The Process Behind Made To Measure With Guy Field

With fit being a style fundamental, you might find it hard to buy ‘off the rack’ clothing which fits as it should. Alterations can be made, but sometimes Made to Measure is the best avenue to go down. The other downside to buying clothing ‘off the rack’ is finding a garment that ticks all the boxes on the style front. You might be a fan of the fabric on the garment, but the elbow patches and buttons that the brand has opted for might turn you off. This is when again, made to measure would be the better fit as you have full control over the design of the garment.

With more people offering Made to Measure, we’ve been a fan of Christopher Field’s work for a while now. With vast experience in the industry, he’s newly established menswear brand Guy Field London is one to keep a close eye on. We caught up with Chris to discuss the process behind Made to Measure and to find out more about Guy Field…

Hi Chris, can you introduce yourself to our readers?

Hi, my name Christopher Field and I established my menswear brand ‘Guy Field London’ in September 2014. I’ve always admired the history and craftsmanship of British tailoring and it has been an ambition of mine to make and design my own clothing that are made to the highest of standards in tailoring using only best producers of fabric.

For someone who’s never bought a shirt made to measure before, what would you advise? (It can be a pretty daunting process!)

Personal recommendation is always worthwhile and that doesn’t just mean with people you know, the internet has a wealth of fashion forums offering peoples experiences and recommendations, and you usually get what you pay for but some of the older names, those well known brands, can be rather expensive. What I offer is a fully bespoke shirt made in my workshop in Italy using cottons sourced from the finest mills in the north of Italy, choice is what its all about, I currently stock over 1500 fabrics with prices starting from £155.

What about for suiting?

The style and cut for suiting is important and I offer a softer shoulder with a higher arm hole to give the line of the coat (Jacket) a defined waist. This style has become more popular recently, though Savile Row tailors Anderson & Sheppard have been using this style for over 100 years, they are truly wonderful tailors and if you don’t mind paying over £4000 then thats the place to go. If you’re a little more price sensitive Guy Field suits start from £600 for a 2 piece suit.

What’s the process you go through with your clients when making a shirt?

It can be defined into 3 parts: Measurements are taken by me, fabrics are chosen and style agreed between us. The measurements are then sent off to our workshop in Italy to have a paper pattern cut and from this the handmade shirts are made, 4 to 5 weeks later the shirt will be with me in London ready for the final fitting. Relationships are built up over many years and what works for one person won’t necessary work for another. Fit and style is very personal, some like a leaner fit, others prefer a little more roomier. It’s my job to make the fit and style match the owner.

Obviously price might be an issue for some people, but in menswear it’s all about investment pieces right? What makes the product customers receive from you, different to what they’d be able to buy on the high street?

I’m a firm believer of ’spend more but buy less.’ I see so many chaps splashing out on deals on shirts that don’t necessarily fit or suit them where it quickly gets relegated to the back of the wardrobe so its kind of a false economy. My shirts are all constructed with superfine stitching (10 per cm) and I only use Egyptian and Sea Island 2 ply cottons sourced from Mills based in the north of Italy that produce the finish cloth on the planet. You’ll get the attention to detail you wouldn’t be able to find on the high street, which an array of collar and cuff options, monogramming by hand and even have your buttons engraved with your name.

You’re personally a very stylish guy, how would you define your personal style?

I just wear clothes that make me feel good and that are comfortable. I’m not so fashion led but more interested in a timeless style. Basically if a photo was taken now and reviewed in 20 years time I hope that I won’t be uttering the words ‘what was I thinking….!”

Is there any style advice you can give our readers?

Just try to dress to your environment and concentrate on investing in a core wardrobe of quality classic items, navy blazer, white shirt, good pair of leather shoes. You will never tire of these and it will always look good.