Buying Your First Custom Made Suit
Every man needs to have one nice suit. A nice suit is an investment in oneself and an off-the-rack suit isn't much of an investment. The first thing you need to know about buying suits is that if the suit isn't custom made, it really isn't worthy of being called a suit. A suit is something that fits you, as in 'that suit really suits you'. If you're at the stage of your life where you need to start investing in yourself, I have a few tips for you below.
If the only suits you have worn have been off the rack, with little or no moderation, then getting your first suit made will be a completely different suit buying experience. You'll be building the suit from the ground up and selecting everything from the cut, to the fabric to the buttons. So before you even go to your appointment with the tailor, you need to know what you want. You've probably never really thought about everything that goes into making a suit but there's a lot. You'll need to decide if you want elbow pads, the classic lapel or the modern lapel, this lining or that lining and whole host of other things. So spend some time familiarizing yourself with different types of suits online and the different parts of a suit.
In comparison to suits that are of the rack, custom made suits are quite a bit more expensive. If you don't have much money but need a good suit, then you want to go with the most versatile suit possible. You may love the mint green fabric the tailor showed you but if you are starting your suit collection, it is best to choose a suit you can get the most mileage out of. It is best to stick to dark colors and simple patterns. As you add more custom made suits to your wardrobe, you can go for more variety.
The relationship between a tailor and their client is much like the relationship between a barber and their client: it's personal. Most people stick with the same tailor for years. So, before you commit to a tailor spend some time visiting tailor shops to get a sense of the vibe. Getting a custom made suit isn't just about getting a product. The process is an experience. Finding a tailor who can deliver an awesome experience is just as important. Remember to tell the tailor that it is your first time getting a custom made mtm suits so he can schedule some extra time for the consultation in case you have lots of questions.
