“Is custom clothing worth the cost?” It was once standard practice for men and women to have their suits and dresses tailored. This changed toward the end of the 20th century when one could pop into a shop and pick a ready-made outfit for a lot less money.
Similarly, fashion has become a lot more relaxed in the modern era. Three-piece suits are now worn on infrequent occasions rather than every day. That said, custom-made clothes are on the rise once again as consumers seek a more personalized experience.
Here’s some information to help you answer the question, “Is custom clothing worth the cost?”
Fit
There’s no denying that the fit of your clothing matters, especially when buying a suit. It can feel stressful if you’re preparing for a wedding or other important event. The same applies for regular clothing.
If you buy a shirt that’s a few sizes too small, you’ll feel uncomfortable and people will notice. The downfall of ready-made separation suits, where the jacket and pants are sold apart, is that they don’t always look right.
When you work with a tailor, you receive one on one attention and unmatched expertise. They learn about your preferences and measure you from head to toe to ensure a perfect fit. These professionals can accomplish a suitable fit through a variety of techniques you can’t find elsewhere.
You want your sleeves to hit just right and your jacket to close correctly. At the end of the day, your suit should make you look sharp and put together.
Design
When you head to a tailor to customize a suit, you have a lot more freedom to choose the overall design. The styles offered in stores today are pretty uniform. You’ll find more jackets and pants in hues of black, gray and blue than any other color.
Materials used are usually wool and polyester. Suits in this realm are easy to select on a whim for more sudden occasions. But often, shoppers desire more of a say in what they wear. They also have a growing interest in sustainability.
When you purchase custom clothing, you choose everything from the pattern to the zippers. You can even supply your own materials, such as a soft and stylish suede, which allows for a suit that aligns with your vision.
Cost
Is custom clothing worth the cost? Well, what is the cost exactly?
A $500 budget is often adequate when you want a suit of decent quality, but don’t care about the extras, like buttons and pockets. Sometimes, expensive isn’t always better, but in the case of a custom wardrobe, it generally is.
This is due to the characteristics of the piece and the individual labor that goes into making it. Pricier items with authentic materials will run you more money because they’re meant to last.
Beautiful suits crafted with quality in mind can cost upwards of $3,000, but remember – the experience, finer details and customization are often worth it. Even if you take the time to design a single outfit, it’ll hold its value for years to come.
Quality
Quality is king when it comes to custom clothes. The recent phenomenon of fast fashion, where companies rapidly produce inexpensive, poorly made pieces to stay on-trend, has severe implications for both workers and the environment.
To maintain low costs, these brands outsource and rely on machines, which in the suit world makes for a cheaper look. When you choose to buy from eco-friendly retailers or design your clothes through a tailor, you put your money toward a more worthy cause.
A local shop may be more expensive, but at least you know the quality is sustainable and will stand the test of time.
Time
Time is a huge variable in this regard. A single custom outfit, whether it be a suit or dress, takes around 40 hours to complete – a lot longer than a quick trip to the mall. In many cases, aside from price, this is what deters buyers.
Though tailor-made pieces are elegant and unique, they’re not necessary for all occasions. You probably won’t spend the money on a custom suit for a funeral or sudden celebration because you’re so crunched for time.
Your overall vision for your outfit may take a while to come up with as well. If you buy a separation suit, everything is already decided for you. If time isn’t on your side, it’s best to stay away from custom-made.
So, Is Custom Clothing Worth the Cost?
Custom pieces are often wonderful investments. A wardrobe with a few individualized outfits allows for a sense of uniqueness and personal expression. These pieces also tend to hold up for much longer.
On the flip side, it’s not always feasible in the sense of budgets and time restraints. If you need a suit for a one-off event, a department store is likely the way to go. This is why you should consider the purpose of the outfit before you can answer the question, “Is custom clothing worth the cost?”
Ultimately, it all depends on you.
Pinstripe Magazine Staff
Online Men’s Lifestyle Magazine on Gear, Grooming, Girls, Gadgets
