suit often represents a larger financial investment than even a wedding dress. Yet, unlike the dress, which typically sees just one outing, your suit should deliver value for years to come. This makes the cost-per-wear equation far more favorable when you plan for versatility from the start. MAXIMISING LONGEVITY A well-constructed suit can last decades with proper care. Jake comments, “we have had King & Allen clients return after 15 years to have suits adjusted, which is testament to both the quality construction and timeless design choices. However, this kind of longevity does require proper maintenance.” Care guidelines: • Avoid excessive dry cleaning, as chemicals can damage the fabric over time • Don’t overload the pockets, which can distort the suit’s silhouette • Air the suit thoroughly after each wear • Occasionally hang it in the bathroom after a shower to refresh the fabric naturally • Store the suit in the provided garment bag when not in use • Use the wooden hangers that come with bespoke suits – they’re designed to maintain the shoulder shape and minimise structural damage Practical considerations: Trousers typically wear faster than jackets, so consider ordering two pairs when commissioning your suit. This serves multiple purposes: you’ll have a backup if the original fabric becomes unavailable, you’ll ensure colour consistency from the same fabric batch, and having two different trouser styles effectively doubles your styling options. THE CONSTRUCTION DIFFERENCE What makes a bespoke suit so durable comes down to construction. Bespoke suits feature a fully floating canvas that creates natural structure and drape. The hand-finished details help mould the suit to your body, and remarkably, the more you wear it, the better it fits as it naturally adapts to your shape. This contrasts with off-the-rack and many made-to-measure options that use fusible interlinings – essentially fusing patterns to fabric for structure – which holds shape more rigidly but lacks the adaptive qualities of traditional construction. STAYING TRUE TO YOUR STYLE Perhaps the most important advice we can give centres around authenticity. Jake adds, “our tagline ‘find your fit’ encompasses more than just measurements, it’s about finding a suit that genuinely reflects who you are. If external pressures are pushing you towards colours or styles that don’t feel authentic to your taste, resist the temptation. It won’t stand the test of time. Stick to what you know and what you like: your existing wardrobe is the best indicator of this.” This philosophy ensures that your wedding suit becomes not just a beautiful memory of your special day, but a practical, stylish addition to your wardrobe for years to come. By thinking beyond the ceremony from the very beginning, you’re not just buying wedding attire, you’re investing in a versatile piece that will serve you well through countless future occasions. Your wedding suit’s second life can be just as meaningful as its first – it just requires a little planning and creativity to unlock its full potential. MEET THE EXPERT: Jake Allen, co-founder and CEO, kingandallen.co.uk altwedding.co.uk frasermcgeefoto.com GROOMS 91
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