I got the best-fitting made-to-measure suit I've ever worn at Suitsupply — here's how it works and what it costs

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When it comes to made-to-measure suits, not all brands are created equal. Suitsupply wants to be the superior choice compared to its competitors, like Indochino, and in this style editor's opinion, it does so by offering top-tier luxury fabrics and a more bespoke fitting process. Plus, the prices aren't painful.

Founded in 2000 in Amsterdam, Suitsupply's style, craftsmanship, fine attention to detail, and use of premium materials have landed it on our list of the best menswear brands for work clothes, though we also love it for formal events and weddings. After testing it for our buying guide (alongside tons of other suiting brands), I'm sharing what it was like to get the best made-to-measure suit I've ever worn.

How to get measurements for your custom suit

Suitsupply offers off-the-rack sizing for most items, but its Size Passport is what really sets it apart from other menswear brands. While other made-to-measure brands usually allow you to take your own measurements for your profile, Suitsupply requires you to visit an in-store location for professional measurements. Not being able to upload your own measurements might seem less convenient, but it's intended to eliminate the margin for error and ensure your garments fit exactly as they should.

The good news is that once your initial measurements are done, you can conveniently shop online and order additional made-to-measure pieces without ever visiting a tailor again. There are 150 Suitsupply locations worldwide, and I chose to visit the Soho store for my fitting.

Designing my custom suit

When I say this is a custom suit, I don't just mean the sizing. Virtually every part of the suit can be customized to your liking — from the interior lining, lapels, pockets, and buttons, all the way down to the color and font of the monogram, if you choose to add one.

If you need help deciding what will work best for the suit you've envisioned or you're simply impartial to the many detailed choices, the Suitsupply style specialist is there to guide you through the customization process with troves of men's style knowledge.

Rather than flipping through hundreds of swatches, I told my specialist, Jaquan, that I wanted a material that was formal, dark blue in color, and a weight ideal for all seasons of the year. He helped me narrow it down to a few solid contenders.

The same process applies to the dress shirt

I went through a similar process designing my shirt, and decided on a light blue Egyptian cotton with a white collar and cuffs. The monogrammed accent is an excellent little style detail, and the overall quality of the shirt speaks for itself.

Picking up my suit

My suit was ready about two weeks after my fitting. You can have your suit shipped directly to you, but I opted to pick it up from the store for a final fitting.

During my final fitting, we decided that my pant legs should be just a bit shorter, so they started the alterations the same day. Once those minor adjustments were made, the suit was absolutely perfect. I felt comfortable, able to move around easily, and confident in the sharp navy color.

Pricing

The total price of my three-piece suit was $1,073, but if I had just ordered the same suit in off-the-rack sizing, it would have been $898. The cost of getting the suit made with my measurements was ultimately less than I would have spent buying it off the rack and going to a quality tailor, so the value is definitely there.

Otherwise, pricing really depends on what materials you opt for. Off-the-rack suits start at $499, and made-to-measure options start around $675, so you definitely don't have to spend a grand if you don't want to. The shirts are also pretty reasonable at $99 off the rack (though the made-to-measure version I got was $169).

Suitsupply accessories

In addition to the shirt and suit, I was able to pick out a tie and dress shoes from Suitsupply to complete the look. You'll also find socks, pocket squares, belts, and more online and in-store. That means this place is a real one-stop shop for getting dressed head-to-toe for your next formal event. And if you've ever shopped for a suit and all of the necessary accouterments, you know just how hard it can be to piece things together nicely if you're shopping from different brands at different places.

Why a personalized touch matters

First and foremost, a suit should stand out for how well it fits you. But even if the public won't see your monogrammed accents (especially under the collar), there's something special about knowing there's no other suit exactly like the one you're wearing. It's a sure way to help yourself exude a little extra confidence — plus, you'll never have it mixed up at the dry cleaners.

The bottom line

Suitsupply offers one of the most thorough, detail-oriented shopping experiences out there. Although it's more expensive than other custom suits I've had the opportunity to test, and it took an initial fitting and some alterations, it's also undeniably the best-fitting suit I've worn, making it well worth the price and time commitment.

If you're on a tight budget, yes, you can absolutely get a nice suit for less. But if you're willing to invest in long-lasting pieces of exceptional quality for your formal wardrobe or a special event, I strongly recommend Suitsupply.