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A second skin -

It's no exaggeration to describe a bespoke suit as a second skin. This is personalized sartorial menswear at its very best. But what exactly do we mean when we talk about bespoke tailoring?

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What is bespoke tailoring? -

Bespoke tailoring is clothing made to an individual buyer's specifications by a tailor. More pertinently, bespoke suiting involves a special relationship with said tailor.

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Customized clothing -

A bespoke tailor has a hand in customizing every aspect of your suit. Clothing designed this way is often referred to as "tailor-made," or a "tailored fit."

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Meaning of the word bespoke -

The word bespoke derives from the verb bespeak—to speak for something. Its use dates back to 1583 and the Oxford English Dictionary.

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Time-honored tradition -

Fashion terminology reserves bespoke for individually patterned and crafted men's clothing, a time-honored menswear tradition that has its origins in the late 1700s. However, modern usage of the term is understood to have originated in London's Savile Row when cloth for a suit was said to "be spoken for" by individual customers.

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How does bespoke suiting work? -

Bespoke suiting is clothing tailored to your body. The process begins with the client discussing with the tailor his vision for a suit. Once fabrics, linings, and styling details are chosen, the tailor will then measure the client.

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Fabric choice -

A bespoke tailoring boutique typically offers anywhere between 30,00 and 5,000 fabric choices.  

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The bespoke suiting experience -

Armed with an idea of the client's needs, the tailor will then take measurements.

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Getting the measure of a client -

Bespoke suiting calls for at least 25 measurements, each one unique and very precise.

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Taking shape -

These measurements are necessary in order to create a paper draft, or pattern.

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Creating a pattern -

While client input is welcomed, every bespoke tailor has their opinion on how a suit should fit, something that is referred to as a "house cut" or a "house style."

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Bespoke tailoring vs. made-to-measure -

What's the difference between bespoke tailoring and made-to-measure? Bespoke tailors are usually small independent family businesses. Made-to-measure is typically offered by large luxury brands.

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A more precise process -

While made-to-measure takes a lot less time than bespoke, a tailored fit offers almost infinite possibilities to customize your garment. It's a far more precise process.

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Impressive work -

Anyone who's opted for bespoke tailoring will be in the hands of an expert. Once the client has been measured, the tailor will chalk out the pattern on the fabric and lining and cut it out with shears.

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Initial sitting -

After basting the garment together, the client will be recalled for a first fitting. Their initial views and opinions will determine whether any minor adjustments need to be made before moving forward.

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Further adjustments -

With design based on individual measurements and personal preferences, the tailor will make any modifications as requested.

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Finding the fit -

It's commonplace to invite the client for several sittings as the garment takes shape. Besides overall shape, bespoke tailoring accounts for many more aspects that make a dramatic difference in how well the suit fits.

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Attention to detail -

This attention to detail extends to checking shoulder angles, shoulder width, sleeve angles, and general posture.

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Worth the wait -

Bespoke services require anything from eight weeks to up to four months to complete a suit.

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Elaborate and time-consuming -

This is because of the elaborate fitting process, which may number several before the suit is completed

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Flawless look -

Produced from scratch, a bespoke suit is a flawless garment, created through a meticulous and analytical process to mirror the man it's made for.

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Accessory options -

Bespoke tailoring extends to tailored dress shirts. It makes sense to invest in a quality garment like this to complement the cut and color of your suit.

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Bespoke neckties -

Likewise, be sure to order a necktie— essential to a suit looking good on the wearer. Go for complementary colors when selecting the suit, dress shirt, and tie combination.

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Tie clip -

Also referred to as a tie bar, these accessories hold a necktie in place in a practical and fashionable manner. There are numerous designs, so you can customize your look depending on the style and color of your suit.

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Cufflinks -

Looking to add a bit of personalized detail to your suit? Using cufflinks adds style and sophistication to any outfit.

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Watch -

A watch is much more than something we use to tell the time. But there's an art to wearing an expensive timepiece. This is an accessory that serves as a statement to one's taste in fashion. Just make sure it works as a complement and not a distraction.

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Belt -

A belt's size, width, material, and color determine the formality. Thus a suit is usually paired with a formal belt that features either classic or "statement" buckles. Match the color of this accessory with that of your footwear.

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Footwear -

Typically, oxfords, brogues, and derby shoes are the most formal shoes paired with suits.

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If the shoe fits -

As a general guide, a black suit should be paired with black shoes, a navy suit with black, brown, or burgundy shoes, and a gray suit with black, dark brown, or burgundy shoes.

Sources: (The British Library) (Nicholas Joseph) (Luxury London)

See also: Male celebs with fearless fashion sense

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