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WHAT WE PROVIDE
At Ashworth & Bird we offer a broad selection of custom-made outfits: suits for weddings or work; coats to beat the chill; jackets and blazers for all occasions; as well as formal and casual shirts. Everything is made specifically to order, ensuring a great fit
We can also arrange matching ties, pocket squares and waistcoats for weddings.
But what is perhaps most important, is that we employ skilled advisers whose role is to make your journey into the world of custom-made clothes easy and straightforward. They will guide you through each step of the custom-tailoring experience, to ensure the result is a great fitting, good looking piece of clothing.
Before You Arrive
Before coming to Ashworth & Bird, please give some thought to what you need your new piece for. Is it for a special occasion, such as a wedding or significant birthday? Do you need it for work? And where will you be wearing it? Will you be in a warm climate?
For example, if you are looking for a suit to wear to a wedding on a Caribbean island, we will be able to guide you towards lightweight fabrics and, if you want, lighter colours. Whereas, if the wedding is closer to home or likely to be in a cold climate – say a winter wedding in Scotland – then we will guide you towards heavier, warmer cloths and richer tones.
Also, please give some thought to styling. In your mind’s eye, are you expecting a single breasted or double-breasted suit? Are you hoping for a classic look? Or something a bit more fashionable? If you see something that you like – in a magazine or being worn by somebody – take a picture and show it to us at your first consultation. We will use it as inspiration as we help you create the perfect outfit.
And finally, think about pattern. Do you want a plain cloth or are you hoping for, say, a woven stripe or check. We understand that pattern can be quite daunting, but we would suggest it often lifts a garment and makes it quite special. And, of course, it doesn’t have to be a bold weave – a birdseye or a pindot can add visual interest and texture without being overpowering.
Other Considerations
If you are buying a suit for work and expect to wear it regularly, consider buying an extra pair of trousers. They are often the piece that wears out first (the jacket may spend a large part of its life over the back of a chair) and it can be frustrating to have a perfectly wearable jacket and worn out trousers.
Again, if you are coming to see us for a suit, think about buying a waistcoat as well. It adds to the versatility of the outfit. For weddings, a pale-coloured contrast waistcoat is a very stylish option. While a matching waistcoat will allow you to dress-up or dress-down as necessary.
We hope you will get much wear out of anything we make for you. And, of course, much pleasure. We will always advise on how to make the most of your purchase.
One Month Later
Your first fitting will be within a month. This is where we check everything is as you want and when we make sure it fits. Most times clothes come back from our workshop perfect, but occasionally we need to make small tweaks and adjustments to ensure it is just right.
And after any necessary alterations, your item will be yours to take away and wear with pride.
After Care
If you have bought a suit, jacket or coat from us, you will also be given a shaped hanger and carrier. Please use them to store your item. The hanger will help keep the shoulder in shape and the carrier will protect your item.
After wear, don’t put it straight back into the wardrobe, let it hang out for 24 hours so that odours can escape, and the cloth can settle.
Beware dry cleaners. Unless you give something very heavy wear most items only need dry cleaning once a year. Invest in a good clothes brush and after wear remove dust and small particles in the cloth by gentle brushing. A damp sponge will normally remove any stains.
If your item is creased or crumpled, hang it in a steamy bathroom – the steam will relax the cloth - all but the most stubborn creases will drop out.
You will also be given spare buttons with your item. Please keep them somewhere safe.
Do not iron directly. Again, use the steam function on your iron to help remove creases. If your trousers are creased behind the knee find a doubled-up damp cloth or tea towel, place over the creased area and press.
