

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.

"Incredible attention to detail" from Adam James Bespoke tailoring. Read about this father and son's complementing suits and their experience with "the lone wolf of Savile row".

How long does it take to craft a bespoke suit? From weddings to office wear, don't miss deadlines. Read on to learn more about the average lead times.

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.

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.

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.