Note: A more recent review of Knot Standard has been conducted, please refer here for the updated review.
I was approached last summer by the good people at Knot Standard, until then an unknown name by me in the ever growing made to measure/custom marketplace. A few things immediately caught my attention. First, they claimed to be a bespoke operation in that they could accommodate any request yet still keep their price point under $1,000 (more on that later, obviously). Second, that Knot Standard has its production in Dubai; however, the company is based in New York City. So we had a nice chat and in short order agreed upon doing a review of the company’s suits and shirts.
Knot Standard has two different ranges; classic ($495) and K ($695). The primary difference is the construction and fabric. The Classic range is half canvassed and the K is fully canvassed. However, I believe Knot Standard will make a K fabric in a Classic form and vice versa. The fabric diversity is average, however, I think they should start incorporating seasonal fabric choices (linens, cottons and flannels). The order process is similar to other brands we have discussed (Black Lapel, Indochino). You create a profile, input your measurements, select your fabric and options. I also provided a picture of my upper body sans shirt, which although optional I highly recommend it. This allows their tailors to get a better idea of how your body looks and will make their job easier and ideally you a getter fitting suit. Is it weird to send them a photo? No, for centuries tailors have been seeing their clients in their undergarments. There is also an additional requests section of the order. This is where you can really go to town – change the width of lapels, gorge height, extended slide tab closure on pants etc. I got the impression that Knot Standard can handle nearly any request. And in my case they did this successfully so huge credit there.
Initially I chose a charcoal birdseye fabric from the K range. The suit was delivered in a timely manner, however, there were a things that Knot Standard got wrong which resulted in having to do a remake (to be fair remakes were also done with Alton Lane, Indochino and Black Lapel). I met with John Ballay, one of the founders of Knot Standard in New York to go over the suit and give some feedback. So we agreed on the necessary changes and put in for the remake. However, we changed the fabric. Knot Standard informed me that they had some fabrics from Reda in stock and that I could also choose from any of those. I was quite excited, Reda makes quality mid-price fabric. I wanted to keep with a similar fabric so I chose a charcoal birdseye, which ended up being a superior fabric to the one from the original suit. In a few weeks time the suit arrived.
As per usual I excitedly opened the box and tried the suit on. The fit was far better than the first suit. The only issue this time was that they raised the jacket buttoning point to be way to high and I specifically asked for a lower buttoning point in my original order. And it looked as if John took some of my suggestions to heart. The buttons are now of notable quality. The side tabs are much more elegant than those on the first set of pants. And the boutonniere, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Upon seeing the Milanese buttonhole on the boutonniere I specifically remember exclaiming ‘holy shit!’ For this is something you only see on much higher priced garments (I would certainly recommend requesting this in the additional requests section of your order). It can only be done by hand and it takes time, practice and skill (see photo below). The remake suit was clearly a few steps above the original suit. Check it out below.
To conclude. To be honest, I was a little disappointed with the first suit that Knot Standard sent me. However, with the remake my disappointment was completely overcome and I was extremely impressed with the remake suit (even with the misplaced button stance, I should note that on future suits this would be resolved). Generally speaking, the construction quality is very good for the price point and the final fit was also very good. However, it is Knot Standard’s ability to fulfill unique requests (and a Milanese buttonhole) that really make the brand stand out. That said, I fully recommend Knot Standard and I look forward to what they will bring to the table going forward.
-JLJ
Note: FYGblog did receive free product in the production of this review.
Great review! How’s the construction quality compare to a Black Lapel suit? Both in the same price range.
James,
Thank you. I would put them both at the same level, at least from what I am able to tell, but I do not profess to be any expert on suit construction. The Milanese buttonhole is something of marvel, however.
-JLJ
Suit looks good, though I would get some alterations to sort out that rumpling at the back near the vents and shoulder.
I will definitely consider Knot Standard in the future. From their website, they looked a tad cheap, but your review gave me some more confidence. Thanks!
Justin,
The Classic Line from Knot Standard is not half canvassed. It is fused. Their $695 Madison line is half canvassed, and their $995 K line is full canvassed.
