The terms ‘made to order’ and ‘made to measure’ may often seem interchangeable, but the reality is not as murky.
It is often difficult for a customer to know the quality of a garment before it is worn or even seen. This is the key challenge to a made-to-measure option, the customer is expected to visualise the cloth and the cut, pick the lapels, number of buttons, even the types of buttons, and a raft of other options that can make the process daunting to anyone other than a seasoned professional.
Made to order is a process where the final suit product already exists; it may resemble a ready to wear (or off the rack) as the customer can try it on. However, there will always be a requirement for tweaking as the hems and cuffs may not be finished; in some cases, the sleeve buttons are not sewed on until the final sleeve lengths can be determined.
In essence, the basic item will exist and then tailored to fit the customer with little other modifications available. Sometimes these alterations will have a cost and sometimes they don’t (or up to a certain value). For the consumer, this is an early question to ask.
Made to measure, by comparison, is the process where the customer’s measurements are taken and sometimes a test garment worn. This will work to build a model for the end product and working with the client, a final measurement is determined.
The next step is the selection of cloth, then after perusing a library of swatches, the material is chosen. Then the colour, weight, and pattern of the material are chosen by the client. This can be the most difficult part of the process, the client has to visualise what a suit made from the material will look like and with it being impossible to have a physical piece available to view, pinstripes and checks may look out of place.
With the design of the product in the hands of the wearer, the customer has a voluminous number of options, many of which will be encouraged to be ‘standard’ but – and as the customer becomes more familiar with the process, these options will be explored. These choices include, selection of lapels, pockets, buttons, linings, and several others.
Need Help Deciding?
At Briggins, we understand that choosing between made-to-order and made-to-measure can be a complex decision. Whether you’re looking for a refined, ready-to-tailor suit or a fully customised garment that reflects your personal style, our expert team is here to guide you through the process. Visit our store or book a fitting to explore your options, experience our craftsmanship firsthand, and find the perfect suit that fits both your body and your vision.
