“It’s the bride’s day. All eyes on the bride.” These are probably the most quoted phrases in any wedding magazine. Remember though, without a bridegroom; there's no wedding. Even more crucial is that, no matter how gorgeous the bride, her starring man wearing an ill-fitting suit will darken her day in the spotlight. Worse still, the memory will be there in glorious photographic technicolour for many embarrassing years to come.

Your bridegroom suit is just as important as the bridal gown, and your fiancé will have pondered long and hard before she finally says ‘yes to the dress’. However, dressing the top man can be tricky. For starters, even the most fashion-conscious guys amongst us aren’t always comfortable in more formal attire. Also, the bride - the one usually calling the wedding shots - probably keeps her dress a secret from you. A lovely surprise for you on the big day but what a disaster if your suit doesn’t pass muster to complement her dress.

Do some detective work.

Ask your bride-to-be for clues. Is her dress a formal style? Perhaps it has a vintage vibe? Full-on Cinderella? Or has she opted for totally on-trend modern? Is there a colour theme for the wedding – bridesmaids matching the tablecloths matching your pet dog’s bow tie kind of thing?

Once you’ve got that bit of the wedding jigsaw sorted, think about your wedding venue. If it’s a grand stately home or castle, you can pull out the stops and go for a full-on formal three-piece suit. Even a fancy frock coat or tails could work as with Pride and Prejudice’s heartthrob hero Mr Darcy. (But please don’t be tempted to arrive via the lake!)

A smart-casual look is the best choice for a festival theme set in a field or a beach wedding. Consider a two-piece, mix and match combination of trouser and jacket or a smart linen shirt and trousers, especially if it’s a sultry climate.

You can bring the wedding theme into the type of fabric you choose for your suit – a touch of tweed, perhaps waistcoat or jacket, is an excellent detail for Country Style Weddings.

"A man should look as if he had bought his clothes with intelligence, put them on with care and then forgotten all about them."

Timing is everything

The time of the wedding goes a long way to dictating the dress code. Black tie is a classic choice for weddings later in the day (after 4 pm). A tuxedo will work best alongside an evening-style wedding dress.

The other option for late afternoon weddings is lounge suits. This is the kind of look you may wear to a cocktail party and allows more flexibility. It can be a single-breasted or double-breasted, a two-piece suit or a three-piece suit.

Morning suits are the most formal daytime look with tailcoats, waistcoat and striped trousers – think Ascot.

Wherever the wedding, whatever the time, remember these wise words of Sir Edwin Hardy Amies, English fashion designer and Royal Warrant Holder:

Guide to dressing the groom

We put your questions to Sam and Edward from Robert Old, who've been expertly dressing bridegrooms for decades.

Do I need to match my groomsmen?

Do I need to match my groomsmen?

No. You’re the star. You come first. Make sure you are suited and booted before considering what the best man and ushers will be wearing. The bride chooses her dress before the bridesmaids because her dress defines the style of her maids. Your suit choice should do the same for your wedding entourage.

If you all dress the same, you run the risk of looking like a well-turned-out England squad or even a struggling second division side! Why not co-ordinate your best man and ushers by being clever with your accessories? Consider How to accessorise your wedding suit by wearing matching pocket squares Silk Pocket Squares & Handkerchiefs | Robert Old and/or ties. Designer Silk Ties for Men | Bow Ties and Neckties | Robert Old. A great idea is for you all to have matching socks to link into the theme. Men's Luxury Socks Online | Men's Designer Socks | Robert Old

What colour suit do I choose?

What colour suit do I choose?

The recent trend is to subscribe to a colour theme matching the bridesmaids’ dresses. But let’s face it, not every man looks ‘pretty in pink’. Keeping your look natural and timeless is the way forward. Neutral tones, classy golds, smart navy or grey are choices that allow you to wear the suit again and never dates in your photo album.

Remember, neutral doesn't have to mean dull. The choice of fabrics for men's tailoring is enormous, and there are some outstanding checks, stripes and plaid detailing to add flair. Pick a cloth that you might be able to use again for future events. As well as colour, bear in mind the time of year of the wedding. Go for a cloth that will fit the season. You’ll be nervous enough on the big day, so over-heating in tweed in the height of summer is not a great look!

