4 ms·

It's a real shame that bespoke tailoring has all but died out. These days you have to live in (or near) the largest cities in the world, or financial hubs if yo

It's a real shame that bespoke tailoring has all but died out. These days you have to live in (or near) the largest cities in the world, or financial hubs if you want bespoke service that is local. Most tailoring houses do travel around, offering trunk shows and such. I was lucky enough that I had a close relative that worked as a tailor back in the 50s and 60s, so from the first suit I wore was actually a bespoke piece. When I moved away, and entered the professional workforce, I soon discovered that bespoke suits started at $4k-$5k. I settled with a reputable shop that did made-to-measure for a third, and was happy with the results. I don't really wear suits (and tailored clothing) too much these days. The world has moved much more into casual and comfy clothes, and the sartorial world is mostly reserved for the hobbyists or wealthy people in conservative (work) fields. But, still, wearing a full set of perfectly tailored suit, shirt, and shoes feels nothing short but incredible. There should be nothing uncomfortable about it - which is the general critique for people not wanting to wear a suit.

giantg2 2y ago
"These days you have to live in (or near) the largest cities in the world" I'm not sure exactly what you mean by bespoke tailoring. I've found small shops that will do custom work. They are somewhat rare in the US, just like custom shoe makers, but they do exist outside of the largest cities.
- b112 2y ago
  Thoughts you kicked off... I imagine myself driving across the country, and arriving at a small town to get gas and lunch. As I eat at the local diner, I become aware that everyone in the town is dressed exceptionally well, better than I am in fact, including the two homeless people outside, sitting in the street. Turns out this small down of 400 people has such a tailor, and no Walmart, and so even the poorest are dressed quite well, with perfectly fitted suites and clothes.
  - mikeyouse 2y ago
    Not quite the same but reminded me of the Sapeurs in the DRC: https://www.deoost.com/blog/style-of-the-sapeurs?format=amp https://www.deoost.com/blog/style-of-the-sapeurs?format=amp
- idontwantthis 2y ago
  Also you can get a 3 piece suit custom made in SE asia for $1-500, custom shoes for $50-$100. If your goal is to have a custom wardrobe a plane ticket would save you thousands.
  - giantg2 2y ago
    Depending on the customs duties.
    - idontwantthis 2y ago
      No duties on what’s in your suitcase.
      - giantg2 2y ago
        Not true at all. "Also, anything you bring back that you did not have when you left the United States must be "declared." For example, you would declare alterations made in a foreign country to a suit you already owned,"
  - razakel 2y ago
    A lot of these guys travel - they book a hotel conference room, you go and pick your fabrics, they take your measurements, and you get your suit in the mail.

giantg2 2y ago

"These days you have to live in (or near) the largest cities in the world" I'm not sure exactly what you mean by bespoke tailoring. I've found small shops that will do custom work. They are somewhat rare in the US, just like custom shoe makers, but they do exist outside of the largest cities.

b112 2y ago
Thoughts you kicked off... I imagine myself driving across the country, and arriving at a small town to get gas and lunch. As I eat at the local diner, I become aware that everyone in the town is dressed exceptionally well, better than I am in fact, including the two homeless people outside, sitting in the street. Turns out this small down of 400 people has such a tailor, and no Walmart, and so even the poorest are dressed quite well, with perfectly fitted suites and clothes.
- mikeyouse 2y ago
  Not quite the same but reminded me of the Sapeurs in the DRC: https://www.deoost.com/blog/style-of-the-sapeurs?format=amp https://www.deoost.com/blog/style-of-the-sapeurs?format=amp
idontwantthis 2y ago
Also you can get a 3 piece suit custom made in SE asia for $1-500, custom shoes for $50-$100. If your goal is to have a custom wardrobe a plane ticket would save you thousands.
- giantg2 2y ago
  Depending on the customs duties.
  - idontwantthis 2y ago
    No duties on what’s in your suitcase.
    - giantg2 2y ago
      Not true at all. "Also, anything you bring back that you did not have when you left the United States must be "declared." For example, you would declare alterations made in a foreign country to a suit you already owned,"
- razakel 2y ago
  A lot of these guys travel - they book a hotel conference room, you go and pick your fabrics, they take your measurements, and you get your suit in the mail.