So, you want the perfect suit for that wedding you have been invited to, a court appearance, a board meeting or other more formal social events? Special occasions require great-fitting suits. That’s why you need a suit perfectly made for you. A suit that fits perfectly transcends trends and guarantees you make a statement wherever you go.
A custom-tailored suit allows you to stand out and express your fashion sense and individuality. Every aspect of a custom-made suit, from fit to the choice of fabric, is tailored specifically to your preferences and measurements. We are currently in a world that values personalisation, and a custom suit is the epitome of tailored elegance. If you are searching for the perfect custom-made suit, here are tips to guide you in getting it right on your first try.
Finding the Right Tailor
The first step to getting the perfect custom made suit is working with the best, and this means finding the right tailor. There are two reliable ways you can find the best tailor for your custom suit: online search or the old-fashioned word of mouth.
Getting recommendations by word of mouth is the best way to find a tailor. You can do this by asking that friend, relative or work colleague who always has sharp-looking and well-fitting suits for referrals to their tailor. It, however, doesn’t have to be someone you know. You can also get referrals from well-dressed strangers. Just respectfully and openly approach them, commend them for how good they look in the suit, and ask for recommendations. Any good person will be willing to share their tailor’s information with you.
You can also use the Google search engine or social media platforms to search for the best tailors near you. Before settling for any of them, go through the customer reviews and ratings and narrow down to three to five tailors that interest you. Find out more by looking at their websites to see if they showcase their services and previous work.
The Consultation Process
This is the most critical step if you want the suit to be your suit. After finding the right tailor, schedule a consultation to discuss your requirements and preferences. During this meeting, discuss your style preferences, colour, fabric choices and body measurements. Feel free to bring inspiration photos or ideas to articulate your vision more clearly. A skilled tailor will listen attentively to your needs and offer expert advice to ensure the final product aligns with your vision.
Finding the Perfect Fit: Your Suit, Your Body
The defining factor that differentiates an ordinary off-the-rack suit from an exceptional custom suit is its fit. The perfect custom-made suit is tailored according to your body measurements to ensure it hugs your contours effortlessly and flawlessly complements your physique. That’s precisely why your tailor meticulously measures every aspect of your body, including the shoulders, chest, waist, hip, arm length and torso.
However, you need more than just the right body measurements to achieve the perfect fit. Fit principles also dictate how your suit contours to your body while providing comfort and elegance. With the help of your tailor, some of the key fit principles your suit construction should stick to are:
- Sleeve Length: The ideal length for a suit jacket’s sleeves is to fall to the base of the thumb, giving a little peek of your dress shirt cuff.
- Pants Break: This refers to the amount of fabric folding over your shoe. A smaller break gives your suit a more contemporary vibe, whilst a wider one is more classic.
- Torso Structure: A well-fitting custom suit jacket should accentuate your waist without squeezing you too much.
- Shoulder Alignment: For a well-balanced and crisp appearance, make sure that the shoulders of your suit jacket are in line with your shoulder line.
Selecting the Right Fabric: Quality Matters
Getting a tailor-made suit that screams refinement and elegance is about picking the correct fabric. After all, the outside fabric is the most noticeable part of a suit, and it dictates how well it will function in different climates. This means, the fabric choice can be the deciding factor between a sweltering suit and one that’s comfortably breathable.
Go for high-quality fabrics that provide exceptional comfort, longevity, and drape, such as wool, linen, silk blends, or cashmere. Also, consider the fabric’s colours, patterns, and textures to ensure they complement your style while also taking into account its adaptability and enduring appeal.
Choosing the Right Suit Construction
Once you’ve settled on the fabric and fit, the next step is to choose the best jacket construction. The jacket’s construction determines how the suit will fit on your body and its overall quality. Suits with higher-quality construction tend to last longer but are more expensive and take longer to make.
There are three main constructions for suit jackets: fused, half-canvassed, and full-canvassed. A fused jacket is less flexible and more rigid because the inside cloth is fused to the outside fabric. If you want a natural drape while keeping costs down, try a half-canvassed jacket, which mixes fused and canvassed fabrics. The ultimate quality is found in full-canvassed jackets, where canvassing spans the entire front panel, offering superior drape and mobility, although at a higher cost.
Incorporating Personalised Details: Accessories and Styling
At this point, you likely have a clear vision of how your custom-tailored suit will look and its intended purpose. Now, it’s time to add a touch of personal style. This is where the magic takes place. Almost all of your suit is ready, but it’s that last 1% that will make it amazing.
Some of the customisations that transform the suit into your preferred style are lapels, pockets, buttons, vents, and lining. For buttons, you can select the type and number you want on the front and sleeves. Lapels determine the overall style of a suit. Notch lapels offer practicality and versatility, while peak lapels bring a bold and fashionable edge, often associated with Italian style. Experiment with different lapel widths to give your suit a more modern or daring look.
Vents at the back offer flexibility. You can choose to have one, two or no vents at all for your suit. As for the side pockets, options range from flap and patch styles for casual or formal looks and jetted pockets for sleek, refined options.
Budget Considerations
It’s no secret that custom-made suits are generally more expensive than their off-the-rack counterparts. However, understanding the cost factors involved can help you make informed decisions and set realistic expectations. Several factors contribute to the overall cost of a custom-made suit. Quality of the fabrics, design complexity, handcrafted construction techniques, and additional customisation options command a premium price. Similarly, renowned tailors who have been in business for a while and have a stellar reputation may demand a premium for their services.
Before deciding to get yourself that custom-made suit, it’s essential to establish a realistic budget based on your financial means and priorities. Consider how much you’re willing to invest and factor in additional costs, such as alterations and accessories. However, you don’t have to break the bank to get that suit. By carefully selecting your tailor, prioritising essential elements of the suit, and exploring cost-effective fabric options, you can balance quality and affordability without compromising on style.
Final Thoughts
Investing in a custom suit can do wonders for your self-esteem, physical attractiveness, and reputation as someone with refined taste and style. With a clear vision of your preferences, an eye for quality fabrics and design, and the services of an experienced tailor, you can get the perfect custom-made suit tailored specifically to suit your physique and reflect your unique style.
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