Skip to content

Cart

Your cart is empty

Article: What is a Custom Made Suit?

What is a Custom Made Suit?
suit

What is a Custom Made Suit?

classic menswear suit

History

Bespoke has been around as a term in the fashion world for decades. It's a fancy way of saying "custom made," but it connotes more than just creating something to fit your exact measurements. So make sure you're familiar with the different terms for customization—including "haute couture" and "su misura"—because they can help you select the right piece for any situation.

Bespoke tailoring is only available through a few shops specializing in bespoke clothing, which will work out to be more expensive than purchasing off-the-rack items from a department store or retail chain, but will also ensure that your suit fits like it was custom made just for you—not to mention it'll look much better too.

Bespoke

A bespoke suit is a British English term for a man's suit made-to-order by a tailor, using a pattern created for the customer based on his measurements and specifications. The suits are expensive and have historically been worn only by wealthy men. In 2017, however, bespoke suits were democratized with the introduction of affordable custom suits that can be ordered online. A recent study found that one in ten millennial men now own at least one bespoke suit.

Made-to-measure

Made-to-measure is a custom garment made using a pre-made pattern that has been altered to fit the individual customer. The measurements are taken in a fashion similar to that of ready-to-wear retail, except that they are recorded with more precision. Unlike bespoke, the garments are not made from scratch (which allows for flexibility in the fitting), and the pattern is not designed specifically for the client's measurements and body shape.

Made-to-measure

Made-to-measure is a custom garment made using a pre-made pattern that has been altered to fit the individual customer. The measurements are taken in a fashion similar to that of ready-to-wear retail, except that they are recorded with more precision. Unlike bespoke, the garments are not made from scratch (which allows for flexibility in the fitting), and the pattern is not designed specifically for the client's measurements and body shape.

Off-the-peg

The least expensive, most common suit is an off-the-peg suit. This means that the jacket and pants have been cut from a standard pattern, much like clothing from a retail store. Most men's off-the-peg suits are made in standard sizes and are produced in large quantities. Usually you will find these suits at a department store or big box retailer such as Macy's or Nordstrom Rack. While they can be good quality and affordable, they may not be your best option because they rarely fit as well as custom or tailored suits, which are more expensive. Off the peg suits are made with general measurements to fit many different body styles rather than just one specific person.

Read more

The Perfect Fit: Garment Washed Denim Shirt

The Perfect Fit: Garment Washed Denim Shirt

    Looking for a new denim shirt that will stand the test of time and make a statement? Look no further than a garment washed, made to order indigo organic cotton denim shirt. Not only is this sh...

Read more