Before mass production of suits became a standard, custom and bespoke tailoring were the standard in creating these masterpieces. Master fitters were quite plentiful back then, but as time goes on, these master craftsmen became somewhat harder and harder to find. Nowadays, big-name brands, couture designers, suit brokers and warehouse stores have dominated the suit fashion landscape. There are still a large number of people that still wear suits. But the fact is, most of the suits being purchased are ready-to-wear and are very much available in retail shops. People generally have avoided wearing custom tailored suits due to the misconception that a suit is exuberant when it comes to price. It has come to a point that custom tailored suits are symbols of luxurious excess rather than deemed for its value and craftsmanship.

Now, what is the difference between a bespoke tailored, suit and a custom made one? It does not actually need a magnifying glass to classify their difference. Knowing and understanding the terms stated here is particularly beneficial, especially, in getting the best value for your money. Here, is a take on differentiating the two terms in this regard;

Bespoke Tailored Suits – earning the title of being “bespoke” means that the suit is in the pinnacle of being a custom made suit. This is the truest form of custom tailoring wherein such process has been practiced by master tailors, for generations. At present, suits like these are only available via master tailors and fitters and the prices can range from around $250 or as high as $40,000 plus.

Are you truly getting a bespoke tailored suit? Here, are some ways to know you are getting the right stuff;

A master fitter or a master tailor personally takes the measurements of his client.

He is meticulous about the patterns and personally draws and cuts the patterns by hand making each as distinctive as his client.

A basted garment is always utilized so that errors can easily be corrected without putting on potential damage to the client’s preferred fabric.

The master tailor, along with his assistant, will then execute the cutting and the stitching. With the assistant doing all the basic procedures and afterwards, the master tailor will then make the finishing touches on the suit.

Having a bespoke tailored suit done, usually takes 6 weeks or more, depending on the customer’s request and preferences.

Custom Tailored Suits – on the other hand, the term has one of the most broad definitions and pretty much pass as any class of tailored suiting. If potential clients are expecting a suit of bespoke quality, this would be quite a step down. This can be the most complicated part, if seen from the eyes of an average consumer.

Here is a list of some things one should take account of getting a custom suit;

A designer, tailor or a pattern maker usually takes the measurements. Other than the aforementioned, avoid those who would ask their prospective clients to get their own measurements. There are some run-off-the-mill tailoring companies that still do that.

For each client, a different pattern would be cut.

Options for these suits are endless.

A quality custom tailored suit can take 3 up to 8 weeks to be completed.

But, in spite of the few point differences, both the terms, “bespoke” and “custom”, are the deemed as the standards and are protected by law in countries such as, the United Kingdon and France. Tailoring companies, therefore, must adhere strictly to these standards when using these terms in conjunction with their services. I hope that understanding the information above will help you in getting only the best value for your money.