Why would you buy an expensive designer suit vs having a suit made?

[Antigoneikari]

I was recently looking at what it would cost to have a suit made from a reputable tailor in NYC. The prices were very reasonable, and comparable to buying a suit from a designer…so my question is, why would anyone buy a designer suit over having a suit made for them?

 

[krudsma]

It's more about who makes the cut and style that you like better. If you like the cut that the designer offers and it fits you well enough within the bounds of alteration, you're usually better off buying that then trying to have a tailor recreate that for you. Also, it depends on how you define custom made (i.e. made to measure vs. bespoke) and how you define designer (i.e. Tom Ford, or Dries Van Noten? Designer designer stuff is kind of a different ball game and worn for a different purpose), but there's plenty of off-the-rack stuff that's made to a higher quality standard than most made-to-measure stuff. Custom has it's benefits, especially if you have non-standard measurements, but it's not inherently better. It's about if you like the look and feel of the end product.

 

[leapyourbar]

Having had suits made by Solito and Orazio Luciano this year, I would take this over spending triple the amount at Isaia, Brioni, Cucinelli, etc. etc. Maybe some people don't want the headache of multiple fittings, I guess? I've wondered the same.

 

[acconrad]

For me, I just know my measurements really well and so I could get a used Kiton or Attolini for much cheaper than bespoke even if I include alterations.

 

[FPB]

Time. Off the rack can be worn today.

 

[smittycl]

Depends on body type as well. I'm a reliable 42/52L and can luckily buy OTR without needing major alterations.

 

[SuitsMeLikeASuit]

Perhaps residual value. You could buy a Attolini suit on sale for about $2000 and recoup $5-800 depending on its condition.

Bespoke suits are hard to get rid of once you get sick of them. Unless you go for known houses like Solito, Orazio Luciano, Pirozzi, etc. But then you're not exactly spending a small sum either.