Buying a Tailored Suit for the First Time

Buying a Tailored Suit 101

Are you curious about buying a new suit from a tailor? Well, if you’re wondering about what happens when you visit a tailor for the first time, then you’ve come to the right place. Your first visit to a tailor is unforgettable. It’s like a rite of passage for men. Getting a custom-made suit is like buying a second skin. Rarely do men have experiences where their form, physique, and style come under the microscope with this level of scrutiny.

When you visit a tailor to buy men’s formal wear, your confidence probably starts out fairly low. You’re probably expecting judgment or criticism because you don’t know what to expect. It can be intimidating at first. However, by the end of the buying experience with a good tailor, you leave with more confidence and a custom-made suit that fits your body and style perfectly.

A tailormade suit is a work of art. The craftsmanship that goes into men’s formalwear is something that you’ve just got to see for yourself. If you want to buy a new suit from a tailor, here are some tips to make the most out of your experience and your purchase.

The Benefits of Buying a Custom-Made Suit from a Tailor

Are you looking for a suit that is perfectly tailored to your body and style? If so, buying a custom-made suit from a tailor is the way to go. A custom-made suit will fit you perfectly, provide you with a look that is uniquely yours, and last for years. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the benefits of buying a custom-made suit from a tailor, what you can expect from the whole process, and some tips to make your money stretch farther.

Buying off the rack has its benefits, but you’ve got to rely on luck to find a suit that fits you and represents your style. For example, you can buy men's suits at Amazon. That said, it isn't for everyone. Saving a few bucks just isn’t a strong enough reason to avoid buying men’s formal wear from an actual tailor. So, cut out the guesswork and go to a tailor so that you get exactly what you want.

What to Look for

When you’re looking for a custom-made men’s suit, there are several things to consider. First, you’ll want to make sure that the tailor is experienced and can provide you with a quality product. You’ll also want to find a tailor who is willing to work with you to create a suit that is perfect for your body type and style. Finally, you’ll want to make sure that the tailor is able to provide you with a wide range of fabrics and styles to choose from.

What Type of Suit Should You Buy from a Tailor?

When it comes to men's suits, there are three main categories: business, formal, and casual.

Business suits are the most common type of suit worn in the workplace. They are usually made of wool or a wool blend and are available in a variety of colors. The color choices for a business suit can vary widely but its best to keep it simple. Think black, grey, or blue with subtle variations in between.

Pro Tips on Buying Business Suits: When buying a men's business suit, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, you'll want to make sure that the suit fits well. It should be tailored to your body and not be too baggy or too tight. Comfort is king with a business suit because you’ll be wearing it for long hours.

Second, you'll want to choose a color and style that is appropriate for the workplace. Dark colors such as black, navy, and gray are always safe choices. Third, you'll want to make sure the fabric is of good quality. Wool is always a good choice for a business suit, but your tailor can introduce you to fabrics that you might’ve never seen before.

Fourth, you'll want to consider the details of the suit such as the lapels, buttons, and pockets. Make sure they are all in good condition and add to the overall look of the suit. Finally, you'll want to make sure the suit is affordable. You don't want to spend too much money on a suit that you'll have to pamper and safeguard all throughout the day. That can be a big distraction in the workplace. With these things in mind, you'll be sure to find the perfect men's business suit for you.

Formal suits are typically worn to weddings, funerals, and other special occasions. They are usually made of wool or a wool blend and usually come in white, black, navy, and grey. Although some people like to have bright or eccentric colors for their formal occasions, so you need to tell your tailor in advance what color is acceptable for your formal occasion.

Pro Tips on Buying Formal Suits: Once you’ve found the perfect men’s formal suit, it’s time to think about the accessories. The right accessories can help you look sharp and stylish and make your outfit stand out. It’s important because you don’t want to be lost in a sea of tuxedos. Here are some top tips for choosing the right accessories for your formal men’s suit.

First, think about the occasion. If you’re attending a formal event, you’ll want to keep your accessories classic and subdued. A black or navy tie in a subtle pattern is a good choice. For a more casual event, you can opt for a bolder pattern or color.