Do I need to order my suit as far in advance as my bride purchases her dress?

Do I need to order my suit as far in advance as my bride purchases her dress?

Wedding dresses often do need extraordinarily long lead times. Not so for men’s suits. Even the ones made to measure here at Robert Old take just six weeks. (We even managed a deadline of just 15 days for one somewhat disorganised groom!)

However, do allow time for alterations as both made-to-measure and off-the-peg may need some tweaking. Trying on your new suit on the eve of the wedding and realising the trousers are too long will not help pre-wedding nerves!

Three-piece or two-piece suit?

Three-piece or two-piece suit?

Three-piece suits give a more formal look and the opportunity to wear a fabulous waistcoat. Think David Beckham – different colour and fabric makes a statement. A weddings day is lengthy, and no doubt you’ll want to remove your jacket at some point. An eye-catching waistcoat is a great way to stand out from the crowd when being swept onto the dancefloor in a sea of plain white shirts.

Consider The Freedom of Mix and Match. Why not put best man and ushers in two-piece suits and you in three-piece with a snazzy waistcoat to make you the alpha male? You could also extend this to Dressing the Father of the Bride – he’s the second most important man in the room (even if he’s paying for the wedding!) As he gives his daughter away, he needs to set a stylish tone, so choosing him a three-piece suit with a different waistcoat to yours gives him status above the rest of the party.

Be careful, though – there are many Dos and Don'ts of Waistcoat Wearing. Being too over-the-top or wearing it too tight and you risk looking more like Toad of Toad Hall than football’s Gareth “lucky waistcoat” Southgate.

Can I wear a tuxedo?

Can I wear a tuxedo?

Classic and very James Bond – but black-tie is only appropriate if the wedding venue, timing, and theme suggest a formal dress code. The tuxedo is a timeless classic – the look has been subtly updated over the years with tweaks to button arrangements and lapels. Still, it remains the same stylish combination.

It’s worth having a tuxedo made for you rather than renting one that will never fit you flatteringly. Curate your spin on a classic with a velvet jacket or contrasting trousers. Suits & Tailoring For Wedding, Business, Formal and Country Wear (robertold.co.uk)

A tuxedo will work best alongside an evening-style wedding dress. Think A-listers George and Amal Clooney, who unsurprisingly pulled off the Black Tie Dress Code effortlessly - George in a tux and Amal in a stunning long lace gown.

Lounge suit or morning suit?

Lounge suit or morning suit?

A morning suit, also known as morning dress, is the traditional, time-honoured gentleman's attire for formal events such as weddings, memorial services and daytime affairs. Think Ascot. It features a long formal jacket with tails, a waistcoat and striped trousers. The term originated from the mid-19^th century when this attire was worn at daytime events before 6 pm.

Get the Lounge look Right, and it allows you to be more flexible and add flair. Choose from a two- or three-piece suit or even throw a blazer-style jacket with trousers into the mix for more individuality. Here is the opportunity to stand out from your entourage with many combinations that can be tailored to suit your personality and the wedding theme.

Do I go made to measure or off the peg?

Do I go made to measure or off the peg?

How often will you get the opportunity to wear a suit made especially for you? The bride will have her beautiful designer dress so why can’t you invest in a suit that will make you look and feel great on your big day and give you years of wear afterwards (unlike her dress!)

Hand-tailored exclusively for us in Italy, the comfort and contemporary style of our Robert Old made-to-measure suits ooze style. Made to Measure Suits by Robert Old - Bespoke Suit Tailoring

Not all of us are blessed with a perfect physique. Hand-tailored suits complement your best features and disguise the less flattering.

Experience the joy of picking every element of your look, making it work 100 per cent for you – from the cloth to the buttons to the lapel shapes. Ermenegildo Zegna Made to Measure Suits - Bespoke Su Misura Suits (robertold.co.uk)

Rest assured, your bride will be impressed. After all, “a well-tailored suit is to women what lingerie is to men.”

THE ROBERT OLD SHIRT

Robert Old has had a clear vision over the last 100 years or so; to supply our customers with the highest possible quality. Traditionally this was rooted in the tailoring world, when our Great Grandfather Robert Old was the leading Tailor of his day. The world has become progressively more casual now and we have been working hard to enlarge our specialist offer and here we’d like to introduce you to some of the finest casual shirts around.

