Are Hockerty suits worth it?

Update 2022
I got several messages from my audience talking about very bad experience with Hockerty. I tried to discuss this with my contact person at Hockerty, but we could not resolve this and now I don't even get a reply. So as of now, I highly recommend: DO NOT BUY AT HOCKERTY.
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I'm doing an in-depth review of the online Made-to-Measure service of Hockerty. We look at a couple of suits I bought from Hockerty in the past and a recent order including shoes. Please note that I didn''t pay anything for this order! I also don't get paid by Hockerty for this video.
0:00 Introduction
1:10 My Hockerty suits
9:47 Online configurator
15:26 My latest purchase / conclusion
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[@Vintagebursche]

Update 2022 I got several messages from my audience talking about very bad experience with Hockerty. I tried to discuss this with my contact person at Hockerty, but we could not resolve this and now I don't even get a reply. So as of now, I highly recommend: DO NOT BUY AT HOCKERTY.

[@Oswald-Mandus]

Thank you for coming back and informing us of this, not many creators would have put in that extra effort. ♡

[@maxw2210]

any more details?

[@TonksMoriarty]

Can you go into more detail please? I've been considering buying a lapel waistcoat from them for a few months. What alternatives are there?

[@teekue]

@@TonksMoriarty Honestly, go for M2M from a local store. If you insist on going for a cheap online route, try tailorstore. You can also try buying second hand. The measurements are always off and even their best cloth is still pretty bad.

[@TheKolorlessKingz]

So where should I buy some nice overcoats from?

[@KomradeKrusher]

I like the fact that you decided to do a review of Hockerty, having ordered from them and all. One thing that tremendously bothered me, however, is the constant harping on missing configurations/options, the long waistcoat etc.. That might be true if one just uses the configurator and expects to get their "perfect fit". I tried Hockerty as well as other "cheap" online MTM companies, and one thing that struck me with Hockerty is, that their customer service representatives are actually able to communicate in perfectly fine English. You can (and should) communicate your ideas and wishes. Send them fotos of you in a suit, maybe even in your underwear so they get an idea of your build. Let them know if you want your waistcoat shorter. No belt loops on your pants. A lower or higher buttoning point. I got a jacket with 10cm wide notch lapels and a lower buttoning point, because I asked them beforehand. I got a shorter waistcoat for the same reason. And it was not just "cut off" at the bottom seam, it was actually tailored shorter. This is such a great advantage over other companies in that same price range where they only communicate with you via online translated (Chinese - English and vice versa) texts and you rarely come to an understanding. Now, I fully agree that the construction and - for the most part - fabric quality will not make these the suits that you'll be wearing to your grave and gift to your children. But at the price they come at, they are a great choice to start experimenting and/or just getting a hang of the basics of online MTM, the fits that work for you (want it wider? Tell them!) and which don't, etc.pp. At ca. 250€, you can get a woolen three-piece suit (yes, there are still some pure wool options at that price) that will fit you well, with some tweaking even great, depending of course on the thoroughness of your communication beforehand. And from there you can go and "work your way up" through other MTM companies. Plus they will even remake the suit for free one time if alterations would be too expensive. Forgive me for going off on a bit of a rant here, but I think this is valuable advise for everyone contemplating to go the online MTM route, be it with Hockerty or any other company. They can't read minds and/or see you. Help them to help you to a nice suit.

[@wiros8101]

I just discovered this channel and I'm binge watching all these videos. They are all awesome!

[@ogremandan]

I am a very large man that has a deep love and appreciation for classic menswear. I’m glad I found your channel.

[@krunoslavkovacec1842]

Please do more brand/product reviews. For example, I'd like to see your review on Darcy Clothing and Simon James Cathcart.

[@GeneralForgeron]

If you have the time, please also review other brands that are recommended on your site.

[@jazzman1626]

Yes, a review on Darcy Clothing would be great. I have Darcy shirts with rounded detachable collars and a black pinstriped (actually a charcoal pinstriped which to me, looks better) three piece cotton suit. It has fishtail backed high waisted trousers with button fly and buttons for braces/suspenders. The jacket is a bit long but it is Edwardian style working class and looks it too so the jacket length is ok. It is all unlined. The sleeves are too long but since they don’t have buttons on the sleeves, it can simply be shortened. I wear a 42” chest and they don’t have sizes in Long, Regular and Short fitting and I wear short fitting. Their cotton stripe collarless shirts are superb in my opinion. They do ladies clothes too.

