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Host Amy Tara Koch, a veteran style and retail correspondent, is your ambassador to The Inc. Life. Her witty take on the latest it-products will demystify the shopping experience and highlight the goods and services really worth your time and money.
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November 5, 2008

Bespoke Demystified

Posted at 5:14 PM

There is a palpable swagger -- a fashion induced confidence, if you will -- innate to a well-dressed man.

Fashion may not be top of mind to many an exec. In fact, it probably ranks well below making payroll, delivering client presentations, and putting out the fires blazing throughout the workspace. But, the fact remains that in business, presentation is everything. Ill-fitting, boxy suits, a bad break in the pants, or a too-long jacket can send a message of sloppiness and disconnect with modernity. That is why tailors across the country are seeing men invest in bespoke clothing, as I discuss in the latest episode of The Inc. Life.

Bespoke, a word derived from the term "to be spoken for" in 17th century London, is a piece of clothing that is entirely made by hand for the client in accordance with about 30 measurements. Until the '60s bespoke was relegated to the ranks of aristocrats. The Beatles changed the paradigm by having Savile Row tailors design one-off outfits that defined rock and roll. The groovy part? The clothes fit perfectly and were absolutely unavailable to anyone else. Celebrities like Cary Grant followed suit -- pun intended -- and ignited a trend across Hollywood.

So what does this mean for you? A perfectly tailored suit, pants, jacket, and shirt sends a powerful message of polish and poise. Bespoke does not have to cost $60,000. A local tailor can craft a sharply cut custom suit for about $2000, depending upon fabrication and custom details. Keep in mind that a good suit is an investment. Shirts, pants and jackets can be delivered at a price point similar to off the rack. Often, the tailor can even come to your office, measuring tape in hand and fabric swatches for selection.

Want to stand out in a crowd? I have one word for you: custom, custom, custom!

* 1 Comment

Posted by: Jeff Collins, Professional Haberdasher at November 18, 2008 12:57 PM

Amy,

Thank you for this article. Sometimes people need to be reminded of the importance of how they look. Personal appearance sends a powerful message and professionals should be well aware of which message they intend to send.

I have been selling custom clothing by going out to my clients' offices for over ten years and nearly every time someone gets custom made clothing for the first time there is a quantum leap in the way they look and the image they portray. Custom clothing goes a long way in bolstering confidence as well which can only be good for the business person trying to land the big deal, promotion or the job itself.

Your article meantions bespoke clothing starting around $2000 and yes that is true but custom clothing or made-to-measure begins closer to $800-$900. That is over a $1000 savings to get the entry level fabrics and with 24 measurements compared to 30ish you are getting a comparable suit to bespoke that a basic 3 measurement off-the-rack suit cannot deliver. It is also less time consuming for the purchaser because it typically only involves one fitting as opposed to the 2 to 6 fittings for a truely bespoke suit.

My Best,

Jeff Collins
Professional Haberdasher
http://www.MyHaberdasher.com

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