Bespoke vs Made-to-measure: What is the Difference?
Olivia Boustead
An Overview:
When it comes to investing in a custom piece, two terms that are frequently thrown around are “bespoke” and “made to measure”. Now, while they both can be used within the custom clothing world, there are some key differences between the two. In this blog post, we’ll explore these key differences (as well as some similarities) between the two, which will help you make an informed choice when considering which custom clothing ‘road’ is right for you!
What is “bespoke”?
The term “bespoke” refers to a garment that is made entirely from scratch and has no pre-existing base pattern. Here, you have free reign over all of the design aspects of your dream clothing piece, from measurements, to fabrics and finishes.
Here at Rose’s Wardrobe, we can happily produce bespoke garments which meet your requirements upon request.
How do I order?
For enquiries regarding requesting a “bespoke” garment from Rose’s Wardrobe, head to the Bespoke section of our website to fill out an Enquiry Form, and also peruse our Garment Inspiration section for, well… inspiration!
An example of one of our bespoke pieces, this pinofore dress was requested by the lovely Robyn (they/xe)! @wheelingalong24
What is “made to measure”?
Made to measure (MTM) however, still offers a degree of customisation, but follows a different approach to that of “bespoke” clothing. The term “made to measure” refers to a clothing piece that is made from an already existing pattern, which is then altered to meet your exact specific measurements.
How do I order?
To order a “made to measure” piece from Rose’s Wardrobe:
First, head to the ‘+place an order’ section if our website.
Then, click the ‘Garment Inspiration’ tab and select the existing style which you would like made-to-measure.
Whilst on the ‘+place an order’ section of our website, go to the fabrics tab (this shows the fabrics which we currently have in stock) and choose the fabric that you would like your garment to be made out of. We can also source something different for you, just select ‘I would like you to source a fabric’ on the form and let us know what you are after.
Speaking of the form, once you have chosen the style of garment and the fabric you would like it to be made out of, go to the ‘+place an order’ section of the website and click the ‘order form’ tab. Then enter your details into the order form, along with the style of the garment that you have selected, as well as the fabric that you have chosen (where to put this will be apparent on the form).
An example of one of our made-to-measure ‘Ella’ dresses, requested by the radiant Sian (she/her)! @mrswarrscountryhome
Which one is right for you?
Choosing between bespoke and made to measure ultimately depends on your preferences, budget and the occasion for which you need the garment.
Bespoke is ideal for those who desire the highest level of customisation and are also willing to invest more time and money for a truly “one of a kind” piece of custom clothing.
Made to measure suits those who want an already existing garment, but that is made to their exact measurements and without the time and financial commitment that comes with bespoke clothing.
Why is all of this important?
In the world of custom clothing, understanding the differences between made to measure and bespoke is crucial. Each option offers its own set of advantages and caters to different needs, desires, events and budgets. Whether you opt for the full creative bespoke experience or the precision of made to measure, you’ll undoubtedly appreciate the luxury of wearing a garment that has been specifically designed for YOU!
The Team
Rose’s Wardrobe was founded by Emma and Leanne (pictured above) after both having over 12 years of experience between them working in high street, vintage inspired, and fashion supplier backgrounds. The inspiration from Rose’s Wardrobe derived from Emma and Leanne’s muses - their grandmas and great grandma - Patricia, Edna, and Rose. The aim is to produce replicas of the beautiful clothes their grandmas wore, using colours, styles and prints from the 1940’s through to the 1960’s.
You can connect with Rose’s Wardrobe on:
Facebook: Rose’s Wardrobe Vintage
Pinterest: Rose’s Wardrobe
TikTok: @roseswardrobe
Instagram: @roseswardrobe_vintage