Made to measure is a fancy term for what’s essentially a shortcut to a better-fitting suit. It’s when brands modify their standard patterns to fit you, rather than having an entirely new pattern drawn up for you from scratch (like a bespoke suit).
Most online brands offer made-to-measure, which is generally cheaper than full-custom or bespoke suits. They may also be able to turn around the suits faster than a tailor, since they don’t have to wait for in-person fittings and can do most of the work from their home offices.
While online made-to-measure is growing in popularity, many brands still require an in-person visit to take your measurements and give you a chance to ask questions and discuss options. You should also be able to see some of the fabric options in person so you can decide what kind of look and feel you want for your suit.
In the case of Indochino, they let you take your own measurements at home with a Tailoring Kit ($29), or in an in-person appointment at their showroom in San Francisco. They’ll then tweak their standard alpha sizes based on your body type and get back to you with a custom pattern and swatches. They’ll even build in excess cloth for a future alteration if you gain weight, which is something few other brands do. Other brands like Suitsupply, Daniel Re and Alton Lane are able to get you a suit in two weeks, which is impressive for an online-only company. Made to measure suits