Norton and Townsend
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When you think of Edinburgh it’s likely that the city’s impressive castle, ancient history or the world famous arts festival which spring to mind. However, Edinburgh also has a long and illustrious history of bespoke tailoring dating back hundreds of years. Scotland’s oldest bespoke tailors is based in the city, whilst the beautiful Tailors’ Hall on the Cowgate dates back to the early 17th century.
We are Norton & Townsend, bespoke tailors in Edinburgh, a service which brings the benefits of made-to-measure tailoring direct to our customers’ doors. From formal attire and country wear, through to wedding suits and business suits, our bespoke suits offer a convenient way to enjoy the style and luxury of bespoke menswear.
Tailors’ Hall on Cowgate in Edinburgh city centre is the most important building to survive which holds a connection to the era of once powerful medieval trade corporations. As the name suggests, Tailors’ Hall was owned by Edinburgh’s Incorporation of Tailors and the impressive building offered a clear demonstration of the status of tailoring within the city.
Old Leith Street in Edinburgh was home to numerous tailoring shops, making it the epicentre of tailoring in the city. From national, big name stores such as Burton’s, through to small, independent tailoring businesses, Old Leith Street offered a wide range of options for Edinburgh’s style-conscious residents.
Unfortunately, however, the 1960s and 70s saw big changes to Edinburgh city centre as old tenement buildings and shops were swept away to make room for new developments. Despite this, Edinburgh retains a strong and proud heritage of tailoring which includes a number of traditional kilt makers, as you’d expect from Scotland’s capital city!
As we’re sure the tailors who used Edinburgh’s Tailors’ Hall would agree, there really is no substitute for the unique look and perfect you get with bespoke tailoring. Unlike off-the-peg suits which, although they’re made in different sizes, are manufactured to fit all body shapes, bespoke tailoring creates a garment made to fit the individual wearer. Not only does this ensure the suit fits perfectly, it also means that the suit is designed to flatter body shape and posture.
If you’re thinking that all this sounds a little complicated, though, then think again! At Norton & Townsend we aim to make the process of choosing and ordering bespoke suit, tailored to fit you, as simple and convenient as possible.
One of our highly experienced tailors will visit you at your home or office – whichever is best for you. Your tailor will take your measurements, and you’ll then have the opportunity to choose a fabric and lining material. We offer our clients a huge choice of superb quality fabrics, including luxurious pure wools, blends and cashmere, through to cool cotton and crisp linen. Our choice of linings includes a range of stunning plain or patterned fabrics in a selection of beautiful shades and vibrant colourways. Don’t worry about choosing the best type of fabric for your chosen design as your Norton & Townsend tailor will be on hand to offer any guidance you might need!
It takes around six to eight weeks to make a bespoke suit, although this timescale does depend on your choice of garment design and fabrics. Once your suit is almost complete, we’ll be in touch to arrange for a final fitting appointment. Remember, if you’re not happy then we’re not happy, so if any minor alternations are required, we’ll complete these as quickly as possible.
Contact Norton & Townsend – bespoke tailors in Edinburgh
To find out more about our service for bespoke tailoring in Edinburgh, please get in touch via our contact page.
