SUITS FOR DUKES

Press, Volume C, Issue 29607, 1 September 1961, Page 2

SUITS FOR DUKES

Share Same Tailor The well-dressed Royal Dukee of Edinburgh, Gloucester. Windsor and Kent have their suits bespoke tailored in London. Britain’s Prime Minister and America’s President, whose suits have recently been the subject of much favourable comment in Britain and America, share the same London tailor.

The influence of British bespoke tailoring on both sides of the Atlantic has probably never been higher, but is this influence strong enough to help bring back the doublebreasted style? The ready-to-wear clothing manufacturers do not think there will be a pronounced swing away from the now popular single-breasted style to the double-breasted. What do the tailors themselves think?

Mr Leonard Whitley, chairman of the men’s fashion council, admits to having noticed an increased demand for double-breasted suits, but with some variations from the traditional style; lapels and wrap over are definitely narrower. He attributes this to American buying and feels that this trend will continue.

Mr E. H. Watson, tailor to the Duke of Edinburgh, agrees in finding a definite increase in popularity for the double-breasted suit, though his customers tend to prefer the older, unchanged style. Prince Philip is still slightly in favour of single-breasted styles. Mr H. Lungley Powe is equally postitive, and makes mention of the new style his firm has designed to meet the double-breasted demand, which is finding ready acceptance by younger men. The two-buttoned jacket is shorter than before, with a clearly defined waist and slim hip-line, giving an elegance enhanced by slim, pleatless trousers. Lapels are slightly wider again, and the narrow cuffs are flaired, with link fastenings.—From an article in the “New Zealand Draper and Allied Retailer.” magazine.