Bespoke Experience, Tailor making patterns

What does Bespoke mean? How is it different than Made-To-Measure?

be•spoke adj: said especially of clothes. Making or selling custom-made clothing. A bespoke tailor.

The word bespoke has its roots in Savile Row, where it refers to clothing made to a client’s exact specifications. In bespoke tailoring, a unique pattern is drafted from scratch for each client, creating a garment that is built around their individual body, posture, and style preferences.

Made-to-measure is another highly personalized approach to custom clothing. Rather than starting from a completely new pattern, made-to-measure garments are created by refining an existing base pattern and adjusting it to the client’s measurements and preferences—delivering an exceptional fit with a streamlined process.

At Michael Andrews Bespoke, our full bespoke tailoring follows the traditional Savile Row bespoke method, where garments are sewn principally by hand, with only select long seams finished on a sewing machine. This craftsmanship helps achieve a level of structure, shape, and refinement that defines true bespoke clothing.

Whether you choose made-to-measure or bespoke, both offer a superior fit, elevated fabric options, and extensive customization—resulting in clothing designed to reflect your personal style and how you want to feel in it.

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How does the custom tailoring process work?

We believe ordering custom clothing should be just as enjoyable as wearing it. Your first appointment begins with a conversation—simple questions about your style, lifestyle, and preferences so we can understand what you’re looking for and how you want your clothing to feel on you.

From there, we’ll guide you through our extensive selection of luxury fabrics and customization options, including details like lapels, linings, pocket styles, buttons, collars, and more.

If you want extra guidance, you’re in the right place. Clients value the expert, direct advice they receive throughout the process. We’ll make clear recommendations on everything from the best cut for your build to the most flattering colors, patterns, and design choices—so you end up with clothing that looks sharp and feels natural to wear.

Once your design is finalized, we take a full set of measurements to ensure a precise fit.

When your garments are ready, we’ll reach out to schedule your fitting. If any alterations are needed, they are typically completed on-site within 1–2 weeks.

What is a "muslin" fitting?

The muslin fitting—also called a basted fitting, test fitting, or prototype fitting—is one of the most important steps in the full bespoke tailoring process, designed to deliver the most accurate fit possible.

After taking your initial measurements, we draft a one-of-a-kind pattern specifically for you and create a test garment that is basted together, meaning it is loosely stitched so it can be easily opened, adjusted, and refined directly on your body.

Once we fit you in this test garment, we make any necessary revisions to your pattern before cutting the final fabric for your finished bespoke suit or jacket. This process allows us to correct fit and balance issues that are often difficult—or impossible—to fully address once a garment is completed.

The result is a bespoke garment that fits with greater precision, comfort, and refinement from every angle.

Should I make an appointment?

Yes, please. At our NoHo location, we do not keep fixed store hours, so if you arrive without scheduling ahead, you may find the studio closed. Our Chelsea location does accept walk-ins, although appointments are still strongly encouraged.

We work by appointment to ensure every client receives dedicated, one-on-one attention. When availability allows, we’re also happy to accommodate same-day appointments, so feel free to call or email—even at the last minute.

With advance notice, we can typically schedule appointments any day of the week and at virtually any time of day—just let us know what works best for you.


How long will my appointment last?

On average, a first-time appointment lasts about 90 minutes, including both the design and measuring process. Timing can vary depending on the size of your order and the level of customization involved.

How long until my clothes are ready?

Custom Shirts

  • First-time orders: typically 4 weeks for the initial test shirt, plus 4 weeks for the remainder of the order

  • Subsequent orders: approximately 4 weeks

 

Custom Suits, Sport Coats, Pants & Other Garments

  • Made-to-measure: typically 6 weeks

  • Full bespoke (first order): typically 10 weeks (includes an additional 4 weeks for the muslin/basted fitting)

  • Full bespoke (subsequent orders): approximately 6 weeks

 

Delivery times are estimates and may vary case by case. Expedited service with a guaranteed delivery date is often available for an additional charge.

How much do your clothes cost?

Made-to-measure suits start at $995. Our hand-crafted custom suits start at $1,995, and full bespoke suits start at $2,995.

Made-to-measure tuxedos start at $1,195, and bespoke tuxedos start at $3,295.
Womenswear is currently available only as bespoke.

Bespoke jeans start at $495.

Custom shirts start at $195 for house fabrics and $275 for branded fabrics such as Thomas Mason and Canclini. Please note there is a three shirt minimum order for new clients.

As with all custom clothing, pricing can vary significantly depending on the fabric and style selected. Special requests requiring additional design work or supplemental pattern-making will be quoted case by case.

I'm interested in building a wardrobe. What is the most economical way to do this?

