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Made-to-Measure vs. Bespoke: Understanding the Key Differences

Writer's picture: Branden HarderBranden Harder

Updated: Aug 29, 2023

Made-to-measure and bespoke are two terms often used interchangeably when it comes to custom clothing. However, understanding these concepts' critical differences can significantly enhance your shopping experience. This article will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the distinctions between made-to-measure and bespoke tailoring.


Made-to-Measure Vs Bespoke

Tailoring Methods


What is the difference between bespoke and made-to-measure? Should I choose made-to-measure suits vs bespoke suits for a job interview, a formal dinner, or even as a groom? Understanding different tailoring methods can help you figure out the difference between bespoke and made-to-measure and learn which suit is best suited for your social or professional needs.


Off-the-rack


Off-the-rack tailoring methods refer to manufactured suits that are sold in retail shops or malls. These suits won't necessarily provide a good fit because they are manufactured to the average male size, weight, and height. There isn't any tailoring done here, no bespoke or made-to-measure options, although you can pay extra to modify an off-the-rack suit.


However, even an off-the-rack suit is costly. You can buy a suit made from high-quality wool for thousands of dollars, but if you're paying that premium price, it might be worth investing in custom tailoring right from the start with a bespoke vs. made-to-measure suit.


Pros:

  • Sometimes it can be cheaper

  • You can get a good quality suit straight away

Cons:

  • The suit won’t fit well, and it might look “cheap” because of incorrectly sloped shoulders or arm holes

  • Made in assembly lines so you get something fast and cheap, but it shows


Custom tailoring


Custom tailoring refers to any situation where a suit is customized to your needs but there is still a difference between bespoke and made-to-measure custom tailoring. Made-to-measure is one step higher than something off the rack, made using a base pattern, while bespoke suits are the absolute peak of personalized measurements and tailoring.


Difference between Bespoke and Made-to-Measure

Pros:

  • The sizes are based on your fit and frame

  • You get more control over color, material, pattern, lapels, and other features

  • The price might not be as high as you think compared to an off-the-rack suit you have to get fixed to fit


Cons:

  • There is a wait time for bespoke or made-to-measure suits because they are custom-tailored


Made-to-measure vs bespoke


Of the custom tailoring options, there are two categories that are often confused but represent distinct opportunities:


Made-to-measure


Made-to-measure suits use patterns that are already cut based on industry sizes. You can only choose from the available fabric options but they can make minimal adjustments to the pattern, such as length, to better fit your body.


The critical difference between a made-to-measure suit and an off-the-rack suit is that anything off the rack has already been assembled, so if you go into a shop and you put on a suit that is then fitted with pins or marks where adjustments will be made, that's an off the rack suit. By comparison,