features
Golden Shears 2013
A look at Jennie McWalter's entry for The Golden Shears 2013
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HRH The Prince of Wales
A visit to the Bespoke Shop by HRH The Prince of Wales
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The Bespoke Shop
A look at the Bespoke Shop and the ordering process
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Clifford Street
A look at our new Clifford Street Shop
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contributors
Finnan
Finnan is an apprentice coat cutter under John Hitchcock who... More
Oliver
Oliver is two years through an apprentiship under John Malone... More
Sunna
Sunna is most of the way through her apprentiship as... More
James
James is Front of House at Anderson & Sheppard who... More
Ollie
Ollie joined Anderson & Sheppard this year from Newham College... More
Jennie
Jennie is the most recent apprentice coat maker to join... More
Mr Hitchcock
John Hitchcock is Managing Director and Head Cutter at Anderson... More
Ruth
Ruth is an apprentice coatmaker More
Anda
Anda is the Vice Chairman of Anderson & Sheppard and... More
Audie
Audie runs the Clifford Street store and has 30 years... More
Emily
Emily joined Anderson & Sheppard in December 2011 and works... More
Conor
Conor joined Anderson & Sheppard in 2012 and works in... More
Ashleigh
Ashleigh joined Anderson & Sheppard as an apprentice coatmaker early... More
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THE TROUSER FITTING
The trouser fitting usually takes place on the same day as the jacket fitting. However, the trousers would normally be tried on first so that the customer can see the trousers on their own and then also see them with the jacket. While the trousers are important, most customers will see the jacket as the most important item.

The trouser cutter will ask the customer to put on the trousers, then check the fit at various points – including the waist, to check whether that is too tight or too loose. The customer will also be asked how comfortable this feels. There is some personal preference here. One customer might like a close, or fixed, waist, particularly if he only has belt loops to secure it, while another might have side adjusters and like a little bit of room, so the adjustors can both let out and take in the waist. If the trousers have brace buttons inside and might be worn with braces, there might also need to be a little room so the braces can do their job in supporting the trouser.

The customer will be asked to sit down, to make sure the trousers remain comfortable in the fork and are not pulling at the knee. Most customers prefer trousers that are as close and straight as possible in the line, while remaining comfortable when sitting. It is also useful to walk around a little, as it is a mobile garment, and to make sure that you are not standing too stiffly when examining the fit in the mirror.

It is important to remember that any garment, including trousers, will feel different when it has been worn for a few weeks. So if you are unsure of any aspect of the fit, take the trousers away and wear them a few times. If anything still feels wrong, then bring them in and they will be altered.