Where to Buy Affordable Custom-Tailored Clothing?

I have a dark secret: I’ve never had a piece of clothing custom-tailored in my life. Sure, I’ve had a few pants cuffed here and there, but when I was younger and dressing up almost daily between church and work I didn’t have the scratch to afford it; Now that I could (possibly) afford it, I don’t really have a pressing need. (That said, I do often dress up for parties and meetings.)

What I’m saying is that several of you have asked me for advice on getting custom-cut clothing, but beyond recommending a few basic things like “Find and fawn over your local tailoring alterations shop,” I’m pretty much useless on this one.

What little I do know about bespoke suits and shirts comes from reading English Cut, the fantastic blog of Savile Row tailor Thomas Mahon [pictured], whose suits have been an object of lust for many, myself included. His post about the differences between non-bespoke suits is a great place to start.

Until I have four grand burning a hole in my (shabbily-cut) pocket, I don’t think I’ll be getting a bespoke suit from Mahon. But I might be able to afford a nice shirt or two. Any suggestions? Can a decent shirt be ordered online or is an in-person consultation a must?