This article is just to help the everyday man aspiring to look suave without breaking the bank or going into debt just because you want to dress like someone you saw in a magazine or even a friend. WARNING ⚠️
Yep I said it.
Now that I have done a disclaimer, lets begin.
I can only but imagine what’s running through your minds right now as you read this🤔….Bespoke with off the shelf budget? Is that really possible? Yes!!! And NO!! Loool…… the answer lies somewhere in the middle, in the Abyss of the unknown loool…
No, off the shelf isn't going to be rated the same as Bespoke for so many reasons and on so many levels ….. it’s like you comparing the detailed elegance in a Bugatti to that of an Audi A6! No offence to Audi cars (I’ve got one myself) Loool
First and foremost what is Bespoke? ….
“Bespoke isn't just made to measure” in the real sense of the word, it is made to a specification.
Made to measure is actually what you get from off the shelf as it is cut to a general measurement for fitting, whereas Bespoke is based on a specific or individual measurement which can only suit you perfectly as no one same body is exactly the same.
One of the many reasons Bespoke seems unreachable to the everyday man is the cost of these pieces! A blazer can set you back £700 - £800 and £1200 (pants included) 💸💰💵, now that is steep if you a trying to build a wardrobe capsule with a couple of pieces.
Bespoke can leave a dent on your account if you aren’t a high income earner but should that stop you as a man from getting the look and style you want? ….
…This is where I say Yes to “Part Bespoke with off the shelf” Err kind of, if I am permitted to call it that lool! How do you do this? (I can read your minds). “Bespoke is the ultimate for anyone looking to show detail in finishing and precision” but you can spend your money wisely especially if you know you really can’t afford it.
There are a couple of high street brands that are very good at making very lovely made to measure pieces based on general sizes, so figuring out some of these places is a small price you'll have to pay compared with having to cough up the full cost of a Bespoke suit or any piece.
So many people have asked me how my outfits are so well suited to me no matter what I am wearing well….
……..are you ready…Drum roll please….
Locate the stores that make anything close to your preferred fitting which should cost you £300. Then you do the tricky part.
Find yourself a really good alteration shop, build a good relationship with the tailor and you're golden.🙌🏽.They don't usually charge very much, a nice taper and shortening would cost £28-£30.
If you've got a good tailor they would do a great job turning that all size blazer to your specified size so it looks like it was made to your specific measurements. When it comes to suits, it could cost another £30 to adjust the hand, the rim and body trim.
So in total you would have spent on average, £360 to get something close to your fit compared to a £700-£1200 bespoke piece which isn't a bad deal either.
Whenever you can, try to save some money up so you can introduce a couple of Bespoke suits into your capsule and I am sure you won't regret it.
But is Bespoke the same as off the shelf ?❌ Never in a Million years.
Photography by: @ernestsimons / @raphael_charlesphtography Editor : Toyin Efeturi
