1. All custom suits are not created equal.
Made to Measure Suits: For these custom suits, the client can select fabrics and style but the measurements are basically off the rack. Pricing starts at $750 and these suits take about 3 hours to create.
Full Custom Suits: Clients select fabrics, linings, buttons & style, but 30 custom measurements are taken to ensure a perfect fit. Pricing starts at $2500 and full custom suits typically take 20-25 hours to create.
Bespoke Custom: After clients select of fabrics, buttons and style, a hand made pattern is created, followed by 6 fittings to ensure a perfect fit. Pricing starts at $5000 and can take up to 40 hours to create.
2. Experience counts!
A suit will only fit you as well as the person measuring you, so you need to ask yourself "Who is Measuring You?" Experience is critical! If it's a salesman or associate measuring you, it may be advisable to go elsewhere. Make sure the owner of the business or an actual custom tailor is measuring you to ensure a perfect fit.
3. Internet Tailors are Generally a Bad Idea.
Internet tailors are typically a bad idea from the get go. You need to measure yourself, they are typically located far away and offer free remakes because they are so cheaply made.
Save your money and aggravation, you would be better off buying a rack suit and getting it fitted at a proper tailor. It's the old saying, "you get what you pay for."
4. Wedding suits.
A wedding is the perfect reason to have a suit custom made. It's the most photographed day in your life. Everyone is built different and having a custom suit made will ensure you will look and feel amazing next to your spouse. Besides, It can be used for decades to come and is one of the few items that will remind you of your special day, everytime you wear it.
5. Bigger is not better.
You will see many national big box menswear stores saying that they offer custom suits along with their off the rack offerings. While this may be convenient, what they are actually making is Made to Measure suits, in which you can select your fabrics and style but are not custom measured, like a real custom made garment. Typically you will be measured by salesmen that have watched a couple of videos on how to measure, and are sent out on the sales floor with tape measure in hand
Thanks to Vince, owner of One Custom Clothier for these great tips!
Click HERE to learn more about One Custom Clothier!
