The Beginners Guide to Your First Bespoke Suit

Are you looking to invest in your first tailored suit? Buying a luxury tailored suit is a great experience and leaves you with a stunning garment unique to you that will last for years to come. However, it can be daunting not knowing what to expect during your first consultation and with what follows in the subsequent fittings.

Here, we will seek to allay any concerns and address potential questions you may have before attending your first appointment.

Are there differing types of bespoke tailoring?

Yes, there are two types of bespoke tailoring at McCann Bespoke London. We offer two services including:

Full Bespoke:

The process of full bespoke tailoring produces a one-off, unique garment by measuring every inch of your physique to produce a hand-cut and hand-drawn two dimensional pattern. No fusing (glue) is used which gives a more natural finish - the more you wear it, the better it fits. The arms, lining, button holes, finer details, cuffs and collar are all hand stitched to give flexibility and comfort leaving an entirely handcrafted garment.

Benefits of a full bespoke garment include getting as close to perfection in fit, form and function as is humanly possible.

Semi Bespoke:

Semi Bespoke garments are made entirely to your measurements and specifications and crafted from scratch. It is the ideal choice of service for speed and ease as the garment is made straight to finish (no intermediate baste fitting required). We use the latest state-of-the-art CAD software to cut the pattern which generates exact measurements and high precision. The garment features a half canvas and will be half stitched. The arms, lining, all of the internals, finishings, cuffs and collar are hand stitched to give flexibility and comfort. All the long seams are stitched by machine for strength and durability. Lining, button-holes and edge stitching are all finished by hand.

Benefits of semi bespoke tailoring include easiness, speed, accuracy and affordability.

The Bespoke Experience: What to Expect During Your Initial Consultation

The initial consultation is a relaxed, guided selection process of cloth, trimmings, style and fit and is the most important stage of the whole undertaking. Initially you’ll be greeted by an experienced specialist who will guide you through the process to choose cloth, styles and figurations that will all make sure your suit is entirely unique to you. This process is important for the tailor as aside from the specific details regarding measurements etc. it will help to give the tailor an idea of your general requirements and how you would like the garment to look. This appointment normally lasts around one hour and is fundamental to the process for forming the final suits appearance.

What can you expect from full bespoke service?

The ‘baste’ fitting is an additional appointment 4-6 weeks after the initial appointment. At this stage, your garment has been hand cut and loosely tacked together and the canvas, stitching and finer details are visible, with the lining yet to be added. An in-depth consultation then takes place with your tailor to assure that you are 100% satisfied with the fit as well as with the garment as a whole, it will also allow the tailor to analyse it from a technical standpoint and suggest adjustments.

At the ‘final’ fitting the garment is complete. All changes have been implemented from the baste fitting. The garment is now ready to be worn and enjoyed.

What can you expect from semi bespoke service?

From start to finish the garment will take between 6-8 weeks. There is an express service available should the garment need to be rushed through.

The initial appointment, again is a relaxed, guided selection process of cloth, trimmings, style and fit. This is followed by an in-depth measuring session that allows your tailor to fully understand your unique physique. You are then invited back after 6-8 weeks to try on your garment for the first time which is now ready to be worn, subject to any minor alterations that may be necessary. If alterations are required you will will subsequently be invited back for your final fitting ensure complete satisfaction.

The tailoring process

There is a huge level of craftsmanship that goes into creating a luxury suit. For example, an individual button hole takes 25 minutes to hand stitch. Due to this level of detail and the hand-made nature of the garments the time in production can vary depending on the quantity and variety of garments ordered. Although the strength of hand stitching is often not the same as that done with a machine, the overall effect created from the handmade nature will result in a garment that will fit and form to your body for many more years than something stitched by machine.

Start The Process Toward Your First Luxury Mens Suit Today

Are you looking to get your first tailored suit? Get in touch with our friendly specialists today who can help guide you through the process and create a high quality suit that will last you for years to come!

Other considerations

  • Have some idea of the colour of fabric you would like? Consider what occasions you will wear the suit at and when you will wear it?

  • It’s sensible to have an idea of the weight and type of fabric you want? All year round fabrics are most versatile but a heavier fabric will be more durable.

  • Think of outfits you will be able to put together alongside the bespoke garments.

  • Be aware of some general style elements e.g lapel types, external pockets, vents and buttons.

Begin The Creation of Your Bespoke Suit Today - Book an Appointment With Ease

Are you looking to get your first tailored suit? At McCann Bespoke our renowned tailors can help you design the perfect bespoke garment that captures your requirements. To book your personal appointment, get in touch with us today by calling 02071860320 or filling out our contact form, here.

Natalie Crouch