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Find Us Desmond Merrion Bespoke Tailor
59, Bridge Street, Castleford, WF10 1HH.

Off the cuff

Our tailoring blog

Welcome to my blog on all things to do with the world of bespoke tailoring. You will see plenty of my past commissions within these articles, but as always if there is anything in particular you would like to see or discuss, please do get in touch.

Showing 19 to 24 of 51 results

5 Jan, 2015

bespoke suits

Bespoke Suits

31 Dec, 2014

Back neck section showing the top collar pattern matching through the coat back.

J and J Minnis

29 Dec, 2014

Bespoke mohair coat waiting for the sleeves to be hand basted in for a forward fitting.

Mohair Suits

14 Dec, 2014

Coat linings all to be hand finished.

Basted Fitting

16 Nov, 2014

Shooting Suits

Shooting Suits & Tweed

26 Oct, 2014

Four real hand-made button holes, and a pure silk gauntlet cuff.

Bespoke Dinner Suit

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Checking the hang of this basted sleeve. Hang look

Checking the hang of this basted sleeve. Hang looks good, and is clean. Coat isn’t for the model, coat is tiny through the chest and waist. 36” chest, with a finished cross waist of barely 17”… for comparison my thigh is 27”. Do a bit of research before you part with your money. Genuine bespoke tailoring is not cheap, it’s bloody expensive. It’s expensive for a reason. It takes time, lots and lots of time, and real skill to correctly implement the hundreds of relevant hand processes that make authentic bespoke, real bespoke. Be careful, there’s a ton of crap out there flogged to punters as bespoke. Genuine bespoke tailoring cut and completely made on the premises. www.desmerrion.com #madeinengland #handmade #madetomeasure #bespoke #weddingsuit #bespoketailoring #savilerow #handmade #luxurymenswear #bespoketailor #instagood #learntailoring

Pocket baste bespoke coat fitting. A beautiful @dr

Pocket baste bespoke coat fitting. A beautiful @drapersitaly cloth. Do a bit of research before you part with your money. Genuine bespoke tailoring is not cheap, it’s bloody expensive. It’s expensive for a reason. It takes time, lots and lots of time, and real skill to correctly implement the hundreds of relevant hand processes that make authentic bespoke, real bespoke. Be careful, there’s a ton of crap out there flogged to punters as bespoke. Genuine bespoke tailoring cut and completely made on the premises. www.desmerrion.com #madeinengland #handmade #madetomeasure #bespoke #weddingsuit #bespoketailoring #savilerow #handmade #luxurymenswear #bespoketailor #instagood #learntailoring

The best, pattern maker, cutter and bespoke tailor

The best, pattern maker, cutter and bespoke tailor that I have ever known or ever seen, Arthur Chapel. Made my day when I found this picture of him online. By the looks of the mod suit on the dummy, I would probably say that the picture was taken in the mid to late 1960’s. Arthur was the Chief Pattern Cutter for Montague Burton. I know for certain that this picture was taken at the Burtons Leeds factory in Harehills, where they made 30,000 bespoke suits per week in that one factory. Which at its peak, employed 10,500 workers. I knew Arthur for a number of years, a kind and very humble person who always had a smile on his face. Arthur ended his career employed at my late father’s factory as our head designer and pattern maker. Old school, thousands, and thousands of patterns were all manually drafted, graded, spiked and cut out by hand by Arthur, and every single one of them always went together perfectly. I really, really regret not having made the opportunity for Arthur to show me how to make his patterns. Long dead now, but I’m so happy that I stumbled upon this picture of him. Do a bit of research before you part with your money. Genuine bespoke tailoring is not cheap, it’s bloody expensive. It’s expensive for a reason. It takes time, lots and lots of time, and real skill to correctly implement the hundreds of relevant hand processes that make authentic bespoke, real bespoke. Be careful, there’s a ton of crap out there flogged to punters as bespoke. Genuine bespoke tailoring cut and completely made on the premises. www.desmerrion.com #madeinengland #handmade #madetomeasure #bespoke #weddingsuit #bespoketailoring #savilerow #handmade #luxurymenswear #bespoketailor #instagood #learntailoring

