Men ask a lot of questions about clothing, and for good reason. Between confusing terminology, off-the-rack compromises, and fast-fashion noise, it’s hard to know what actually matters when investing in quality garments.
Below, we answer the most frequently asked questions we hear every week in our showroom about bespoke and custom clothing. We explain why Bespoke By CB approaches menswear differently than anyone else.
1. What Is the Difference Between Bespoke, Made-to-Measure, and Off-the-Rack?
This is the #1 question we get and the most misunderstood.
Off-the-Rack (OTR)
Mass-produced in standardized sizes
Designed to fit “average” bodies (which almost no one actually has)
Limited fabric, construction, and styling options
Alterations are afterthoughts, not part of the design
Bottom line: Fast, convenient, but compromised.
Made-to-Measure (MTM)
Based on an existing pattern adjusted to your measurements
Better fit than OTR, but still restricted by the base block
Moderate customization (fabric, lapels, buttons)
Bottom line: A step up but still not fully personal.
Bespoke (What We Do at Bespoke By CB)
A pattern drafted from scratch for your body
Multiple fittings to refine balance, posture, and drape
Full control over fabric, construction, silhouette, and details
Garments that improve with wear. Not fall apart
What’s the Difference Between a Suit, Sport Coat, Blazer, and Dinner Jacket?
This confusion is incredibly common, even among well-dressed men.
Suit
• Jacket and trousers cut from the same cloth
• Designed to be worn together
• Ideal for business, formal events, and weddings
Sport Coat
• Jacket designed to stand alone
• Often made in textured fabrics like tweeds, linens, or hopsack
• More casual and more versatile
Blazer
• Structured jacket, traditionally navy
• Often finished with metal buttons
• A refined staple, not a suit jacket
Dinner Jacket (Tuxedo Jacket)
• Formal eveningwear
• Features satin or grosgrain lapels
• Paired with tuxedo trousers
Each of these garments has a different balance, structure, and purpose. We design each one correctly, not as a repurposed suit jacket pretending to be something else.
How Should a Suit Actually Fit?
Forget trendy buzzwords. A great suit should:
• Sit cleanly on the shoulders with no divots or overhang
• Allow natural movement without pulling or collapsing
• Follow the body without clinging
• Maintain clean lines whether standing or seated
Fit is not just measurements. It is proportion, posture, and balance.
At Bespoke By CB, we analyze:
• Shoulder slope
• Forward head posture
• Arm pitch
• Waist suppression relative to chest and hips
That is why our clients immediately feel the difference the moment they put a jacket on.
How Many Suits Should a Man Own?
Quality beats quantity every time.
A strong foundation includes:
• A navy suit
• A charcoal or medium grey suit
• One seasonal option such as light grey, textured navy, or a subtle pattern
From there, we build intentionally based on:
• Your lifestyle
• Your profession
• Your climate
• Your personal brand
We do not sell closets. We build wardrobes with purpose.
What Makes a Great Custom Dress Shirt?
A great dress shirt should:
• Sit cleanly at the collar without choking or gaping
• Allow arm movement without pulling the body
• Stay tucked throughout the day
• Feel refined and comfortable against the skin
Our approach includes:
• Precise collar measurements since neck size alone is not enough
• Custom sleeve pitch for natural arm movement
• Balanced body length for clean tuck and drape
• Premium fabrics that breathe, soften, and last
Most men do not realize their shirts are uncomfortable until they wear one made properly.
Is Bespoke Only for Formal or Older Men?
Absolutely not.
Our clients include:
• Entrepreneurs
• Grooms and wedding parties
• Executives
• Creative professionals
• Men who simply want to look intentional
We design:
• Suits and tuxedos
• Sport coats and blazers
• Dress shirts and elevated casual pieces
Bespoke is about precision and confidence, not age.
Why Is Bespoke More Expensive?
Because it is not a product. It is a process.
You are paying for:
• Expert pattern drafting
• Premium fabrics
• Hand-guided construction
• Multiple fittings
• Garments that last years, not seasons
When cost is spread over longevity and confidence, bespoke is often less expensive long-term than constantly replacing inferior clothing.
Why Bespoke By CB Is Different
At Bespoke By CB, we do not chase trends. We do not rush fittings. And we do not compromise construction.
What sets us apart:
• Deep technical knowledge of tailoring
• Obsessive attention to proportion and detail
• Honest guidance, even when it means less for us
• A relationship-driven approach rather than transactional sales
Our goal is not to dress you once.
It is to become your clothier for life.
Final Thought
The right clothing does not just make you look better.
It makes decisions easier, posture stronger, and presence undeniable.
If you are ready to experience what clothing should feel like, you are ready for Bespoke By CB.
About Bespoke By CB:
Bespoke By CB is a luxury custom menswear atelier specializing in bespoke suits, tuxedos, sport coats, blazers, and custom dress shirts. We have our main showroom in Brickell, Miami but service clients all over the world.
Every garment is designed from the ground up, starting with how the client moves, stands, and lives. Patterns are drafted to the individual, fittings are precise and intentional, and construction is never rushed or compromised.
Bespoke By CB serves entrepreneurs, executives, grooms, and men who value precision, longevity, and quiet confidence over trends. The focus is not on volume or fashion cycles, but on craftsmanship, proportion, and building wardrobes with purpose.
The goal is simple: clothing that fits properly, feels natural, and reflects who you are when you walk into a room.
