No matter your industry, there’s no doubt that dressing well is an investment for almost any professional. But if you’re new to the idea of custom tailored clothing, you’re certainly not alone. In a 2016 survey, 47% of senior managers said their employees dressed “too casually” at work. Clearly, there are countless professionals who need help with the proper styles, fit and level of professionalism in their wardrobe.
The good news is that made to measure clothing actually takes the guesswork out of buying a suit. When you develop a relationship with a men’s custom tailor to select and purchase a bespoke suit, you’ll end up with styling that perfectly “suits” you and that you can wear for years to come.
With that in mind, here are a few tips for purchasing custom-made, high end men’s clothing.
Build a Foundation
For your first suit, it’s better to go the “basic”, simple route. Versatile colors like gray and navy blue will serve you well, since you can wear these pieces together or mix them with others you already own. Not only are these colors easier to accessorize but they will give your wardrobe a foundation. You will do well to focus on the basics rather than a more adventuresome pattern or color until your foundation is complete. The fit and construction are the biggest benefits of buying “bespoke.”
Go For The Right Weight and Weave
Not only should your color and pattern choice be versatile, but so should your choice in fabric. For many professionals, a lighter weight worsted wool works best, as it can be comfortably worn year-round. An 8.5 to 9.5 ounce fabric with a tighter weave will ensure you can be comfortable in almost any climate.
Once your wardrobe foundation is set, consider a winter or summer suit in fabrics and textures that reflect the needs of the season. Wools and tweeds make for nice winter suit fabrics, while linens and cottons are more appropriate for summer suits.
Work With Your Body Type
Every person is built differently. Unlike a suit you might buy off-the-rack, custom high end men’s clothing will be made to fit your exact proportions and style preferences. An experienced salesperson and fitter will have an innate understanding of the styles and fabrics that work best for your body and lifestyle – whether short, tall, thin, stocky or anything in between. The beauty of a custom suit is that it will make your body look its very best!
Don’t Forget the Details
You don’t have to go wild with your first bespoke suit. However, one of the advantages of getting made to measure clothing is that you can add some details that really make your suit stand out for all the right reasons. If you want to take your clothing up a notch, you’ll have many options for lining, stitching, buttons, and vents to choose from. No matter what kind of high end men’s clothing you’re buying, your tailor is going to be your best source of advice for what kinds of details will work best for your body, suit type, and budget.
Find the Right Match
The relationship between client and tailor is a pretty personal one. Each tailor has their own way of going about things; what works for some past customers won’t always work for you. When choosing a wardrobe consultant or custom tailor, you should consider how long the company has been in business and what kind of reputation they have. You may get a good feel for the company right off the bat, but in other cases, you may feel like it’s not the right fit.
And when it comes to fit, both your tailor and your suit need to be superior.
If you’re in the market for a more professional look, you shouldn’t have to make do with off-the-rack. Our made to measure tailoring and wardrobe consultation service will help you look great and feel confident throughout your professional career.
