Custom Tailored Suits vs. Made-to-Measure: What’s the Difference?
When it comes to suits, fit is everything. Whether you’re dressing for a big meeting, a wedding, or just want to look your best every day, having a suit that fits you perfectly can make a huge difference in how you feel and present yourself. But with so many options out there, deciding between a custom tailored suit and a made-to-measure suit can be confusing. Both offer better fit and quality than off-the-rack suits, but there are key differences between the two. Let’s break it down so you can choose the best option for your next suit.
What is a Custom Tailored Suit?
Custom tailored suits are the pinnacle of personalization. When you opt for a custom tailored suit, you’re not just getting a suit that’s been altered to fit you better; you’re getting a completely one-of-a-kind garment made from scratch based on your measurements and style preferences.
The Process of Custom Tailoring
The custom tailoring process is an involved one, but the results are worth it. Here’s what you can expect when you go custom:
- Consultation: The journey begins with a consultation where you discuss your needs, preferences, and the occasion for the suit. You’ll work with your tailor to decide on every detail, from fabric to lapel style, lining, buttons, and even the thread color.
- Measurements: Your tailor will take multiple precise measurements of your body. Unlike made-to-measure suits, which start with a standard pattern, a custom tailored suit begins with nothing but your measurements.
- Pattern Creation: A unique pattern is created based entirely on your body. This ensures a fit that’s entirely customized for you, rather than just adjusted to fit better.
- Multiple Fittings: To ensure the suit fits perfectly, you’ll typically go through several fittings. The tailor will make adjustments along the way, fine-tuning everything from the shoulder slope to sleeve length and jacket taper.
The Benefits of Custom Tailoring
The biggest advantage of custom tailoring is the fit. There’s nothing like wearing a suit that’s been made just for you. Every aspect of the suit is designed to complement your body shape, ensuring comfort and style. In addition, you have complete control over the materials and design details, making your suit truly unique.
Custom tailored suits are also an investment. They take longer to produce and often cost more than other options, but the result is a suit that lasts for years and never goes out of style.
What is a Made-to-Measure Suit?
Made-to-measure suits fall somewhere between off-the-rack and fully custom tailored suits. They’re created using a pre-existing pattern, but that pattern is adjusted to better fit your body measurements. While made-to-measure offers a better fit than off-the-rack, it doesn’t offer the complete customization that comes with custom tailoring.
The Made-to-Measure Process
Here’s what you can expect from the made-to-measure process:
- Choose a Base Pattern: Made-to-measure suits begin with a base pattern, which is then modified to match your measurements. You’ll have some choice in the fit and cut, but you won’t have as much flexibility in terms of design as with a custom tailored suit.
- Fabric and Detail Selection: You still get to choose from a range of fabrics, lapel styles, and other details, but these options may be more limited compared to a fully custom suit.
- Measurements and Adjustments: Your tailor will take your measurements and apply those to the base pattern, making necessary adjustments to get a closer fit.
- Fewer Fittings: Unlike custom tailored suits, made-to-measure suits typically only require one or two fittings. This is because the adjustments are made to an existing pattern, so less fine-tuning is needed.
The Benefits of Made-to-Measure
The main advantage of made-to-measure suits is that they’re quicker and more affordable than custom tailored suits. You still get a suit that’s designed to fit you better than anything you’d find off the rack, but without the time and cost involved in going fully custom.
Made-to-measure suits are a great option if you’re looking for a well-fitted suit but don’t need all the bells and whistles of a custom tailored suit.
Key Differences Between Custom Tailored and Made-to-Measure Suits
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s look at the key differences between custom tailored suits and made-to-measure suits.
1. Fit
The biggest difference between these two options is the fit. Custom tailored suits offer the most precise fit because they’re made from scratch to your exact measurements. Every aspect of the suit is designed to fit your body perfectly.
On the other hand, made-to-measure suits are built from a pre-existing pattern. While they’re still adjusted to fit you better than an off-the-rack suit, they can’t achieve the same level of precision as a custom tailored suit.
2. Customization
When it comes to customization, custom tailored suits win hands down. With a custom tailored suit, you get to choose everything – from the fabric and lining to the lapel width, button placement, and even the type of stitching. Every element is up to you.
In contrast, made-to-measure suits offer fewer choices. While you still have some control over the fabric and details, your options are limited by the pre-existing pattern.
3. Time and Cost
Custom tailored suits take longer to make and typically cost more. The process can take several weeks, as it involves creating a unique pattern, multiple fittings, and high-quality craftsmanship.
Made-to-measure suits, being based on an existing pattern, take less time to produce and are generally more affordable.
Which Option is Right for You?
Choosing between a custom tailored suit and a made-to-measure suit comes down to your needs, budget, and how much you value personalization.
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind suit that’s made just for you, and you’re willing to invest both time and money, custom tailoring is the way to go. It’s the perfect option if you have specific fit challenges or want to have full control over the design.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a well-fitted suit but don’t need full customization, made-to-measure is a great option. It’s quicker, more affordable, and still provides a better fit than off-the-rack suits.
Why Cicchini Custom Clothier is Your Go-To for Custom Tailored Suits
At Cicchini Custom Clothier, we specialize in creating custom tailored suits that are built around you, your style, and your preferences. We believe that every suit should be an investment in both fit and quality, and that’s why we offer a truly unique experience. From the first consultation to the final fitting, we’re here to guide you through the process and ensure you get a suit that you’ll love for years to come.
If you’re considering whether to go custom tailored or made-to-measure, we’d be happy to help you make the right choice for your next suit. Contact Cicchini Custom Clothier today to start your journey toward a perfectly fitted, stylish suit that’s made just for you.