[@Sedan57Chevy]

As a writer, I just enjoy using their suit builder for playing around and making suits for characters.

[@Vintagebursche]

That's a cool idea. Makes total sense thinking about it.

[@channingcheese2]

Yeah, crazy how such a specialised yet wide visual vocabulary of suit features, fabrics, patterns, and styles can communicate entirely different attitudes and characters, even between something as minimal as a 2 peice suit

[@Napoleonvanderbilt]

Same, althogh i dislike that you cannot complete a full ensemble with their configurator, such as combining shirts, suits and jackets.

[@niaj4]

Very articulate and helpful review (and you've got great style a good eye!)

[@madeleinedarnoco5190]

This is the first time I noticed that the intro sort of shows you getting dressed. I like it :D

[@oracio2331]

Nice video, I appreciate how you share your experience by speaking frankly.

[@hpottstock]

I'm glad you mentioned the polyester thing. I had a look some months ago, and I wouldn't buy anything from them just based on that. The 'great number of fabrics' is really an illusion, the amount of 100% wool or other natural fabrics is not much at all.

[@PattMyCat]

It gets even worse when you check out the lining fabrics - not a single 100% natural fibre option available. What's the point of getting a nice wool suit just to line it with plastic?

[@danceswithbadgers]

​​@@PattMyCatExactly! I've been assiduously ditching the plastic for outdoor wear and am now almost completely plastic free for all my day to day and hiking stuff, apart from a little nylon in some of my technical baselayers and socks for durability. My rain gear is Ventile cotton - no synthetics at all. Some outerwear is polycotton but that's not being replaced by same when it wears out. I've been researching having a suit and casual blazer/trousers made as my formal and casual stuff isn't nice and doesn't really fit my awkward combination of short body and very long limbs - the best fit I have is from a mainstream outlet's youth range (I'm 65!). I'm finding it difficult to find a tailor anywhere near me who offers a pure wool m-2-m or bespoke service with natural fabric linings. It's all polyester or acetate/acrylic linings. I don't want those in my life/on my body. It's frustrating but I'll keep trying. I wish I had the skills to make my own.

[@MacMichael267]

@Vintagebursche Great video as always, but I think MTM is not necessarily always the key to a smart look: if you are lucky you can find decent ready-to-wear suits online too. To me the material is vital though. Unfortunately I cannot afford bespoke suits, but my Moon and Harris Tweed suits which I bought for good prices (~300-350€) and fit my 38L size very well with only few adjustments are 100% wool at least. That is what matters to me: the natural wool fabric. Like you I shy away from synthetic fibres whenever I can. So I wholeheartedly agree to your Statement "Avoid polyester!"

[@Konsaliki]

The waistcoat is indeed ridiculously long! Obviously they are cheaping out on this, so that the waistcoat even covers the waistband of their low rise trousers. They should come in three lengths. Sehr informativ, wie immer, danke Dir!

[@EldradFR]

It depends on who wears it. I'm quite tall (almost 1,90 m) and I NEVER find any waistcoat that can cover the belt, in stores. It's always too short, or almost too short so that when I raise my arm or when I bend, it becomes ridiculous with the shirt showing under it. I recently tried a hockerty waistcoat, I find it almost 100% perfect, although I agree it may look a little bit long

[@EagleRue]

I would love to see a how-to on how to shop on these sites.

[@thatoneguy6776]

go to the site and figure it out...like a big boy

[@mensb1936]

lmao

[@MacKenziePoet]

Yes, good Sir, would you please do a video on how to use an online configurator to produce a vintage cut. Thank you and you have earned a subscriber.

[@meeeka]

How could one even wear polyester any thing! I'm heartened to hear a man speak on this.

