It’s common to consider if a custom suit is worth the additional cost. It’s important to realize that price is just a part of the equation when assessing value. It should only become THE deciding factor when budget is ALL that matters. In that case, it’s a better bang for your buck to shop off the rack, and work with a great tailor to best improve the fit. With over 2 decades of selling suits, But this is why we think The Clothing Coach private label custom suits are the highest value in San Francisco and beyond. We guide you on how to choose was best for you, which creates a timeless investment. This allows you to begin the process of curating a sophisticated wardrobe, that’s effortless to maintain.
To find the best custom suits in your area, you have to understand what it is you’re even buying before you check google or yelp reviews. You should also know that at any level of custom clothing, the results continue to improve as you create more garments. So your ‘perfect fit’ most likely may come by the 2nd suit you have made. Another major key is to understand the difference between custom offerings when it comes to production, is it ‘Made to Measure’, true Bespoke or -a level in between. Let’s compare the main differences:
Made to Measure: (lowest price point/most common)
- Pre-made components based on existing set of patterns, that are made on order
- Requires 1 initial fitting, additional adjustments are limited and altered on completion
- 5-7 detailed measurements by trained associate
- Pre-set styling selections of buttons/threading/pocketing
- ‘Assembly line’ style industrial machine construction
- Tailors only make final adjustments
- Often fused Chest piece (*ask if better option is possible)
- Begins to lose shape after dry cleaning (lifetime can be increased with better chest piece/fabric choice)
Bespoke: (highest price point/least common)
- A pattern made for each person per individual garment (i.e. suits, wool trouser, jeans etc.)
- Requires 4-6 fittings throughout process
- Mast Tailor cuts and sews fabric
- Master Tailor apart of entire fitting process, taking 30+ detailed measurements and posture notes
- Construction is 90% or more bench-made by master tailor(s)
- Often full canvas chest piece
- Any element can be customized in regards to fit, construction or style
- Each piece has it’s unique character and selections
- Should exceed your own lifetime with proper care
Full Custom: (mid-range price point/less common)
- A pattern can be created or modified when necessary
- Requires 1-2 fittings, constructed to allow Tailor to finish and customize
- 10-15 detailed measurements by experienced Clothier or Tailor
- Construction is 60% or more bench-made by Tailor(s)
- Half or Full Canvas chest piece option
- More Customization options than standard MTM
- Should last 7+ seasons/years with proper wear and care
Additional factors equal in importance are the fabric choices in order to best assess expected lifetime. This can be broken down to estimate your ‘price per wear’, further increasing your investment. With that, guidance on creating a style and color that aligns with your personal, professional, or event driven goals is crucial. Once understood, it’s best to compare pricing options between vendors with similar offerings, and you can identify where to go in your area to find the best custom suits. Now you can also check reviews and better assess customer feedback.
At The Clothing Coach, we only offer bespoke and full custom options. And we can now offer our private label full custom line anywhere in the world! By simply downloading this new measurement app, and filling out a simple questionnaire, we can create the perfect suit for you from the comfort of your home or office. With real time digital displays, we can show fabrics and create style look books and samples of your look during your appointment.