How NOT to cut the back in this type of cloth… 🤷🏼‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️🤣 If you put shit online, don’t be pissed off if some arsehole like me starts picking holes in the quality of the workmanship. Do a bit of research before you part with your money. Genuine bespoke tailoring is not cheap, it’s bloody expensive. It’s expensive for a reason. It takes time, lots and lots of time, and real skill to correctly implement the hundreds of relevant hand processes that make authentic bespoke, real bespoke. Be careful, there’s a ton of crap out there flogged to punters as bespoke. Genuine bespoke tailoring cut and completely made on the premises. www.desmerrion.com #madeinengland #handmade #madetomeasure #bespoke #weddingsuit #bespoketailoring #savilerow #handmade #luxurymenswear #bespoketailor #instagood #learntailoring

Ready for finishing. Do a bit of research before y

Ready for finishing. Do a bit of research before you part with your money. Genuine bespoke tailoring is not cheap, it’s bloody expensive. It’s expensive for a reason. It takes time, lots and lots of time, and real skill to correctly implement the hundreds of relevant hand processes that make authentic bespoke, real bespoke. Be careful, there’s a ton of crap out there flogged to punters as bespoke. Genuine bespoke tailoring cut and completely made on the premises. www.desmerrion.com #madeinengland #handmade #madetomeasure #bespoke #weddingsuit #bespoketailoring #savilerow #handmade #luxurymenswear #bespoketailor #instagood #learntailoring

When work isn’t good enough I don’t piss aroun

When work isn’t good enough I don’t piss around. This is what I do with it. Do a bit of research before you part with your money. Genuine bespoke tailoring is not cheap, it’s bloody expensive. It’s expensive for a reason. It takes time, lots and lots of time, and real skill to correctly implement the hundreds of relevant hand processes that make authentic bespoke, real bespoke. Be careful, there’s a ton of crap out there flogged to punters as bespoke. Genuine bespoke tailoring cut and completely made on the premises. www.desmerrion.com #madeinengland #handmade #madetomeasure #bespoke #weddingsuit #bespoketailoring #savilerow #handmade #luxurymenswear #bespoketailor #instagood #learntailoring

Catching up with former military colleagues today.

Catching up with former military colleagues today. Bonds that are unbreakable and last until the grave. Every day, week, month and year that passes between us becomes more important than ever. Girl in the middle is hopefully helping us to win the best picture prize 🤣

DB. Do a bit of research before you part with your

DB. Do a bit of research before you part with your money. Genuine bespoke tailoring is not cheap, it’s bloody expensive. It’s expensive for a reason. It takes time, lots and lots of time, and real skill to correctly implement the hundreds of relevant hand processes that make authentic bespoke, real bespoke. Be careful, there’s a ton of crap out there flogged to punters as bespoke. Genuine bespoke tailoring cut and completely made on the premises. www.desmerrion.com #madeinengland #handmade #madetomeasure #bespoke #weddingsuit #bespoketailoring #savilerow #handmade #luxurymenswear #bespoketailor #instagood #learntailoring

No idea why, but I felt the need to visit my late

No idea why, but I felt the need to visit my late father’s grave last week. Do a bit of research before you part with your money. Genuine bespoke tailoring is not cheap, it’s bloody expensive. It’s expensive for a reason. It takes time, lots and lots of time, and real skill to correctly implement the hundreds of relevant hand processes that make authentic bespoke, real bespoke. Be careful, there’s a ton of crap out there flogged to punters as bespoke. Genuine bespoke tailoring cut and completely made on the premises. www.desmerrion.com #madeinengland #handmade #madetomeasure #bespoke #weddingsuit #bespoketailoring #savilerow #handmade #luxurymenswear #bespoketailor #instagood #learntailoring

