The Famous 1886 is Gloucestershire's leading visiting tailoring service. I offer a wide variety of semi bespoke tailoring, including made to measure shirts. I am Richard Cole, Great Grandson of Abraham Cole, who took over The Famous of Cheltenham in 1896, 10 years after it was started by 'The Famous tailor from London', hence the name; or so the legend goes. So tailoring is in my blood; I consider it part of my family heritage and I am very proud of that heritage. The Famous 1886 is my business, started after the closure of The Famous of Cheltenham, where I had been since 1999 and Menswear Director since 2007. I aim to bring my heritage in tailoring to new life and to new and existing customers, offering what I believe is Gloucestershire's leading visiting tailoring service

You have already started in the best place by considering The Famous 1886 to be your tailor. Simply call me on 07775751741 or email richcole@thefamous1886.com to ask any questions or I'm very happy to offer a no-obligation consultation to discuss your requirements and how I can help you. I'm here to make the process less daunting, stress free and indeed enjoyable. I want you to end up the perfect garment for you.

I always suggest allowing at least 8 weeks for tailoring, more ideally. Shirts can be got to you within 4 weeks but I like to allow 5-6 weeks. This allows both you and I a bit of breathing space and less stress. I have once or twice delivered the suit the day before the wedding (due to the customer I hasten to add) and it caused me and the customer sleepless nights. Particularly for wedding suits, contact me as soon as you begin thinking about it to set up a no obligation consultation. For an extra charge, I do offer an express service (2 weeks for shirts, 4 weeks for suits depending on the source of the fabric) so if you are in a particular hurry, do get in touch!  

Contact me on 07775751741 or richcole@thefamous1886.com to arrange a no-obligation consultation at your home or office.

This runs along the same lines as the Men's tailoring services such as visiting distance, payment terms etc. More details can be found on the dedicated page below: Made to Measure Shirts

I am happy to offer no obligation visits and delivery as far as 20 miles outside of Cheltenham for all customers but I am happy to discuss further distances by arrangement, particularly for group bookings. Please do not hesitate to contact me to ask.

I accept cash, cheques, bank transfer or Paypal. For tailoring orders I ask for a 50% deposit when an order is placed and settlement at the final fitting when the garment is handed over. For shirts I ask for full payment up front.

For Hand Cut Semi Bespoke tailored items, alterations are included and future alterations charged at cost.

Unfortunately there is a 10% premium for sizes above 50 chest on all orders, although I tend to build this in to the individual quote and it almost always works out at less than 10%.

Yes, my Hand Cut Semi Bespoke service offer a full Cut, Measure, Trim service (CMT) so you can supply your own cloth. As a guide you would need Two Piece Suit 3.20mts Three Piece Suit 3.60mts Overcoat 3.00mts Sports Jacket 2.00mts Blazer 2.00mts Trouser 1.50mts Waistcoat 0.80mts

Once you place an order with me there is a 2 day cool-off/cancellation period before I send the order for manufacture. After that period you would have to sacrifice part or all of your deposit depending on how far into production your garment is.

If you heed the advice of a good tailor then a well tailored garment will give you many years service. In brief I advise:

1. Buy a good suit that fits well
2. Hang it when not in use. If you are not planning on wearing it for while then use a cover and moth balls.
3. Rest and rotate your suits/garments. If possible purchase 2 pairs of trousers and these wear out quicker than the jacket.
4. Avoid dry cleaning where possible as they do use strong chemicals. In many cases let a stain/mark dry then brush it out. Use of a clothes steamer is highly recommended to help remove marks and creases.