How To Choose Between Bespoke Suits and Made To Measure

Choosing between made to measure and bespoke will partially be influenced by what type of event you are attending. Most men will want a suit that they can wear to as many events as possible but if you are attending a wedding as a groomsman or you are the groom this will affect your choice dramatically. The significance of your marriage may influence the amount of time and money you want to put into making a suit.

A bespoke suit is a choice you will make for quality and comfort. Although you can get close in many ways with a made to measure suit, nothing will fit the way a suit does when it is made bespoke. The reason made to measure is considered second to a bespoke suit in comfort is mainly due to the process by which each suit is made.

A bespoke suit is designed and made to fit the body in every way imaginable. According to most bespoke tailors, there are 20 measurements that are performed to begin the process of constructing the jacket and 5 measurements taken for the trousers. The measurements take into account the arch of the back, posture and unique characteristics that the design of the suit will need to reflect.

A bespoke tailor is considered a master tailor with more breadth in skill and experience than your average tailor. Most bespoke tailors are sizing you up and have an idea of the adjustments to make that will compliment your body type from the moment you meet. The measurements they take provide a more three-dimensional map of your body than that of your standard sales associate who takes the general measurements to fit an off the rack suit. If you are truly buying bespoke then you are getting the industry's most experienced guides to provide expert advice on your formal wear. Although they may have assistants to take measurements, they are typically involved in the entire process to become familiar with the adjustments that would need to be made to your body.

Measurements can be taken for a made to measure suit without an authentic bespoke tailor. The details would then be sent to the cutters with the fabric you’ve selected and the suit would be assembled according to the pre-designed template. A made to measure suit can be highly customized in regards to features such as the number of buttons on the jacket, pleats and/or cuffs in the pants, the style of vents and the pocket style. There are sometimes additional options available but there is a standard design that is followed and apart from the customizable features the suit will be made according to the design of the template.

A made to measure suit is assembled after the initial measurements are taken and you are not required to come in for adjustments until the final fitting. The length of time it takes for a made to measure suit to be assembled is anywhere from two to four weeks.

This differs greatly from the 8-12 weeks it takes in making a bespoke suit. There are multiple fittings that take place in order for the suit to be delivered. The first fitting is where the suit is held together by basting thread. Adjustments are made to the canvas and the major components to account for movement, seated and standing positions. There are three or four more fittings afterward that are performed in order to ensure the suit is mirroring the body while enhancing the overall appearance.

The choice to make your suit bespoke boils down whether you want to spend the time in making a suit with a superior fit with a higher level of quality. You can get a suit made to measure within a month and still look fantastic. If you are aiming for the best in formal wear, then you choose bespoke.