Suit Yourself with Confidence
Unlike many women, most men do not dress themselves. They rely heavily on sells people, their wives, girl friends or significant other to help them arrive at a presentable appearance. This often produce uncertain results. The sells person may be working on commission and therefore more interested in the sell and up-sell. His girlfriend, wife, or significant other may have an unspoken reason (insecurity) to have him look less than his best. Regardless, without some rules of the road to guide his selection the result can only be a hit or miss proposition. The info-graphic shown below spells out some of the variable that go into making a a superior tailored suit and by extension a well dressed man. According to our friends over at Real Men Real Style Blog,
Quick Menswear Definitions – The 3 Classifications
1. Off The Rack or Ready To Wear The vast majority of clothing made and worn in the world fits within this category. Ready to wear clothing is factory made in finished condition and standardized sizes, and has a wide range in quality standards depending on manufacturer. Of the three types ready to wear has the least control.
2. Made To Measure Menswear produced to order from an adjusted block pattern. Usually a paper pattern is not built, rather pieces that match those needed are collected and assembled. It is differentiated from bespoke in that Men who choose to buy made to measure have some, but not all control over the process. The degree of control varies considerably – expect more control to cost more. However it is very possible to get a perfect fit – the same as in bespoke, from a made to measure garment.
3. Bespoke The word bespoke itself is derived from the verb to bespeak or to “speak for something”. Specifically it means “to give an order for it to be made”. It is a term analogous to women’s haute couture, and enjoys widespread use in UK and Europe while being rare in the United States. Bespoke clothing offers a man full control. Bespoke standards particularly stress: 1) hand work used almost entirely on all garments 2) the individual cut of a paper pattern 3) personal service such as qualified advice 4) a large selection of fabrics 5)keeping of all records for future orders 6) involvement in approved training that ensure standards are adhered to.