Comparing Bespoke, Made to Measure, and Off the Rack Suits – Custom Suits

If you’re shopping for menswear, you’re likely to find many different options for purchasing a suit. Three options you’re likely to run into in local tailors and menswear stores (in New York City, where the legendary Mohan’s Custom Tailors is located, and those in other major cities/areas) are “bespoke”, “made-to-measure”, and “off-the-rack” suits. Here’s a look at some of the primary differences between these suit types, and why you may want to choose them.

Off the Rack Suits

As the name suggests, off the rack suits can be easily purchased from a retailer without much measuring or custom tailoring. Larger menswear retailers and department stores typically specialize in this type of suit. While off the rack suits are economical, they’re often the worst-fitting. Even a skilled custom tailor can only adjust a pre-made suit so much before the work becomes so cost-prohibitive that you’re better off with a totally custom piece. But for easy access and quick turnaround, off the rack suits are ideal.

Made to Measure

A step up from off the rack suits are made to measure suits, which are uniquely made for an individual customer based on a preexisting template. Tailors take basic measurements that correspond to key elements of the suit template, and then a suit is produced to scale. While this approaches a completely custom suit and has many of the benefits of custom tailoring, the actual geometry of the suit doesn’t change. This is fine if sizing is your primary concern, but not ideal if you’re looking for a suit that is designed to your specifications.

Bespoke Suits

For the ultimate fit, look, and style, bespoke suits are the ideal solution. Bespoke suits are true custom suits, tailored to perfectly fit your body and unique to your physique. (These are the types of custom suits produced by the famous Mohan’s.) Additionally, bespoke suits are also custom in the sense that you can choose every detail of the suit, from color to lapel style to fit. Bespoke suits are truly one-of-a-kind, and designed to fit your body and style with the help of a bespoke custom tailor.