7 Things you need to know before buying your next men’s suit thanks to Montagio

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When it comes to buying men’s suits, there are seven crucial things you need to know. Here’s a quick comparison of the challenges most men face when it
comes to suiting up in Sydney.

 

1. OFF-THE-RACK EXPERIENCE

 

FIT – You try on scores of jackets and trousers hoping to find one that fits you right
STYLE – Next, you shop around until you find a suit with the style you want (e.g. lapel width, pocket style, number of buttons). Ultimately, you
end up taking whatever you can get.
FABRIC – Shop around to find a suit in the colour you want. Again, you settle for what you can get.
ALTERATIONS – Typically, your suit requires alterations, hence costing you more time and money.
PRICE RANGE – $500 – $1,000
QUALITY
  • You get what you pay for
  • Glued ‘fused’ construction (mass produced)
  • Often marketed as “Pure Wool,” but is it really?
  • Usually 100% machine stitched (not hand stitched)
  • Made overseas
  • No second fittings

EFFORT REQUIRED – MEDIUM

Consider the amount of time needed to shop around and try on multiple suits to get the right fit, fabric and look. Add in additional time to take the suit
for alterations.
FINAL WORD
You may get lucky and score the trifecta: fit, style & fabric. However, the overwhelming odds are you’ll have to compromise on something. You may also
be forced to deal with pushy salespeople who are under pressure to sell you anything to reduce their stock and meet their quota. Pricing is reasonable,
but if alterations are required, the Off-the-rack option can cost much more than Custom Tailored.

 

2. CUSTOM TAILORED (FULL SERVICE) EXPERIENCE

 

FIT – Made to your exact measurements
STYLE – Personalise your suit’s style & view real sample suits
FABRIC – Choose the fabric you want from real wool swatches; you can choose from thousands of fabric options for all occasions. You get to touch
and feel the fabrics so you can verify it is real, good quality wool before purchasing.
ALTERATIONS – Most Full Service tailors include some kind of alterations credit. Montagio Custom Tailoring offers a Perfect Fit Guarantee with no
out-of-pocket expense
PRICE RANGE – $700 – $2,500
QUALITY
  • Half or full canvas construction
  • Both machine & hand stitched, with better quality companies using fully hand stitched construction
  • Made overseas (can be made locally but price will be higher)
  • Offer second or third fittings to get it perfect
EFFORT REQUIRED – VERY LOW
  • Everything is done for you
  • One suit fitting (usually)
  • First time takes about 30-45 mins
  • Subsequent suits take 10-15 mins
  • Local end-to-end service
FINAL WORD
Full Service Custom Tailored suits represents the lowest effort, best value for money. Unlike online shops, you get to touch and feel the fabrics and sample
suits. Akin to Bespoke suits, you also get to deal with a local supplier and receive end-to-end personal service. With this option you can relax because
you know you’ll get a perfect fitting suit, styled the way you like it.

 

3. MADE TO MEASURE (ONLINE) EXPERIENCE

 

FIT – Made to your measurements (often using a premade pattern)
STYLE – Personalise your suit’s style and see only photos of suit samples
FABRIC
Choose from photographs of fabrics.
Images on the computer screen are often poor representations of the actual suit fabric.
Limited fabric options
Fabric you receive may not meet your expectations since you could not touch and feel it before buying.
ALTERATIONS – You pay for any alterations out of your pocket and then claim them back (at the discretion of the online proprietor)
PRICE RANGE – $500 – $800
QUALITY
  • Hard to tell what the canvas construction is; it is usually fused to offer cheaper price points.
  • Primarily machine stitched
  • Made overseas
  • No second fittings
EFFORT REQUIRED –MEDIUM
  • You must take your own measurements
  • You’ll have to enter your order in yourself
  • No suit fittings
  • No local service
  • Alterations are up to you and are a hassle. You’ll have to take photographs, pay for alterations upfront, and then scan and send the receipt to the
    online retailer to claim the alteration credit. Sometimes, they credit it to your next purchase rather than giving you a refund.
FINAL WORD
This option is perceived as a cheaper alternative to Full Service Custom Tailoring, but as you can see, you’ll be the one doing the work and taking your
own measurements. You may even take your measurements incorrectly, which can void any alterations credit offered. Buying a custom suit online has its
risks, but if you really want to try and save a few dollars, consider this next option.
4. BESPOKE “IN PERSON” EXPERIENCE

 

FIT – Made to your exact measurements
STYLE – Personalise your suit’s style and view real sample suits
FABRIC – Choose the fabric you want from real wool swatches; and make your selections from thousands of fabric options for any event or purpose.
Touch and feel the fabrics for yourself so you can verify it is real, high quality wool before purchasing.
ALTERATIONS – All included
PRICE RANGE – $2,500 – $6,000
QUALITY
  • Full canvas construction
  • Fully hand stitched construction
  • Often made locally, hence the high costs
  • As many fitting as it takes to get it perfect
EFFORT REQUIRED – HIGH
  • Very personalised
  • Numerous consultations
  • Multiple suit fittings
  • Local end-to-end service
FINAL WORD
A custom suit is the finest garment money can buy. This option is for those with discerning taste, no time pressure, and in many cases, an unlimited budget.
While this may or may not fit your budget for your first suit, at some point you will likely decide you deserve a bespoke suit.
At Montagio, we are ready to help you with your first custom suit, your next suit, or all your suits. Call or stop by our Sydney showroom to schedule your
personal consult today.

 

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