A suit is an essential part of a gentleman’s wardrobe. Be it a casual or formal occasion – what you don on your body says a lot about your personality. How you portray yourself can be an everlasting impression. If you want to look like a businessman, a model or a bum – it’s all up to you!
Let’s get this right from the start – No matter what you choose to wear should always be stylish. Finding a suit is that is sartorially elegant is another challenge.
Off-the-Rack
There are a myriad of choices in this category from a more affordable Men’s Warehouse to an expensive designer label, which can cause a little dent in your wallet. While it is less time consuming, off-the-rack suits are usually mass produced and made for the general masses to rigid pre-defined sizes that are supposed to provide approximate ‘fits’ for everyone. ‘Approximate’ is the important word here and you may need put the suit through several alteration cycles to make it for your unique body. You have to take the suit as it is, not being able to customize any aspects to personalize it. It could prove costly and take a lot of time to have it altered. If your body is a little more contoured and prosperous, you may be faced with a challenge to get a good fit.
Custom Tailored (Bespoke)
A custom made suit is a completely different ball game. Bespoke suits are measured to fit each individual part of your unique body. Bespoke means ‘Be Spoken For’. It requires a thought process from start to finish. Like your doctor, barber or private banker; your tailor plays a significant role in making you look good. You can tailor various aspects of your suit, from the fabric, lapel size, pick stitching, pockets, linings, surgeon cuffs, horn buttons etc. You can go as far as embroidering your name inside the jacket.
At the initial fitting, some 30-odd measurements are taken, some of which you may not realize prove to be important to produce a quality suit. During the multiple fittings, the tailor learns more about you as you provide your thoughts and feedback in order attain a final product is exactly ‘made for you’. With his or her help, you are guided through the various fabrics, styles available and are able to customize your suit, adding your own personal touch. It is a learning process for both the tailor as well as yourself. The goal of all of this is to produce the best suit you will ever own that will drape your body like a second skin.
Bespoke tailoring allows you to play the designer role while being supported by professionals to keep you on track. You will be left with a feeling of pride having designed your own suit that fits perfectly with your body, which is something you can’t buy in off the rack. It’s essential you build a positive relationship with your tailor, as they will know your likes and dislikes so that they may be able to best advise you throughout the process.