Bespoke Suits/Clothing

[Ace_Club]

I needed a new suit for work and needed to get something other than a department store, off-the-rack, fused suit. My BIL suggested Hugo Boss or an on-sale Prada suit, yet from what I've read, you're mainly paying for the name, and the fit, while better than low end suits, still isn't quite custom. So, I ended up opting for a 100% custom made suit.

Last week I went in for my initial measurement appointment at Balani in Chicago. Ended up going with a charcoal gray three piece suit in houndstooth fabric. In about six weeks I'll be heading back in to get the initial fitting and then one to two rounds of alterations before it's ready.

Anybody else have a bespoke suit? If so, what was your experience like, and why did you choose to go bespoke?

 

[daksin]

I would like to get one, but I haven't really had the need. I'm fat and tall, so clothing fit is super critical to not looking like a degenerate mouthbreathing slob.

For my needs (very casual workplace, rare need to look nice), I've always found it totally sufficient to buy a cheap, well-made suit off the rack and have it fitted by a very good tailor. Typically this involves taking the suit almost entirely apart, but it's still cheaper than buying bespoke as off-the-rack suits include the cost for material and patternmaking.

This has always served me well in the past, but in both cases you need to know a very good tailor. A bespoke suit is definitely a step above. I'm sure they will remind you, though, that you'll almost certainly need a good set of bespoke shirts as well, which can be pretty spendy, but if you have a size that fits off-the-rack shirts then you're in the clear.

 

[TyTanium]

That's a good spot. Don't get me wrong, you can get some really nice suits "off the rack" from Brooks Brothers or a handful of other places and, with some tailoring (required), can look great, but the fit of bespoke is unmatched. Pretty reasonably priced too, at least compared to other high-end suits.

I've never sprung for one, but I'm not a high-roller like that. JosABank signature suits fit me pretty well once the jacket is taken it at the waist, so I just stick with that. Let me know your impressions of Balani though! It's on my shortlist.

 

[ivegot2legs]

I've done it. But there's generally two price points- at $500-$1500, or $5,000 and up.

For the first choice, it gets outsourced to China and you're working with a haberdasher or tailor here. Unfortunately, it took them a two tries to get it right but they did, and it fit pretty well.

The second choice, it will likely be done by some old bloke who will do a good job. But still requires an extra try or alterations, because its very tough to get perfect without you modelling. But it's been made it America, probably with premium fabric.

I've also found a Brooks Brothers suit in my size, and taken it to a good tailor. For about $100 for alterations (sleeves, pant length, shoulder) it worked out well. Good quality, under $1000 (it was on sale).

I would stick with Balani, as long as they will remake or alter so it's perfect.

Also, if you're in Chicago, you should try trunk club. You can visit and meet a stylist, instead of having to explain stuff in an email.

 

[Ace_Club]

This has always served me well in the past, but in both cases you need to know a very good tailor. A bespoke suit is definitely a step above. I'm sure they will remind you, though, that you'll almost certainly need a good set of bespoke shirts as well, which can be pretty spendy, but if you have a size that fits off-the-rack shirts then you're in the clear.

I've a couple Charles Tyrwhitt fitted shirts that are quite nice, though the suit from Balani did come with a bespoke shirt, so there's that.

I've never sprung for one, but I'm not a high-roller like that. JosABank signature suits fit me pretty well once the jacket is taken it at the waist, so I just stick with that. Let me know your impressions of Balani though! It's on my shortlist.

Will do!

I've done it. But there's generally two price points- at $500-$1500, or $5,000 and up.

For the first choice, it gets outsourced to China and you're working with a haberdasher or tailor here. Unfortunately, it took them a two tries to get it right but they did, and it fit pretty well.

The second choice, it will likely be done by some old bloke who will do a good job. But still requires an extra try or alterations, because its very tough to get perfect without you modelling. But it's been made it America, probably with premium fabric.

I've also found a Brooks Brothers suit in my size, and taken it to a good tailor. For about $100 for alterations (sleeves, pant length, shoulder) it worked out well. Good quality, under $1000 (it was on sale).

I would stick with Balani, as long as they will remake or alter so it's perfect.

I went into this fully expecting an extra try or two as that's what the reviews described. They also explained that during the initial interview. I really can't wait to see how this suit looks.