Deciding between made to measure suits and off the rack design is not an easy task. But fear not well-groomed gentleman, let’s explore the tailoring field.
No matter who are your targeted clients, it is critical to know the strengths and weaknesses of each variant. Therefore, let’s tear the fabric of confusion apart and sew a couple of the perfect suit solutions right for you.
Picture yourself stepping into a tailor shop, where the tailor designs every inch of the suit you will wear specifically for you. That is what makes a Made to measure (MTM) suit unique and the best for its punctilious owner. It’s not about following some pre-existing plan; it is about making a plan that serves personal needs perfectly.
The process begins by measuring different parts of the body to ensure they are captured accurately. They take these measurements to ensure the suit fits a human model by adjusting a standard suit to match the human body shape.
The one thing that makes MTM suits shine is the possibility of personalization. Customers will decide on the type of fabric. Furthermore, they get to choose appearance features such as styles, lapels, pockets, and buttons. Because the suit is custom-made to a person’s dimensions, it would normally need a couple of fittings.
In the comparison between off the rack and made to measure, the latter offers quick fixes, easy, and no fuss. Manufacturers make these suits in bulk, cutting and sewing patterns designed to fit various body types. Designers don’t fill their shops and boutiques with these suits, only for them to be purchased, worn once or twice, and then returned to the stores.
Although there is nothing wrong with wearing off the rack suits since they are ready-made, they are not as well-fitted as MTM ones. The designs and fabrics are pre-selected; there won’t be such options as ‘create your T-shirt’ etc. But they prove handy when someone needs to rent a suit in a hurry or is cash-restricted.
The biggest made to measure vs off the rack comparison is that fit is where MTM suits work best. They are made according to certain measurements, making them fashionable and fitting at the same time. Retailer suits, on the other hand, come in stock sizes for different categories of people’s sizes, and may not be as comfortable. Of course, you can alter them, but they will never hug you the way a MTM suit will.
MTM suit means that you have an opportunity to decide on everything – the type of fabric, its color, the type of lapels, the number of buttons, etc. One can come up with a suit that caters to their personality and is part of the dress code. Readymade suits therefore allow little choice and one may have to go with a design that may not be what they’ve wanted but is very close to it.
Although MTM suits cost more than off-the-shelf suits, they offer more value due to their custom fit, superior comfort, and better quality. However, those who want to use a suit for a long time can justify the extra amount charged for a MTM suit. When it comes to wearing readymade suits, these are relatively cheaper than bespoke suits. They may alter a little but the lowest quality fabric may not last as long as one would wish it to.
Preparing a MTM suit takes much more time compared to buying a suit off the shelf. MTM-fitted garments require several fittings and adjustments and can take several weeks or even months. However, one may find tailor-made suits less accessible and more expensive compared to off-the-shelf suits, which are easy to find and purchase.
Arguably the most crucial issues to discuss are style preferences for the outfit. If one knows exactly what they want, then it is better to go for a MTM suit. Since customers can choose the type of cloth, cut, lining, and all other aspects of their suits, they will be able to have one that reflects their personality. On the other hand, for embodying the traditional match of pants and jackets, ready-to-wear would do good.
Consider the body type while debating between MTM suits and ready-made suits. MTM suits perfectly suit anyone with an unusual body shape since tailors make them to body measurements.
For those who have a standard body shape, they only need to make minor adjustments to off the rack suits since manufacturers produce them in ready-made sizes. Nonetheless, if one aims to achieve the best possible fit, then a tailored MTM suit provides much better quality.
As much as wearing MTM suits has numerous advantages it has the disadvantage of being expensive. An off the rack suit may suit better if one has limited cash or are short on time. However, one should compare the cost and the usefulness of wearing such a suit – is it justified to spend more money when an ‘ordinary’ MTM suit is available?
As for a formal event or business-related environment where one needs a smart, well-fitted suit, then it's better to choose an MTM suit or custom formal wear. However, for those who do not regularly attend formal events, it’s totally ok to wear with retail suit.
Kutetailor specializes in the MTM suits. They provide suitable solutions that fit each end-user's needs perfectly and are fully customizable. As a responsible MTM suit provider, Kutetailor ensures that the tailors, fashion brands, and e-commerce sellers that they work with can offer excellent products.
They ensure their products distinguish them from competitors in the market. Kutetailor provides its fit and finish which is much better to off the counter readymade suits with the help of automatic cutting machines and a huge library of pattern data.
The main distinction between made to measure vs off the rack suits is that the former allows more personalization and better fitting. MTM lets you request any style or design, while off the rack suits come predesigned in regular sizes.
MTM suits are ideal to pay the price when you value fit, customized, and quality. When it comes to a tailor-made suit, it is perhaps pricier than the ready-to-wear ones.
The process of manufacturing a MTM suit may take some time, and it ranges from a few weeks to a few months. This period covers taking measurements, alterations on the pattern as well as fittings so that the garment can fit the client as required.
Indeed, one can employ various techniques to try and make the suits better fit the wearer even if they are bought off the shelf. Some of the usual adjustments include hemming trousers, altering the sides of the jacket, and adjusting the sleeves.