You’ve decided that it’s time to invest in both yourself and in your image. Made to measure tailoring is an ideal way to have clothes that fit, look good and feel comfortable for all occasions. We talk you through the details…

WHY MADE TO MEASURE?

There are a myriad of things to consider when deciding whether to purchase a made to measure suit. What we do know is that it will be your trusted wardrobe friend and an outfit that will always make you look good. Ready to take the leap? We’ve outlined everything you need to consider when choosing made to measure tailoring to make your experience as enjoyable as it should be.

By its very nature, a made to measure suit is a vehicle for subtly communicating your personal style to the world. With a perfect fit and details customised to your preferences, you have far more control of your look than if you’ve picked up an off-the-peg suit. This is why it’s one of the most important things to get right: to help you choose the right width of lapels on your suit so that they aren’t so narrow that they look too trendy for your corporate meeting, nor too wide that you look like you’ve stepped out of a scene from ‘The Godfather’.

WHAT IS MADE TO MEASURE?

A made to measure suit is made from an existing ‘block’ that is modified to fit you in a way that is superior to ready to wear. At Alexandra Wood our exclusive ‘block’ has been designed to make you look a more fabulous version of you! The exact details will remain a secret, but your suit will be designed exclusively for you, with your body shape, skin tone and lifestyle in mind. Nothing makes buying a tailored suit more painless than handing the task over to someone with experience, expertise and a passion for making you look amazing.

You can expect your made to measure suit to be fully made, as if ready to wear, but created to your specific requirements around a classic Alexandra Wood design, with extra attention to the details that really count. While a wide lapel may work on one man, it may not on another. We guide you by helping you not to be led blindly by fashion and by designing you a suit that suits and fits only you. That’s what makes the real difference and where made to measure tailoring and you 

You can find really useful inspiration from Instagram, magazines and of course, on real men when it comes to deciding the design of made to measure tailoring.

Taking inspiration from others is an important part of creating our style. Author, GQ columnist and an Alexandra Wood Bespoke customer Tony Parsons said: ‘Find a man whose style you like, then find out who made his clothes…’ GQ is one of the best resources to use when finding inspiration for men’s style.

Don’t be afraid to develop a style that is unique to you. We believe that while style starts from inspiration, it doesn’t end there. You need to explore what colours, cuts, textures and styles make you feel the best. If we try to replicate the style of those who we admire entirely we quite often fail, looking like we are trying too hard. If this sounds like hard work, then that’s why at Alexandra Wood we help guide everyone of our clients to making the best style choices for you as an individual. 

Be aware of  the trends, But know the rules.

By all means, take inspiration from different sources, but aim to be the most amazing version of yourself. Men’s fashion trends move slowly when it comes to tailoring so there isn’t too much to be concerned about. That said, there are a number of ‘rules’ that should be followed, which your tailor will be well aware of.

YOUR LIFESTYLE COUNTS

Firstly, think of where you work: what’s the dress code? How do you want to represent yourself? What do you feel comfortable wearing? And because style doesn’t start and finish at work (and tailoring can be worn outside the office), also think about where you go on the weekend. This will help you build your own personal activity profile that will help you think cleverly about what you need in your wardrobe. Age is no barrier to style, but it deserves respect. Style and age relevancy is a strange one: no one wants to try and look like they’re trying to be in their twenties when they’re heading into their forties, but you don’t want to look out of date either. Classic styles generally work better, so create a wardrobe base of clean lines, minimal flashy details and great fabrics with an impeccable cut. Then mix in pieces and accessories in your favourite colours and textures to reflect your personality.

You’ll know you’ve found your personal style when it enhances both how you look and feel about yourself. An outfit may look incredible on you, but if it doesn’t make you feel just as wonderful, it isn’t right for your style. Tailors are brilliant at asking the right questions to find out what your personal style is and offering advice so don’t be afraid to ask for help.

CHOOSING YOUR TAILORED STYLE

The world is quite literally your oyster when it comes to choosing the style of your made to measure suit. With a made to measure suit, a stock size pattern is adjusted for the customer using basic measurements which are entered into a computer programme for cutting in a factory separate to the shop. But so much has changed over the years with made to measure technology (and it really is technology) that it now allows you to define many of the style elements of your suit. In some instances, you would only be able to have a standard suit made, with certain degrees of pocket angle. But often you can now choose from shawl, peak, or notch lapels in any width you like; skinny trousers; trousers with volume; or a straight cut.

As Savile Row tailors who incorporate an eye for modern style and design into our work, we understand what your suit needs in order to balance your body shape to flatter and help you to create your own personal blueprint for suits you may have made in the future.

Alexandra Wood has designed & tailored hundreds of professional men’s images to success. Taking timeless classics whilst adding a modern twist; to reveal men at their finest. Featured in GQ, Esquire, Tatler, Forbes, she understands exactly what it takes to get her clients image to the next level.

We work with a limited number of clients at any one time to ensure the best experience for our clients. To check availability please contact us via WhatsApp

Our bespoke suit appointments are available in Savile Row, London and at our design headquarters in Much Hadham, Hertfordshire.

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