[@DDDayness]

Sehr schönes Video👍 Ein Video zur Konfiguration von Vintage-Anzügen fände ich klasse

[@fritzhill9769]

Guckst du gerne englische Kanäle an? Wär doch viel geiler wenn der die auf deutsch macht 😹

[@crazymangoz9583]

11:35 yes, you absolutely should! It would be cool to see a video tutorial about this kind of thing.

[@ulfricthorsson8347]

I would LOVE to see a video on configuring a suit

[@SchnauzbaertigerKanisterkopf]

I own three Hockerty suits as well as a jacket, two shirts and chinos. Two of them are linen suits and so far I'm happy with them, although they aren't really my style anymore. My three-piece "tweed" suit was a big disappointment. It looked nice, but 70% artificial fibres made it a pain to wear. The pants haven't survived, my thighs rubbing against each other completely ruined it. Same happened to the chinos, but they were slim fit, so I might have outgrown them. Corduroy jacket is still intact and but no longer my style. Now for the shirts. I'm very happy with them and still wear them. They also seem to be the their best products qualitywise, as they actually seem durable and the fabric choice is good enough. Overall I think Hockerty is great when you're on a budget and want to get a taste of individualized Menswear. If you just want a suit for formal events/work and have an odd body type (which was the case for me), go for it. It's on par with retail suits from everything in H&M and overpriced Armani or Hugo Bosd crap too, but don't expect too much. If you're a suit enthusiast it's a good start, yet I vd suggest investing more into a proper bespoke suit. Also, despite a large number of customizations, Hockerty (and most MTM sites) lack truly interesting details. Take for example the Eden suit from Simon James Cathcart. SJC is specialized in Vintage style clothing. No matter how hard you try, there is no way you could copy that six-button waistcoat and high-rise ducktail trousers with a simple online MTM service. For now, I prefer "retail" clothing from vintage repro brands like SJC or Darcy or ideally true vintage items. Not only because of the more unique style, but also because vintage style is more than just suits, which is all Hockerty offers. No shawl sweaters, barnstormer leather jackets or breeches.

[@S_Como]

Thanks for the details. Very helpful.

[@birrer5349]

Das mit dem Video mit Hockerty vintage-Anzuge, auf jedenfall 👌 Wäre super

[@teekue]

While I do like my Hockerty smoking, great fit at a great price, I have had pretty bad experiences with their quality. The chinos I ordered were tailored completely wrong, way too wide, too short and the fabric is completely full of lint after every time in the washer. The other suits I ordered had similar problems, the fit was awful and could not be changed enough to make them any better than just ready to wear suits. That being said their customer service was always on point and resolved any problems I had.

[@heribertocastro6652]

Anyone know where I can find High Rise Pants? I tried converting some normal pants into high rise ones and they quickly split at the bottom sense I forgot to take the rise into consideration XD Note: Thank you all for the wonderful suggestions! I REALLY appreciate it :)

[@Vintagebursche]

High rise pants are in fact very hard to find. However, I know that Simon James Cathcart sells proper high rise trousers.

[@tjswc1458]

Bronson MFG also has a relatively good high rise trouser. It might not look extremely reliable but the only bad thing is the time you have to wait. The trouser i mean is a reproduction of the us army chinos from 1942. You can get them in beige and olive. Of cause, these are more rugged trousers, but it’s a relatively cheap (around 69 dollar) trouser.

[@tjswc1458]

oh, and the trousers look much better than on the photos after you ironed the crease into it

[@SchnauzbaertigerKanisterkopf]

Check out Darcy Clothing, Oldfield Clothing, Labour Union 1986 and Thomas Farthing. Other than that, Etsy is a good option, e. g. Over Attired Vintage

[@heribertocastro6652]

@@tirit3803 Those were in fact the pants i tried to convert XD also, I was disappointed to find out the linings on their pants are polyester :(

[@JackJonValois]

I like my waist coats with a rounded edge at the bottom and they're exceptionally rare to find but Hockerty seems to be the only MTM vendor that offers this along with a couple other nice options for waist coats you don't see online, so if you need a wool one I would give it a break but only on that piece.

[@deborahf3738]

You always have such good videos....thanks....

