Ready-to-Wear, Made-to-Measure and Bespoke ? what is the difference?

Ready-to-Wear is a garment made to a standard size and pattern using a particular cloth. It can be picked up ?off the peg? and worn straight away, although some people may need tailoring adjustments. Style and fabric choice is limited to what the manufacturer has chosen to produce.

Made-to-Measure ? essentially a factory-made garment cut from a block pattern and run up to your specifications. There is generally one fitting when the garment returns from the factory and any necessary adjustments are made at the time. A ?custom made? garment like this can be produced much faster than by a traditional tailor. The customer will have a much greater choice of fabrics and patterns than what is on offer in the Ready-to-Wear market, but there are still limitations.

Bespoke-each customer is seen very much as an individual. A pattern is made and the cloth cut individually for that particular customer. Generally there are three fittings: rough baste, partially constructed and the finished garment. The fit is top priority, although perfect fit is not the point ? rather, the object is to sculpt around the customers physical defects using clever tailoring to emphasis his attributes. Tailors talk of ?line? and ?balance? rather than style or fit, which means the hang of the jacket and the way it moves with the wearer. The choice of fabric is unlimited and personal whims in styling and detail can be indulged under the tailor's supervision.