Inside Your First King & Allen Consultation

What is the Initial Consultation?

The initial consultation at King & Allen is the start of the bespoke tailoring journey. This 60-90 minute meeting is an informal chat, designed to understand your lifestyle, as well as your style choices and measurements. This is a no obligation meeting, with the purpose of exploring a wide variety of options to help achieve your desired style of suit. We have a selection of fabric swatch and mannequins, allowing you to see and feel different cloths and suit examples. We have suit size sets available for trying on, so you can experience fit and proportion firsthand. 

 

No prior knowledge of tailoring is expected, as your consultant will explain each step clearly and answer any questions you may have, as well as taking a series of your precise measurements. It is completely normal to feel unsure about the tailoring process, so the initial consultation is intended to build your confidence in making the right selection for you. 

Booking & Preparation

Arranging your initial consultation is easy, and you’re welcome to book using any of the following methods:

• Telephone: 0330 053 6776
• Whatsapp
• Website
• Email: info@kingandallen.co.uk

 

Prior to your visit, a King & Allen consultant will contact you to introduce themselves and answer initial questions you may have. It may be beneficial to share a few details such as:

 

• The occasion for the garment
• When you need your suit by
• Whether you have a budget in mind
• References of style inspiration (if any)
  
  

This initial conversation helps the consultant understand your goals, making the appointment more productive and less overwhelming. You are very welcome to bring guests along to your consultation, whether just for or a second opinion or to share in the King & Allen experience. To keep the appointment comfortable, we kindly ask that a maximum of three guests attend with you, and that you let us know in advance. 

At the Consultation

Understanding Lifestyle & Context

Before diving into the details, your tailoring consultant will take the time to get to know you, your style, and your plans to wear the garment. This is a relaxed conversation, accompanied by a cup of coffee or even a glass of bubbles!

 

In order to create the perfect garment, your consultant may discuss:

• Your professional environment or dress code
• How often and in what settings you plan to wear the garment
• Movement, comfort, and travel considerations
• Climate or seasonal preferences
• Your existing wardrobe and personal style inspirations.

 

For example:

• A daily business suit may prioritise durability and crease resistance.
• A wedding or event suit requires careful attention to detail
• Suits for travelling benefit from lightweight fabrics and crease

Made-to-Measure vs Fully Bespoke

Before selecting fabrics, you may not be aware of the difference between Made-to-Measure and Fully Bespoke tailoring.

Here is a simple summary:

Made-to-Measure

Garments are made from a pre-existing pattern, that's then specifically adjusted to your measurements. 

Fully Bespoke

Garments are crafted from a unique pattern created entirely for you, and every detail is designed to suit your body and style preferences. 

The key difference is the tailoring method, and level of personalisation you choose. If you are after a specific vision, fully bespoke can offer you that flexibility. Your consultant will guide you through these options, helping to make choices that feel right to you.

Fabric Selection

 

Fabric selection is one of the highlights of the consultation, and your consultant will personally guide you through your options with care. Our collection consists of over 3,000 beautiful fabrics, all with a variety of weights, textures and patterns. You’ll be invited to see and feel them to make your decision, and your consultant will offer advice and suggestions throughout to ensure you feel confident in your selections. 

 

Key considerations include:

 

Weight

• For summer outfits or layering, lightweight fabrics are suitable due to breathability but do show tension or pulling more clearly.
• For versatility, mid-weight fabrics are a suitable choice for most climates and occasions.
  For formal or winter suits, heavier fabrics hold their structure and drape cleanly.
  
  

Texture

• Smooth worsteds create a formal, structured appearance.
• Flannels are warm and soft for cooler temperatures
• Hopsack fabrics are breathable, and their textured appearance is ideal for casual garments.
  
  

Pattern and Colour

• Plain fabrics are versatile
• Subtle textures add depth
• Checks, stripes, or other patterns introduce subtle personality

Style Decisions

Small stylistic decisions can have a significant impact on proportion and presence. Your consultant will guide you through your choices, and explain the practical explanation behind each option, as well as the impact on proportions. 

 

Some considerations include:

Jacket Length

The right length balances your proportions. Too short can make the torso appear longer and leave the seat undercovered; too long can make the silhouette feel heavy.

Sleeve Length

A perfectly tailored sleeve shows just a hint of cuff, framing the wrist elegantly and allowing freedom of movement.

Lapel Width & Shape

Lapels help define your chest and shoulders. Your consultant will recommend widths that complement your frame, whether you prefer a modern or classic look.

Button Stance & Positioning

The placement of buttons subtly influences the visual length of your torso and the suit’s overall balance.

Trouser Rise & Break

Proper rise ensures comfort and a smooth line, while the break at the hem creates a refined, polished silhouette.

Waist Suppression & Contouring

Gentle shaping at the waist enhances proportion without restricting movement, tailored to the look you want—whether more defined or straighter.

Shoulder Construction

The right shoulder design ensures the jacket sits naturally, distributing visual weight and supporting the fabric to drape flawlessly.

Measuring

Your consultant will ensure that your comfort is a priority throughout the measurement process, guiding you through each step with care. If you feel uncomfortable at any point, just let them know. 

 

The following measurements will be taken:

• Chest, waist, and seat
• Shoulder width and slope
• Sleeve length and arm pitch
• Back length
• Trouser rise, inseam, and outseam

 

Your posture will be carefully analysed to ensure the best possible fit of your garment. This will include taking note of your natural stance, shoulder alignment, head position, and weight distribution - allowing your garment to hang correctly. 

What Happens After the Consultation?

Once your consultation is finished, your measurements will be translated into a unique pattern made just for you. Each decision and selection is documented, and the selected cloth is ordered. If you choose a fully bespoke garment, your baste will be prepared for your fitting, this is the first of the fit appointments for fully bespoke pieces, and a loosely assembled version of the garment to check its fit. For made to measure garments, a baste fitting is not required, as the pattern is adjusted from an existing block using your measurements. All following fittings will refine the details, and fit accuracy - all depending on your decisions.

Closing Guidance

The initial consultation is a collaborative process, designed entirely around you. Your questions and ideas are always encouraged, as every decision is one step closer to creating your perfect garment. Guided by your consultant’s expertise, the process blends their advice with your own stylistic decisions, ensuring the most personalised of experiences. Together, you’ll explore fabrics, styles, and details that bring your vision to life. We combine technical precision and thoughtful guidance, ensuring you leave your consultation informed of the process, confident in the choices made and excited for the next step.

Ready to begin your bespoke journey?

Book a consultation to start designing your garment, or visit our contact us page for any questions.