[@zahidamri9660]

Id love to see a video on how to configure a vintage style suit

[@stephanloffler960]

As for propper corduroy trousers: get some from Brisbane moss (weavers) sold at John Crockett in Cologne or from Pro Idee in Aachen. Best classic corduroys I ever owned and basically indestructable!

[@culturetoronto]

Hey don't buy Hockerty. I bought one of their most expensive velvet Blazers and it ripped the first time I wore it. Customer service team ignored me and wouldn't refund or remake. Extremely disappointing. They said because it was more than 30 days they can't help though I was saving the blazer for a special occasion. Video coming soon.

[@brentl.vaneaton6901]

I ordered a trench coat from Hockerty when I got it it wasn’t water resistant...what’s the point of making no water resistant trenches? 🤔

[@brentl.vaneaton6901]

@@tirit3803 yeah, that’d be a wind breaker...

[@lenocman2]

I agree. It's like making an umbrella that isn't water resistant.

[@TheSpekkel1]

There are more than enough reasons to hate polyester, but woolen fabrics do benefit from a small ammounts of synthetics in them for strength. 5% or so, especially when modern fabrics are in most cases quite light compared to vintage originals.

[@phatzo1973]

Servus, while watching your vid, i was checkin` out Hockerty`s Twed Suits. A 3 Piece Tweed Suit would cost about 400€. But u got that 50% Polyester Stuff in it. My Advise to all, from time to time check out John Crocket. Sometimes they got a 20% SAae on some Tweed 3 Piece Suits. Thats 480€.Thats 80€ more but no Funny Stuff in it. Only the real Deal. Lookin forward to a ew Peaky Blinders inspired Vid. Greetings form Düsseldorf

[@vinzenzboman607]

Def. we Need a Video How to configurate a classic suit

[@dracobeli172]

You make me to want to buy a suit and a coat in Hockerty. I really like your videos you're awesome.

[@jackiejames4551]

I thought you looked really good in the first suit. I would be interested in seeing how you order suit.

[@MiximusGlad]

I tried them out a few Times. Mainly for shirts, so i can nail my fit down until i order a suit. But they all had problems. At first with the fit, the collors were delivered wrong and outer problems like this. Then I mailed them to get the problems fixed. The first shirt never came back after I sent it in so they can fix it. The second one required a difficult tailoring, that ne tailor in my region does. So I could not fix the shirts. I really wanted to like them and order form time to time. But I cannot and would not recomend them.

[@rosbtim]

'' Better laws to protect the workers''- we should all care about this. Greetings from Romania!

[@dannyw.b6447]

The brown suit looks so good. Do you know if they still make it?

[@jazzmorgan859]

A bit too slim for me who like the 40s suits... but nice video keep it up!

[@christophersanders570]

Excellent thanks. Please do a configuration Programm

[@golden3rd335]

I have a question, I've never had a waistcoat with a lapel before, but I am thinking of getting a suit with one. Do you have advice of what lapels of a suit jacket go well with the Lapel of a vest? Width is also something I would like to ask as well.

[@momotheelder7124]

I assume you ordered high rise trousers-would you be able to share your size and rise length?

[@justmoritz]

I will say, when you buy a lot of vintage stuff, even the old stuff is not the "Top Quality Best Of The Best" from savil row type houses today. Just like today, there were budget options, and fancy options. We just have a tendency to look at vintage stuff and feel more impressed by it somehow, but in reality, not all vintage is "quality". I think that's perfectly okay, too.

[@dandiehm8414]

The thing to think about however is the actual "cheap vintage clothes" have probably already fallen apart by now (60-90 years later), so what is left should be more of the high quality stuff.

[@josephdent9406]

When I bought two different suits, a jacket a shirt they were all over-sized unfortunately.

[@raizenperez1358]

What about the shirts ?

[@paladinclothiers3628]

Why would you keep buying from a company who's clothes disintegrate on you if you get caught in the rain? That's nuts. Go with a higher quality company.

