The tailored suit is the most special and coveted piece of men's fashion. It symbolizes the maximum elegance, which is why, given the opportunity, there is no doubt that Investing in one is an excellent decision for your image.
However, something to keep in mind is that all tailored suits are not made equal. Find out how ready-to-wear, made-to-measure and bespoke differ:
Ready-to-wear (RTW)
Zara
It is not a tailored suit. As its name suggests, it is designed to be put on immediately ... from the store hanger directly to your body. It is the cheapest option, as well as the fastest way to get a suit. No need to wait to have it. You just go to the store, look at it, touch it, try it on and, if it convinces you, buy it and take it home. So far the advantages.
The downside of ready-to-wear suits is that they are often mass-produced. Cheaper materials are used and cut to standard patterns that only work perfectly on highly symmetrical bodies. But since human beings are not symmetrical, you can't expect a ready-to-wear suit to suit you. There are often flaws, sometimes small and sometimes larger, in the fit of the suit. So if you consider yourself a perfectionist, you would probably do well to move on to the next option.
Mango
Another aspect to keep in mind is that ready-to-wear suits are designed following the trends. In this way, there is a risk that within one, two or three years it will no longer work so well.
However, all of the above does not mean that they are sloppy, far from it. In fact, there are excellent suits of this type. What you can expect is a suit that does its job, without further ado. It should be noted that although they will not work to make you perfect, minor adjustments can be made, such as the length of the legs or the sleeves.
Made-to-measure (MTM)
Suit Supply
It is one notch above ready-to-wear. Usually, its price is also higher. It works in the following way: they take your measurements (although not as many as in a bespoke suit) and then adapt a standard pattern to them. Made-to-measure suits give you the opportunity to customize many things (from the fabric to the buttons to the shape of the lapels) so that the suit is as close as possible to what you need. But not as many as in a bespoke suit.
You can expect a suit to your liking and with an improved fit. But it will not be 100% perfect either, since it is the adaptation of a pre-existing form. Finally, it should be noted that the price and quality of the final result of this service can vary greatly depending on the provider you choose.
Reiss
Also called a custom suit, the cost can amount to a few hundred euros or several thousand. As it happens in the three types of suit, the chosen fabric is one of the things that plays a key role in the final price of the suit.
It is the most successful option. Its price is high, but not as high as that of a bespoke suit. Also, they last for many years (or at least they should) and the end result usually meets the expectations of most men.
Bespoke
The bespoke suit is the oldest and the one found on the highest step in the tailor shop. People who understand suits recognize their quality immediately. It is a unique suit, made exclusively for you. The individual is offered the opportunity to decide on every last detail of his costume. Unlike the MTM, here the options are limitless. It also involves more work at hand.
The tailor will consult you many things about how you want your suit to be. On the shoulders, for example. For this reason it is necessary to go to the appointment with an idea in mind as clear as possible, for which it is essential to have a knowledge, albeit basic, about the costumes. It is also likely to examine the way you sit or walk.
Likewise, you must be clear in what context you are going to wear the suit. Bill dress code it will shed light on pretty much everything you need your suit to be. The tailor will guide you in the rest. But each house has its style, so it is very important to choose one that goes with you.
Here, yes you can expect top-notch fit and quality, at least in theory, as well as an unbeatable assembly with your tastes. The downside is that it is generally the most expensive of the three options. Likewise, bespoke implies the longest waiting time (up to four months), since many hours of work and the intervention of several professionals are required. In the meantime, several tests may be necessary before the suit is completely finished and ready for delivery.
Final word
There is a lot of confusion about custom made suits because often the terms above are interchanged or different ones are used. So It is advisable to learn everything you need to differentiate made-to-measure from bespoke on your own, regardless of what is said in the advertisement.