Spencer's Trousers (UK). Any good?

[Eddie Derbyshire]

Hello Loungers,
Sorry if this is a topic that's already been discussed (I did a quick search but couldn't find anything) but have any of you ever ordered trousers from Spencer's in Yorkshire? - http://spencers-trousers.com/

I emailed them and they seem happy to do the details I want (high waist, fishtail, wide legs etc.) but I am reluctant to take the splash without knowing whether any Loungers have had any experience with them. They are a bit cheaper than my usual source, and are willing to work with the cloth I want to provide them, so I don't know what to reckon.

Any advice, or alternative affordable trouser-makers, would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Eddie

 

[AntonAAK]

I have half a dozen pairs from Spencer's and would recommend them highly. They keep my pattern on file and regularly send new fabric swatches and I can just order another pair. Always well made and to precise specifications. You can also send them a vintage pair to have copied.

Give them a try. (I have no affiliation with them, just a customer.)
A

 

[Eddie Derbyshire]

Thanks for the info AntonAAK. When they emailed me yesterday they said they were 'reluctant' to use the fabric from a new customer, but hopefully they can be persuaded if I decide to go with them. I don't suppose you'd be able to recommend a decent MtM jacket-maker could you? Again, as affordable as possible.

 

[GHT]

Have you tried Some Like It Holy?

 

[cordwangler]

Thanks for the info AntonAAK. When they emailed me yesterday they said they were 'reluctant' to use the fabric from a new customer, but hopefully they can be persuaded if I decide to go with them. I don't suppose you'd be able to recommend a decent MtM jacket-maker could you? Again, as affordable as possible.

I imagine they're reluctant for a first order, given the outside chance of dissatisfaction - because then you've got a disputed trouser and you've 'lost' your fabric.

Their choice of fabrics looks very good. Maybe ask them who their supplier is. If it's one of the high-end local manufacturers, and they can source alternatives from them, you'll have an amazing range of fabrics to choose from.

 

[Eddie Derbyshire]

cordwangler - I take your point. It makes sense when you put it like that. The story is that I had a tweed three-piece made a couple of years ago from Abraham Moon cloth, and the cloth wore out on the trousers VERY quickly, and has done similar with other Moon cloth trousers I have (I ordered more before I knew there was a problem). So I contacted them and they sent a load of cloth to make replacement trousers - so I'm looking for the most affordable replacements.

GHT - I'll take a look! Thanks!

 

[cordwangler]

It's good you got something from them as compensation. However, might I venture – and I'm not seeking to cause unrest - that the replacement trousers might also go through rather rapidly? Or is this a different fabric?

I get that you've a budget, and the replacement cloth. But sometimes if you want things right you just have to chuck a few quid at them

I'm the last person to throw money around, but when I have done in the past on clothes made from really good quality fabric it's paid off.

 

[Eddie Derbyshire]

True - it is something I considered strongly myself, but I've poured that much money into the suits already (jacket and waistcoat too you see, and they have hardly got any wear on them) that I think if I can get the trousers cheap, then I can alternate between them and the worn-out but repaired trousers.

It's a mistake I won't make in the future, but for now I think my only option is to try and get new trousers to the suits. I appreciate the advice though! Thanks!

 

[cordwangler]

True - it is something I considered strongly myself, but I've poured that much money into the suits already (jacket and waistcoat too you see, and they have hardly got any wear on them) that I think if I can get the trousers cheap, then I can alternate between them and the worn-out but repaired trousers.

It's a mistake I won't make in the future, but for now I think my only option is to try and get new trousers to the suits. I appreciate the advice though! Thanks!

Ah, you're in deep that makes sense... and didn't intend to lecture quite as much as I did

 

[esteban68]

I seem to recall TT has had a few pairs made by Spencers?

 

[Two Types]

I bought my first pair of Spencers probably in the mid to late 1990s. I have had plenty of them made over the years and they hold three patterns on file for me, plus two shorts patterns. They have also adapted the designs to make plus twos etc. They have always been trustworthy and fair to me. When I first ordered a pair, they got it wrong and immediately remade the trousers. I'm not saying they've never made errors over the years because they have (some have been cut narrower on the leg and seat than my pattern), but they have rectified mistakes. They've been in the game a long, long time and I believe they hold lots of old patterns. I can understand why they wouldn't want to use your fabric on a first order - there's no room for error.

So yes, I would certainly recommend them.

 

[Eddie Derbyshire]

Thanks for the advice TT - I'll perhaps get them to put me up a pair of nice slacks first then and maybe approach them later for replacement trousers with my cloth - when I've got the cash. They're pretty reasonably priced really - just need to find a source that makes matching jackets equally as reasonable!

 

[Two Types]

I think Anton had great success simply by sending the relevant dimensions. I chose to have my favourite trousers copied. I would certainly recommend that path if you own a pair that are yoour perfect trousers.

 

[Eddie Derbyshire]

Shall do thanks. I've tried to have a suit copied before but my outfitter wasn't keen on doing it and would only take measurements - it's good that they do a copy service.

 

[AntonAAK]

I think Anton had great success simply by sending the relevant dimensions.

I did. It took a couple of goes but I sent them my measurements and specifications regarding leg width, high rise, brace buttons etc and now they reproduce them every time.

I'm afraid I don't know of a jacket maker personally but it might be worth trying Bookster now they seem to have re-opened for business.

 

[Edward]

Bookster are back in the game? New management?

As I recall, they outsourced their suit production to someone else; can't remember the name, but it's on here somewhere. Nice work, that I saw, and they did do high rise, fishtail back ,and all the nice bits.

 

[Eddie Derbyshire]

I've always wanted a Bookster suit, but again, never been able to afford it. I'm glad they came back into business though so that one day I might get one! I can't remember how much their pricing used to be, but now they're about the same amount as going to a tailor - about a grand for a MTM suit.

 

[GHT]

about a grand for a MTM suit.

A grand? Good grief, Rocacha will make you a beautiful suit, in pure wool, from £525 up to £650 for a three piece.

 

[Eddie Derbyshire]

Thanks - I've come across Rocacha before - are they open to modifications on their designs etc?

Here's the link to the Bookster page - there's a 'Made to Order' and a 'Custom Made to Measure' - prices on both still pretty heavy: http://www.tweed-jacket.com/pricing.html

 

[AntonAAK]

Those prices surprise me. I thought Bookster were more like £500-£600 for a suit. Maybe I imagined that.