Looks like Sir Kier Starmer takes his sartorial af

Looks like Sir Kier Starmer takes his sartorial affairs seriously. Check out the left sleeve, could be a new thing, the knuckle warmer sleeve. @10downingstreet go and pay £30 and get your sleeves shortened man. Or send your coat to me, I’ll shorten your sleeves for £150. Do a bit of research before you part with your money. Genuine bespoke tailoring is not cheap, it’s bloody expensive. It’s expensive for a reason. It takes time, lots and lots of time, and real skill to correctly implement the hundreds of relevant hand processes that make authentic bespoke, real bespoke. Be careful, there’s a ton of crap out there flogged to punters as bespoke. Genuine bespoke tailoring cut and completely made on the premises. www.desmerrion.com #madeinengland #handmade #madetomeasure #bespoke #weddingsuit #bespoketailoring #savilerow #handmade #luxurymenswear #bespoketailor #instagood #learntailoring

Mesh jacket, pocket baste fitting. Do a bit of res

Mesh jacket, pocket baste fitting. Do a bit of research before you part with your money. Genuine bespoke tailoring is not cheap, it’s bloody expensive. It’s expensive for a reason. It takes time, lots and lots of time, and real skill to correctly implement the hundreds of relevant hand processes that make authentic bespoke, real bespoke. Be careful, there’s a ton of crap out there flogged to punters as bespoke. Genuine bespoke tailoring cut and completely made on the premises. www.desmerrion.com #madeinengland #handmade #madetomeasure #bespoke #weddingsuit #bespoketailoring #savilerow #handmade #luxurymenswear #bespoketailor #instagood #learntailoring

Not one good suit between them. What the fuck do m

Not one good suit between them. What the fuck do men actually see when they look at themselves in the mirror ? “Wow, I look smoking hot in this lousy suit” But If you can’t even recognise that your trousers are four inches too long, how do you expect people to think that you’re capable of running a country ?? And don’t get me started on the coats… Sad thing is, all of these men have probably got a few quid to easily pay for their suits to be ALTERED to improve the fit. Clearly society is doomed. Do a bit of research before you part with your money. Genuine bespoke tailoring is not cheap, it’s bloody expensive. It’s expensive for a reason. It takes time, lots and lots of time, and real skill to correctly implement the hundreds of relevant hand processes that make authentic bespoke, real bespoke. Be careful, there’s a ton of crap out there flogged to punters as bespoke. Genuine bespoke tailoring cut and completely made on the premises. www.desmerrion.com #madeinengland #handmade #madetomeasure #bespoke #weddingsuit #bespoketailoring #savilerow #handmade #luxurymenswear #bespoketailor #instagood #learntailoring

Waistcoat for the shop window mannequin. A nice cl

Waistcoat for the shop window mannequin. A nice clean fit, and hopefully an eye catcher. Buttonholes and buttons needed to finish it off. Shirt or no shirt for the mannequin, what do you folks think ?? Do a bit of research before you part with your money. Genuine bespoke tailoring is not cheap, it’s bloody expensive. It’s expensive for a reason. It takes time, lots and lots of time, and real skill to correctly implement the hundreds of relevant hand processes that make authentic bespoke, real bespoke. Be careful, there’s a ton of crap out there flogged to punters as bespoke. Genuine bespoke tailoring cut and completely made on the premises. www.desmerrion.com #madeinengland #handmade #madetomeasure #bespoke #weddingsuit #bespoketailoring #savilerow #handmade #luxurymenswear #bespoketailor #instagood #learntailoring

Cutting out this lovely grey chalk stripe flannel.

