May 6, 2014

Written By Timothy Nguyen

Last time, we talked about fabric selection and the initial fitting of Suitsupply’s made-to-measure “Suit Up” line. This time I will break down the various styling and personalization options available with this service.

After the measurements were entered into the system, I sat down with Clinton and began reviewing the seemingly endless list of available options.

Jacket:

Full Canvas

Double side vents, middle vent or no vent

Lapel size: Narrow (2.75″), Regular (3.5″) or Wide (4″)

Lapel type: Peak, Notch or Shawl

Button: 1 button, 2 button, 3 button, 3/2 roll or double breasted

Number of sleeve buttons: Three, Four or Five

Pockets: Jet, flap or patch pockets

Pockets: Jet or flat can be straight or slanted (hacking)

Optional ticket pocket in straight or hacking

You can also choose pocket size. I didn’t really ask about the different sizes though and just went with the default size.

Pick Stitching: The stitching along the jacket in 2mm or 6mm. I believe there was an option for no stitching as well.

Shoulder: Soft, traditional, roped or Neapolitan.

These are the options I can immediately remember off the top of my head, but as you can see there are plenty of options to choose from.

Pants:

Waist: Belt loops or side tabs

Suspender buttons or none

Zipper or button fly

Flat front, single pleat or double pleats

Pockets: Seam, slanted or frog mouth

Cuff or no cuff; as well as the size of the cuff

Length of the pant but that’s a given.

As far as pants go, there are really only so many options you can expect to have.

Customization

The option to customize your suit is what makes made-to-measure really fun. It gives you the chance to make the suit truly yours and yours alone.

The first thing we picked was buttons for the suit. In the featured image you can see the different styles. I recommend comparing the buttons and your fabric side by side to get a good idea of how it will look on the finished product.

The next step is picking the lining of your jacket. Suitsupply gives you about 50 options which include solids, florals and other various patterns. Honestly, I’m glad that I am able to choose my own because I don’t really like the red lining that they use on the Suit Up line ($999 suits).

Following the inside lining, you are able to pick the lining behind the collar. Just like the buttons, I highly recommend you put the linings next to the fabric you chose as well. You have about 15 different color options as well as the choice between felt or suede, which was described to me as supersuede.

Now on to the monogramming. Behind the collar you are allotted eight characters and Clinton recommended going with something really personal and fun since no one ever sees it unless you want them to.

You are allotted 14 characters on the inside of the jacket so I decided to keep it nice and simple, “Timothy Nguyen.”

Conclusion

The final total for the suit came out to be $956. How it works is you pick out a fabric (I chose a $899 fabric) and the price of the fabric includes customization options and any final tailoring. I was expecting to pay over $1000 but they don’t charge extra for anything. The lead time is anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks with the maximum delivery time no longer than 6 weeks. I don’t need the suit till the very end of May, so that was perfectly fine with me. Overall, purchasing a made-to-measure suit is a great experience and I cannot wait to see the final product.

I also ordered a MTM shirt and if you would like a review of that, let me know in the comments below. I might considering writing one up if there is enough interest.

UPDATE: The suit should be coming in on Friday, May 9, 2014 which would make it 5 weeks since I placed the order.

UPDATE 2: Went and saw the suit on Saturday, May 10, 2014. Minor alternations needed to be done. The suit will be ready for pickup on Friday.

I hope you enjoyed what you have read so far and please check back soon for the third and final installment:

Part 1: Fabrics & Fitting

Part 3: The Final Fitting & Review

Special thanks to: Clinton, Made-to-measure specialist of Suitsupply Houston.

Photos courtesy of: Levi Lemaster – http://instagram.com/le_master

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