Made to Measure vs Bespoke: Which is Better?

Key Takeaways:

• Bespoke garments offer a perfect fit and complete customization, while made-to-measure provides a well-fitting, semi-customized option. 
• Bespoke tailoring involves creating entirely new designs, while made-to-measure adapts existing patterns.
• Opt for bespoke for ultimate individuality and craftsmanship, or choose made-to-measure for affordability, quicker production, and enhanced comfort over off-the-rack options.

Fit of a garment is key to optimal comfort and style, but ready-to-wear clothing often disappoints. Even the right size doesn’t ensure a perfect fit.

That’s the limitation with off-the-rack clothing. You either end up compromising on the fit, or the style!

Thankfully, we have made-to-measure and bespoke options. Though not as convenient and affordable as off-the-rack clothing, these custom options guarantee a well-fitted garment in your preferred style. But what exactly is the difference between made-to-measure and bespoke? Understanding their meaning, and weighing them side by side will help you make an informed decision about your next purchase.

What is Made to Measure?

Made-to-measure clothing is a step up from off-the-rack, but less detailed than bespoke. It is an option where you can select a pre-made design, and get it adjusted to fit your measurements. Some brands let you choose some small style changes with made-to-measure, which gives you some level of personalization as well. Made-to-measure is a great option for those who want improved comfort and style without paying for full bespoke tailoring.

What is a Bespoke Garment?

A bespoke garment is the ultimate custom clothing, designed and crafted entirely from scratch to fit your body and style. To define bespoke design, the word itself means ‘ordered to be made,’ emphasizing its fully personalized nature. 

Unlike off-the-rack or made-to-measure options, bespoke jackets and other garments are created on a blank canvas. Every detail, right from the fabric and stitching to buttons and lapels, is tailored to your preferences. The bespoke design ensures unmatched fit, quality, and individuality, making it the go-to choice for those seeking one-of-a-kind pieces.

Made To Measure Vs Bespoke: The Key Difference

We’ll compare made-to-measure and bespoke tailoring across key factors. By understanding these differences, you can choose a suitable option that aligns with your style, budget, and fit needs.

Difference in Customization Options: 

The level of customization differs in made-to-measure vs bespoke. MTM adjusts pre-existing designs, while bespoke starts from scratch, with every detail suiting your unique preferences. The personalization options vary, including: 

• Material:
  Some brands allow customers to pick the fabrics for made-to-measure garments, but with bespoke, it is always an option you can avail. Also, bespoke offers a wider range, giving you several options like custom denim jackets or custom suede jackets. 
• Lining:
  With a bespoke design, you can choose any type of lining material. MTM provides fewer options, often sticking to basic or pre-selected linings.
• Design:
  Bespoke clothing design is a blueprint you create with the designer, offering complete freedom and personalization. In contrast, MTM starts with a pre-existing pattern, limiting design flexibility. For instance, you might increase or decrease the jacket length, but not change its design completely.
• Hardware:
  With bespoke, you can decide the number of buttons, their placement, and their material in comparison to MTM, where the level of customization is limited.
• Pocket Style:
  Bespoke allows for custom pocket designs, from flapped to welted or even hidden pockets. MTM often sticks to standard pocket styles.
• Embellishment Options:
  Bespoke garments give you several embellishment choices, from contrasting threads, studs, patches, embossing, and embroidery. You can opt for statement pieces like custom embroidered jackets. With MTM, you may include minor embellishments but it lacks the versatility of bespoke.

Fit 

When comparing bespoke and made-to-measure, fit is where bespoke truly has an edge. For a made-to-measure garment, you give only a few body measurements. It fits well if your body aligns with the adjusted pattern, but a bespoke piece is crafted specifically according to your measurements. The custom tailoring ensures a fit that flatters your body, giving you the ultimate style and comfort.

Customer Experience 

The experience of creating a bespoke garment is unmatched. It involves multiple fittings, detailed collaboration with a design consultant, and expert guidance to craft a one-of-a-kind piece. This level of attention takes time but ensures the perfection of garments like custom motorcycle jackets.

For those in a hurry, made-to-measure is a quicker option. The process involves fewer fittings and still offers a well-fitting result, making it ideal for garments needed on short notice.

Cost

Cost is a key difference between bespoke and made-to-measure. The higher cost of bespoke garments reflects the time, craftsmanship, and multiple adjustments required, resulting in a higher price tag. While a made-to-measure garment, like a suit, might cost around $250, a bespoke piece could easily be priced at $500-1000. This higher cost captures the luxury and exclusivity of bespoke clothing, while made-to-measure remains a more budget-friendly option.

What Is A Tailored Bespoke Suit?