ROBERT OLD SHIRTS

Building Your Perfect Shirt...

Before a needle is even lifted there is tireless work to ensure the best possible garment is created. Only the best will do if we are to put a Robert Old label on it.

Sourcing The Cloth

Possibly the most important step in creating an outstanding shirt is the quality of the cloth. We simply source our fabrics from the finest mills. One of our favourite cloth houses is the revered Alumo. Based in Switzerland they produce a variety of twills, oxfords, superfine cottons and even cashmere-cottons fabrics. During the spring and summer seasons we incorporate Linens from Ireland and Italy. Cloth is everything when it comes to the finished product; the moment you wear a Robert Old shirt the quality should become apparent, from the way it fits to the way it drapes.

Where are they Made?

With a passion for all things British, the shirts are handcrafted in the English West Country to our exacting standards. It was a necessity to us when scouring the country for a factory that we had the best quality craftsman. We personalise and review each shirt style personally to ensure that the finished shirt will fill the necessary requirements. This almost off-the-peg bespoke program is what makes our shirts standout from the crowds.

Creating The Right Fit

Ensuring our shirts are comfortable, stylish and timeless is at the forefront of our mind. We construct all our shirts to an easy fitting silhouette that allows for free movement while also holding an aesthetic shape. All Robert Old shirts are crafted using the same measurements so once you find your size the rest is up to you. We hold a large selection of shirts to ensure that there is something for everyone. This choice for those looking for work shirts, business shirts, weekend shirts, summer shirts and short sleeve shirts. These styles are separated into varying designs, including solid colours, stripes, checks, twill effects and even prints.

The Details...

No stone is left unturned… With each shirt, devil is in the detail, our design expert, Edward Old ensures there is a shirt for every occasion, in the configuration that lends itself to its purpose. Our casual shirts feature the custom burley button-down collar without collar bones and with collar bones depending on how casual the shirt needs to be. Our more formal shirts feature the smart soft spread collar with stays for a refined and structured finish. While the shirts are set apart from the opposition with premium details like the Mother of Pearl buttons, mitred cuffs and reinforced hem.

Explore Long Sleeved Shirts

Robert floral short sleeve shirt

Explore Short Sleeved Shirts

Picking The Right Size

We know that finding the right size of shirt can often be difficult and confusing, all of our Robert Old shirts are designed for a classic (Gentleman’s) fit. They are all sized by the centimetre neck size with our table below setting out more specific dimensions.

Going The Extra Mile With A Custom Made Shirt

At Robert Old you can experience the unique opportunity to create your own custom made shirt. We understand that off the peg garments are not for everyone. If you have specific requirements or would just like to treat yourself to something extra special we welcome you to Contact us for a consultation.

Explore the Shirt Factory

Robert Old has had a clear vision over the last 100 years or so; to supply our customers with the highest possible quality. Explore our journey to creating the finest English-Made shirts.

Crockett & Jones Handgrade Collection

History

Established by James Crockett and Charles Jones in 1879, Crockett & Jones offers some of the finest leather shoes in Britain. Focusing on detail, quality, comfort and durability they are the epitome of luxury shoe engineering. Homed in Northampton, Crockett’s expanded and developed throughout the 20^th century. Part of this development resulted in the Goodyear welted construction which draws origination from USA and Charles Goodyear and is still in use today, thanks to its easy and fast method. The construction of their shoes requires over 200 separate operations in an 8-week period, but provides incomparable strength, durability and comfort. They take this further with the Hand Grade collection.

The Process

A portion of their collection is the ‘Hand Grade Collection’ which is a variety of shoes where the shoe making process has been taken a step further. Extra detailing consists of an asymmetric last, upper leather cuts, fine dyes and extensive hand-polishing. Additional focus is given to details such as the stitching around the uppers, while the soles are trimmed and stitched before final waxing. These production techniques elevate the shoe and can take 10 weeks from start to finish. Robert Old offers a selection of the Crockett & Jones hand grade collection, including the Lonsdale, Crawford, Audley, Seymour, Weymouth, Belgrave and Fairford. These shoes are offered in a variety of lasts in brown or black.