[@mensb1936]

theyve got a nice site and suit customizer. made the mistake of ordering from them in March, their factories got shut down in China and I am still awaiting reply on a refund in May

[@kendallpeacock7208]

AVOID Hockerty!!! I have ordered from Hockerty since they were Tailor4Less (10+ years). On my last order of 13 dress shirts, 5 were sent without the collar interliner or sewn in collar stays. I reached out to customer service about the manufacturing issue. Customer service proceeded to tell me I choose "soft collars" in the customization. I explained I did not and that "soft collars" was not even an option to choose. I was then told on the advanced version of their website it was an option. I emailed back that I was not even aware there was an advanced version of their website and would be happy to show them via Zoom what my configuration options are. They responded back, sorry I choose the option and they made the shirts as I requested therefore they would do nothing. So I am now stuck with 5 of 13 dress shirts that are made incorrectly. After 10+ years, I will never order from Hockerty again and I suggest you save yourself the same frustration and lost money.

[@yuma_ng]

What exactly is a MTM? Thanks in advance

[@oscar-ke7kl]

They have beautiful fabrics but the issue is they use polyester, imma stick to Zegna

[@nclementi3736]

please do the hockerty vintage tutorial.

[@tatianasibrian9402]

Have you tried tweedmaker? Any thoughts....if not, where do you recommend to buy?

[@Vintagebursche]

Thanks for the idea. I had a look and the "tweed" at Tweedmaker is 30% polyester. You can always try Luxire. The quality is good there, but communication is difficult sometimes.

[@TheKolorlessKingz]

Where can I buy some nice overcoats?

[@dsafassdasadasdgfgaf1202]

Super Kanal, weiter so... Hast du einen Tipp für eine Alternative zu Hockerty? Suche gerade Hosen aus 100 % Wolle....

[@Vintagebursche]

In der Videobeschreibung ist ein Link zu einer Shopliste (die gibt's sonst auch auf Deutsch im Blog). Die würde ich mal durchgehen. Einen 1:1 Ersatz für Hockerty gibt es aber nicht. Man muss sich überlegen wo die Prioritäten liegen.

[@bronkobrumby776]

Know my question arises, that it may be a good address after all, when you don't want to spent too much money in an acceptable garment, because one will actual wear it for sports. Most of us nowadays don't wear tweet anymore for active sporting as it was the case a few decades ago. And even then people often had grooms, which made the hard labor. So I'm considering to get a dress by Hockerty for the stable. That of course don't means just horseback riding, but also all the rest with the labor and grooming (besides that I would never let a groom do that work. I invested too much time in my horses and their education, to let it be dullen by anybody else). Maybe there the blended wools with Polyester (as sports fabric, as you said) aren't that wrong. Sure a niche, as most of us don't use such clothes for active sports anymore. But that could be actually a good balance between price, performance and style. I absolutely will not wear my good wool, linen, cotton garments at the stable, so that one of my boys could slobbers me all over when the apples are too juicy again. With a Hockerty garment, that would not hurt as much, as with one of my MTM of high quality or bestspoke garments. Just a random thought by me. But I'm not sure yet. The garment will wear anyways a lot in that situation, I pay much more for good boots for the stable (nobody want's wet feet or blisters when doing hard labor), and even then, those are usually worn out after 4-6 years. There's some strain at the clothes, when practicing sports.

[@Giovaramos]

Suit looks great.

[@libo.65]

Ich hab eine Frage und zwar kann man ja bei hockerty sein Gewicht und seine Größe hinschreiben und die restlichen Maße rechnet der von alleine aus wie zuverlässig ist das genau stimmen die Maße gut ?

[@Vintagebursche]

Ich weiß nicht wie es bei anderen funktioniert aber ausgerechnet mit der Maßübernahme von Hockerty hatte ich tatsächlich nie Probleme. Eher damit, dass man z.B. keinen Loose Fit auswählen kann.

[@ggilluminati4202]

Hey Vintagebursche, I looked through your shops and brands list on your homepage the other day and saw that you had a bad shopping experience with Walter Slater. Can you provide me with more information on why exactly it was bad? Cause the prices their items come at at this quality and materials are unmatched in your list imo and are a good option for me who loves to wear all sorts of knit in the winter here in germany. Thanks beforehand!

[@Vintagebursche]

The sizing was off and the shipping costs are not refunded, so in the end I paid 50 Euros for nothing. I would like to go to a WS store, but I can't recommend online shopping at WS.

