Bespoke Jackets: Well Made, Well-Aged.
TCR1982 sports jacket in 250g wool & silk, bespoke by Alexander K. Completed in February 2023. Worn in Naples, August 2023.
Wearing the same jacket in Bangkok, September 2024.
Have you ever wondered if the bespoke jacket you ordered is worth every penny?
The true measure of value often reveals itself over time, as the jacket matures along with you. A well-crafted jacket will age gracefully, much like its wearer.
Maintaining the jacket with care is crucial, but equally important is the quality of craftsmanship and the dedication behind each stitch.
In this brief case study, I’d like to highlight a beautiful wool and silk jacket I’ve cut and made for myself and showcase how well it has aged. I began crafting it in June 2022, and it was first worn in February 2023, making it about nineteen months old at the time of writing.
This jacket was made from a 250g wool and silk blend, sourced from a vintage mill that has since closed. Unlike other wool and silk fabrics of the same weight, this one exhibits unique characteristics, perhaps due to the more robust weaving techniques of the past giving it a sort of ‘rougher and tougher’ touch. The jacket features a lightly constructed inner canvas with two layers: a main body canvas and horsehair canvas for chest structure, along with a 6mm shoulder pad. The design aimed to create a versatile jacket suitable for spring and summer in various cities. Since its completion, it has been worn close to twenty times, tested in cities like Singapore, London, Naples, and Bangkok, from business courses to casual outings with friends. It has proven itself to be a valuable addition to my wardrobe.
Revisiting the almost completed jacket, short of finishing touches. Singapore, June 2022.
Close up observation of how the jacket has moulded to the shape of my torso. September 2024.
The photographs in this article document the jacket’s journey from inception to its current state.
When it comes to commissioning a bespoke garment, it is always wonderful to be able to build rapport with the team responsible for making your jacket, to ensure that your jacket is crafted by skilled individuals who are passionate about their work and committed to delivering their best. The meticulous attention to detail in every stitch can significantly impact the jacket’s longevity, whereas a hastily assembled jacket with excessive fusing and adhesives may not endure as well. You will either complete this journey with a creation worth the time and money invested, or a piece of garment that may come apart just as quickly as they are put together.
Paying once for true quality is always better than paying twice (or more) for creations that aren’t made to last.
Sincerely,
Alexander K
