MADRID — Living in Europe, I’m frequently reminded of an oft-repeated dictum from my high school French teacher, Madame Morris , who insisted that Europeans — at least the late 20th-century ones she knew — would rather invest in a few quality garments than a closet full of cheaply made clothes.

While Zara, H&M and other fast-fashion brands now offer ample opportunity to stray from the cashmere path, in Spain, at least, shoppers can still expect to find locally produced garments and articles of extraordinary quality that are relatively affordable compared to international brands. And when they cannot find what they like, they get it made.

Perhaps more than many European metropolises, Madrid remains steeped in traditional handicraft. People still make things in the city — from custom jewelry and hand-hammered silver to myriad types of baskets and brooms. Beyond the more mundane shirts, suits and shoes, shoppers can find artisanal umbrellas, hats, guitars, fans, leather goods, ceramics, glassware, carpets, furniture, combs and brushes — virtually all of which can be customized or commissioned from scratch.

For visitors with an itch for shopping, the experience can be thrilling. As interior designer — and global shopper — Michael Smith discovered: “Once you dive into handmade or bespoke Madrid there’s almost too much to consider,” he said in a telephone interview from Los Angeles. “How do you want to break it down — by neighborhood? By street? By category?”