It could be for your first day at the office or for your best mate’s wedding. It could be your “once in a while” attire or your everyday look. Suits have been around since the late 18th century and they aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. The broad-shouldered coat, the crisp shirt, and the overall sleek outline is something we are all familiar with. The same way a good suit can make your image, a bad one can break it.
Since suits have been around for a while, they have evolved to meet the expectations of different events. There are a variety of styles, cuts, fabrics, and colours to choose from. However, before you even get to the nitty-gritty of black versus white or a red tie or the green one. There are three different kinds of suits you will find when you visit your tailor or department store: the bespoke, made to measure suits, and the ready to wear. It is important to know the difference between the three and decide on the kind, so you can be ready to deal with any issues for the right styling.
Bespoke
Bespoke suits are custom made. The tailor exclusively designs your suit according to your requests. The pattern used is made specifically for the individual. If you have long legs and a very short torso, or if your body shape does not conform to traditional standards, bespoke suits take away the awkward length of your trousers and sleeves. Bespoke suits are often pricier than your standard fare, but their payoff is in quality and fit.
Made to measure
Made to measure suits are the grey area between bespoke and ready to wear. They have a standard pattern, but they take into account your sizes and are adjusted accordingly. Made to measure is the happy middle in terms of price and customisation. For those who are often considered too tall or too short, a made to measure suit can address those issues immediately without the cost of making the suit from scratch.
Ready to wear
Ready to wear suits are heavily standardised. They have a pre-set pattern with varying sizes depending on the demographic. They are easy to find; most department stores have an area with ready to wear suits if you find yourself out of time or money. Since they come from one pattern, they are easily mass produced in factories.
In selecting the suit, consider the event and your budget. A bespoke suit might be the dream, with it being made especially for you, but if you will only wear it once, a ready to wear suit might be a better investment. A suit should fit your lifestyle; whether it is for the office, for a party, or for anything in between.