Last 337

The 337 last originates from 2001, it consists of a soft square toe. It is a categorised as a more classic toe shape of what is offered. It is a traditional English last consistently utilised on Oxford business shoes. The Audley and Belgrave are available in 337 last. The Audley is an original from the hand grade collection, a straight cap Oxford with an abundance of quality. Made from the finest calf leather with single leather sole. The Belgrave, again is an original Oxford however is detailed with a punched detail across the toe cap. Made using the finest calf leather with single leather sole.

Last 363

The 363 is a modern last developed in 2009 frequently found on contemporary business shoes. It consists of a soft round toe with asymmetric fit along with a slimmer back and narrower waist. This ensures one of Crockett & Jones best fitting lasts. We offer the Crawford and Lonsdale in the 363 last. The Crawford is a classic penny loafer crafted from the finest calf leather with single leather sole. The Lonsdale is a classic straight cap Oxford constructed from the finest calf leather with single leather sole - it also comes in a suede version.

Last 373

The 373 last is unique to the hand grade collection. It has a sharp chisel toe with asymmetric fit, closer heel clipping and a narrower waist. It epitomises and finishes the most elegant handmade English shoes offered by Crockett & Jones. At Robert Old the Fairford, Seymour 3 & Weymouth 2 bare the 373 last. The Fairford is an intricate Oxford brogue with unique patterning, punch medallion. Finished with extensive hand polishing along with fine aniline dyes to ensure a rich depth of colour. The Seymour comes in the way of a double buckle monk shoe with plain front, made from the finest calf leather. The Weymouth is a classic Oxford shoe with punched medallion design, made from the finest calf leather.

Explore the Crockett & Jones Ranges

Explore the opulent selection of Crockett & Jones Hand Grade shoes.

The Robert Old Guide to Caring for your Cashmere

Our men's Cashmere Sweaters are crafted using the finest undercoat fibres of the Capra Hircus goat from Inner Mongolia.

Only the longest and thickest fibres from the raw harvest are accepted to be spun into yarn. (more…)

The Robert Old Guide to Caring for your Cashmere Our men’s Cashmere Sweaters are crafted using the finest undercoat fibres of the Capra Hircus goat from Inner Mongolia. Only the longest and thickest fibres from the raw harvest are accepted to be spun into yarn.

Click & Collect by Loubelle Fleming

At Robert Old we are proud of our long-standing reputation for high quality service – it’s only been over 110 years! With the way we shop changing by the day…

Psssst!! We've got Belstaff in our Basement......

Heaven For Leather

It’s no secret that if you’re looking for a leather jacket of iconic proportions, Belstaff is the answer.

Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, Will Smith, Ewan McGregor, David Beckham - they are all testament to the high profile Belstaff wearers of the world. And let’s face it, quite besides the illustrious and impressive heritage of the brand, Belstaff is, quite simply, something
else.

Crafted from oiled and hand-waxed leather, each with a unique depth of colour, the Trialmaster Panther and men’s Gangster jacket gloriously epitomise Belstaff’s exclusive artisanal finishing.

"Proudly and Exclusively stocking signature Leathers"

Wax and Quilted Jackets

To celebrate its 70th birthday, the Trialmaster was updated to give a more streamlined fit, but with all the essence of the original. The Trialmaster’s waxed finish and velvet lined collar, cuffs and rear hem combines luxury with practicality.

The Belstaff Adventure

If you’ re a long time Belstaff lover adding to your collection, buying online might be an option. However, if you’ re new to the Belstaff adventure - or want to see, feel, smell and try on a new leather or waxed jacket, Merino knitwear cardigan or zip through, there’ s nothing like the in-store service and experience.

In Store Exclusive

There’s only one place in Bournemouth for Belstaff, and that’ s here at Robert Old in our Westover Road store, Bournemouth. Proudly and exclusively stocking signature leathers such as the Trialmaster Panther, along waxed jackets, gilets, knits and t shirts; your Belstaff adventure begins at Robert Old.

Discover the Full Collection In Store

It’s no secret that if you’re looking for a leather jacket of iconic proportions, Belstaff is the answer.

Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, Will Smith, Ewan McGregor, David Beckham…

Ermenegildo Zegna
SU MISURA SS19

As the Winter begins to fade and the sun starts to shine, perhaps the old favourite suit and jacket may be looking a little tired, gaps may even appear ready to be filled by new shirts or lightweight Summer jackets...