We specialize in helping busy professionals build versatile wardrobes efficiently and intelligently. Many of our most satisfied clients work with us to design shirts that coordinate with their suits and sport coats, and to select accessories that complete each look—all as part of one unified process.

To make this easier (and more cost-effective), we offer a range of wardrobe packages. Ask your stylist for details and we’ll help you choose the best option based on your goals, lifestyle, and budget.

What fabrics do you offer?

At Michael Andrews Bespoke, fabric selection is one of the most important parts of the custom clothing process—and one of the areas where we offer exceptional depth. We carry more than 60,000 luxury fabrics from many of the world’s finest mills, giving clients outstanding flexibility across style, seasonality, performance needs, and price points.

Our collection includes cloth from leading Italian and British mills such as Loro Piana, Zegna, Dormeuil, Scabal, Holland & Sherry, Ariston, Vitale Barberis Canonico, Alumo, Thomas Mason, David & John Anderson, Albini, and Canclini, with new seasonal bunches arriving regularly.

Custom Suit Fabrics

 

Our custom suiting selection includes:

  • 100% wool and wool/cashmere blends

  • Fabrics ranging from Super 100s through Super 200s

  • Four-season and seasonal weights, from lightweight summer cloths to heavier winter flannels

  • Select performance and travel-friendly blends designed to resist wrinkles and hold shape

 

Whether you’re building an everyday business wardrobe or selecting a statement fabric, we’ll help you choose the right cloth based on how you dress, how often you travel, and the look you want.

Custom Sport Coat, Blazer & Overcoat Fabrics

 

For elevated sport coats, outerwear and statement pieces, we offer premium options including:

  • 100% cashmere

  • camel hair

  • alpaca

  • vicuna (one of the rarest and most luxurious natural fibers in the world)

 

These fabrics offer distinctive drape, warmth, and softness across both casual and formal wardrobes.

Custom Shirt Fabrics

 

Our shirting fabrics are primarily 100% cotton and available in thousands of options, including:

  • classic solids and stripes

  • refined checks and micro-patterns

  • seasonal textures and weaves

  • formal whites and French cuff-ready cloths

 

We carry premium shirting from mills such as Thomas Mason, David & John Anderson, Albini, and Canclini, widely regarded as some of the best in the world.

Expert Fabric Guidance

 

With such a wide selection available, guidance matters. During your appointment, we’ll recommend fabrics based on season, durability, drape, formality, and coordination with your existing wardrobe—so your garments look exceptional and wear beautifully over time.

Can my suit be altered if I gain or lose weight?

Generally, yes. We leave extra seam allowance in our bespoke garments, which allows for future adjustments when possible. Please note that certain items—such as jeans and leather garments—may not be alterable.

If alterations are needed, we typically complete them in-house within 1–2 weeks.

Bespoke Alterations

 

We offer complimentary alterations on all bespoke garments for three months after you take them home.

Made-to-Measure Alterations

 

For made-to-measure orders, we include one round of complimentary alterations within two weeks of delivery, covering:

  • coat waist circumference

  • sleeve length

  • pant length

  • pant waist, seat, and crotch adjustments

 

Any additional alterations are charged a la carte. (You can view our alterations price list here.)

Weight Change Policy

 

We are not responsible for alterations needed due to weight gain or loss of more than five pounds from the time of measurement.

Outside Garments

 

We do not perform alterations on garments made elsewhere, but we’re happy to recommend a trusted New York tailor who can handle outside alterations properly.

For more information, please contact us.

How should I care for my new clothes?

Custom Suits, Sport Coats and Pants

 

To keep your custom garments looking sharp and lasting as long as possible:

  • Air it out after each wear. Hang your suit outside the closet overnight so moisture and odor can escape.

  • Hang trousers properly. Hang trousers long-ways from the bottom hem using a pant hanger. The weight helps release wrinkles naturally and reduces the need for pressing.

  • Dry clean only when necessary. Your suit should only be dry cleaned if it becomes physically dirty—and generally no more than a few times per year.

  • Refresh instead of dry cleaning. If your suit isn’t dirty but needs to look crisp, use a handheld steamer or have it hand-pressed by a reputable cleaner.

  • Choose a high-quality cleaner. Poor dry cleaning and pressing can prematurely wear out your suit and make it look tired after only one press. A top-tier cleaner will protect the structure, drape, and finish of your garment.

 

 

Custom Shirts

 

Unlike suits, custom dress shirts can generally be cleaned with water (though dry cleaning may be required for non-cotton shirting). For best results:

  • Wash in warm—not hot—water. Hot water and harsh chemicals can shorten the life of fine cotton shirting.

