10 Worst Custom Suit Mistakes (From An Expert Who's Seen It All)

We all make mistakes. But when it comes to custom or bespoke suits, you definitely do not want to make any mistakes because you're laying out a lot of cash. In this video, I sit down with my good friend Cory Sylvester from Michael Andrews Bespoke for him to share the 10 biggest mistakes he sees guys make when it comes to buying a custom suit. You don't want to miss this one! Enjoy!

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0:00 - Introduction
0:32 - Pouring Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia Tequila
3:06 - Not Having A Plan
4:43 - Not Playing To Your Strengths
6:34 - Procrastinating
7:54 - Going Too Far With Custom Details
10:13 - Expecting Perfection
11:52 - Listening To The Peanut Gallery
13:32 - Over-Ordering
15:28 - Overspending
16:47 - Dressing on an Empty Stomach
17:27 - Asking For Advice Then Not Taking It
19:02 - A Special (Surprise) Ending

[toysoldier]

As someone who just got a bespoke tux for a wedding, I'm scared of what I'm about to see in this video.

[aPixelcoffee]

I really enjoyed the format you chose. A very comfortable room, tastefully lit, sitting close together, drink in hand and ready to converse. This was not just an interview, but a dialogue between two cordial professionals, greatly befitting the importance of trust between a tailor and his client. Great choices, gentlemen!

[ONITruh]

I've had about 6.5 years of selling menswear and MTM clothes, this is absolutely spot on with my experiences. #10 is my biggest pet peeve when helping clients. I can also agree with clients overspending or seeing a price tag and expecting the final product to be perfect and it's just not possible. I've turned clients away even, whose expectations were so outrageous I knew we'd never meet them. Great video!

[Rooksfish]

I recently purchased the gray flannel suit from HSW / MAB. It was a great experience to work with Michael to get the perfect details and customization (including changing to a mid-gray vs the light or charcoal), and the perfect fit. I was really impressed at how good the fit was right from the start when ordering from online and via emailed pictures. After a few emails and a number of pictures wearing the new suit, MAB adjusted the fit a bit further. It's amazingly comfortable to wear with exceptional movement with the high cut armholes and just the right amount of drape to make it easy to wear but still looking clean.

I had a different custom suit made at a local tailor (not MAB) and while it's a great suit, the fit isn't as good as the MAB flannel. My big mistake was going in not knowing what I wanted fit wise. I knew what type of fabric and color I wanted (slightly lighter "navy" business suit), but I ended up with a much slimmer suit than I wanted. The local shop was able to let it out and get a good fit, but it's still a slim suit, slim lapels, low rise that knowing what I know now, I would not have went with. Meanwhile the MAB suit ended up being as close to perfect as you could get.

I plan to go into the NY store this fall to have a personal fitting and go a bit deeper into the next design - hopefully he has some of that Reserva left.🙂

[leonardorechsteiner]

For people that workout something I'd add regarding mistake # 9 is to also "mind the pump".
I know it might be silly, but I've found that if you workout regularly there's a chance that your measures aren't really your "everyday size", specially for arms and legs.
Me and my tailor really got my pattern dialed up when we started accounting for both the pump on regular use and extra fabric behind the seams for future-proofness.

[salehdarwish]

Thanks for all the in depth information and tips. It's truly fascinating how deep you can dive into something you find interesting and joyful.
I've been interested in classic fashion for a year now and it's great how much you can learn from other's experiences.
Thanks Brian for the top notch videos.

[countalma]

I’ve said this in the past and will say it again - this is the best channel about classic menswear. The production quality, the presentation, the actually useful information, and high class without a hint of pretentiousness, make it truly unique. Thank you and good luck!

[Grnsurfer]

Another awesome video. You real find the right spot between detailed enough and not too long with your content. Always a pleasure to watch.

[jgb]

I’ve had several suits and sport coats made over the years and have made most of these mistakes—I have one or two real tragedies. This video has really good advice.

[tweaky]

I really enjoyed the conversation. It is very intriguing to hear what the both of you have to say about mistakes people make when they decide to go bespoke. Much love Brian, I really enjoy the videos, always inspiring and informative.

[raphramos]

This is a great channel. I've never been a fan of getting custom suits because I've never known better. I wore dress greens for special occasions but now being out of service I've come to enjoy a suit. I love this channel 👍

[amphibian]

Brian, I just have to say that you make some of the best style videos on Youtube and this may be your finest work yet. I especially appreciate how little of the bravado and aggression of so many other men's style focused content goes into your work on this channel. I can always count on you for well researched, useful, and grounded style advice and I am sure I am not the only one that appreciates this important niche you fill.

Keep up the excellent work.

[rafael-rossi]

Really fruitful exchange. So nice to see the way Cory formulates the reasons and ideas behind each mistake and possible solutions. I hope to become a MA client someday.

[grumpyoldman]

Excellent video! I've been thinking about what I would want in a bespoke suit and knowing the possible pitfalls first is extremely helpful.

[BaronDeRothschild]

Loved this format. Looking forward to more episodes like this. Would have liked to see a quick tour of the Michael Andrews establishment. Either way, great content.

[AlejandrosEngineeredLifestyle]

Hey Bryan, I’m glad to see the tequila simile! That’s a great bottle, one I usually buy on vacation. I just shared the exact same box with my best friends at their wedding so cheers!

[danielduggan]

This is an excellent video, Brian! As I plan on hopefully going custom for my own wedding, these tips are not only timely but also helpful. Thanks, as always.

[sengtong]

Every time I see you post a new video with the word "Suit", I click immediately without any hesitation. Another wonderful video, thank you

[SalsaSippin_]

This is one of my new favorite channels. I've recently decided at 43 years old to stop dressing like a cholo from 1995. Binge watching your videos and soaking up the style knowledge. I noticed dressing sharp like this increases my confidence and even the way I conduct myself and the way I'm received by other people. Dress for success! Thank you!

[mr.okazaki]

What a great video! You should talk more to people from different backgrounds. Style, Watches, History, Music, fine spirits/cigars, ...