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Bespoke vs. Made to Measure: 
The Distinct Benefits of Bespoke Tailoring


In the bustling heart of Manhattan, nestled on 60th Street between 5th and Madison Avenue, Bhambi’s Custom Tailors has been a pillar of bespoke tailoring excellence in New York City since 1968. With more than 50 Years of dedicated craftsmanship, Bhambi’s represents the epitome of luxury bespoke menswear, offering unparalleled quality and personalized service. To fully appreciate why custom-made tailoring stands out as the pinnacle of sartorial craftsmanship, it is crucial to understand how it differs from made-to-measure tailoring and why bespoke excels in fit and fabric quality.

Bespoke – meaning “to speak for” in the Old English term – is synonymous with complete personalization and exclusivity. Bespoke tailoring is not merely about creating a suit; it is about crafting a garment that embodies the highest standards of fit, fabric quality, and craftsmanship. Unlike made-to-measure, which relies on pre-existing patterns, bespoke tailoring entails the creation of a unique pattern specifically crafted from the customer’s exact measurements, posture, and gait. This highly personalized approach ensures the suit matches the unique contours of the wearer’s body. This process allows for an exceptional fit, as every aspect of the garment is designed specifically for the individual.

At Bhambi’s, our dedication to the art of bespoke can be seen in the hand craftsmanship of our master tailors. Every bespoke suit is meticulously constructed, from hand-cutting the fabric to sewing each component with precise attention to detail. All of this enhances the suit’s fit and durability but also imbues it with a level of artistry and personal attention that the made to measure garments cannot achieve.

The selection of fabrics in bespoke tailoring is more extensive and exclusive. Bhambi’s Custom Tailors fabric selection offers over 300,000 cloths sourced from highest quality Italian and English mills of Loro Piana, Ermenegildo Zegna, Dormeuil, Holland & Sherry, Piacenza, Standeven, and many more.

In contrast, made-to-measure tailoring uses pre-made, standard patterns that are then adjusted to the client’s measurements resulting in a less precise fit. The range of fabric choices are often more limited compared to those available in bespoke tailoring. The craftsmanship in made-to-measure suits often involves more machine work and less hand-finishing, which can impact the overall quality and detail of the garment.

At Bhambi’s Custom Tailors, the commitment to true bespoke craftsmanship sets us apart. All our garments are created on the premises at our Manhattan location, allowing us to maintain a high level of control over the quality and precision of each piece. We go the extra mile here by incorporating our signature ability to match patterns on lapels that ensures a seamless and visually striking appearance that is a hallmark of genuine bespoke tailoring. This level of detail and dedication is not commonly found elsewhere and underscores our commitment to excellence.

From the initial consultation to the final fitting, our team at Bhambi’s Custom Tailors is devoted to upholding the highest standards of bespoke through a personalized tailoring experience that cannot be found in much of the world anymore. We work closely with each client to understand their preferences and requirements, delivering suits that are as unique as the individuals who wear them.

author avatar
Harry Bhambi