How to find a tailsuit?

F

Fallaway

New Member
Hey everybody! I'm ready to take my first plunge into purchasing a tailsuit, but I've decided it's too risky to send my measurements to England for such a big investment. Instead I'm looking to buy some old tails off a local pro or even an amateur competitor. Unfortunately I'm a bit larger than most of the pros I know (6'2", size 35-36 waist).

I live in the Northern Virginia - DC - Maryland area. If anyone has any suggestions or contact information of anyone who I should talk to, I would be immensely grateful for the help.

Thanks!
 
IMO there is very little risk in doing the measure-by-mail route with the top English tailors. They have been doing that sort of thing for years.
 
I'd agree with Joe. As long as you follow their directions to take the measurements properly, the made to measure process is a well established setup now, and they definitely know wwhat they're doing.
 
I agree with Joe and etp, although in practice I choose to see the tailor myself, but I have easy access.

Measurement by mail with one of the experts seems better odds to me than trying to fit into a tailsuit specifically tailored for another.

Worst case in my book would be going to a tailor who has . . . bright ideas!
 
etp777 said:
...As long as you follow their directions to take the measurements properly...
Click to expand...

I have no experience with tailsuits so I won't recommend either option that's been discussed, but I'll just add the idea that if you order a new one, if you're like me you would be uncomfortable with measuring yourself for such a big investment. If so, I would think you could pay a local tailor to take your measurements for probably a small fee. Depending on who you trust more, I guess. Or measure yourself as well as a sanity check.
 
My tailcoat came from the local rental shop. Used, but nice, cheap and best of all, instant gratification.
 
Thank you all for your ideas and opinions. And a BIG thank you to Skwiggy, who was able to connect me to a local with a tailsuit that fits me quite well. And now I am the proud owner of a new (used) set of tails.
 
Now I have 2 questions abot the same idea.

When ordering just a shirt for ballroom dancing.. they ask you to write down yor neck size.. how should I measure it? from the bottom of the neck or from the upper part of the neck? should I find the size while tighting the ruler or should it be more free than tight?

how can I ensure the shirt will fit me?
 
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