The Step-by-Step Guide to Custom Suits: 9 Key Stages Explained

　　When the time comes for a new suit—whether for work, a wedding, or simply because your wardrobe needs an update—there are a number of things to consider before getting started.

　　Is a custom suit the right choice, or would off-the-rack work? What silhouette best suits your build? Does it need to be formal, or can it lean more relaxed?

　　Buying a suit can feel overwhelming. Luckily, we've refined a process designed to put your mind at ease.

　　Whether this is a major purchase or a routine refresh, we approach it with the same care to help you find exactly what you need. Here’s a look at how our process works, so you can step in feeling confident and prepared.

　　First Things First: Give Yourself Time

We say this in two ways:

　　First, set aside about an hour for your appointment. We’ll take the time to ask questions, take measurements, and select fabrics. We want to get to know you so we can ensure the final suit truly fits your needs.

　　Second, try not to come in for a new suit just one week before your event. If you’re in a pinch, we’ll always do our best to accommodate you, but if you can avoid the rush, please do. A 6–8 week lead time is ideal if possible. More time allows us to explore all options—both custom and ready-to-wear—so you end up with the perfect result.

　　How to Get a Custom Suit Made

1. The Consultation

　　The first step in creating your custom suit is the consultation. Before diving into what type of suit you should get, it’s important to understand your situation and what you need.

　　Here are some questions we might explore when planning your new suit:

　　Is this suit for a specific occasion? If so, what is it?

　　What role will you be playing? Groom, host, speaker, etc.

　　Will you wear it for work? If so, what’s your profession?

　　How often do you expect to wear it?

　　What time of year will you need it?

　　What’s your timeline?

　　What’s your typical style?

　　What other styles do you like?

　　What does your current wardrobe look like? We don’t want to give you something you already own.

　　We’ll assess your needs along with your personal style to start narrowing down the brands, silhouettes, and fabrics that will work best for you.

2. Service Selection: Ready-to-Wear, Rapid Custom, Made-to-Measure, or Bespoke

　　The next step is deciding which suit service is right for you. As we talk, we’ll get a good sense of which direction to go. If you’re looking for something more personal, we might suggest the bespoke route.

　　Here are the four suit services we offer:

Ready-to-Wear

　　What it means: A ready-to-wear suit is already made and available in the shop. You try it on, love the fabric and fit, and aside from minor adjustments by our in-house tailors, you’re ready to walk out with it. "Off-the-rack" sometimes carries a negative connotation, but in truth, these suits can be just as perfect as a custom order. The quality, fabric, and make are the same. The only difference is you don’t have to wait.

　　Benefits: Usually fits 80% of men well, wide range of curated brands and styles, same quality as custom, fastest turnaround.

Rapid Custom

　　What it means: A rapid custom suit involves minor changes to something we already carry in store. For example, you find a suit you love, but want a different color or need a little extra length in the jacket or sleeves. These take about 7 days.

　　Benefits: Quick turnaround, a unique suit without extra hassle, same excellent quality.

Made-to-Measure

　　What it means: A made-to-measure suit starts with a pre-existing pattern that is adjusted at the factory to your measurements. We take up to 50 different measurements and notes to create a suit unique to you. It’s more personalized than rapid custom but less intensive than bespoke. Our team will guide you, so don’t let the options overwhelm you.

　　Benefits: Hundreds of fabric choices, cut to your measurements, fits almost every body type, control over nearly every detail, faster turnaround than bespoke.

Bespoke

　　What it means: A bespoke suit is completely custom, down to the millimeter. We start from scratch, giving you full control over the final product. Up to three fittings ensure perfection. This option is perfect for anyone with a very specific look in mind who can’t find it in a pre-existing pattern.

　　Benefits: Perfect fit, ability to design your dream suit, intermediate fittings ensure perfection, pattern cut from scratch, a one-of-a-kind garment.

3. Measurements

　　Once we know what type of suit you need, we’ll take detailed measurements to determine exactly how it should fit. This usually takes about 15 minutes. If minor pattern adjustments are needed, our in-house tailors will handle them.

4. Fabric Selection

　　While there are hundreds of fabrics available for a custom suit, we can narrow down the options based on our conversation. From composition and pattern to weight, we’ll make sure you only see what’s relevant to you.

5. Final Details

　　Next, we’ll help you choose the details that make the suit truly yours. For a custom suit, this can include lining, buttons, and styling. Again, if you feel unsure, our team will guide you based on your style and needs.

6. The Wait

　　Once the order is placed, we’ll keep you updated on your suit’s progress and expected delivery.

Ready-to-Wear:

Up to 7 days. If you only need a hem, you can often leave with the suit the same day. For other adjustments, our tailors will need about a week.

Rapid Custom:

7 days. Since only one or two small changes are made to an existing pattern, these are ready within a week.

Made-to-Measure:

3–6 weeks. These take longer because of how they’re customized—cut, sewn, and finished by hand to your specifications.

Bespoke:

5–8 weeks. Due to the labor involved in building from scratch and the additional fittings required, a bespoke suit takes the longest. Always allow plenty of time.

7. The Fitting

　　When your suit arrives, we’ll call you to schedule a fitting. This usually takes about 20 minutes. We’ll have a shirt, shoes, and tie ready for you to try on with the suit, so no need to bring your own.

8. Minor Adjustments

　　Our in-house tailors will handle any final tweaks needed after your fitting, such as taking in the jacket or adjusting sleeve length. All tailoring is complimentary with your suit purchase.

9. Delivery or Pickup

　　When your suit is ready, we’ll call to let you know. We can deliver or you can pick it up—whatever works best. We’ll also provide care instructions and a card for our preferred dry cleaner.

　　Remember, your suit comes with lifetime service. If you ever need minor repairs or alterations, just bring it back to us at Hangzhou Suit Customization - Randigny, and we’ll take care of it promptly.