The Trunk Show Experience
Everything You Need to Know
What is a trunk show?
Our trunk shows are rather like a brand pop-up, taking place across multiple cities. They provide an opportunity for customers new and old to meet with our representatives for fittings and orders and are particularly beneficial to those who are unable to visit our London store on a regular basis.
Budd’s trunk shows offer both our bespoke and made to measure services, as well as the chance to view brand exclusives and key products from our ready to wear collections.
Where do we travel to?
At present we visit 12 cities across the United States – New York, Washington DC, Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, Nashville, Miami, Palm Beach, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Las Vegas.
View our full schedule: https://www.buddshirts.co.uk/pages/usa-trunk-shows
How do they work?
The majority of our trunk shows take place within a hotel suite. We publish advance notice of our planned visits and tend to see most customers by appointment. We travel to the United States twice a year, sometimes making a third trip to our prime cities.
We bring with us a broad range of cloth bunches full of swatches, as well as samples of our products and try on models for our made to measure service.
Who will I meet?
Every trunk show is hosted by one of our experienced cutters. Whilst specialists in bespoke cutting and shirt making, they are also able to advise and measure for our made to measure (also known as custom shirt) service.
How long will my appointment last?
We normally allow 30 minutes for an appointment, with new customers usually requiring the full half hour.
What services do you offer?
We primarily offer our bespoke and made to measure services during our trips. However, we also bring with us samples and key pieces from our ready to wear and accessories ranges, as well as some examples of our nightwear. We find that several customers choose to order made to order gowns and pyjamas alongside their shirts.
Is there a minimum order?
First time customers to our bespoke service are required to order a minimum of four shirts. Repeat customers are required to order a minimum of two shirts.
There is no minimum order on our made to measure service.
When will I receive my order?
That depends on many factors. We do ask that customers allow for our entire trunk show series for the season to have concluded and our cutters settled back into the UK before their order is put into hand.
Subsequent to that, our team will begin working through orders. Made to measure shirts have the quickest turnaround and we aim to have them with you in around six weeks. Bespoke orders are subject to quantity, workroom capacity and your own availability for fittings.
It is worth noting that for first time orders, we will only make one of your shirts to begin with, ensuring that way that your shirt is absolutely perfect before proceeding on to make the balance of your order.
When your first sample shirt is ready, we will send it to you and ask that you wash and wear it a couple of times before feeding back on fit and comfort. Subsequent to that, we will either do a fitting or put your remaining shirts into work.
Once a shirt has been approved, order balances tend to be completed within around six weeks. The first order may take a little longer, but upon approval, things quickly pick up pace.
What happens during a fitting?
If you are ordering bespoke shirts for the first time, our cutter will take a full set of measurements on you before discussing your needs. You will then be assisted through the process of selecting your collar, cuff, placket and any other styling details as well as the cloth. There are endless cloths, but our team know them well. Choosing your shirt is a collaborative process.
When it comes to repeat bespoke customers, our cutter will see if there are any issues with your existing shirts and take some check measurements.
If you are ordering Made to Measure, then our cutter will have you try on one of our fit models, before taking further, personalized measurements. The rest of the process is much the same as bespoke, with a consultation on cloth, fit, collar and cuffs and any other details.
Once we have a recent and approved pattern for you, reordering shirts is a simple process, that can also be done from afar.
Fittings
You will have already received your bespoke shirt should prior to your “fitting” and we ask for you to bring it with you to your appointment. Your cutter will view the shirt on you and note any alterations that need to be made. These adjustments will then be made to your pattern in London and the shirt itself.
Can I bring someone with me?
Of course, no problem. Many customers choose to bring along somebody else to experience the process. Please note that should your companion wish to order, we appreciate a heads up so that we can allow adequate time for each of you.
What to wear to your appointment?
There are no hard rules when it comes to trying your shirts, however, we recommend wearing a suit jacket and your regular waisted trousers so that everybody is comfortable with proportions and we can better establish things like cuff length and collar stand.
Wearing your regular watch is also helpful when it comes to measuring for cuff size.
If you have a favourite shirt (ours or other) that you love to wear, bring that along. Imitation is the highest form of flattery, and the most important thing for us is that your shirt flatters and satisfies you. It also helps us to understand any specific ideas that you might have in mind.
Special Requests
Our team bring with them a comprehensive range of cloths and product samples, as well as any collaborations and exclusives that the brand is running. However, should you wish to view something in particular during your appointment, please let us know and we will do our best to make sure the team have it with them.
Arriving for a fitting - what to do?
As most of our trunk shows are hosted in a hotel suite, we usually send you a reminder of your appointment time and the room number on the morning of your appointment or one day prior.
Upon arrival at the hotel, you may need to touch base with the reception desk so as they can notify the suite and also grant any access to elevators or floors. We are registered under both the cutter and company’s names. When we travel with the London Collective, then you may also find it useful to quote their name too. We take great care in seeking to book and work only with hotels that offer us good service, in order to mitigate any frustrations.
Who we travel with…
For the past three years, Budd has run its USA trunk shows alongside our London Collective partners. Comprising of bespoke and made to measure tailoring house, Edward Sexton, shoemakers Gaziano Girling and eye glass makers, E. B. Meyrowitz, the Collective provides a convenient and convivial experience whilst allowing you to turn your attention to all, or just one area of your wardrobe. Learn more about the brands at https://www.collective.london/