Tips & Advice

Planning Ahead: When to Start Your Bespoke Suit

1 July 2014

The months ahead are filled with occasions worth dressing up for - from Christmas parties and New Year’s Eve celebrations to black-tie dinners and winter weddings. And looking a little further ahead, many of our clients are in the midst of planning their 2026 wedding, where a bespoke suit plays a starring role.

Whether it’s for the festive season or a milestone celebration next year, the question we hear most often is: When should I start the bespoke process? We sat down with King & Allen’s Head Tailor, Jiten Wadhia, to talk through why getting ahead of the process matters and what clients gain by starting early.

Q: When should I start the process for a bespoke suit?

A: "The short answer is... the sooner the better! A bespoke suit usually takes 8–12 weeks to complete, which covers consultations, fittings, and final adjustments. We can do a 6-week express service, but that’s best reserved for emergencies as it limits fabric choices and adds extra cost. When you begin earlier, you give yourself breathing room and flexibility. You’re not working to a tight deadline, you can take your time.”

Q: What are the benefits of starting early?

A: “There are both creative and practical advantages. Creatively, you’ll have the widest choice of fabrics and styles, without worrying that popular cloths may sell out. You’ll also have time to explore personal touches—like a custom-printed lining, coloured buttonholes, or embroidery—that take care and attention to get right.

Practically, starting early gives you flexibility: you can book fittings at times that suit you, rather than squeezing into a busy diary. It’s also easier to bring a partner, friend, or family member along if you’d like their input. And because consultations often spark ideas you may not have considered, giving yourself time means you can reflect and make thoughtful decisions. Overall, the process feels collaborative, relaxed, and genuinely enjoyable.”

Q: What if I'm not quite ready to finalise my suit yet?

A: “That’s absolutely fine. We offer a fabric deposit option, so you can secure the cloth you love with a small initial payment. Many clients come in well before the 8–12 week window, even a year or more, to do just that. Then, around 8–12 weeks ahead of the date you need the suit, we’ll take your measurements and confirm the design details. It means your fabric is guaranteed early, and you can move into the next stage of the process at the right time for you.”

Q: What preparation can I do before my first consultation?

A: “It’s worth doing a little prep beforehand - but this isn’t essential. Ordering fabric swatches is a brilliant first step; you can choose up to five from our website and start imagining how they’ll look and feel in person. You might also want to think about colour, whether you prefer single- or double-breasted, and if a two- or three-piece would suit your needs. Having some early thoughts in mind helps your first conversation feel focused, inspiring, and enjoyable.”

Q: What if I feel unsure about making design and style decisions during the consultation?

A: “You don’t need to have all the answers beforehand - that’s what your tailoring consultant is there for. We guide you through options step by step, from colour and fabric to structure, lapels, and linings. Many clients also bring a partner, friend, or family member for a second opinion, which makes the experience more fun and collaborative. Together, we make sure the decisions feel natural and enjoyable, not overwhelming.”

Q: What if my weight changes during the process?

A: “It’s common for clients’ weight to fluctuate a little over the 8–12 week process. We expect that and build in the flexibility to make small alterations at the end, so the fit is perfect on the day you need it. If you are losing more weight, we can work with you on the timing of fittings and/or work some of the weight loss into the pattern before we construct the suit. We also offer a fit guarantee, which means you won’t leave until both you and your consultant are completely happy with the result.”

Q: Beyond the suit itself, should I be thinking about anything else?

A: “Think about your outfit as a whole. A beautifully tailored shirt ensures your look isn’t let down by what’s underneath the suit, while a bespoke overcoat keeps you warm without compromising style. Accessories like a pocket square or tie can add personality and polish. Together, these elements complete the outfit so you feel confident and look sharp from the moment you step out the door.”

Final Thoughts

Getting a bespoke suit doesn’t need to feel stressful or last-minute. By starting a little earlier, you give yourself the space to enjoy the process, discover new ideas, and create something that feels truly yours.

We always encourage clients to begin early, so they can make the most of the process and avoid last-minute compromises. For those planning 2026 weddings, securing your fabric or booking a consultation now means you’ll have peace of mind that your suit is in hand long before the big day.

Whatever the occasion, our team will work with you to create a suit that ensures you step into it looking and feeling your absolute best.