Bespoke suits are all the rage these days, and many men who had never dreamed of having a suit custom made for them, assuming it was only for super-rich CEOs, are now considering the bespoke process. Whether you’ve just entered the job market or you’re a veteran in your field, a bespoke suit is pretty much the best thing you can do for your wardrobe if you want high-quality garments with the right fit.
However, even though most guys know that they can get a bespoke suit, a lot of men don’t really understand what the process is going to be like. In fact, that lack of knowledge seems to be a deterrent for a lot of men who would otherwise jump at the chance to have a custom made suit.
That’s why we’ve put this quick guide together. Keep reading and you’ll learn all about how a bespoke suit can be made for you in just a few simple steps.
Talk to Your Tailor
The first step toward having a bespoke suit made for you is a simple one. You need to sit down and talk to your tailor about what you are looking for in a suit, where you plan on wearing it and how often you’re going to wear it.
The most important thing to discuss at this point is fit. Let your tailor know if you’re looking for a slim-fitting modern suit or if you prefer something a little bit more traditional. Whatever fit you want – even if that’s vintage English or French – is something your tailor can do for you when you choose to have a custom suit made.
Measurements
After a brief discussion with your tailor, they will want to take a detailed set of measurements. You’ve probably had measurements taken by a tailor for alterations in the past, but bespoke suit makers will need a few more since they’re starting from scratch and making a suit that’s designed only for your body.
In most cases, the measurement process really won’t take much longer than what you’ve had done before. The end result will be a lot better, though, since the added measurements will guarantee the right fit for your body – not just a body that’s close to the same size as you like when you buy a suit off the rack.
Pick Your Materials
Having a suit made just for you means that you get to pick out the materials. Your tailor will be able to show you a wide variety of different options based on your desires, needs and budget, though it helps to have some idea of what you want before your fitting.
When considering materials for a bespoke suit you should consider what you already have in your wardrobe and how you will be wearing the suit. Are you looking for a suit for summer wear? If so, linen or lighter blended materials will be best.
If you’re looking for a suit for the colder months in a dark color, consider heavier wool. Men that need a suit for all-around wear should consider mid-weight blends and tropical wool.
Even if you’re not quite sure what material is right for you your tailor will be able to guide you. Just think about what you want and how you want to wear your suit before your appointment.
Choose Specific Details
Another big part of having a custom suit made for you is the ability to pick out all of the details you want from a suit. For example, when you have a custom suit made, you’ll be able to pick the lining in your jacket and pants, and you can pick anything from warm wool to light silk to blended cotton that keeps you cool in the summer months.
You will also be able to pick your buttons, outside pockets and inside pockets. While you can specify what you want to your tailor, you don’t have to go for anything outlandish here.
Sometimes the best thing to do if you aren’t sure about the details is to tell your tailor that you want a standard suit with the fit and material of your choice.
Fitting
After the suit maker has done some work on your garments you’ll be asked back in for a fitting. This helps the tailor make any adjustments so that the suit fits you correctly and doesn’t look like a bland off the rack number.
A fitting shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes of your time and it is time very well spent. When the tailor is done, the finishing touches will be applied to your suit over the next week or two so you get the perfect suit.
Benefits of Buying a Bespoke Suit
Buying a bespoke suit is an investment in quality. Quality that you won’t get from a department store. When you choose to order a custom suit you also get the exact styling that you want which isn’t always possible when you’re buying at a menswear store, especially if you’re a particularly large, skinny, short or tall man.
Choosing custom made suits also means the right fit every single time. Any man who knows fashion will tell you that fit always comes first.
