Creating Safe Spaces: The Emotional Journey of Wedding Wear

The main aim of this communication is to allay any fears, so it explains what to expect as well as proactively addressing any misconceptions. An example of this is the question of whether a client needs to undress in order to be fitted for their suit - this comes up time and again so we preempt it (the answer is a reassuring, no).

The initial consultation is an opportunity to look at cloth, styles and samples so that we can each get a feel for the desired aesthetic, as well as taking the client’s measurements. We created a page, together with videos which give a step by step guide of what this entails, as the idea of the physical aspect can be a barrier for some.

We then arrange a pre call with the client’s designated tailor, so they know who it is that will be looking after them. The aim of this interaction is to strike up an initial rapport, see what their requirements are and if they have any concerns or questions. We also find out if they are bringing guests, so we can take any necessary steps to accommodate the whole party.

When the client arrives we greet them, they sit down, we offer them a drink. They are allocated a time slot so that they are not rushed or competing with other clients. We give them a moment to pause, relax and take in their environment. Importantly we go at the client’s pace, mapping out the process. If they want to go ahead we measure them up.

Our aim is always to ensure our space is accessible and comfortable. We have even changed the side on which a door is hinged in one of our locations, so that on entering the space, clients are immediately directed to the seating area, which includes seats for every shape and size.
 
We welcome a high number of neurodiverse clients and we regularly make changes to support their needs and minimise overwhelm: from dimming the lights or turning them off completely, to reducing excess noise and even emptying the store completely, so they have exclusive access. As long as we know the client’s needs beforehand we are happy to accommodate them to ensure an enjoyable experience.

Inclusive tailoring is so important, especially in the context of wedding attire where traditions can feel super restrictive. We had a lesbian couple come in once, they had postponed their wedding for two years because one of the brides could not face the idea of wearing a dress. Then she came across our instagram feed and saw the amazing suits we’d crafted for our female clients and that was all it took - the barrier was gone.

This idea of ignoring heteronormative wedding traditions is something we come back to time and again. There are so many traditions relating to gender within the wedding set up, these can serve as a helpful guide but they can also be a source of contention and anxiety. We advise our clients to tear up the wedding handbook and start from the premise of what they want - after all, it is their big day.

The biggest piece of advice I would give to wedding vendors across the industry who want to create more inclusive experiences? Don’t make assumptions. We created a suit for X Factor’s Lucy Spraggan, she had contacted ten tailors about wanting a bespoke suit for her wedding and nine responded by asking for more information about what her presumed male partner might want. Apparently, we were the only ones who had read her email properly and who realised the suit she wanted was for herself.

About us: King & Allen was founded in 2003 by friends Adam King and Jake Allen. Their vision was radical yet simple: create beautifully crafted suits that celebrate individual style, without the prohibitive price tag or intimidating atmosphere that had become synonymous with Savile Row. Twenty years on King & Allen has created over 30,000 suits and, thanks to its inclusive approach, is one of the UK’s best-loved tailors. At the heart of King & Allen’s success lies an unwavering commitment to making exceptional tailoring feel personal, accessible, and joyful. With a blend of traditional techniques and modern sensibility, the King & Allen team create experiences that make every client feel distinctly, wonderfully themselves.