HELPING YOU FIND YOUR FIT

Frequently Asked Questions

The King & Allen Experience

I haven't had a bespoke suit made before - what can I expect?

Most of our clients are new to getting a bespoke-made suit and it's often their first-time walking into a bespoke tailors.  At King & Allen we have a reputation of being open, warm, and transparent as we accompany clients through this wonderful experience.

Your personal consultant will welcome you to your first consultation and guide you, at your pace, to select the suit cloth and detailing that is perfect for you.  To ensure an impeccable fit, the consultant will take your body measurements in the clothes that you are wearing before explaining the next steps in the process.  You will leave knowing the details of your suit and when your next appointment is.

If you would like more details, we have more information and a video on this process.

How can I prepare for my first consultation?

Please bring shoes if purchasing a suit, and if applicable, please bring a bra and your binder/packer. 

Other than this, there is nothing you need to prepare in advance of your first consultation. Your consultant will accompany you throughout this experience to create a fully personalised, perfect-fit suit.

Though if you’d like to think ahead, you may want to learn about the different bespoke options or get inspired by the styling and detailing options available to you.

Is my suit guaranteed to fit?

Yes. King & Allen are famous for offering our Fit Guarantee. In short, we do not allow you to take your suit away until you are entirely happy with it. King & Allen tailoring consultants will speak up when we don’t think your suit fits and we will advise you to have adjustments made that you may not have spotted. We are very proud of this aspect of our service.

How long does the initial consultation take?

We allow one hour. If you feel you need longer let us know. If it runs over on the day, we will do our best to complete the consultation but may need to book a follow-up appointment on another day.

I am already a King & Allen client and I would like another suit...

We’re very glad to hear it! We keep all your individual pattern notes on file, so it’s just a case of booking an appointment to choose the cloth and style options. We will also send out cloth samples free of charge if you would like. Please get in touch so we can schedule this appointment with you.

Tailoring Options

Do you make suits and shirts for all genders?

Yes. Our fully-bespoke and made-to-measure suits and shirts are available to all of our clients.  

What is the difference between a made-to-measure and a fully bespoke suit?

Whilst both options are made from scratch and personalised to fit your shape and style, the starting points, construction methods and suit finishes differ between the two.

For a made-to-measure suit, our tailors begin with a standard-size block (pattern) which is altered to reflect your shape. This adapted pattern is then used to create a unique suit that fits perfectly.

In the creation of a fully bespoke suit, an individual pattern is hand-drawn to your exact measurements and posture. Using this one-off pattern your suit cloth is hand-cut and your suit hand-stitched. At each fitting your suit and pattern will be further personalised to fit you. This unique pattern is then retained by us, ready for you to order your next outfit.

Find out more information about these suits design and construction methods.

Can I provide my own cloth?

You are welcome to provide your own cloth and we will tell you when we measure you how much you will need to provide. Or get in touch and we will provide an estimate, so you can bring it along to your initial consultation.

Do you offer an alterations service?

Yes. At all of our locations – and not just for King & Allen suits. Please get in touch with your requirements.

Do we make children's suits?

Yes. Our fully bespoke suits can be made for a child and this is a wonderful way for them to match a wedding party. Suits for those under 16 are VAT free, so 20% can be deducted from the price. We also offer further discounts for children under one metre tall. Please get in touch for more details.

The Process

How long does it take to tailor a suit?

We like to allow around 9 - 12 weeks to make your suit.  Though if you are in a hurry, our express service could have a suit ready for your wedding or event in as little as 6 weeks. See our lead times for more information.

How long is it between fittings?

Alterations between fittings usually take between 1 - 2 weeks depending on the service you choose.

After - Care

How do I look after my shirts and suits?

To read the King & Allen guide to suit maintenance click here. Here are the highlights:

  • Use a really good quality hanger (like the one we give you!)
  • From time to time hang your suits in the bathroom door - steam removes odours and creases
  • Avoid dry cleaners
  • Avoid using the external pockets
  • Rotate your suits daily
How often should I dry-clean my suit?

As seldom as possible. The chemicals used by dry cleaners are not healthy for natural fibres. If you are steaming and rotating (see above) a suit should not need dry cleaning more than once every six months. Even urgent stains should be spot cleaned.

It also depends on your cloth choice. The S-number (or Rating) refers to how fine the yarn is, and therefore how delicate the cloth is. The higher the S-number the more this advice applies.

Pricing

How much does a bespoke suit cost?

We offer two ranges that will create and tailor the perfect suit for you. Made-to-measure suits start at £799 and fully-bespoke suits start at £1399. Pricing then depends on your cloth choice and additional details that you choose to add. Visit our pricing page for more information.

Does the price include the fitting process?

Yes. The prices we quote include all aspects of the made-to-measure or fully-bespoke experience: the initial consultation, the suit (including the cloth) and the fitting process.

What are your payment terms?

We ask for a 50% deposit, then we do not ask for the balance until you are entirely happy with your suit.

Do you offer discounts to wedding parties?

Yes, we do! When a wedding party orders 4 suits, the groom will get a free waistcoat. When a wedding party orders 5 or more suits, they will get 10% off all suits in the wedding party.

Locations

Can I change location during the process?

Yes it is possible to change to the store that is most convenient to you. We have locations in Surbiton, Surrey; Knutsford, Cheshire; Birmingham, Midlands; Liverpool Street, London and Savile Row, London.

If you would like to change location please let us know as soon as you can, this way we can rearrange your appointment and ensure your suit will be waiting for you in the correct location. Please call us on 0330 053 6776 if you would like to change store location.

Getting to/from our locations
Is there parking?

The parking arrangements are different at each of our locations - for more information please visit the location page for each store here

Can you do home visits?

Yes, for a small fee we can visit you at home. Please contact us for more information.

Got a Different Question?

If you have any other questions please complete the following enquiry form.  Alternatively you can email us at info@kingandallen.co.uk or call us on 0208 390 6134.  We look forward to hearing from you.

Keen to Book a Visit?

Book a Free Consultation

During your initial consultation, you will pick your cloth, style your garment, have measurements taken and place your order. If you have any questions about the bespoke process, please contact us here. We can even arrange a call with one of our consultants prior to you coming in.

King and Allen

Found Their Fit