Next, consider the details. A pocket square is a great way to add a touch of personality to your outfit. You can choose a pattern that complements your tie or go for a solid color that stands out from the crowd. You can also add a lapel pin or cufflinks for a more sophisticated look. Again, the focus is on individuality in a sea of sameness.

Finally, don’t forget about the shoes. A classic pair of black or brown leather dress shoes is a must for any formal suit. Make sure they’re well-made and comfortable, so you can look your best all night long. Your tailor might have some excellent suggestions on accessories, so trust their expertise in this area.

Related: How to Wear a Dark Suit (Or Pants) With Brown Shoes

Casual suits are less formal than business and formal suits. They are typically made of cotton or a cotton blend. They are no hard and fast rules about the colors you can choose for a casual suit. So, if you’re looking for something that doesn’t fit in a box, a casual men’s suit is your best bet.

Pro Tips on Buying Casual Suits: When it comes to choosing a casual suit, there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind in order to make sure you're getting the best possible garment. Here are a few tips on what to look for when purchasing a men's casual suit from a tailor:

Make sure the tailor is experienced in making casual suits. This type of suit is different from more formal suits, so you'll want to make sure the tailor you're working with knows what they're doing. Formal menswear tailors sometimes choose more conservative styles, but you need to be specific about what type of vibe you’re going for.

Choose a fabric that is comfortable and breathable. Linen is a great option for a casual suit as it is both comfortable and stylish. Pay attention to the details. When it comes to a casual suit, the little details can make all the difference. Make sure the buttons are the right size and placed correctly, and that the pockets are deep enough to actually be useful.

When it comes to formal menswear, there are a variety of cuts and styles to choose from. From the classic cut to the modern slim cut, there’s something to suit every man’s style. Here’s a quick look at some of the most popular cuts and styles for men’s formalwear.

Different Cuts and Styles of Men's Suits

The Single-Breasted Suit: The single-breasted suit is a classic style that’s characterized by its single row of buttons and slim fit. This style is perfect for those who want a timeless look.

The Double-Breasted Suit: The double-breasted suit is a more formal option that features two rows of buttons and a wider lapel. This style is ideal for those who want to make a bold statement.

The Three-Piece Suit: The three-piece suit is a great choice for those who want to look extra-dapper. It consists of a jacket, vest, and pair of trousers. It is usually worn with a tie.

The Tuxedo: The tuxedo is a timeless style that’s perfect for formal occasions like an award show or wedding. It features a black jacket, trousers, and bow tie and is usually worn with a white shirt.

The Peak Lapel Suit: The peak lapel suit is a classic style that features a pointed lapel and is usually worn with a tie. This style is perfect for those who want a look that stands out from the crowd.

No matter what cut or style you choose, a tailor can help you get a better understanding of how these options fit for you. Tell your tailor about your lifestyle and how you will use your new suit. Then, they can point out some great examples for you.

Related: 7 Khaki Suit Ideas for Guys

How to Prepare for Your First Suit Appointment with a Tailor

When you’re ready to buy a bespoke suit from a tailor, there are a few things you’ll want to do to prepare for your appointment. First, you’ll want to research different tailors in your area and find one that has experience and a good reputation. You don’t need to decide on a style and fabric for your suit ahead of time, but doing some research can help you have a clear idea of what you want when you meet with the tailor.

Lastly, you should make sure that you are clean and presentable. You and your tailor will be getting up close and personal. So, be sure to take a shower, wear deodorant with antiperspirant, and wear clean undergarments. Some men forget this step, or they just don’t know what happens during a fitting session. Don’t be one of those guys.

What to Expect When You Visit a Tailor

When you visit a tailor’s shop there are two types of experiences you can expect. There’s high street and then there’s high end. High street refers to the main street of a town where a tailor might have a local shop. Your high street tailor’s shop will probably be a small place of business that likes to get down to the business of making a new suit for you.

