When building a wardrobe of beautiful tailoring, the sartorial gentlemen needs to consider five key pieces. Each of these act as staples for workwear, casual and formal events. We call these five pieces, the core collection, consisting of:
- The Navy Suit
- The Dress Coat
- The Dinner Suit
- The Casual Coat
- The Sports Jacket
As with any form of fine tailoring, it’s details that elevate the piece and communicate to the world that this is a man of style.
The Navy Suit
The navy suit is the first piece that any man should consider owning. Its versatility lends itself to business/office attire, wedding outfits and be able to be broken up in to separate looks consisting of just the jacket with chinos or jeans, or just the trousers with a nice shirt or knitwear.
Details
The Richard George navy suit is different because of the details. This sharkskin cloth is made up of many different shade of blue offering depth and versatility.
The beautiful pick stitching (or AMF stitching) along each seam ensures a sharpness to every line of the suit as well has aesthetic appeal.
The style is classic; single-breasted with slanted pockets and a ticket pocket. If you’re at the start of your tailoring journey, this suit is the perfect piece to begin building a wardrobe around.
The Dress Coat or Overcoat
A dress coat is essential; it is an extension of the exquisite tailoring being worn underneath and ensures warmth to the wearer. It needn’t be entirely about beauty, there are patented fabrics available that ensure weather-resistance thus improving functionality and practicality. A classic camel will never go out of style and can be worn with any array of different hues underneath.
Details
We’ve made this dress coat in a baby camelhair; as warm as it is durable. Double-breasted with a self fabric belt and a wide lapel. The aim of this garment is timelessness. A coat that will still be worn for many years to come, and each time making the wearer feel as elegant as the first.
Learn more about what to look for in the perfect overcoat
The Dinner Suit
For anyone attending black tie events, a dinner suit (some may refer to it as a tuxedo) speaks for itself; it’s a must have. Ideally your dinner suit should be a twisted wool, as this ensures both breathability and durability. It should be black, however subtle details can ensure that your dinner suit stands out amongst a crowd.
Details
This black dinner suit sports a number of characteristics that subtly differentiate it from its peers. The satin lapel is a grosgrain, which means it features tiny ribs; a traditionally British feature (and very James Bond).
The buttons of this dinner jacket and the formal stripe down the trouser leg also feature grosgrain.
Side adjusters and an after-dinner split – sometimes called a v-split; a very small detail at the back of the trouser – allow for comfort following what is often a large three-course meal.
The Sports Jacket
A sports jacket is a smart-casual jacket that is an opportunity to show a little bit of personality. Whether that is through fabric, pattern, texture or colour. Versatility is key. To get the most wear from your sports jacket, it needs to pair with various different shirts, knits and trousers that you already own. Ideally, you’d have two sports jackets; one of a more wintery fabric such as a heavier wool, flannel or cashmere, and one that will keep you cool in warmer climes, such as linen blend or a hopsack weave.
Details
This wool and cashmere sports jacket in Autumnal colours will transcend British seasons nicely. The cloth, from Drago, features a check that can be dressed up or down. The brown hues speak to the countryside and therefore makes it a wonderful choice for those attending horse racing events during the winter months; New Years Day race meetings or Cheltenham, for example.
The ethically-sourced Ox horn buttons make the perfect finishing touch.
The Casual Coat
A casual coat ensures that no matter how casual the occasion or the outfit underneath, you appear well-presented. It’s effortlessly stylish and works as well with a t-shirt and trainers as it does with jeans and Chelsea boots. This is the coat you reach for on the weekend.
Details
Our Richard George casual coat is made in a brown check wool from Italian fabric mill, Angelico. Reassuringly heavy and double-breasted, with an action back and belted back waist, this coat nods to country-living while maintaining a contemporary aesthetic.
Each of these 5 core essentials are available ready-to-wear from the Richard George Showroom. Book an appointment to buy them here.
Want your tailoring personalised? To achieve the perfect fabric, fit and design, consider having your garment made-to-measure. While our made-to-measure tailoring can be designed and crafted within 4 weeks, we recommend planning for at least 6 weeks ahead of an occasion.
