I just buy a size above and get a tailor to "bring it in" costs about £20 or so, but cheaper than a tailored suit. So I'll buy a 48 jacket, and get it "pinched" to fit, and 18" shirt and again put some pinches in, and similarly get a 38" trousers and get the waist brought in - I have to buy 38s as my legs don't fit otherwise (I also have 34" waist).
I bought several suits during the sales from MOss Bros and M&S, cost me a few hundred quid for all of them, but then for all the alterations it cost me just a shade under £100. So I've got 3 suits and 4 shirts that now fit much much better for the same price as a full custom tailored suit would cost. Seems excessive to a lot of you, but I'd rather do that then just 1 tailored suit. Since I have to wear suits for work, I needs a selection (I have about 6 different ones).
My tuxedo is tailor made however.
Thanks for more replies.
M&S and Moss Bros are on our list to go tomorrow. Hopefully I can find something decent in either of the two! failing that we have a few tailors numbers. I just need a jacket that's 'pinched' in round the waist either that or create some severely over developed and disproportionate obliques to fill the space!