Bespoke vs Made-to-Measure Suits: Understanding the Differences
Custom suits are the epitome of luxury and elegance when it comes to men's and women's clothing. Bespoke and made-to-measure suits are the two most popular types of custom suits on the market. Although both types offer a more personalized and tailor-made experience than conventional off-the-rack suits, there are differences between the two that you should be aware of when considering investing in such premium garments. In this blog post, we'll explore the differences between bespoke and made-to-measure suits, allowing you to make an informed decision on the type of suit that will best suit your needs and preferences.
Defining Bespoke Suits
Bespoke suits are the crème de la crème of custom suits. Building the suit from scratch, the bespoke tailor will bring the customer in for multiple fittings during the process of hand-sewing a bespoke suit and make alterations to the pattern and seams based on how the garment lays on the customer at every point in the process. The designer consults with the customer during the fittings and considers their preferences, style, taste, occasion, and body shape to create a suit that's entirely unique. The fabric quality, construction, and cut of the suit are scrutinized to meticulous detail, and the garment is entirely hand-sewn. Bespoke suits require ample time, decades of expertise, and are priced according to that skillset and crafting time.
Explaining Made-to-Measure Suits
Made-to-measure suits are also custom suits that are tailored to fit the wearer's precise body measurements. However, they're not wholly created from scratch like the bespoke suit's pattern. Instead, a pre-existing base pattern is modified to suit the customer's requirements. Once the customer's measurements and alterations are entered, the fabric is cut, and the suit is handmade in-house. Made-to-measure suits offer more customization options than off-the-rack suits and fewer than bespoke suits while providing a fit that falls far closer to bespoke than off-the-rack.
Differences in Fabrication and Time
Bespoke suits are made entirely by hand in-house, meaning that multiple fittings are required, and the process can take up to 8-10 weeks to complete. Each suit takes around 80-100 hours to produce, depending on the complexity of the design and fabric. Made-to-measure suits, on the other hand, are produced using a blend of hand and machine-sewing techniques, with everything from the fabric cutting to the finishing touches carried out in-house. As a result, a typical made-to-measure suit takes around 3-5 weeks to produce, with only 20-30 hours of work required.
Customization Options and Budget
Bespoke suits offer customization to every aspect of the garment, from the fabric selection, pocket styles, lapel width, collar and cuff styles, buttons, and trimmings. The options for customization are limitless, with the possibilities primarily based on the client's preferences and budget. Made-to-measure suits also have a plethora of customization options, but generally fit within the norms of classic suiting styles. For example, a bespoke tailor might be able to create a customized matching belt for a safari jacket whereas a made-to-measure shop would not be able to accommodate that ask. The classic options offered by a made-to-measure brand simplify the process for the customer, who can select from predetermined options such as the lapel, pocket, and button styles based on their preferences and budget. Made-to-measure suits are generally priced higher than off-the-rack suits but cost less than bespoke suits.
In conclusion, the main differences between bespoke and made-to-measure suits are the level of customization, time, and cost. Bespoke suits are entirely unique and require an exceptional level of craftsmanship; their cost is high and production time is long. Made-to-measure suits are personalized to suit the wearer's body measurements, offering greater customization options at a lower price point and shorter production time. When making a decision on whether to purchase a bespoke or made-to-measure suit, it all comes down to the budget, occasion, personal preferences, and style of the customer. Custom suits aren't just a garment but a symbol of elegance, quality, and status, and every bit of care taken in the creation of the suit is evident in the finished product. We hope that this post has helped you make an informed choice on the type of custom suit that will best suit your requirements.
