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A good suit is much like a fine wine — or at least, that's what the tailor chaps on Savile Row believe. They have just announced that they want an appellation for their handiwork — to make Savile Row just like Bordeaux.
But while they are trying to ensure that you can't buy “Savile Row bespoke” anywhere else (or, indeed, for any less than about £3,000), some rather savvy gents have come up with their own way of doing “bespoke” for as little as £150, and without ever touching your inside leg.
Online tailoring from sites such as aSuitThatFits.com, CadandTheDandy.co.uk, Suitopia.co.uk and KingandAllen.co.uk allows you to order a bespoke suit — with your chosen design embellishments and sewn precisely to fit your body — over the internet.
No, the garments aren't made in London (they're from a family-run tailoring business in Nepal, in fact, or, in the case of Cad & The Dandy, in China), but the fabrics are often UK made, some of them have ex-Savile Row tailors on board, and the most they will cost you is about £600.
And after all, while champagne may be the height of luxury, in a recession prosecco tastes pretty good, doesn't it?
Reader views (8)
I bought a suit from Suitopia a few years ago for my boyfriend and he has bought a couple more since then - he seems to really like them. The one I bought was about £200.
- Jennie, London
Unfortunately everyone is missing the point. A £500 suit cannot be compared to bespoke suit costing £3000 plus. it is like comparing a Hyundi to a Rolls Royce. They both have an engine and 4 wheels etc but they are a world apart in their construction. If the tailoring companies mentioned in your article had the knowledge and confidence in their product they would be able to sell on merit rather than making claims that their product is somehow like a Savile Row bespoke suit.
- Harold, leeds west yorkshire
Personally, I'm a king and Allen man! I've been going to them for 5 years now, and I always get a perfectly fitted suit at a great price.
- Paul Templeton, London uk
King and Allen have been going for five years and well established with great aftercare. All the suits that I have bought have been an excellent fit and superior quality with floating canvasses.
They did all my wedding suits and they were fabulous!
- Hayley, Esher, Surrey
Ordered a suit from A Suit that Fits and it was dreadful. They had 3 attempts at getting the jacket right and I gave up in the end. After specifically asking for a comfortable fit when measured for the suit the first time the jacket came back I could barely get my arms in it and no way could I do it up.
- Ian, London
Have tried two of the above, Suit that fits and Cad and the Dandy (suit and especially service was way better fron C&D fyi but can't comment on the other two) . Cad and the Dandy said something along the lines of their suits fulfil 41 out of the 42 points the savile row tailors are using as their new kite mark thingy; individually stitched from pattern using british material etc etc... only diff is stitching not done on savile row - doesn't bother me. Very happy with 2 suits I have had (£300 and £500) - £3000 from savile row? not for me!... but maybe I'm just cheap 
- Steve Short, Twickenham, UK
Cad and the Dandy were recommended to me about a year ago and I now have 3 suits from them. They're so good that I can't bear to wear my old Boss and Paul Smith ones as they just seem baggy and badly fitted these days. Highly recommend these guys.
- Jonathan Smithers, Highgate, London
I have just received a suit from Cad and the Dandy. Granted it was one of their top of the range ones but the standard was exceptional. The Saville Row brand could be in for some tought times ahead with such quality at this price.
- Tom, London