[@ggilluminati4202]

@@Vintagebursche Ah interesting. I read their refund and exchange policies and the only thing that you have to pay is the shipping of 15 pounds per shipment if you live within the EU. Isn't that the common procedure for online retailers?

[@ulfricthorsson8347]

What SHOULD buttons be made out of?

[@Vintagebursche]

Horn, bone, wood, or vegetable ivory

[@libo.65]

Haha bei manchen Bildern sahst du aus wie ein peaky Blinder aber das mag ich sehr nice

[@TheBrittKoball]

Where are you getting into all this rain, brother? Lol

[@Loerrich]

Warum hab ich im Titel "Air Hockey Suit" gelesen? 🤦‍♀️

[@nomadismileseeker6611]

Let’s see a video on the most vintage suit, suit supply has.

[@johns.5062]

arent all those trousers low waisted though? i would like to order one but i wear wider and high waisted trousers and im scared

[@Vintagebursche]

Yes, all low waisted

[@johns.5062]

well not for me then @@Vintagebursche

[@MuhammadAli-qh8tg]

You are always as sharp as a helberg

[@kenesufernandez1281]

❤️

[@deoostbespoketailoring]

A suit simply losses its whole effect and purpose when it is not bespoke. Alterations by a master can cover a lot but not the essence.

[@heinzguderianbutmoreyounge9659]

You still can get good things for mtm at local tailor,also im not gonna go dragging myself for a 1000€ bespoke when i can get 10 of the vintage suits

[@deoostbespoketailoring]

@@heinzguderianbutmoreyounge9659 off course you can. Its a choice based on personal criteria. Mtm covers basics barely if I compare it to what is needed in my opinion.

[@arktisch36]

Even these suits seem unaffordable for me, and they are considered "cheaper".

[@giorgiofocco6746]

Könntest du bitte deutsche Untertitel einfügen?

[@Vintagebursche]

Für die Zusatzarbeit habe ich keine Zeit. Sorry.

[@lindnerhub]

Seit wann denn auf Englisch? Hab dich nach 3 Jahren wieder gefunden.

[@isidu4244]

Choice of the fabrics is very poor and sometimes more funny than usable ( pink, certain patterns)!

[@MaryvalePress]

Sounds like you need an umbrella

[@ABC-rh7zc]

No fused suits are worth it. The end :)

[@michaelpyrek5242]

Coupon code no longer active.

[@Vintagebursche]

I'll talk to them. Thanks for the note!

[@Vintagebursche]

They changed the code to VINTAGEBURSCHE.

[@fritzhill9769]

Er ist einfach Deutscher 😹❤️

[@d.l.7399]

... Und mit Hut, Hut ab!

[@rasocker]

You should :-D

[@Oswald-Mandus]

2022 Tuesday January 18, 6:32 PM 100th comment have a good day my dear friends.

[@TillIGetToYou]

A small amount of polyester (10%) offers strength to the wool for better durability.

[@heinzguderianbutmoreyounge9659]

Noope,thats too bad,especially its 90% wool,better go all the way 100% wool,and vintage suits are the great example of a 100 natural product

[@jancedricmicheler6122]

💪👏👏

[@jenniferandrews3986]

💫💫❤

[@Giovaramos]

Don´t go outside when raining. LOL

[@vascomanata]

Thanks for the help! I will ask my serventes to do it for me then!

[@KomradeKrusher]

To be fair, NO suit of any kind of fabric or quality of construction should be getting soaking wet. Yes, a canvased construction will eliminate the fusing coming unglued (obviously, since there#s no fusing), but the cloth might still get damaged and distorted, seams getting constricted etc. - There's a good reason for raincoats, umbrellas and the like.

[@valasarius]

People born in nineteen eighty Twitch will remember this differently

[@valasarius]

@Selim Mašić yes...

[@Brettmlyons]

Hockerty is. Absolutely trash and they don't make good products or send them on time.

[@chrishalle1982]

Boar Leute Please. Bitte macht eure Videos auf deutsch. Klingt ja schrecklich

[@Vintagebursche]

Tja, hätteste mal im Englisch-Unterricht besser aufgepasst.