James Haskell: My search for the perfect suit ends at Bespoke HQ
By JAMES HASKELL
During my time at The Sloaney I’ve covered all manner of things from aftershave, afternoon teas, restaurants to health, fitness and events. Last year I recommended Christmas gifts I thought were really suitable for men, and one of these was a suit fitting from Bespoke HQ in London. They offer a very high-end service, to produce exceptional, personalised, made to measure suits.
Obviously being a big guy and oddly shaped, as most rugby players are, off the peg clothing is a complete nightmare. If you have a 20inch neck the clothes tend to be for a slightly bigger gentleman, so if I find a shirt that can fit my neck then it will end up very ill fitting everywhere else. Tailoring can be a problem, and if you don’t get it right you end up looking like a poorly tailored bouncer. It becomes very easy for an expensive suit to suddenly look like a cheaper imitation.
James Haskell found that Bespoke HQ were brilliant for personalised fittings
However, with Bespoke HQ I knew I was in good hands. Right from the moment I arrived and was greeted by Stephen, the owner and head tailor who assured me that I was going to look my best. Bespoke HQ offers a number of different tailoring options. They have several off the shelf choices, but their bespoke offering is second to none.
Now, I’ve been involved in professional rugby for some time, and most teams have always tried to make their players wear tailored suits, so over my time I’ve tried on quite a few! But if I’m honest I’ve never been overly impressed with any of them. Fortunately Wasps have now found a great company in Pins and Stripes for our official Suits, but for my personal suit I have found the best in both quality and service with Bespoke HQ. They delivered exactly what I wanted, and unbelievably made me look smart, on trend and well tailored; a feat my mother thought never possible.
I wanted the whole Savile Row experience, and I got it. An initial consultation over a glass of wine allows you to discuss your style and decide on what materials and personal touches you would like. You then get measured up, and you go back for a number of re-fittings. You can embellish the suit in any way possible; it’s the coloured linings, the initials, the embroidery, and the details, which are the key to adding your own individual style and twist.
James Haskell models for Bespoke HQ
I would recommend Bespoke HQ to anyone who is looking to update their wardrobe; to get that specially made suit to define them whether at a party or at work. They’ve got a wide range of cloths and materials exclusive to the shop, and they also retail shoes, cufflinks, ties etc. The process was both enlightening and fun; the staff are extremely friendly, and it’s a very professional service. The fact is that you walk out of the door with exactly what you wanted: a signature piece for your wardrobe, which helps to define you, and ultimately make you look your best.
So before you rush in to get something off the shelf, consider spending a little more money, and a little extra time, to get something that will last and set you apart from the rest of the pack.
Find out more about Bespoke HQ at http://www.bespokehq.com – Bespoke HQ is located at 155 Farringdon Road, EC1R 3AD – +44 0 203 617 6961
