In this article, A—HUMAN explain how secondhand suits and up—cycling is reshaping how modern culture assigns value to fashion. Alongside client commissions, retail concept SUIT KITCHEN (SK) is a personal brand prototype—a smart slow retail experience where clothing is traded in, restored, and reimagined rather than consumed on demand. Sustainable made-to-measure suits are also on offer, by appointment.
In a bid to end overproduction, every item sold is selected for its individual potential. At its core, SK champions restoration and recirculation—paying customers to trade in unwanted suits and creating space for positive interaction. Beyond clothing, customers shop for prints, apparel, and an exceptional election of concept magazines you might only expect to find in NY art-galleries and Berlin’s specialist book stores.
Trade In
01. Take in your unwanted coat, and apparel. SK will assess it, restore it, or offer you cash-credit toward something else, tailored, and entirely original.
Trade Up
02. Use credits to shop in-store or online. Redeem against one-off concepts clothing, suits, and coats, or save up credits until you really need something special, cut from a choice of 500 designs.
Objects
03. Shop a rotating mix of side projects, collabs, and one-offs, t-shirts, framed works, and pieces from friends of the brand. Useful, sometimes wearable, and definitely worth having .
04. Pick up specialist titles from across art, music, design, and subculture. You can also subscribe to SUBS—an in-house art experiment: No themes. No guarantees. Each issue begins with an alert, and a simple question.
SUBS Mags
Booking an appointment is recommended—For a greater experience, customers are invited to trade-in unwanted coats, suits and apparel for credit, to use in-store. Alternatively, items can be dropped at a local collection point.
Every interaction is designed to be practical, personal, and relaxed. The emphasis is less on consumption, more on experience—and individual design.
How it Works
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Summary >
Custom, also branded as personal tailoring offers a less expensive alternative to traditional bespoke tailoring, built around a proven block and constructed to carefully detailed measurements. Each suit or coat begins as a structural foundation—then evolves through digital modelling and detailing. Customers are guided by a designer, opposed to a tailor, and offered literally unlimited personalised options. The final result is more engineered than theory, with a greater focus on form, design and creative identity.Process >
Initial style discussion > fabric selection > detailed personalisation > measurements. Each suit requires a first and final fitting, to address any last minute required adjustments. Allow a 1 hour for design and measurements, and 30 minutes per fitting.Recommended For >
Customers seeking original design without the wait or cost of full bespoke. Ideal for anyone wanting the perfect fit, with creative freedom and clear guidance. -
Summary >
SK works with mills known for excellence, innovation, and sustainability. Our core range includes 100% natural blends from British textile houses — Holland & Sherry, Alfred Brown, Harris Tweed, and Italian labels — Reda, amongst many others. We also endorse ecological blends, bamboo cloths, and Asian and Australian wools, alongside concept editions and printed one-offs. All fabrics are selected for feel, performance, and design.Process >
Fabric is selected in consultation, based on climate, movement, and purpose. You can commission rare weaves, choose limited runs, or ask us to develop a one-off print. Every fabric is mapped to a core block and tailored accordingly.Recommended For >
Clients who care about provenance, materials, and craft. Perfect for responsible tailoring and design, eco-conscious buyers, or those looking for something individualistic. -
Summary ?
Design decisions are brought to reality via in-store screens and digital interfaces. Clients can preview movement, proportions, and fabric behaviour before anything is cut. Technology is used to clarify the designer’s eye, helping clients understand how a design will translate from concept to real life.Process >
Design concepts are shown on digital screens and motion mockups. Clients can view comparisons in lapel shape, button stance, hem drape, and more. Measurements and fit preferences are logged digitally for future updates and re-orders.Recommended For >
Anyone who wants a clearer view of a suit or design before committing, and payment. -
Summary ?
SK operates on a 3-stage timeline: fitting, production, and final fitting. Most suits are ready within 4 weeks. Trade-in credits are assessed within 3 working days and typically applied in the same week. Some fabrics, such as special editions, may extend the timeline slightly.Process
Initial fitting > Fabric and feature confirmation > Suit sent to production (2-3 weeks) > Final fitting and any minor adjustments (1 week). Trade-in drop-offs processed weekly, with credits issued post-assessment.Recommended For
Customers who prioritise individuality over repetition—more interested in original design than imitating what’s already out there. It’s this mindset that we all believe gives custom tailoring its edge over fast-fashion.
