Originally Posted by Good CO

I can't comment on tax on this order as I'm not in UK. From ordering previously from the states while in the UK, I seem to remember getting away with it most times and getting a bill others, although I can't remember the mechanism. Most ebay stuff advertised as tax free from abroad is sent as a 'present'.

Sizing is obviously an issue if you don't have a pair or can't find a pair to try on.

FYI gentlemen - the actual mechanism on the "gift" angle is that they are only considered duty free if the customs duty on the item is calculated to be less than 7GBP (legislation states 10 European Currency Units..). The same goods would be VAT-free if they have an intrinsic value of 36GBP or less. If the item is not a gift then the import VAT threshold is reduced to 18GBP. Given that most of the gear being talked about here is a min of 200AUD or between 80-100 GBP then you're running a risk using someone who will describe the goods as a "present", since to avoid the duty & import VAT payable they must be under-declaring the value. If Customs spot this the goods could be subject to seizure.

lancslad

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I have been to Rhodes Wood, and have had from them a tie or two. My best purchase was a very good traditional evening dress waistcoat. They had some nice suits and sometimes have reasonable offers.

Originally Posted by BlotBangRub

Just to get this thread moving again, has anyone got a suit (or indeed any item) from Rhodes Wood, Harrogate?

I had a suit and a hacking jacket made there and both were excellent. They also have a shop on Great George St in Leeds, for those not of a Harrogate persuasion.

Originally Posted by BlotBangRub

Reviewed the thread and found this-

"Bobby Raja in Bangkok on sukhumvit soi 11 is also worth considering. I've got the contact details at home and will post them later.

When I was based there with work I had a couple of suits and about a dozen shirts made there. He's definitely not a 24hr suit boy - the ones I had made up took a couple of weeks and are very good quality.

lancslad"


I have no experience of the aforementioned Mr Bobby Raja,

Would it be the same www.raja-fashions.com ???

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I'm joining the debate somewhat late, but my impression is that tailors go through phases. When I got my uniforms tailored, Goldings were the up-and-coming firm, and their stuff was very good. They flogged me SD, mess kit, various bits and pieces and a suit for well under the uniform allowance price, and it fit well and has lasted. OTOH, I now hear dreadful stories about what a rip-off they are. In my day, Gieves and Hawkes were generally perceived to be thieves and vultures: as my regimental tailor, they certainly tried to sell me items of uniform which hadn't been worn for 20 years or more.

Civvy tailors go through the same peaks and troughs. I've bought stuff from Sam's in HK which was great, other bits which were rubbish. The best suit I've ever had made came from a guy called 'Tailor Tom', on Residency Road, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, India. He'd been tailor for the 4/7 DG in Rawalpindi at the time of partition and knew his Brit customer. The two suits still fit.

I haven't had any clothes made for a while, but my instinct is to go with recent recommendations.

Originally Posted by cpunk

...

Civvy tailors go through the same peaks and troughs. I've bought stuff from Sam's in HK which was great, other bits which were rubbish. The best suit I've ever had made came from a guy called 'Tailor Tom', on Residency Road, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, India. He'd been tailor for the 4/7 DG in Rawalpindi at the time of partition and knew his Brit customer. The two suits still fit.

...

You mean you've still not lost that weight ?

Clarke and Dawe in Belfast have already been mentioned (I have just ordered a new suit from them, and acquired a sports jacket too), but on reviewing the thread see that no mention has yet been made of Smyth & Gibson, also in Belfast.

Their shirts are excellent, both traditional and more modern, and they will alter sleeves etc. (usually within 24hrs) at no charge. Their selection of ties is particularly good, and they also have Magee suits and various other bits and pieces such as cufflinks, small leather goods and so on. First-rate customer service, too. The shop is located in Callender Street, behind the City Hall.