I discussed the latter point with Mr Bennett, a man upon whose expertise I have found that I can rely with absolute confidence. He directed me to a white super 100 gaberdine made by Scabal, with a weight of 260 grammes per square metre (which, I think, in real money, is about 7½ ounces per square yard). This, he opined – and, needless to report, he proved to be absolutely right – would have the lightness I required and yet would protect my modesty in foreign parts.

Then we discussed the style. Whiteness – for reasons which might best be explained by a follower of Freud or Jung – has the effect of loosening my grip on some of the more conventional features of suit design. Here, then, are my departures from the accepted norms. I decided to have two outside pockets on the right of my jacket. The jacket – single-breasted, with peaked lapels, a white lining and a single rear vent – would fasten with a single button, to facilitate an opening sufficiently low to allow a glimpse of the waistcoat. (Two buttons would have been possible, but I am a one or three button man: a two button arrangement smacks of squalid compromise.) The waistcoat had been in my mind for some time. It would be double-breasted, with lapels. Mr Bennett told me that this was known as an ‘Ascot’. (I gave up the regular wearing of waistcoats at the age of thirty, worn down by the evil of ubiquitous central heating, so this would be a reminder of happier times.)

For the rest, my usual rules applied. The four buttonholes at each cuff (with real horn buttons, as always on Savile Row) would be working. The buttonhole on the left lapel would, of course, have a fixing loop behind it, for a flower. There would be three pockets inside the jacket, and the lower outside pocket on the right side would have an inner pocket (essential if one is to avoid the disfiguring effects of loose coinage). The trousers would have turn-ups, no back pocket, two pleats to each side of the front, straight side pockets, a button fly, an inner lining to front and rear, and a braces back (with the buttons for my braces outside at the front and inside at the rear – to protect the leather of the Royce, for I drive jacket-less).

These details decided, I toddled off for a decent lunch. One should always make important decisions before the mid-day meal. A decanter or two of decent claret can undermine good sense in many matters, and those sartorial are not exempted.

Many pleasant lunches rolled by, and then the call came for the first fitting. Mr Bennett cast his expert eye over the work in progress, and determined that the trousers should be shortened, the waist raised, and the left shoulder lifted. My own eye was much taken by the flattering shape of the jacket (yes, my waist had returned once more) and the proper length of the sleeves (just right for showing half an inch of shirt cuff). A second fitting indicated the necessity for some minor adjustments to the front of the waistcoat. Then my beautiful white suit was ready for collection.

I hope that you can see from the pictures what a splendid suit it is. The fit is exact. The cut is superb. The quality of the workmanship is evident in every detail. This suit is supremely comfortable to wear and imparts to its wearer a sense of timeless elegance. I venture that it would be impossible to encounter this suit and not think, ‘Savile Row’. I am, as they say, pleased with it.

Prices (including VAT) at Davies & Son start at £2,491.00 for a two piece suit, and at £2,923.25 for a three piece suit. My own white masterpiece cost £3,237.00.

Life offers many pleasures, but – for a gentleman who cares about his appearance – few are as sweet as the acquisition of a suit from Savile Row. And, when it comes to a summer suit, that joy is intensified by the association with the warmth and sunshine of the year’s happiest season. I recommend that you go to number 38 Savile Row and order your new bespoke summer suit from Davies & Son. You will not regret it.