Whilst we are readily equipped to cater to your exacting requirements with our wide range of seasonal collections, your needs may also be met by taking advantage of our comprehensive Made to Measure Service.

Ermenegildo Zegna’s 'Su Misura' allows you the opportunity to create personalised garments with the help of our highly skilled tailoring staff, which will then be delivered in just a few short weeks. Suits, Jackets, Trousers, Shirts and Overcoats can be realised in a huge variety of the highest quality fabrics from High Performance Wool to Pure Cashmere (if you are feeling especially indulgent!).

An initial consultation will include a discussion of your ideas and expectations, measuring and the finalisation of small details such as your choice of lining and buttons. Upon receipt of your chosen garment we will invite you for a second fitting and any necessary final adjustments will be completed by our in-house Master Tailor.The particularly good news is that once you are satisfied with the fit and feel of your garment there is no need for a re-measure (provided you don't change shape drastically!) and the next time you require a specific tailored item you can simply call in and choose a fabric!

DISCOVER SU MISURA

REQUEST A CONSULTATION

Robert Old Tailoring specialists are at your disposal. Schedule an appointment that suits you. Planning for an occasion or have a specific request let us know here.

CALL US: +44 1202 290832

Su Misura Tailoring

The Warmest of greetings from all at Robert Old.

With Summer conceding its last few days we say farewell to linens and beachwear, and in its place, we offer a warm welcome in-store to our winter collections from all our favourite brands; just in time to beat the chill in the air.

(more…)

Does your faithful dinner jacket require room for a little festive growth?

Perhaps your business suits require taking down a size after a successful year at the gym?

At Robert Old & Co we have an on site master tailor who carries out all of the work which may be required to perfect the fit of our 'off the peg' garments.

Following many years of Military service our tailor joined us bringing the expertise which he acquired whilst producing bespoke uniforms for the highest ranking officers of the British Army.

Following an in-store second fitting our Italian Made to Measure suits, jackets and trousers are completed by his skilled hand and discerning eye.

This unique tailoring service is also available by private appointment to adjust, mend or give a little extra TLC to your personal clothing.

If you have an item of clothing that you would like re-fitted simply call us to discuss your needs or if you happen to be passing bring it in for our expert assessment.

Please call 01202 290832 and ask for a member of the tailoring department, or bring the item to our First Floor showroom for guidance on what can be achieved.

Alterations which we regularly carry out include: Shortening trousers and jeans, Letting out/Taking in jacket waists, Shortening jacket sleeves, Shortening shirt sleeves, General repairs.

A full list of available adjustments and costs is available on request.

For more Tailoring information view Robert Old Tailoring

Does your faithful dinner jacket require room for a little festive growth? Or Perhaps your business suits require taking down a size after a successful year at the gym? At Robert Old & Co we have an on site master tailor who carries out all of the work which may be required to perfect the […]

While constructing smart and casual shirt collection, less is definitely more. In today's post, we are going to discuss what the most popular shirt styles are, and why all distinguished gentleman need to own them.

We have carefully crafted a list of our top 7 must have shirt styles and patterns that are must have style staples. All shirt styles listed are crafted from 100% Cotton and made in the heart of England. While choosing dress shirts it is important to consider durability and quality, especially for business attire.

Cotton is a popular fabric known for its smoothness and allowing the skin to breathe, unlike most synthetic fabrics. Although more expensive than cotton blended shirts, pure cotton will stand the test of time and will be a worthwhile investment.

For your convenience we have ensured that all images are clickable and will direct straight to the desired shirt.

View Robert Old Shirts

1. Classic White

First and foremost, it should come as no surprise that the classic white shirt is on the top of our list. In our opinion, the best white dress shirts for business attire should be silky smooth in lustre, ensuring you feel superb while wearing.

White shirts are also the most versatile choice, as it can be worn with any tailoring and is sure to look refined no matter the occasion. The shirt above is complemented by a subtle geometric pattern, left chest pen pocket and stunning white mother of pearl buttons.

If ever there was a shirt to own multiples of, it's the classic white.

2. Colour Staples

A coloured shirt will enhance both casual and office attire while remaining smart. The most daring colour to choose would of course be pink. Admittedly such a bold colour is not going to be everyone's favoured choice, however here's hoping that we may be able to convince you nevertheless.

