I can't deny that times are changing and there are absolutely fantastic suits being made in Chinese factories these days. I know a lot of made to measure companies produce in China, and what they produce seems to be far from the fused, cheap shiny fabric garments we perhaps associated with the far east a few years ago. There are now factories capable of making fully canvassed suits, with handwork when requested, using high-end branded fabrics from respected mills and merchants and excellent construction techniques. I also know there are a lot of people who position themselves in the 'higher end' of MtM who are using these factories (and some aren't always so forthcoming about informing you they're made in a mass-factory in China).
Having had great results with made to measure produced in China (mainly SuitSupply), I decided that I'd like to see if I could order/work directly with a factory over there.
The answer turned out to be yes, and I've been in talks with Red Collar/Kutesmart who have no issue with this.
What I've found so far is they offer what I think many would consider incredible prices for a full canvassed suit, with vast measurement options. I'm able to select forward shoulder options, which I haven't been able to do using previous made to measure options. The design options are also effectively limitless, with them giving a design book that lists every option you could think of. This includes pages of nothing but different combinations of pockets. It has to be seen to be believed, in my opinion.
Here's the thing though, obviously brands aren't keen to divulge which factories they use, especially when they're in China. So, as much as it seems like an absolute no-brainer to give it a go, I don't know anyone who can say they've dealt with Red Collar, or anyone who can name a particular brand who uses them for fully canvassed tailoring.
Does anyone here have any real world experience with their higher end offerings?
My plan was to order a fused suit in a house Chinese fabric in order to see how the fit is, and then after working out what changes I'd want to make regarding fit/pattern, then to try the fully canvassed suit.
Having had great results with made to measure produced in China (mainly SuitSupply), I decided that I'd like to see if I could order/work directly with a factory over there.
The answer turned out to be yes, and I've been in talks with Red Collar/Kutesmart who have no issue with this.
What I've found so far is they offer what I think many would consider incredible prices for a full canvassed suit, with vast measurement options. I'm able to select forward shoulder options, which I haven't been able to do using previous made to measure options. The design options are also effectively limitless, with them giving a design book that lists every option you could think of. This includes pages of nothing but different combinations of pockets. It has to be seen to be believed, in my opinion.
Here's the thing though, obviously brands aren't keen to divulge which factories they use, especially when they're in China. So, as much as it seems like an absolute no-brainer to give it a go, I don't know anyone who can say they've dealt with Red Collar, or anyone who can name a particular brand who uses them for fully canvassed tailoring.
Does anyone here have any real world experience with their higher end offerings?
My plan was to order a fused suit in a house Chinese fabric in order to see how the fit is, and then after working out what changes I'd want to make regarding fit/pattern, then to try the fully canvassed suit.