  • Find a cleaner who washes shirts in-house. Many cleaners send shirts to large commercial laundries that use very hot water and aggressive cleaning methods. This can reduce longevity and softness over time. We highly recommend Kingbridge Cleaners.

  • Avoid starch. Starch makes cotton fibers brittle and can cause shirts to wear out faster.

  • Remove collar stays before cleaning. Leaving stays in can cause scorch marks during pressing.

  • Treat stains immediately. For underarm stains, ring-around-the-collar, or food spots, apply Shout, OxiClean, or a similar stain remover as soon as you take the shirt off, and launder it as soon as possible.

 

Note on shrinkage: Some shrinkage is normal in new shirts. After 1–2 washes, a shirt may shrink approximately ¼”–½” in collar and sleeve length. This is built into your measurements, so a slight roomier fit at first is expected.

Can you tell me about your 10/10 referral program?

Most of our new clients find us through word-of-mouth, and we’re grateful for every referral.

Here’s how our 10/10 Referral Program works:

  • If you’re an existing client and you refer a friend to Michael Andrews Bespoke, your referral will receive 10% off their first order when they mention your name.

  • You’ll receive a credit equal to 10% of their order value, which can be applied toward a future purchase.

 

Referral credits apply to new orders only and are non-transferable.

What are the terms and conditions for your promotional offers?

We strive to deliver uncompromising quality and service at a competitive, fair price. For that reason, discounts, gift card promotional value, referral credits, and other offers may not be combined with any other discounts or promotions, and may only be redeemed toward full-price merchandise. For time-limited offers, all expiration dates and stated terms are strictly applied.

Gift Cards with Promotional Value

  • Promotional gift card value may be applied only to full-price merchandise

  • Promotional gift cards may not be applied to orders already in process

  • The full value of the primary gift card must be used first before any additional credit can be applied

  • Promotional gift card credit cannot be exchanged for cash

  • Tax is not included

  • Any purchase amount exceeding the gift card value is the responsibility of the person redeeming it

 

Wardrobe Package Shirt Promotions (Made-to-Measure)

  • Buy 2 made-to-measure suits, receive 1 complimentary shirt

  • Buy 3 made-to-measure suits, receive 3 complimentary shirts

  • Maximum value for complimentary shirts is $325 per shirt

 

Buy 5, Get the 6th Free

  • Applies only to garments of the same type

  • The complimentary garment will be the lowest-priced item in the order

  • Suits may be substituted for tuxedos or jacket/pant combinations, including jeans and shorts

 

If you have additional questions, please contact your stylist—we’re always happy to help.

How does payment work?

We accept all major credit cards, as well as cash, check, and wire transfers.

Payment Terms

In general, payment is collected in full at the time an order is placed. For new clients who are not yet acquainted with us, we may allow a 50% deposit at the time of purchase. In this case, a credit card will be kept on file to secure the remaining balance, which will be automatically charged when the garments are ready for fitting.

If we are unable to collect the outstanding balance and it remains unpaid for more than three months, the order may be cancelled without refund.

 

Cancellations & Unclaimed Garments

  • Amounts paid toward garments that have not yet been made will be applied to the client’s account as a credit, less a 20% restocking fee based on the original full price.

  • Garments that have been made and remain unclaimed may be donated to charity or discarded.

  • No refunds or credits can be provided for unclaimed garments that have been donated or discarded.

What if I decide to change or cancel my order?

We make every effort to accommodate our clients to the extent reasonably possible.

Bespoke Orders

 

Once a bespoke order is placed and a deposit is paid, we immediately order your fabric. For this reason, if you cancel a garment or request a fabric change after the cloth has been ordered, a 20% restocking fee (based on the garment cost) will apply.

Once a garment has been cut, no further modifications can be made to the order.

Made-to-Measure Orders

 

Once a made-to-measure order has been submitted, no changes or cancellations can be made.

Do you guarantee your results?

Yes—absolutely.

Bespoke

 

If you are not thrilled with the fit of your bespoke garment, and you let us know within three months of the garment being made, we will alter it to fit your needs or remake it once, free of charge.

Made-to-Measure

 

For made-to-measure orders, once the order has been submitted, no changes or cancellations can be made.

Made-to-Measure Alterations

 

For all made-to-measure orders, we include one round of complimentary alterations within two weeks of delivery. Complimentary alterations include:

  • coat waist circumference

  • sleeve length

  • pant length

  • pant waist, seat, and crotch sizing

 

Any additional alterations are charged a la carte.

Returns & Refunds

 

Because garments are made specifically for each client, we generally cannot accept returns or issue cash refunds (unless we made an irreparable mistake—which is extremely rare, but possible).

For more information, please contact us.

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