Photo by Michael
Each month we ask our expert tailors to address one of your most frequent questions. This month we’re talking about fittings. How long should a full fitting take?
You don’t need us to tell you that every tailor is different. If you’ve ever purchased a piece of bespoke menswear, you’ll know that the personality and expertise of the tailor will have a big impact on both the experience and the garment you receive at the end of it.
What shouldn’t differ, however, is how seriously a tailor takes their fittings. After all, the success of a made to measure suit is completely dependent on how well it fits! A good quality tailor will know this, and they’ll therefore be keen to ensure they take their time over the fitting process in order to get it right.
How long each individual fitting meeting will take will depend on how far along the process you are and how well you know your tailor.
The first time you visit a new tailor will be bound to take longer as they will want to check and double check all your measurements from scratch. This will include:
- your height
- your chest
- your torso length
- your arm-shoulder width
- your over-arm shoulder width
- your arm length
- your in-sleeve measurement
- your neck
- your hips
- your waist
- your outseam
- your inseam
At this stage your tailor will also need to discuss style preferences, likes and dislikes with you. This could mean that this initial fitting takes longer than you may be expecting.
Alternately, a fitting later on in the process to see how well the garment fits is likely to be a much speedier appointment.
Equally, if you are returning to a tailor you have worked with before to commission a new garment the process is likely to be quicker. A tailor you already know will be more familiar with your likes, dislikes and preferences, and may only need to double check selected measurements before being able to get started with your bespoke tailoring.
Next month we’ll be asking our tailors to weigh in on ticket pockets and whether or not they should be a vital part of your suit. Sign up to our newsletter to make sure you don’t miss it.