A bespoke tailored suit is made from scratch and designed exclusively for you without using pre-made patterns of off-the-rack suits. You get to choose every detail, right from the fabric, fit, and style to the finishing touches. Unlike a standard custom suit, which adjusts an existing design, a bespoke suit offers unmatched personalization, luxury, and a flawless, unique fit.  

Is Bespoke Or Made To Measure Better?

Choosing between a bespoke suit and a made-to-measure suit can be tricky. Bespoke offers complete personalization but takes more time and costs more. Made-to-measure is quicker, more affordable, and well-fitting but lacks the uniqueness of bespoke. Your choice of tailored garments depends on your budget, customization needs, and timeline.

Benefits of Bespoke Tailoring

• Perfect Size:Ensures a tailored fit, made with exact measurements of the wearer's body.
• Premium Materials:You can select top-quality fabrics and finishes.
• Aligns with Your Personal Style: Reflects your unique preferences and individuality.
• Durable: Unlike mass-produced clothing with mediocre stitching quality, bespoke garments are crafted with durability and precision for long-term wear.
• Expert Guidance: Gain valuable styling advice and insights from skilled design consultants.
• Exclusive Design:Each piece is one-of-a-kind, made just for you.
• Attention to Detail:Every aspect, from lining to embellishments, is carefully customized.

Benefits of Made-to-Measure Clothing

• Enhanced Personal Style:Provides a tailored look that enhances your body shape and elevates your personal style.
• Cost-Effective:Offers a custom fit at a more affordable price than bespoke.
• Unique Product:Delivers a semi-customized piece that feels special.
• Better Quality Than Off-the-Rack: Combines personalization with reliable materials.
• Quick Turnaround:Faster production time compared to bespoke tailoring.
• Improved Fit: Adjustments ensure a better fit than standard ready-to-wear clothing.

Cons of Bespoke Clothing

• High Cost: Significantly more expensive than ready-to-wear and made-to-measure clothing.
• Time-Consuming: Might require multiple fitting sessions after the initial fitting and a longer production process.
• Limited Accessibility: Not every brand offers bespoke garments, so you have limited options to choose from.
• Overwhelming Choices:The multitude of customization choices might feel confusing unless you get in touch with professional design consultants who make the choices easier for you. 

Cons of Made-to-Measure Clothing

• Limited Customization:Adjusts existing patterns, offering less freedom than bespoke.
• Fit Limitations:May not address highly specific or unique body measurements.
• Quality Variations:Depends on the materials and craftsmanship of the tailor.
• Less Personal:Lacks the one-of-a-kind experience of creating a bespoke garment.

Bespoke Process at Leather Skin Shop

At Leather Skin Shop, our premium customization services bring your dream bespoke leather jackets to life. Start by filling out our design requirements form, and our expert design consultant will contact you. Together, you and our consultant will finalize the details, from materials to features, ensuring your custom jacket aligns with your personal taste. 

We will guide you in taking accurate measurements for an impeccable fit, such as the shoulder width, waist, arm length, and collar size. We will share the cost and delivery details upfront. Our skilled craftsmen then craft your jacket from scratch, sharing final images before shipping. Whether you order custom bomber jackets, blazers, or any other type of jacket, you get to enjoy helpful customer service and fast, secure delivery.

FAQs:

What Does Bespoke Mean In Fashion?

Understanding the bespoke design meaning is important if you want truly personalized clothing. Bespoke means a garment is entirely created from scratch and is specifically designed for someone’s unique body and style preferences. 

Is Bespoke Tailoring Better Than Made-To-Measure?

Bespoke tailoring offers more personalization and a perfect fit, but made-to-measure is faster and more affordable.

Is Bespoke Tailoring The Same As Made-To-Measure?

No, they are different. Made-to-measure adjusts standard patterns, while bespoke creates an entirely new pattern with a meticulous fitting process.

Is There A Difference Between Custom-made and Bespoke?

Custom-made can refer to various levels of personalization, while bespoke is the most intensive form of tailoring, involving a unique pattern and multiple hand-crafted fittings.

How Can A Bespoke Jacket Be Identified?

A bespoke jacket reveals its quality through perfect fit, hand-stitched details, unique internal construction, and subtle personalized elements that cannot be replicated in mass-produced garments.

What Is High-End Tailoring Called?

High-end tailoring is typically referred to as bespoke tailoring, representing the most premium, personalized clothing creation process available.

Are Bespoke Jackets Handmade?

Bespoke jackets are predominantly handmade, with skilled artisans performing most construction stages by hand, ensuring exceptional quality and individual attention to every detail.

MTM Vs Bespoke: Which is Right for You?

Choosing between made-to-measure and bespoke depends on your budget, style needs, and personal preferences. If you are looking for reliable bespoke or made-to-measure services for leather jackets that perfectly go with your style and fit you right, get in touch by filling out the customization form. You will get a more personalized consultation and discover the perfect custom clothing solution that transforms how you look and feel in your garments.