23 yr old...introduction to bespoke and mtm?

[poseidon]

Hello my refined friends:

This is my first post on this forum and the reason is that I am confused whether I should go for tailor made clothing. I am a 23 yr old student who goes to school in Boston but is from Vancouver. I only had my first glimpse into the world of suits a few years ago, and I only have two good suits in my wardrobe. A RL black label and a prada, both bought on sale during holiday season, and both costing around 1000 dollars, I've had the sleeves and the pant leg shortened on both.

I really like the slim, tapered fit of the suits that are in trend right now, and the thought of bespoke/mtm never crossed my mind until i decided to visit my aunt in Shanghai. I browsed the web for things to do, and tailors like Dave's and Chan's popped up.

I know that bespoke suits are definitely a notch up from even the best off the rack designer suits...but in my limited experience with the sartorial art, i can't fathom the specific benefits: the suits i purchased fit me perfectly, the color compliment my skin, and i love the style, what could possibly be better? You could probably to tell me to go get a suit tailor made first, and then I would know, but there's some clarifications that I would like to seek, and if my learned friends can enlighten me, then my thanks.

1. It seems to me that reputable tailors churn out very traditional cuts and styles. I am only 23 years old, and do not want to end up with a suit that could belong to a banker or politician. I would love to have something that would work for dates or social occasions...Would the slim/avant-garde look be something that a top tailor is willing to compromise on?

2. can someone explain the fabric system? with its "super" designation, and the number after it? are there any fabrics that are head and shoulders above the rest?

gratefully,
Howe

 

[dsmolken]

You might start small, especially if you plan to be back in Shanghai sometime later. Get just a couple of shirts and a pair of trousers. You'll either see the difference and decide this is the way to go for your future wardrobe, or decide to stick with RTW. I now go with MTM for most of my clothes, but I'm oddly proportioned.

 

[MLIW]

I think it might be worth visiting a bespoke tailor? with him looking through the different fabrics. He will be able to determin what is best for your shape. and how slim etc he can make the material. There is nothing worse then a suit which is to tight, due to th wearer wanting "slim look!"

 

[unpainted huffheinz]

Originally Posted by poseidon

I know that bespoke suits are definitely a notch up from even the best off the rack designer suits...

This is not true at all. There are tons of threads here showing horrible bespoke items, and also many posts with top notch off the rack looks. If you don't know what you want then bespoke can go very very wrong.

 

[fcuknu]

Originally Posted by poseidon

I know that bespoke suits are definitely a notch up from even the best off the rack designer suits.

Definitely NOT true in all cases.