NOW CARBON NEUTRAL SUITS

Wearing a suit that has had three times its carbon omissions offset should bring a warm glow of satisfaction. It seems to be the way ahead, as we increasingly worry about our carbon footprints, and Charcoal & Chalk is the company that has come up with this selling feature for its latest collection.

The 'Beyond Carbon Neutral' collection offers 13 styles, only 40 of each produced, that have had the carbon emissions generated in their manufacturing and transportation offset through tree planting and habitat creation in the UK and renewable energy schemes globally.

Austen Pickles, managing director of Charcoal & Chalk, is the chap behind this latest effort in man's battle to save the environment. Passionate about English quality cloths and fine tailoring, he also runs Salts, which concentrates upon made-to-measure suits. This company recently took over the business of Norton & Townsend, visiting tailors (not to be confused with Norton & Son of Savile Row). The foundation and the interest is there for a fully bespoke service but he is focused upon establishing these brands first.

"Despite the economic downturn," he said, "we believe that ethics will continue to be an increasingly important part of the decision making process for consumers. We wanted to do our bit to reduce our impact on the environment and I think, compared to others, we have gone considerably further.”

Left, one of the carbon neutral suits from the Charcoal & Chalk collection.

READY-TO-WEAR INDICATORS FOR 2009

Most Savile Row tailors carry some ready-to-wear lines, recognising that their customers will make instant clothing purchases at times - and that it would be better if they did so with them rather than in another shop. In the main, the selection is restricted largely to classic sports jackets and blazers, but there is potential for rather more outré designs than most men would be prepared to pay for in a bespoke outfit.

A shorts suit, for example, as shown in the latest Farah young fashion range, might be a fun impulse buy. It reflects a trend for smart shorts in the ready-to-wear market - and as also worn by Guy Hills of Dashing Tweeds in a bespoke version made for him by Davies & Son. Other ready-to-wear collections give indications that provide style pointers, as an eye-catching shiny, satin-cloth suit also from Farah.

Blessed with the loveliest building in Savile Row and enough space to carry a full assortment of ready-to-wear clothes and accessories, Gieves & Hawkes has its 0wn
comprehensive collection each season. The latest, for Spring/Summer2009 indicates emerging trends, as in this blue pinstripe linen and cotton suit, right, a nicely informal formal, and the seersucker jacket, a smart casual, left. Also included in th collection were very light and soft flannel suits.