The Oliver Wicks Suit Review

A few months back I was approached by Bobby of Oliver Wicks to review the company’s suits.  To be honest, I was a bit hesitant at first, as the website needs some work and the photos on it are not the best.  But now that I have worn my own Oliver Wicks suit, I can say that they do not do the suits proper justice.  But regardless, I do not think that a company’s site should bar it from being reviewed.  The company was also only a few months old at the time so I figured things were only going to improve from there.  Anyway, in short time we spoke via Skype (as the company and its production is based in Bulgaria, which caught my attention being that I know of no other company based there) and agreed that he would comp me a suit that I would in turn review on this here blog.

NOTE: Oliver Wicks was previously known as Dragon Inside.  Recently, the brand changed its name and asked that I change Dragon Inside to Oliver Wicks in this review.  If you have any questions, please contact the brand at custom@oliverwicks.com.  Aug 21, 2015.

As is the case with every company I do a suit or shirt review for I went through the ordering and measuring process like any normal customer would.  I first ordered the Oliver Wicks swatch book, which was important in helping me select the fabric for my suit (I should note that all of the fabrics seemed to be on par in terms of feel and quality with other suits in this price range).  I settled on an ecru base with blue pinstripe linen fabric (which they are now sold out of, I think the price was set at $399/suit for the fabric).  The process went smoothly and was typical for most online made to measure suit operations – select fabric and customizations, input measurements and order.  The process also included a step to include photos of myself via my computers webcam.  I think this is an important step because it should ideally help Oliver Wicks’ tailors get a better idea of the contours of my body.

The suit I ordered had the following options selected.  For the jacket: peak lapels, 2-button, half-lined, non working sleeve buttons, side vents and functioning boutonniere.  For the pants: no cuffs, no pleats, no belt loops, suspender buttons, 2 back pockets.  I would have requested side tabs, however, Oliver Wicks does not offer these yet.

Within three weeks time my suit arrived.  The fit of the jacket was quite good minus the sleeves being about an inch too long (next time I would give myself a little more room in the bicep and ask for a slightly larger armhole).  However, there was a more trying issue.  Which was the buttonhole thread was white and contrasted with the fabric; the look was not ideal.  I asked Bobby to remake the suit based on these two things and he agreed.  Within a few weeks the remade jacket arrived and both issues were resolved, thankfully.

My initial impression of the final suit was largely positive.  I was happy with the fit and the jacket seemed to be made well.  I was initially concerned about the way the shoulders sat and the tightness of the armhole, but after some wearing the shoulders have settled a little and the armhole is more comfortable.  So now the jacket looks and feels good when worn.  The shape and balance of the jacket is aesthetically pleasing.  I look forward to the jacket conforming more to my body over time, as it is fully canvassed I expect it to do so (all suits are fully canvassed, prices start at $399).  I have been happy with the fit of the pants from the beginning, Dragon Inside did an excellent job of following my pant and leg measurements.

But you are welcome to make your own judgements on the fit and construction of the suit, please refer to the photos and comments below.

To conclude, Oliver Wicks has won me over.  As noted I had some initial hesitation, however, I am glad that I reviewed the brand.  Given, they do have a few things to work on, namely the buttonholes, I think that their suits still present a good value for the customer.  I am impressed with the companies ability to follow my measurements and to have seasonal offerings (linen fabrics and half lining).  The customer service has also been excellent, which I have also heard elsewhere.  Lastly, I know from talking with Bobby that they are planning to continually improve their product.  I surmise that Oliver Wicks will do well for itself and its customers going forward.  So to answer the pressing questions of would I order from Oliver Wicks again and would I recommend them?  The answer to both questions is yes.  If you have any questions or comments on the suit or brand sound off in the comments.

-JLJ

Note: FYGblog did receive a suit for review in the process of writing this post.  However, the utmost care was taken in maintaining an unbiased, honest and informative stance on Oliver Wicks.