What Is Made-to-Measure Clothing?

It’s a question we get asked often here at Harleys, and though we’ve blogged our answer before, it’s an answer worth repeating.

Okay, so what is made-to-measure clothing?

M2M clothing is clothing (usually suits and dress shirts) made from a standard pattern that gets tailored to the individual wearer before the garment is sewn together.

For example, say you try on a Jack Victor suit and it pretty much fits, but the arms need to be lengthened and the waist taken in a smidge. We (Harleys) will take your arm and waist measurements (in addition to several other measurements) and send them to Jack Victor, who will use the specs to create the pieces of your suit. Then the craftsmen at Jack Victor will sew all the pieces together and voilà, you have a perfectly fitting suit.

What are the advantages of M2M?

The #1 advantage of M2M clothing is that it’s easier to nail the fit by creating perfectly sized individual pieces and then sewing them together, rather than hemming and hawing at a garment that’s already been made (also referred to as off-the-rack or ready-to-wear).

Not only do you get a suit (or shirt) that fits like a glove; you also make the garment just the way you like it. You can choose the fabric, color, and whether it’s single or doubled breasted, has a notch lapel, one button or two, side or back vents, etc.

For more on selection and custom options, visit our Made to Measure page.

“That sounds great,” you say, “but isn’t made-to-measure really expensive?” 

No. One of the biggest myths about M2M clothing is that you have to spend a fortune. You certainly can, but it’s not necessary.

In addition to our classic Italian suit makers, we work with several exceptional North American companies to offer a range of price points. So whether you’re a tenured executive or a rookie on the up-and-up, we can make you a suit that fits your wallet as well it does your shoulders.

Let us prove it to you and come into Harleys today for a consultation. We’re located here in Shorewood, Wisc.

We look forward to seeing you.