Question:
Very much a newbie at fashion, but looking to invest in some suits. I would like them to canvas or hand basted. How can I tell if one is? I really don't trust sales people , so I'd rather rely on my judgment. If anyone can provide photos, I would appreciate it. thank you.
Answer:
Basting stitching is used for the first trial assembly of a bespoke suit - the stitching (baste stitching) is usually by hand for the larger part and is for the cutter to rip apart having had his client try it on and made his marks for the tailor to use for the next stage. This is frequently called the 'baste fitting'. It has little do with the finished garment save its contribution to the overall fitting development. A regular client of a cutter may well miss out the baste fitting and go straight to forward fitting because he has a well developped pattern for his client and knows what will be satisfactory. This is particular way of Anderson and Shepherd.
A canvassed suit will be less stiff. The easy way is to take the lower from and away from the pocket of the jacket rub it between two fingers - If there is a distinct three layer - the cloth and the lining plus one between them it is canvassed. If just two it is a fused rag: I hesitate to say cheap as frequently they are not. What you need to be aware of is the many (far from all) MTM are fused as well although they may fit better.
