When deciding between a made-to-measure and a bespoke suit men’s suit, understanding the differences can help you choose the best fit for your needs and budget.
Learn how Phillip Alexander’s tailoring expertise brings each option to life for a polished, sophisticated look.
What is a made to measure suit?
A made to measure or custom suit bridges the gap between bespoke and ready to wear; we see it as a ‘semi’ bespoke solution.
Made to measure differs from ready to wear suits because a tailor takes more measurements and ensures the garment is made to your exact specifications.
How is a made to measure suit made?
A custom suit will often combine machine and hand work to produce a high-quality, luxurious ensemble that is the perfect fit.
An existing suit pattern is used, and then it is modified to meet your exact measurements from the fitting consultations. Your shape as well as size will be taken into account, including the type of style you want the suit to have, such as slim or tailored fitting.
Despite not being as custom as a bespoke suit, made to measure options ensure that your suit retains an impeccable fit and quality.
Benefits of a made to measure suit
Custom fit – Body measurements are taken throughout the fitting process so the finished ensemble fits you seamlessly. A tailor will measure your shoulder width, arm length and chest circumference.
Unique to you – A made to measure suit is made entirely for you. You are able to choose from a wide range of fabrics, styles and finishes to make your suit truly yours.
High-quality – The cloth and craftsmanship of a made to measure suit is one to be admired for its undoubted high-quality.
Expertise – When you buy a custom suit, you’ll benefit from styling advice and guidance from your tailors that you wouldn’t otherwise get.
Quick turnaround time – As there are only several fitting sessions, the made to measure process takes significantly less time than bespoke suits – a great option for when you need a well-fitting suit quickly!
How much does a made to measure suit cost?
A price of around £1500 is what you should expect to pay from a good tailor. This budget is representative of the expertise and top quality craftsmanship the suit takes to make.
However, made to measure suits generally require a smaller budget than bespoke suits because they offer a lower level of personalisation and require significantly less time to produce.
What is a bespoke tailored suit?
A bespoke tailored suit is crafted entirely from scratch, without relying on a base pattern, to deliver a one-of-a-kind garment. The process involves taking detailed measurements and designing every aspect—fabric, fit, style, and finishing details—to match the client’s exact preferences.
Each suit is created with luxury and precision, ensuring a truly unique fit and style that reflects the individual’s taste. Bespoke suits represent the pinnacle of custom tailoring, providing a level of personalisation unmatched by other suit options.
How is a bespoke suit made?
Since a bespoke suit is personalised from the very beginning, more measurements are taken compared to made to measure. The process includes at least 3 to 5 fittings, allowing the tailor to refine every detail and ensure a flawless fit that accounts for each angle and contour of the body.
Once all measurements have been taken, the suit undergoes over 80 hours of meticulous handcrafting by master tailors with years of expertise, resulting in a unique garment of exceptional quality and fit.
You can expect an extended wait time of around 3 to 5 months on bespoke tailored suits because of the precision and time required to craft a one-of-a-kind garment.
Benefits of a bespoke tailored suit
Endless customisation – Fabric, style, and intricate details are fully customisable to match your preferences.
Perfect fit: Every detail, from shoulder width to sleeve length, is tailored for your body shape, offering a flawless fit.
Exceptional quality: Handcrafted by skilled tailors with decades of experience, bespoke suits are made with premium materials and techniques.
One-of-a-kind: With no base pattern, each suit is crafted entirely from scratch, resulting in a truly unique garment.
Expertise – When you invest in a bespoke tailored suit, you’ll benefit from styling advice and guidance from your tailors that you wouldn’t otherwise get.
How much does a bespoke suit cost?
A good rule of thumb is that bespoke tailoring costs significantly more than made-to-measure because it allows for limitless design and customisation options. With bespoke, you’re paying starting prices of £3500 for the finest quality, personalised service, and meticulous attention to every detail. This premium investment reflects the time, expertise, and precision that go into creating a garment that is truly one of a kind.
Made to measure vs bespoke: a comparison
| Made to measure | Bespoke tailored | |
| Measurements | Essential measurements on shoulders, arms, and chest | A wide variety of measurements so that it fits precisely |
| Fittings | An initial fitting for measurements, and one after creation for alterations | At least 3-5 fittings |
| Fabric | Unlimited choice | Unlimited choice |
| Pattern | Base pattern is utilised then modified | New pattern is created |
| Customisation options | Can choose buttons, pocket style, jacket length etc. | No limits |
| Lead time | 2 months | 3-5 months |
| Cost | Starting at £1500 | Starting at £3500 |
How Phillip Alexander can help
At Philip Alexander Bespoke Tailors, we’ve been dressing gentleman for 150 years.
With locations in Cheshire and Savile Row, we specialise in bespoke suits for all formal occasions, including stunning tailored wedding suits. We also offer semi-bespoke made-to-measure suits and luxury tailored suit hire.
Bespoke suits
If you are looking for a once-in-a-lifetime tailoring experience and a genuinely unique fitting suit, then our bespoke suit service is for you. Our master tailor will handcraft your bespoke garment with numerous fittings and consultations to ensure the final result surpasses your expectations.
This service is recommended for grooms who want to look stunning on their big day. Explore our range of tailored wedding suits.
Made to measure suits
Our made to measure suits are ideal if you want a well-made, well-fitting suit but don’t have the budget for a bespoke suit. We combine handcraft and machine work to create a high-quality, tailored suit in under two months so it’s the perfect choice if you’re planning to wear it to an upcoming event.
Our made to measure wedding suits are the perfect option if you need a suit quickly for an upcoming wedding.
Luxury tailored suit hire
If you’d like the quality of a made to measure suit for a formal event but don’t have the budget or time for one, our luxury tailored suit hire is the ideal solution. We include several fittings to ensure your hire suit fits perfectly for the occasion, and you’ll still get guidance from our master tailor to help you style your suit.
If you want to know more about our range of services or are still trying to decide if a made to measure or bespoke suit is for you, contact us today to request an appointment.