Ever so versatile, a classic pink shirt will look fantastic when paired with any tailoring. For a contemporary feel, pair your pink shirt with blue, beige or brown tailoring.

However, if you feel that your complexion doesn’t work well with pink or you simply dislike the colour do not fear. Other coloured shirts such as green or purple & red can be just as complementing. Both colours will also enable you to rejuvenate your office attire.

3. Micro Print Pattern Shirts

To transition between business and leisure with ease, a micro print shirt is key. From a distance this shirt’s pattern will look solid, however up close the visual depth should be impressively eye-catching.

With endless micro-patterned shirt styles available, this is definitely a style that will suit anyone and bring a subtle but versatile finishing touch to distinguished ensembles.

4. Bengal Stripes

A striped shirt fabric, even in size and featuring an alternating stripe. Depending on the lustre a striped shirt can look fantastic when paired with a contrasting tie for alternative office wear.

Bengal striped shirts pair well with solid colour suits. For a subtle edge, pair this particular shirt with dark tailoring and a favoured pair of brogues.

5. Checked Shirts

Here at Robert Old we are proud to offer an array of some of the finest checked long sleeve shirts. Sample a simple check pattern as a simple method to refine casual attire.

Gingham is usually a checked pattern of white and coloured even shapes. The check options available are endless and popular checked shirt styles include, but are not limited to:

Tattersal - Thin, regularly spaced check stripes in alternating colours. The tattersal pattern usually features two colours on a white background. For a superb example of tattersal dress shirts, click here.

Windowpane - This style is easily recognised due to it resembling the panes on a window. For a gorgeous variation on the window pane style, click here.

Graph Check - Featuring small check patterns that resemble graph paper and notably smaller than the window pane checks. Click here for one of our favoured graph check shirts.

6. Houndstooth Print Shirts

Also known as dog tooth and puppy tooth (for smaller scale patterns), the hounds tooth shirt is a dual tone pattern, recognised by either broken checks or four pointed shapes.

Commonly you will find this print available in black and white, although other colours can be used, shown in the shirt below.

7. The Paisley Print Shirt

A paisley pattern is an English term for sampling the buta, a Persian motif that resembles a tear drop.

The name derives from the town of Paisley in Scotland, where the paisley designs were produced. The below shirt has been crafted luxuriously soft premium 2ply Swiss cotton and exudes refinement.

As Robert Old's top 7 must have dress shirt styles have now been listed, a few final points will be listed, to assist while growing your shirt collection.

Things to consider when purchasing fine quality shirts

Stitching – the more stitches a seam has, the more durable it will be.
Mother of Pearl Buttons – Traditional buttons are made of mother of pearl and are compulsory for a good shirt. This is due to mother of pearl being so hard that they could break the needle of a sewing machine.
Gusset – A gusset is a triangular piece of material that is added for reinforcement in the corner between the breast and the back of the shirt.
Sleeve Cloth – On a good shirt, the cloth of the sleeve is pleated several times where it meets the cuff.

Fit

Robert Old provides a vast collection of the best dress shirts in regards to quality. As well as Robert Old's brand of British made gentleman's shirts, which are cut in a classic fit for ultimate comfort, There are also offerings from an array of top designers. These designers offer alternative fits such as slim, which is designed to accentuate the body of its wearer.

It is important that you feel comfortable in the dress shirts you choose, and the fit will ultimately be a deciding factor for this.

Caring for your shirts

A well cared for shirt, will be a longer lasting shirt. The best upper causal shirts can be washed many times for around 5-6 years without any special treatment and last. Below however, are some tips on keeping your best dress shirts in a pristine condition.

Always follow washing instructions found in the label.
Do not overfill washing machine
Ironing may be necessary depending on shirts fabric.
Iron shirts when they are damp.
Avoid ironing the cuffs and collar on a high setting.
Always wash with similar colours.
Turn your shirts inside out before washing.

We hope that you have enjoyed our posts and finding out about our handsome shirts.

While constructing smart and casual shirt collection, less is definitely more. In today’s post, we are going to discuss what the most popular shirt styles are, and why all distinguished gentleman need to own them. We have carefully crafted a list of our top 7 must have shirt styles and patterns that are must have […]