Made-to-Order vs Made-to-Measure vs Bespoke Tailoring: Understanding the True Difference

When investing in a custom suit, it’s important to know what you’re really paying for. At Perth Tailoring Co—Australia’s most awarded tailoring studio—we believe that transparency and education are just as important as craftsmanship. While many retailers use the terms made-to-order, made-to-measure, and bespoke interchangeably, there are significant differences between each level of tailoring. These distinctions affect not only the fit and quality of your suit, but also the integrity of the tailoring experience itself.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Made-to-Order Suits : A made-to-order suit is typically sold by a sales consultant, not a tailor. These suits are pre-designed and manufactured in standard sizes, often overseas, using a basic selection of fabrics and styling options. While you may be offered a choice in fabric or colour, no individual measurements are taken, and no custom pattern is created.

  
  

  If the person you're speaking to isn’t cutting the cloth or constructing the garment, then you're not working with a tailor—you’re being sold a suit by a salesperson. These suits are factory-produced, and although they may be marketed as custom, they are not truly tailored.

  
  

• Made-to-Measure Suits : The term made-to-measure can vary widely in quality depending on where and how the suit is made. If you're dealing with a representative who takes your measurements and sends them overseas for production, the result may not differ significantly from a made-to-order suit in terms of precision and fit. The tailoring is done abroad, and the consultant you met will likely never handle the fabric themselves.

  
  

  However, true made-to-measure is done in-house. At Perth Tailoring Co, our made-to-measure process means you are personally measured by a trained tailor—the same artisan who will later cut your fabric and shape the suit to your body. This method allows for greater accuracy, better comfort, and a much more personalised garment.

  
  

• Bespoke Suits : A bespoke suit is the highest expression of traditional tailoring. This is not just a garment—it is a process, a relationship, and a work of art. You will never speak to a salesperson or a third-party agent. Instead, every step is handled by your tailor, from the initial consultation and measurements to the hand-cutting of your unique pattern and the final fitting.

  
  

  The key question to ask is simple: “Will you be cutting the cloth and constructing the suit yourself?” If the answer is no, it is not bespoke. The word bespoke is often misused, but true bespoke tailoring cannot be outsourced, and it cannot be mass-produced. It must be personal, hands-on, and entirely custom—from start to finish.

  
  

How to Choose the Right Tailoring Level

The right option depends on what you're after:• If you need a quick, budget-friendly option with limited personalisation, made-to-order may suit your needs.• If you value fit and want a personalised experience with quality construction, in-house made-to-measure is ideal.• And if you want the very best in craftsmanship, comfort, and individuality, bespoke tailoring is the gold standard.

At Perth Tailoring Co, we offer all three tiers—each crafted with the same commitment to integrity, tradition, and exceptional service. All consultations are held in our heritage-listed studio in Trinity Arcade, Perth, where our award-winning team is proud to continue the legacy of true craftsmanship.

To book your fitting or learn more about our services, contact our team today. Whether it’s your first custom suit or your fiftieth, you deserve the truth—and the tailor—behind the stitch.

Crafted by us, made for you.Perth Tailoring Co.