On the other end of the spectrum is the high-end tailor shop. This shop might have a few tailors on staff and a showroom that makes you feel comfortable and special. You’ll find a cosy sofa, maybe some cocktails or coffee, and private fitting rooms. For the high-end shop, the sale begins as soon as you step in the door. Presentation is all part of the experience.

No matter which option you choose, a tailor’s shop should make you feel comfortable and at ease. Your first visit usually lasts between 60 and 90 minutes. The tailor will function more as a style consultant during this time. They’ll ask lots of questions about your needs and show you some samples that might pique your interest.

Try to resist the urge to rush through this step in the process. Get to know your tailor and be specific about what you’re looking for in a bespoke men’s suit. Let your tailor know what type of pieces you already have in your wardrobe and what types of styles appeal to you. Feel free to use popular celebrities or photos you’ve saved from social media.

At this first consultation, you and the tailor will come up with a couple of strong looks for your bespoke suit. They’ll likely discuss payment plans and options at this time. You can expect to put down a small deposit to get the ball rolling. Then, you can expect a call to book a fitting in about a week’s time.

The First Fitting

It’s time to see what the tailor has come up with for your custom-made suit. You’ll be invited back to the shop to try on an incomplete version of your suit. Think of this as a rough draft. It won’t look anything like a finished men’s suit, but don’t worry, your tailor knows what they’re doing. Try on the suit while your tailor works out the finetuning. This is when they make adjustments to the length of the trousers, the waist size, and many other factors.

The Second Fitting

About a week later, you’ll come back to the tailor for a second fitting. You’ll notice that your custom-made suit looks a lot more like a finished product. At the second fitting, you’ll try on the suit and see if the fit is perfect for you. This is when your tailor might suggest subtle changes in direction such as the type of shirt you’ll wear or different accessories to really make this bespoke suit pop. If everything checks out, then you should expect to pay the remainder of your bill.

Related: How to Choose a Men’s Shirt Size

Wait-Time for a Custom-Made Suit from a Tailor

A suit is not just a piece of clothing. It is an investment. It is something that you will wear on important occasions and will be seen in by important people. This is why you want to make sure that your suit fits you perfectly. Your tailor wants the same thing. The time that it takes to get this process just right can vary. It depends largely on the tailor you’ve chosen. It also depends on the style and fabric choices you’ve made. You’ve got to be a bit patient.

It usually takes about 1-2 weeks to get a custom-made suit from a tailor after you’ve had all your fitting sessions. However, it can take as many as 9-12 weeks in some cases. Try to remember that this is an artisanal craft and not fast fashion. This is because the tailor needs to make sure that everything is perfect before they send it off to you.

If you need a suit for a specific event, it is important to schedule your appointment with the tailor as soon as possible. This way, you will have your suit in plenty of time and you will be able to make any last-minute adjustments that you need. Don’t rush the tailor; they hate to be rushed.

Caring for Your Custom-Made Suit

Once you have your custom-made suit, you’ll want to make sure that it lasts for years. The best way to do this is to take proper care of it. You’ll want to make sure that you hang it up when it’s not being worn, and that you get it dry cleaned regularly.

You’ll also want to make sure that you don’t wear it too often, as this can cause it to wear out quickly. Finally, if you need any repairs or alterations, you should take it back to the same tailor who made it. This is a sign of respect for their continued relationship with you, but also it makes sense to have the same person who designed your garment to look after it over time.

The Feeling You Get from a Custom-Made Suit from a Tailor

Finally, there’s something to be said for the feeling that you get from wearing a bespoke suit. When you slide into that jacket and it fits like a glove, your confidence skyrockets. When you pick out every detail and you’re educated about the construction of your custom suit, it builds appreciation. You’re ready to take on anything.

Hopefully, you’ll use this guide to prepare you for your first experience with a tailor. There are many subtle details that weren’t covered in this guide, but we didn’t want you to get bogged down in the minutia. Afterall, getting a custom men’s suit from a tailor should be an enjoyable experience and not a chore.

So, enjoy your new suit and show it off with some great photos.

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