4.9 - 48 Reviews
Nobody actually agrees on why the bottom waistcoat button is left undone. Tailoring folklore credits Edward VII, a magazine reference to “the King’s unfastened vest button” appears as early as 1908, though photographs mostly show him buttoned up. Others trace it to Eton College’s exclusive “Pop” society in the late 1800s. What’s certain is that a properly fitted waistcoat shouldn’t need the convention to look right in the first place. Dandylion Style hand-tailors bespoke waistcoats in West Sussex from our Ardingly studio. Enquire for pricing.
Two-piece bespoke suit
First fitting to finished garment
Ardingly studio or visiting
A conversation about how the waistcoat will be worn, under a jacket for structure, or standalone with a shirt and trousers. Meet Igor at our Ardingly studio, or we'll travel to you across Sussex.
Wool, tweed, silk and linen are offered depending on season and occasion, chosen to either match or deliberately contrast a jacket's cloth.
Lapel style, pocket detail and back fastening are all agreed at consultation, along with button count, the detail every waistcoat is judged on, whether or not the bottom one gets used.
A meticulous measuring session captures chest and waist specifically as they sit when seated, not just standing, since a waistcoat lives or dies on how it behaves once you sit down.
Hand-stitched with careful attention to waist suppression, so the waistcoat sits flat against the body without gaping at the sides, whether the bottom button is fastened or not.
One to two fittings confirm chest and waist fit before completion. Once it's right, it's yours, sitting close to the body by design, not by the convention of a button left undone to hide a looser fit.
Every two-piece suit is cut and fitted personally by Igor at the Ardingly studio, using British cloth chosen for how you'll actually wear it.
Explore answers to the most common questions about our bespoke tailoring services, ensuring you have all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Nobody's entirely sure. Theories range from Edward VII, dandies wearing two waistcoats at once, riding practicality, to Eton College's "Pop" society in the late 19th century. It's one of tailoring's genuine unsettled questions.
No. A well-fitted bespoke waistcoat sits flat through the chest and waist with the bottom button fastened or not, since it's cut to your measurements rather than relying on convention to disguise a looser fit.
Cost depends on cloth choice, wool and tweed generally cost less than silk. Igor gives an exact price once cloth and detailing are agreed at your Ardingly consultation.
Yes, a waistcoat works as a standalone piece with trousers and a shirt, not only as part of a two- or three-piece suit. Cloth and colour can be chosen independently in that case.
Close to the body with no gap at the sides and no pull across the chest when you sit down. This is why Igor measures and fits with sitting posture specifically in mind, not just standing.
Call us on 07961 314 637 or drop an email below and we’ll get right back to you
Ready to book? Book a consultation at our Ardingly studio, or ask about a visiting fitting closer to you.
Have a question or a custom request? We’d love to hear from you.
Call us on 07961 314 637 or drop an email below and we’ll get right back to you
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