What Makes a Drake's Made to Order Suit So Special?

If you've ever bought a suit from us at 9 Savile Row, there's a chance you've been served by Liam. He's from Scotland, he likes breakdancing and he is an easygoing expert when it comes to Italian tailoring and guiding clients through the in-depth process of purchasing a beautiful and totally unique suit. 

Available in both our London and New York shops, the Drake's Made To Order service means that Liam and the team are on hand to ensure that everything from the fit, to the fabric, to the final details of your suit are just right. 

Liam has been out in New York for the last few weeks, helping to implement the revamped Drake's MTO service in the big apple and connecting with customers old and new at our new space on 327 Canal Street. 

Wearing some of his own favourite Drake's MTO pieces, we caught up with him to find out more about the process behind an MTO. If you're after your own, feel free to vist us in-store, or email Liam at madetoorder@drakes.com.

Hi Liam, can you describe how a Made to Order suit differs from off the rack Drake’s tailoring?

Liam: Drake’s MTO tailoring is based on the same soft and relaxed silhouette that you'll find ‘off the rack’, but you are not limited to what you can see in store. If you have a different fabrication or colour in mind, we can make it a reality. The MTO service allows you to tweak the proportions and fit of the garment for something a little more personal and appropriate for any occasion!

What sort of process can a client expect when ordering an MTO?

The experience starts with an initial consultation in store. This begins with taking your measurements and getting an idea of how you'd like your garment to fit. Once the fitting process is complete, we discuss fabrication, styling, buttons, and the finer details of the garment. We advise on all selections that you may want to discuss and how they work together. Production takes around eight weeks. Once complete, the garment will arrive back to store ready for your fitting. At this stage we make some finishing touches, which typically take around a week. 

What’s your role in the whole process? How do you fit in?

I am with the client throughout the whole process, from the fitting/measuring process all the way to the cloth selections and the final fitting. I like to get to know the client to really understand what will work for them. I often advise coming to the store for an initial consultation in which we can try on different garments, view cloth books, and start to work towards the final piece. I also speak directly with the production team in Italy throughout the process.

How does Drake’s MTO differ from a more traditional ‘Savile Row’ block or style?

We have our garments constructed in Italy. The softer, unlined style of suiting is traditionally done best by the Italians. It’s a more relaxed shoulder line and lighter canvas than you will find from some of our neighbours on the Row.

What kind of MTO do you have your eye on for autumn and winter? Any fabrics or colours that you’re particularly into?

Maybe a classic grey flannel! It's so versatile as separates and a great suit for so many occasions. It’s missing from my wardrobe so I think that will be next when the weather changes!