Wednesday, July 23, 2008

6 Steps to A Tailor-Made Suit


Every man needs at least one elegant, high quality suit. Whether it's for work or a special occasion, we all need one suit that sets itself apart from the rest. The funny thing, however, is that most guys who shop for that quality suit will usually rush to high-end boutiques and purchase the suit for its brand name rather than its quality.

Don't get me wrong; I love Boss, Cerrutti and Zegna, but you can buy a tailor-made suit that really fits, for the same price or less. If you're worried about not being trendy enough, just cut out a magazine picture and let the tailor duplicate the style you're looking for.

Follow these easy steps to get your hands on the finest tailor-made suit:

Step 1: Find a reputable tailor

Good tailors are usually found in major department stores or in the high-end shopping districts. Friends, family and influential colleagues might also refer you to a trustworthy tailor. Ask around and inquire about references.







Step 2: Choose your fabric

Once you've chosen a highly regarded tailor, the next step is to settle on a suitable fabric. The suit's fabric will make the difference between a $1500 suit and a $6000 one. That's why many popular designers use fabrics with a grade of 100s or 110s [quality of fabric] to cut costs and increase markups.

Because you're not paying for the brand name, you can opt for higher quality grades and still pay the same price or cheaper. Anything above a grade of 110s is guaranteed to make a respectable looking and durable suit. As you may have guessed, higher grade equals better quality and an elevated price.

Grades range from low 80s to high-end super 180s. At the price you'll pay for the super 180s, you're better off just putting a down payment on a brand new BMW.

Step 3: Measure for fitting

At this stage, your tailor will take all the required measurements to make your suit fit like a glove. It's important to maintain open communication at all stages of your suit's fabrication. Chances are your tailor has made thousands of suits and he knows what he's doing, nevertheless, ask questions and provide feedback.

Tell him how you'd like your suit to fall on your shoulders, waist and shoes. That's the beauty of a tailor-made suit; you won't need to have it altered several times before it fits perfectly. We all know how frustrating it is to have a piece of clothing that falls awkwardly, especially when it costs you an arm and a leg.

Customization is especially attractive to those with distinctive body types. Tall men won't have any problems with short sleeves or pants that don't fit. Chubby men, on the other hand, can have suits made to make them look thinner and more attractive. All these little perks definitely override buying a popular brand name.

Step 4: Determine the style

Three buttons or four? Double-breasted or single? It all depends on the current styles at the time of your purchase. If you are more conservative and don't follow fashion trends, opt for a classic suit. You can discuss your options with your tailor, as he has probably seen every suit style and knows every trick in the book.

If you're looking for something a little trendier, look through fashion magazines and see what designers recognize as being trendy and stylish. Just bring the magazine to your tailor and he'll be able to tell you what type of fabric you'll have to purchase for him to reproduce the suit. A tailor can also tell you what best compliments your body type to make you look better.

Step 5: Personalize it

The beauty of a tailored suit is that you can add personal touches to make your suit look genuine and unique. Whether it's specific types of buttons, pockets or a different number of pleats in the pants, just ask and you shall receive. These simple touches will impress your colleagues and really make your suit stand out from the rest.








Step 6: Final fitting

At this stage, you'll have to look over every detail. Don't hesitate to ask for a little adjustment because you're paying for the suit, and you should make sure that everything fits to your liking.

The tailor will ask you to try on the suit, while he personally checks every angle to make sure your suit is perfect. Unfortunately, at this stage, it's also time to pay the bill. I suggest that you pay with cold hard cash because we all know that cash is king and the price might become somewhat more... let's just say interesting .

This is example of the best brand suit you should tailor of:

H. Huntsman

High quality fabric, comfortable. Suitable for CEO, Board of Director and Corporate member. Price from $4,500.


Anderson & Sheppard

Favorite brand for Prince Charles that matched suit from double-breasted. Suitable for royalty and successful corporate member. Price from $3,0000.

Gieves & Hawkes

Besides ready and order suit, this brand tailored army uniform. Price from $920. Suitable for Vice President of company, entertainment and publication.

Hickey-Freeman

Suit design for businessman is smart investment for this brand. Suitable for businessman only. Price from $1,100.

Polo Ralph Lauren

Combination of British and America. With slim fit and three button, suitable for youngster and new-star. Price from $900.

J. Press

Conservative design, with made from high quality fabric but can also for stylish. Suitable for doctor, bank officer and reunion ceremony. Price from $500.

Caraceni

Brand from Italy with guide from Gianni Campagna made it design with good for big clients from around the world. Inside from pure silk suitable for rich man. Price from $4,100.

Giorgio Armani

The exclusive design can see from far, that's Giorgio Armani. Suitable for Hollywood star agent, successful architect and anyone who into advertising firm. Price from $2,200.

Ermenegildo Zegna

Internal design of light canvas make it looks elegant besides shapes between shoulder, chest and hip looks perfect. Bargaining design that not have in any shopping complex rack. Suitable for company's Vice President and they involved in various industry. Price from $1,500.

Gucci

Can get in various colors and absolutely black. Gucci suit suitable for VIP and musician. Price from $1400.

p/s: I choose polo and zegna!! =p