Efficient
Streamlined Process
Fitting + personalised adjustments = a perfect result in 3 to 5 weeks.
Style guide · Atelier Mesure, Paris 7th
Complete Guide to the Made-to-Measure Suit
Everything you need to know about the made-to-measure suit: process, fabrics, cut, care. A complete guide by our expert advisors to help you make the right choices.
7 chapters4 rules4 min read
What Is Made-to-Measure?
The made-to-measure suit represents the pinnacle of personalised fit. Unlike standardised off-the-peg, it is adjusted precisely to your body through a fitting and personalised adjustments. This guide explains the entire process, from the first appointment through to care. At Atelier Mesure, we practise Petite Mesure: trying on a fitting jacket, noting the precise adjustments needed, then laser cutting and assembly according to the chosen construction type. Artisan quality, controlled lead times (3 to 5 weeks).
Educational
Complete Transparency
Understand every step of the process and make informed choices.
Value
Quality-Price Ratio
Accessible artisan made-to-measure. A durable, intelligent investment.
Choosing Your Fabrics
The fabric represents 40-50% of the final cost and determines the appearance, comfort and durability. We guide your choice according to use, season and budget.
- Super 120's-150'sBusiness
- The versatile standard. Excellent quality-price ratio for business use.
- Super 150's-180'sPremium
- Superior quality. Exceptional softness and drape.
- Cashmere & MohairLuxury
- Discreet luxury. Incomparable softness or elegant lustre.
- Worsted Wool
- Tightly woven, smooth and lustrous surface. The professional standard par excellence.
- Flannel
- A soft, slightly napped surface. Warmth and elegance for autumn-winter.
- Fresco
- An open, highly breathable weave. Ideal for summer and warm climates.
- Gabardine
- A hardwearing diagonal weave. Excellent for intensive daily use.
- Mohair
- Natural lustre and crease resistance. Ideal for special occasions.
- Cashmere
- The softest and most luxurious fibre. An investment in absolute comfort.
Pure Wool : The universal standard fabric. Breathable, durable, easy to maintain. All seasons. Wool-Mohair : A subtle natural sheen. Ideal for weddings and formal occasions. Wool-Cashmere : Ultimate softness and warmth. A luxury investment for exceptional suits. Flannel & Tweed : Warm texture for autumn-winter. A distinctive British style.
Fitting and Adjustments
- Personalised FitOur StrengthMade-to-Measure
- A fitting allows us to note every adjustment needed for your unique body.
- Natural AsymmetriesPrecision
- 80% of people have one shoulder higher than the other. We adjust accordingly.
- Unique PostureBuild
- Sloping shoulders, rounded back, stomach: every particularity is taken into account.
The Complete Process
- First Appointment
- Duration
- 1h30-2h in our Paris atelier
- Fabric library
- 500+ references to explore
- Measurements
- Full measurement taking
- Fitting
- Fitting jacket to define adjustments
- Production
- Adjustments
- Fitting adjusted according to your notes
- Cut
- Laser-precision cutting
- Assembly
- According to chosen type (semi-traditional / half canvas/full canvas)
- Lead time
- 3 to 5 weeks
Budget and Investment
The construction type affects the drape, durability and final price. We guide you according to your use and budget.
Semi-traditional
EUR 980
Our most accessible construction: a piece of tailor's canvas on the chest piece, bonded to the outer cloth with a very fine layer of high-technology adhesive. Ideal for a first made-to-measure suit.
Half Canvas
EUR 1,490
Notre recommandation
An excellent quality-price balance. Canvas in the chest and lapels. For professional daily use.
Full Canvas
EUR 1,990
Premium quality. Full traditional canvas construction. Durability of 15+ years. A long-term investment.
Caring for Your Suit
A made-to-measure suit represents a higher initial investment than off-the-peg, but its exceptional durability (10-15 years vs 2-3 years) and perfect fit make it an economical and environmentally conscious choice in the long run.
- Limited Dry Cleaning
- A maximum of 2-3 times per year. Favour airing and gentle brushing between wears.
- Optimal Storage
- Wide wooden hanger. Breathable cotton garment bag. Never airtight plastic.
- Smart Rotation
- Do not wear on consecutive days. Wool needs 24 hours to recover its shape.
- Lifespan
- 10-15 years with appropriate care. A durable and worthwhile investment.
Why Invest in Made-to-Measure?
- Perfect Fit
- Each suit is created to your exact measurements, taking into account your natural asymmetries and unique posture.
- Total Personalisation
- From the fabric choice to the buttonholes, via the lining and buttons, every detail reflects your personality.
- Exceptional Durability
- A quality made-to-measure suit lasts 10 to 15 years, compared to 2 to 3 for an industrial suit.
- Unrivalled Comfort
- A well-fitted suit does not pull, does not gape, and allows you to move freely all day.
- Professional Image
- The elegance of a perfectly fitted suit inspires confidence and professionalism.
- A Worthwhile Investment
- Calculated per wear over its lifespan, made-to-measure often works out less expensive than off-the-peg.
Key takeaways
Our Philosophy
- Complete transparency on the process and costs
- Fitting for precise adjustments from the very first appointment
- 4-week lead time for all construction types
- Measurement profile kept for 10 years for future orders
Understanding the Investment
Moins de 2 € le port, contre 4 € en prêt-à-porter.
Un costume sur mesure à EUR 980, porté 50 fois par an pendant 10 ans, revient à moins de 2 € par port, contre 4 € pour un costume à 400 € renouvelé tous les 2 ans. Beyond the economic calculation, the comfort of a perfect fit and the confidence it brings are priceless.
- Sur mesure10 à 15 ans
- < 2 €/port
- Prêt-à-porter2 à 3 ans
- 4 €/port
Frequently asked questions
Before you begin.
At Atelier Mesure, allow 3 to 5 weeks between your first appointment and final delivery. This includes measurement taking, the fitting, production and final adjustments.
Made-to-measure starts from a pattern created specifically for you, while semi-bespoke adjusts a standard pattern to your measurements. Both approaches deliver an excellent result, with differences in price and level of customisation.
We recommend a minimum of two appointments: the first for measurements and fabric selection, the second for the final fitting. An intermediate fitting can be added for premium constructions.
Yes, the quality of made-to-measure construction allows for significant alterations. Whether you gain or lose weight, we adjust your suit so it remains perfect.
For a first versatile suit, we recommend a Super 120's to 130's wool in navy or charcoal. This choice works for the office as well as for events.
Absolutely. That is in fact its principal advantage. Whether you are tall, short, athletic or broad, made-to-measure adapts perfectly to your body.
Begin Your Made-to-Measure Experience
Book an appointment to discover our process, explore our fabric library and try the fitting jackets.
Further reading