From Knot Standard:
“The most important part of the jacket construction is it’s canvassing type, this is the “frame” on which the fabric sits and provides it with structure. The jacket canvas is made from finely weaved horse hair and allows the suit to drape naturally. Here is a brief outline of how our three suit lines are constructed.
The Classic Suit - Fused: We use state-‐of-‐the-‐art fusing techniques to create the most natural look of a traditional suit. You will notice that there are no bubbles or other imperfections in our Classic Suits and will remain firmly intact dry clean after dry clean.
The Madison Suit - Half-‐canvassed: If you spend a little more then you expect a little more quality. That’s just what you get. Upgrade to the Madison and experience the difference.
The K Suit - Full-‐canvassed: For the best, nothing but the best. Our K Suits are fully canvassed, delicately made by hand from the top of the lapel down to the pant’s cuff.”
Scott,
Thanks for mentioning that. It seems that since the time of my review, Knot Standard has changed their pricing and options. When the suit was ordered and reviewed there was only Classic and K lines.
-JLJ
Ive always been fond of buckle side adjusters with a slightly flared shape,very elegant!
http://www.henryherbert.com/category/blog/
[…] – Made to measure suit – Black Lapel (review), Dragon Inside (review)or Knot Standard (review)($479-695). […]
Which is the best value for the price: Knot Standard, Black Lapel or Indochino?
Rodney,
Black Lapel and Knot Standard are pretty much tied on that front in my book. Indochino I wouldn’t recommend at this time. Although, I should be doing another review of them in the next few months.
-JLJ
I’ve got three suits and a blazer from Indochino and while I like the construction and materials of their premium line, I’ve see consistency issues in fit. The last one I had made, the jacket sleeves weren’t the same length. A shame, as it was nice Reda fabric. They paid to have a local tailor adjust it but I can’t say I’m completely happy. I have one suit from Black Lapel and their concierge is fantastic. The quality seems good but of course, being the first suit I had fit issues to correct. The second and third will tell the tale. But now I’m intrigued with Knot and since they have a “Private” line now where they come to the house and measure you for a fully bespoke creation starting at $795, I’m thinking I want to try that next.
[…] was nearly two years ago that I first reviewed Knot Standard. The review was pretty positive, however, there were a few marks against the brand. A […]
My first order experience at Knot Standard was so above and beyond what I imagined that I just had to share my thoughts. As a 25 year old professional, I’ve owned my fair share of suits but never have I owned as suit that feels and actually was made “just for me.” No only was the suit tailor made to my exact body measurements – the customer service provided was extraordinary.
Here is a timeline what you can expect – at least from my own personal experience – – when you place an order. I first filled out my measurements (after studying their “how to measure” guide) and I clumsily forgot to input my neck size and the very next day – Alexandra personally reached out to me to inquiry about the mistake. We then adjusted my profile and she confirmed that my order would be processed immediately. A little over two weeks later, Daniel – another Knot Standard Customer service team member, reached out to me to inform me that I should be expecting my package during the week – how amazing is that? Upon opening my box (amazing presentation, btw), I was astonished to find that my suit fit as advertised – tailor made to my body. While I know that my measurements were key to ensuring this perfect fit, the Knot Standard team was very informative and helpful when it came to the measurement process.
[…] in the top tier of online made to measure operations priced around $500 (along with Black Lapel and Knot Standard), which is respectable considering they have been around for less than a year. That said, I look […]
I have had a very different experience with KS. I ordered 2 suits, a sport coat and two pairs of trousers in May of 2015 and have still not received the correctly fitting suits. The originally arrived at the end of September but did not fit…at all. Not even close to the measurements I provided. The remake was supposed to be done over a month ago, but is still not complete. It is now 20 Jan 2016 by-the-way. The customer service folks have been nice enough, but have literally not executed on one thing they told me they were going to do. Very disappointing as I love the suits. Gonna try Oliver Wicks and see if they can’t get it right.
Hello,
I am looking for the buckles of the side tab adjusters. My tailor does not have nice options. Where can I buy these? Thank you!