What Is the Difference Between a Bespoke and a Made-to-Measure Suit?

2 Dec

Understanding the differences between a bespoke and a made-to-measure suit is essential to choosing the best option for your needs, preferences, and budget.

What Is a Made-to-Measure Suit?

A made-to-measure suit, often referred to as a custom suit, bridges the gap between ready-to-wear and bespoke tailoring. It offers a “semi-bespoke” solution by modifying an existing pattern to fit your exact measurements and preferences.

How Is a Made-to-Measure Suit Made?

Made-to-measure suits combine machine and handcrafting techniques to create a high-quality, luxurious garment tailored to your measurements. The process involves selecting an existing pattern, which is then adjusted to match the client’s size, shape, and style preferences, such as a slim or tailored fit.

While not as customisable as bespoke suits, made-to-measure garments offer excellent fit and quality for a fraction of the time and cost.

Benefits of a Made-to-Measure Suit

Custom Fit: Tailors take precise body measurements, such as shoulder width, arm length, and chest circumference, ensuring a seamless fit.
Unique to You: Clients can choose from a wide selection of fabrics, styles, and finishes to create a suit tailored to their tastes.
High Quality: Made-to-measure suits feature premium craftsmanship and materials, delivering exceptional durability and style.
Styling Expertise: Clients receive advice and guidance from experienced tailors throughout the process.
Quick Turnaround: Made-to-measure suits are ready faster than bespoke options, typically requiring only a few fittings.

How Much Does a Made-to-Measure Suit Cost?

Made-to-Measure suits generally cost around £1500 when sourced from a reputable tailor. This price reflects the high-quality craftsmanship and expertise involved. Compared to bespoke suits, made-to-measure options are more budget-friendly due to their reliance on existing patterns and shorter production times.

What Is a Bespoke Suit?

A bespoke suit is the pinnacle of custom tailoring, crafted entirely from scratch without relying on a base pattern. Every detail—from fabric to fit and finishing—is designed to meet the client’s exact preferences. The result is a one-of-a-kind garment that reflects the client’s personal style.

How Is a Bespoke Suit Made?

Bespoke tailoring involves taking a greater number of measurements than made-to-measure garments to account for every nuance of the client’s body, including shoulder slope and back curvature.

The process includes 3 to 5 fittings or more to refine every aspect of the suit for a flawless fit. Once measurements and design choices are finalised, master tailors spend over 80 hours meticulously handcrafting the garment.

Because of the detailed craftsmanship involved, bespoke suits typically require 3 to 5 months to complete.

Benefits of a Bespoke Suit

Limitless Customisation: Every detail—fabric, style, lapel width, and even stitching—can be personalised to the client’s liking.
Perfect Fit: Bespoke suits are tailored to match the client’s exact body shape, ensuring an impeccable fit.
Exceptional Quality: Made with premium materials and handcrafting techniques by highly skilled tailors, bespoke suits represent the highest level of craftsmanship.
One-of-a-Kind: Without relying on a base pattern, every bespoke suit is unique to the individual.
Tailoring Expertise: Clients benefit from in-depth advice and guidance throughout the bespoke process.

How Much Does a Bespoke Suit Cost?

Bespoke tailoring is a premium service, with prices starting at around £3500 for high-quality craftsmanship and limitless customisation options. The higher price reflects the time, expertise, and precision required to create a garment that is truly unique.

Key Differences Between Made-to-Measure and Bespoke Suits

    
    3x7 Table
    
                Feature
                Made To Measure
                Bespoke
            
                Pattern
                Modified from an existing design
                Created from scratch
            
                Measurements Taken
                Essential body measurements
                Extensive, including body nuances
            
                Fittings Required
                1 to 2
                3 to 5
            
                Customisation Options
                Predefined but extensive
                Unlimited
            
                Turnaround Time
                8–10 weeks
                3-5 months
            
                Starting Cost
                Around £1500
                Around £3500

Feature	Made To Measure	Bespoke
Pattern	Modified from an existing design	Created from scratch
Measurements Taken	Essential body measurements	Extensive, including body nuances
Fittings Required	1 to 2	3 to 5
Customisation Options	Predefined but extensive	Unlimited
Turnaround Time	8–10 weeks	3-5 months
Starting Cost	Around £1500	Around £3500

So Which Suit Should You Have Tailored - Made to Measure or Bespoke?

Choosing between a made-to-measure and bespoke suit depends on your priorities. Made-to-measure suits are ideal for those seeking a custom fit and quality craftsmanship with a shorter turnaround time and lower budget. Bespoke suits, on the other hand, offer unparalleled personalisation and craftsmanship, making them the ultimate choice for those seeking a truly unique garment.

We hope you enjoyed reading our thoughts on this. If you’d like to learn more about good tailors in London, see our up-to-date rankings of London tailors.

Joe Burstein