What to Look for in a Custom Tailor
Choosing a custom tailor is one of the most personal decisions you will make for your wardrobe. The right tailor becomes a long-term partner — someone who understands your body, your style, and your preferences over years and dozens of garments. The wrong choice means wasted money and disappointing results.
After 37 years of custom tailoring in Miami, here is what I tell every new client to consider before committing:
1. Measurements Matter — How Many Do They Take?
This is the single biggest differentiator. A true bespoke tailor takes 30 or more unique body measurements. Made-to-measure operations typically take 10-15. Off-the-rack takes zero.
At Bespoke By CB, I take 34+ measurements for every client. Why? Because your left shoulder may sit slightly higher than your right. Your posture, your stance, the way you carry your arms — these all affect how a garment should be cut. Fewer measurements mean more assumptions, and more assumptions mean a less precise fit.
2. True Custom vs. Made-to-Measure
These terms are often used interchangeably, but they are fundamentally different:
- Bespoke (true custom): A unique pattern is drafted from scratch for your body. Every element — fabric, lining, buttons, lapel width, pocket placement — is your choice.
- Made-to-measure: An existing pattern is adjusted to approximate your measurements. You get some fabric and detail choices, but the base pattern limits what is possible.
If a tailor cannot tell you whether they draft a new pattern or modify an existing one, that is a red flag.
3. Fabric Selection
A great tailor offers fabrics from the world is finest mills — not a limited in-house collection. Look for names like Scabal, Dormeuil, Loro Piana, Holland & Sherry, Vitale Barberis Canonico, and Drago. These mills produce cloth that drapes beautifully, breathes properly, and lasts for years.
At Bespoke By CB, I personally curate the fabric selection from these mills. I do not carry house brands or mystery fabrics. When you choose a Loro Piana summer wool or a Dormeuil winter flannel, you know exactly what you are getting.
4. The Fitting Process
A proper bespoke process includes at least one fitting during construction. This is where the tailor checks the garment on your body and makes adjustments before final finishing. If a tailor promises a perfect fit with zero fittings, they are not doing bespoke — they are doing made-to-measure.
At our first fitting, I check shoulder line, collar fit, sleeve length, jacket length, and trouser break. Any adjustments are recorded in your personal profile so future orders are even more precise.
5. Where the Consultation Happens
In South Florida, you should not have to drive across town for a fitting. A good tailor offers in-home or in-office consultations. Christian comes to you — your home, your office, or our Miami Brickell showroom. For clients outside South Florida, we offer virtual consultations.
6. Pattern Storage and Reordering
One of the biggest advantages of bespoke: your pattern is kept on file. Once I have your measurements and pattern, you can order new garments from anywhere in the world — no re-measuring needed. Ask any prospective tailor whether they keep patterns and for how long.
Questions to Ask Before You Commit
- How many measurements do you take per client?
- Do you draft a new pattern or modify an existing one?
- Which fabric mills do you carry?
- How many fittings are included?
- Do you keep my pattern on file for reorders?
- Can you come to me for the consultation, or do I need to come to you?
- What is the turnaround time?
- What happens if the fit is not right?
The answers to these questions tell you everything you need to know about whether a tailor is the right fit — pun intended.
Ready to Experience True Bespoke?
If you are in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, or anywhere in South Florida, I would love to show you the difference that 37+ years of experience and 34+ measurements make. Book a consultation at our Brickell showroom or I will come to you.
