BY STEVEN MAY 28, 2023
BY STEVEN MAY 28, 2023
BY STEVEN MAY 28, 2023
BY STEVEN MAY 28, 2023
BY STEVEN MAY 28, 2023
When you’re looking for a suit that truly fits — not just your body, but your lifestyle and budget — you’re likely comparing made-to-measure suits to those produced through the bespoke process. For years, bespoke tailoring was considered the pinnacle of men’s suiting. But today, the conversation is shifting.
Proper Cloth Online Made-To-Measure
More men are discovering that made-to-measure garments might be the better fit, offering customization, a sleek silhouette, and a more accessible price, all while saving time. In this post, I’ll break down exactly why MTM suits are often the best option for modern professionals and explain the differences, using real-life experience and insights.
Let’s start with definitions.
The bespoke process is the most traditional form of suit-making. A master tailor creates an entirely new pattern based on your exact body measurements, posture, and even walking stance. It’s the ultimate in personal tailoring, but it comes at a steep price — both in dollars and in time.
By contrast, made-to-measure suits use a standard pattern as a starting point and then adjust it to match your body shape better. This approach allows you to enjoy a near-perfect fit without the full expense and time commitment of bespoke tailoring.
The most obvious difference? Bespoke suit cost. A fully bespoke tailored suit can start around $3,500 and easily climb past $6,000, depending on your fabric selection and level of customization. For more MTM advice, read my Proper Cloth Suit Review.
Made-to-measure options, however, typically fall between $700 and $1,500, and this includes a wide range of fabric options, lapel styles, and finishing details.
Stitched Las Vegas – MTM Cloth
For guys building a wardrobe, especially those who need multiple suits for work and travel, this pricing makes a huge difference. You can often buy two or even three custom-made suits through MTM for the price of one bespoke.
A major advantage of made-to-measure suits is that they take less time.
The bespoke process often includes 3 to 5 fittings, spaced weeks apart. You could wait up to 4 months to receive the final product.
With MTM, you typically only need a first fitting and a minor adjustment or two. In many cases, the suit is ready in 3 to 6 weeks. That’s a game changer for professionals who travel or have last-minute event needs.
The myth is that only bespoke can accommodate your body type. But that’s not true.
Stitched Vegas (Left) & Proper Cloth
The best made-to-measure garments allow adjustments to shoulder width, sleeve length, waist, and inseam — even subtle tweaks like jacket skirt shape or pant taper. For 95% of men, this means you can achieve a well-fitted suit that looks just as good as something bespoke.
Unless you have truly uncommon proportions, MTM is likely to give you a better fit than you’ve ever had with rack suits or standard sizes.
Let’s talk about rack options. Off-the-rack suits are mass-produced using pre-existing patterns, designed for a “one-size-fits-many” approach.
Made-To-Measure Trial Suit Fitting
Even high-end rack suits need multiple alterations to fit remotely well. And even then, you’re only modifying — not truly tailoring.
By comparison, made-to-measure uses your body measurements as the foundation. The base pattern is modified before the suit is ever cut, which leads to a far superior fit from day one.
While bespoke gives you unlimited options, MTM still offers plenty of personalization:
That’s more than enough for most men to build a stylish, expressive wardrobe, without drowning in decisions.
MTM Working “Surgeons” Cuffs
The rise of online MTM brands has brought convenience to the process. You can now order a custom suit from your phone or laptop, submit your body measurements, and receive your suit at home.
Brands use tech — like body-scanning apps or fit quizzes — to generate an accurate standard pattern match, which is then adjusted by a custom tailor.
And if the suit fits imperfectly? Most offer free remakes or alterations. The result: a modern, streamlined experience for men who value time and precision.
When you go bespoke, you’re all in. One suit, big commitment.
With MTM, the lower cost and faster delivery mean you can test one suit, evaluate the fitting process, and iterate. Want to try a double-breasted jacket next time? Different lapels? No problem. You’ll feel less boxed in by your investment.
It’s an excellent model for building a wardrobe that evolves with your style, your age, and your career.
Traveling with a bespoke suit can be nerve-wracking. One wrinkle, one dry cleaner disaster — and you’ve compromised a huge investment.
That’s another reason MTM is the good choice. You can still achieve a sharp, tailored look but feel comfortable wearing it often, packing it for flights, or taking it to your regular cleaner. Need a custom dress shirt? Read my Tailor Store and Proper Cloth dress shirt reviews. Both make custom, made-to-measure shirts.
And because of the fast turnaround and relatively lower cost, you can rotate between several MTM suits based on destination, weather, and formality.
Because MTM suits are crafted for real use, not just display, wearers tend to take proper care of them. You still get canvassed construction, solid stitching, and strong fabrics.
And unlike most rack suits, your MTM suits won’t lose shape quickly or balloon at the chest. When you invest in a better-fitting garment, you’ll want to maintain it — and that care extends its life.
Let’s sum it up:
If you’re seeking a perfect fit for your body shape, want high-end fabric selection, and value customization, but don’t want to spend months and thousands on the bespoke process, then made-to-measure suits are likely your best option.
Stitched Las Vegas MTM Studio
The modern man doesn’t need to sacrifice style for savings or quality for speed. Thanks to MTM, we now have access to high-performance custom-made suits that blend tradition and technology.
Whether you’re investing in your first type of suit for business or looking to refresh your wardrobe for travel and events, made-to-measure delivers the ideal balance of precision, performance, and price.
At Prime Dude, I’ve tested and reviewed dozens of suit makers — from bespoke tailored suits to innovative made-to-measure options. I’ve worn them, traveled with them, and lived in them.
And for most guys? MTM is where the value lives.
If you want tips on how to measure properly, choose your base pattern, and avoid rookie mistakes, stay tuned. More content, reviews, and guides are coming your way.
Until then, wear it well.
