A good suit is a gentleman’s armor. Getting a suit tailored or custom made can be the difference between a terrific and terrible first impression. Although they achieve similar results, there are distinct differences in how they are made, what customizations can be done, and how much they will cost.
Patterning
Tailored suits already have a set pattern. Once an off the rack suit is selected it is modified to fit the unique proportions of the wearer. The waist can be taken in, sleeves can be shortened, and the jacket can be lengthened.
The pattern for a custom suit is designed from scratch according to an individual’s specifications. Unlike the tailored suit, there is no preset shape or standard for how the outfit must look.
Number of Fittings
A tailored suit generally requires 2 to 3 fittings. The initial meeting allows the tailor to take measurements and discuss design details with their client. There is a “final fitting” after all the alterations are made to make sure it’s perfect. If the suit does not fit well, there can be a third fitting to fix up minor details.
Custom suits require nearly ten times as many fittings as their tailored counterparts. One can expect as many as 30 fittings to achieve their perfect suit.
Customizability
There are limitations concerning what can or cannot be customized on a tailored suit. These include the number of buttons, the positioning of the pockets, shape of the lapels, and the plant pleats. Fabric is customizable to an extent. The suit has to be bought off the rack which requires one to make a decision about which fabric and color scheme they are going to purchase.
Custom suits have no limitations because they do not have a template to follow. Every detail is up for customization–fabric, lapels, pockets, cuffs, shoulder shape, and anything else imaginable.
Cost
The cost a tailored suit can range from $100 to $1,000. This all depends on what alterations were done, the quality of the tailor, and if any extra charges are made for additional customizations.
On the more expensive end, custom suits start towards $1,500 and can reach as high as $5,000. This varies heavily based on which fabric is chosen and the quality of the work done on the garment.
When considering a tailored or custom made suit, it’s important to note that a well made final product can make a huge difference. Instead of purchasing several overpriced and ill fitting off the rack suits throughout the years, investing in a couple tailored or custom suits that are going to last a lifetime.
