When purchasing a new suit, one of the many decisions you'll have to make is whether to choose bespoke, made to measure, ready to wear, or suit separates. Hearing these terms for the first time may sound like a foreign language. However, they are fairly simple in terms of definition, and learning them will give you a better understanding of which type of suit is right for you. So for a breakdown of the bespoke, made to measure, ready to wear, and suit separates, keep reading.
Bespoke
A bespoke suit is essentially a suit that has been custom made by a professional tailor using a pattern from the customer's measurements. Whether you purchase a bespoke suit in person or online, you'll need to give the tailor your exact measurements to ensure a proper fit. He or she will then use these measurements to create a custom-fitted design that's tailored to your body shape and size. This makes bespoke the single best all-around choice for purchasing a men's suit, as it ensures a proper fit that's not too big and not too small.
Obviously, many guys prefer bespoke suits because of they are custom fitted. Rather than crossing your fingers and "hoping" that your new suit fits, you can rest assured knowing that it was made specifically with your measurements. The downside to ordering a bespoke suit is the cost. Conventional wisdom should lead you to believe that custom suits like bespoke cost more than off-the-rack suits, which is true in most (not all) cases. Then again, you have to ask yourself, would you prefer one "perfect" suit or three low-quality suits that don't fit right? Although this is a personal choice, I would choose the latter.
Made to Measure
The second way in which suits are made is made to measure. This term is often confused for bespoke, and while they share some similarities, they are two different techniques with their own respective purpose and characteristics. A suit that is made to measure is created using a pre-made pattern that's been customized to fit the customer. Much like bespoke, the customer must give the tailor his measurements when ordering a suit. Unlike bespoke, however, made-to-measure suits are created from a pre-made pattern. This makes it slightly less appealing than its bespoke counterpart, although most guys won't be able to tell the difference. Furthermore, made-to-measure suits often have a limited selection of fabric types, colors and designs, restricting customers' choices.
Made-to-measure suits offer the perfect combination of flexibility and versatility. Even though they are custom fitted according to the customer's specified measurements, they typically cost less than their bespoke counterpart. This is due to the fact that the patterns used in their construction are pre-made, which subsequently lowers labor and time requirements. Made-to-measure suits are an excellent choice for this very reason, with many guys preferring them over other types of suits.
Ready to Wear
A ready-to-wear suit lives up to its namesake by being "ready to wear." Also known as off-the-rack or off-the-peg, this is another term used to describe suits that are made in the factory and sold in a finished condition. Customers do not supply their measurements when purchasing ready-to-wear suits, as suits are available in standard sizes.
The great thing about ready-to-wear suits is their simplicity. Being that they require no custom measurements, you can order one without having to pull out the measuring the tape. But just because it's the easiest choice doesn't necessarily mean that it's the best. You have to remember that no two people have the exact same body shape or size. Some guys have larger chests; some are taller; some are shorter. Fashion designers may attempt to create a universal ready-to-wear suit using the most common sizes, but there's still a good chance the suit may not fit. Opting for either bespoke or made to measure, however, will give you peace of mind knowing that the suit has been custom tailored to fit you.
Suit Separates
A fourth option to consider is suit separates. So, what in the world are suit separates and are they a good choice for your needs? A suit separate is essentially a suit in which the jacket and trousers are sold separately (hence the name). When you shop at a mall or department store -- and the trousers and jackets are sold separately -- you are buying suit separates. The trousers may be hung in one section, and the jackets are hung in another section.
There are a few perks to choosing suit separates, one of which is the freedom to mix and match your own style. But then again, the entire purpose of a suit is to maintain a cohesive appearance through the jacket and trousers, so this may not necessarily be a benefit. Suit separates also cost less than custom-made suits, making them a popular choice among budget-conscious men in search of formal wear.
So, Which Type of Suit Should I Choose?
Now that you know a little bit about the different types of suits and their respective characteristics, you might be wondering which type is right for you. There are pros and cons associated with bespoke, made to measure, ready to wear, and suit separates. However, most men will agree that any type of suit that's custom made according to their measurements is a good choice.
You really can't go wrong with either a bespoke or made-to-measure suit. All of the garment pieces will be custom designed with your exact measurements, eliminating the possibility for the jacket or trousers (or both) to be over/undersized.
From bespoke and made to measure, to suit separates and ready to wear, there are numerous ways in which suits are made. Learning the nuances between these terms should give you a better idea of which style is right for you. And if you're still having trouble choosing a style, go with bespoke or made to measure to ensure a proper fit. These are the two styles in which a tailor will create/alter a suit to your specific needs.