Cutting out this lovely grey chalk stripe flannel. Do a bit of research before you part with your money. Genuine bespoke tailoring is not cheap, it’s bloody expensive. It’s expensive for a reason. It takes time, lots and lots of time, and real skill to correctly implement the hundreds of relevant hand processes that make authentic bespoke, real bespoke. Be careful, there’s a ton of crap out there flogged to punters as bespoke. Genuine bespoke tailoring cut and completely made on the premises. www.desmerrion.com #madeinengland #handmade #madetomeasure #bespoke #weddingsuit #bespoketailoring #savilerow #handmade #luxurymenswear #bespoketailor #instagood #learntailoring

Straight finish bespoke linen coat that we made su

Straight finish bespoke linen coat that we made super quick for my recent holiday in Turkey. Do a bit of research before you part with your money. Genuine bespoke tailoring is not cheap, it’s bloody expensive. It’s expensive for a reason. It takes time, lots and lots of time, and real skill to correctly implement the hundreds of relevant hand processes that make authentic bespoke, real bespoke. Be careful, there’s a ton of crap out there flogged to punters as bespoke. Genuine bespoke tailoring cut and completely made on the premises. www.desmerrion.com #madeinengland #handmade #madetomeasure #bespoke #weddingsuit #bespoketailoring #savilerow #handmade #luxurymenswear #bespoketailor #instagood #learntailoring

Here’s some of this weeks garments that we’ve

Here’s some of this weeks garments that we’ve managed to get through. Do a bit of research before you part with your money. Genuine bespoke tailoring is not cheap, it’s bloody expensive. It’s expensive for a reason. It takes time, lots and lots of time, and real skill to correctly implement the hundreds of relevant hand processes that make authentic bespoke, real bespoke. Be careful, there’s a ton of crap out there flogged to punters as bespoke. Genuine bespoke tailoring cut and completely made on the premises. www.desmerrion.com #madeinengland #handmade #madetomeasure #bespoke #weddingsuit #bespoketailoring #savilerow #handmade #luxurymenswear #bespoketailor #instagood #learntailoring

Setting the collar, and hand made lapels on this F

Setting the collar, and hand made lapels on this Fox Bros Glen Check DB 2 x 6. Do a bit of research before you part with your money. Genuine bespoke tailoring is not cheap, it’s bloody expensive. It’s expensive for a reason. It takes time, lots and lots of time, and real skill to correctly implement the hundreds of relevant hand processes that make authentic bespoke, real bespoke. Be careful, there’s a ton of crap out there flogged to punters as bespoke. Genuine bespoke tailoring cut and completely made on the premises. www.desmerrion.com #madeinengland #handmade #madetomeasure #bespoke #weddingsuit #bespoketailoring #savilerow #handmade #luxurymenswear #bespoketailor #instagood #learntailoring

I’m looking to hire a trainee tailor, or trainee

Just final pressing. Super 100’s Navy worsted, f

Just final pressing. Super 100’s Navy worsted, full canvas semi bespoke. Do a bit of research before you part with your money. Genuine bespoke tailoring is not cheap, it’s bloody expensive. It’s expensive for a reason. It takes time, lots and lots of time, and real skill to correctly implement the hundreds of relevant hand processes that make authentic bespoke, real bespoke. Be careful, there’s a ton of crap out there flogged to punters as bespoke. Genuine bespoke tailoring cut and completely made on the premises. www.desmerrion.com #madeinengland #handmade #madetomeasure #bespoke #weddingsuit #bespoketailoring #savilerow #handmade #luxurymenswear #bespoketailor #instagood #learntailoring

My opinion with a coat collar is that it should al

My opinion with a coat collar is that it should always have a graceful shape and gentle curves. I see a lot of well very made collars that are just too blocky and shapeless for my liking. What do you think ? 🤔 Do a bit of research before you part with your money. Genuine bespoke tailoring is not cheap, it’s bloody expensive. It’s expensive for a reason. It takes time, lots and lots of time, and real skill to correctly implement the hundreds of relevant hand processes that make authentic bespoke, real bespoke. Be careful, there’s a ton of crap out there flogged to punters as bespoke. Genuine bespoke tailoring cut and completely made on the premises. www.desmerrion.com #madeinengland #handmade #madetomeasure #bespoke #weddingsuit #bespoketailoring #savilerow #handmade #luxurymenswear #bespoketailor #instagood #learntailoring

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