The Boston Globe had a recent article ("The new, do-it-yourself custom suit") about how custom suits are becoming the new standard. So much so that over 50 new “cyber tailors” have cropped up over the last two years to fill demand.
It looks like the trend is evolving though as companies like Indochino and Arden Reed have found it difficult to reach the masses with online only (let alone get the correct measurements). Indochino has been trying out pop up shops in each city and now Arden Reed is shifting to a mobile store concept.
Arden Reed launched their Kickstarter campaign about 3 weeks ago and they have almost reached their goal. Their new process takes about 30 seconds to take a full body scan that extrapolates your measurements. It looks like with no storefront they're still able to keep prices low.
So what do you think? Would you get 3D scanned for a suit or would you rather have a tailor or your friend do it online?
p.s. We’ve invited them to the WSO conference to have their 3D Scanner available for our attendees. Their Kickstarter has special pricing so if you’re interested, pre-purchase from their campaign .
I would try 3D scanning but it's always best to go to tailor yourself.
You'd have to make sure the material they use follows. A bit like buying a cheap tailored suit somewhere in Asia, you pay more for the better fabric. I'd be weary about all those pop up tailored solutions. They have to save cost somewhere as well... Just wait for your first couple of bonuses and get it properly done.
Too much emphasis on tailored suits, and not enough emphasis on making your body look decent before tailoring.
I would still rather do it in person. That way you can feel and see the fabric.
It's definitely a novel idea, but I think they're putting too much emphasis on the measurement component. The "scanner" may read every measurement correctly, but some poor laborer in China is going to be the one with the scissors cutting the fabric for your suit.
In the end, someone has to be the unfortunate underpaid laborer with scissors cutting the fabric. There's no real point in complaining about it.
yes i need a custom compartment for my crotch
I know my measurements, and I hand them to Charles Tyrwhitt.
40R suit, European fit. 33 waist, 32" pant length, cuffed.
Done @$300 (w/ coupon, of course.)
I thought you were about value IP. In the long-term, higher quality wool wears much better, no? So that seems like Hickey on sale at a minimum.
Six years, 5 days a week in the winter, 4 days a week from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Probably worn through 7-8 left side pocket areas in the pants and exactly one jacket sleeve during that time, all but one of them Chinese, Mexican, or Vietnamese made wool suits. So I have a little experience with this. :)
The Jos. Abbouds are worth it; the Armanis and Hickey Freemans aren't. You just need a good build process (a western made suit is usually a strong signal that care is being put into how the suit is made) and a decent tailor ($50 at a dry cleaners you trust).
Beyond four or five years, the time horizon is less important. Nobody in the finance industry knows what they'll be doing in five years. Also you may not be a size 40 slim in five or six years. Which is why I think the cheapest American, Canadian, UK, or Italian made suit from a decent brand is the best choice. It will last 3-5 years and cost $100 more than a Chinese made suit that will last 12-18 months, and there's no real sense paying more for a ten year suit.
Tip: If buying suit separates, buy an extra pair of pants. Tyrwhitt will be happy to sell you extra pairs of matching pants but I don't think you can do that with traditional label Abbouds or Tasso Elbas. Pants are cheaper than the jacket and the dominant handed side- at around the pant pocket level- is almost always the first place you get a tear.
Interesting idea. My preference would be for a in-person visit to the tailor. If you plan well in advance you can bide your time on a sale.
As long as they can't see my junk like they do at the airport I'll at least check it out.
I would miss getting fondled by the tailor.
It sounds like a good idea in theory. The Indochino folks have a new pop-up store right down the street from my place that I just saw the other day. Can anyone attest to the quality there? Prices sure seem right but with suits, especially, I'm guessing it's a "get what you pay for" situation.
Random rant but the Arden Reed site makes you log in first? I always find that obnoxious since it's just a way to get you on their mailing lists.
Nah, just go get laser fitted at the Louie flagship on the Champs. It's only 14K!
Just find a good tailor. Most suits fit pretty good and a competent tailor will do the rest. You want a custom suit because of the craftsmanship and the personalize elements.
And I agree. Not enough focus on making your body suit worthy.
Alton Lane already does this and their suits look fab!
xoxo
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