How to Decide on the Right Suit in Singapore with Made to Measure vs Bespoke

If you’re shopping for a suit from a tailor in Singapore, you’ll quickly encounter two buzzwords: made to measure and bespoke. Both promise a better fit than off-the-rack, but they differ in process, price, and final result. 

For the everyday Singaporean deciding whether to invest in a custom suit, knowing the difference can help you choose wisely.

Let’s break it down.

1. Fit and Customisation

Made to measure (MTM) works by adjusting a base pattern to your body. Think of it as editing a ready-made template, as it’s tailored but within limits. You’ll still get to choose fabrics, lapel width, buttons, and lining, but the framework remains tied to a standard block. 

This makes MTM a great entry point for those who want a sharper look than off-the-rack but don’t necessarily need couture-level precision.

Bespoke, on the other hand, starts from scratch. A tailor drafts a new pattern unique to your body, taking into account posture, shoulder slope, arm length, and even how you naturally stand. 

Every element, from the roll of the lapel to the placement of the pockets, is shaped around you. The result is not just a good fit, but clothing that reflects your personality and lifestyle.

For those with difficult proportions, such as broader shoulders with a narrower waist, bespoke can solve problems MTM might struggle with. But for professionals who just want to look sharp in the office, MTM often hits the sweet spot between style and practicality.

2. The Fitting Process

With MTM, efficiency is the goal. You’ll have your measurements taken, choose your fabrics and details, and come back for one or two fittings. The final product usually arrives within four to six weeks.

 Many Singapore tailors like Suitsupply and Benjamin Barker Studios are popular for exactly this reason, as they offer quick, fuss-free tailoring with good results.

Bespoke is more of an experience than a transaction. Expect three to five fittings, including a basted fitting, where the suit is loosely sewn so adjustments can be made before the final cut. 

The process can take two to three months or longer, depending on the complexity of your requests and the tailor’s schedule.

For grooms, a longer timeline means the chance to experiment with styles and ensure everything is flawless for the big day. For busy executives, MTM may be the more realistic choice if you need a suit in time for an upcoming business trip or presentation.

3. Construction and Craftsmanship

MTM suits are typically machine-cut with some hand-finishing. Many offer half-canvas construction, which means the chest and lapel are reinforced with a canvas layer, balancing structure with flexibility. 

This gives the suit a neat silhouette while keeping costs in check. Shops like Made Suits or Suit Commune have refined this process, offering affordable yet polished results.

Bespoke suits, however, are an exercise in handcraft. A full-canvas jacket, painstakingly stitched by hand, molds to your body over time, creating a natural drape and fluid movement. 

Details like hand-stitched buttonholes, pick stitching along the lapels, and hand-padded collars aren’t just aesthetic, they also add strength and longevity to the garment.

For the discerning dresser, the beauty of bespoke lies in these subtleties. The way a bespoke jacket rolls at the lapel or drapes at the shoulder simply can’t be mass-produced. This level of craftsmanship is why bespoke is considered heirloom quality, lasting decades with proper care.

4. Price Points in Singapore

Price is where MTM and bespoke truly diverge. In Singapore, MTM suits start from about S$600–700 at entry-level tailors. Mid-range names like Suitsupply and Benjamin Barker Studios usually price theirs around S$1,100–1,500. 

Premium MTM houses like Made Suits push upwards of S$1,399, especially for imported wool fabrics. Shirts follow the same trend, with most MTM options costing S$150–300.

Bespoke suits, on the other hand, represent a luxury investment. Heritage institutions like CYC Tailor begin at around S$3,800, while ateliers such as Kevin Seah Bespoke are closer to S$5,800–10,000+ for a two-piece suit. 

Even bespoke shirts command a premium, often S$600 or more.

This divide reflects the labour and artistry involved. MTM prioritises accessibility, making it popular with young professionals, grooms, and those upgrading from off-the-rack. 

Bespoke caters to clients who see tailoring as an art form, which is a chance to own something unique, hand-built, and enduring.

5. Where to Go in Singapore

Made to Measure Picks

• Benjamin Barker Studios: Trendy, accessible, with MTM suits around S$1,300+.
• Made Suits: Specialises in “bespoke-to-measure,” starting at S$1,399 for suits.
• Suit Commune: Affordable MTM starting from S$349, perfect for first-timers.
• Suitsupply: International brand with MTM options from around S$1,100.

Bespoke Icons

• Meiko Tailor: Over 50 years of experience, with hand-canvassed suits from S$1,290.
• Kevin Seah Bespoke: Ultra-luxury house; jackets from S$5,800, shirts from S$650.
• CYC Tailor: A 90-year-old Singapore institution offering both MTM and bespoke.
• The Bespoke Club: A modern take on classic tailoring with full bespoke service.

This mix ensures that whether you’re shopping on a budget or looking to indulge, there’s a tailor in Singapore for every lifestyle.

Conclusion

So, when it comes to made to measure versus bespoke, the decision depends on your priorities. MTM offers efficiency, affordability, and a sharp look without demanding too much time or money. 

Bespoke, meanwhile, is an investment in craft that is a sartorial journey that yields garments unlike any other.

In Singapore, MTM appeals to professionals and grooms who want polish without breaking the bank. Bespoke remains the domain of enthusiasts and executives who treat clothing as art. 

Either way, by choosing the right tailor, you’re stepping into a world where clothing celebrates individuality, confidence, and timeless style.