The History Of The Custom Suit

The word tailor dates back to 1297, according to the Oxford Dictionary. That was the time when the concept of designer wear and ready-to-wear clothing had not yet developed. Men all over the world visited tailors to have their clothing made. The suit a man wears on any occasion is an extension of his personality. Therefore, a bespoke or custom suit that is designed according to a mans fit is better than any high end designer suit.

The Custom Suit: A Brief History

The Renaissance period was when fashion was truly born. No longer were long flowing robes the order of the day. Men and women alike were realising that clothing is more than just a means to cover the human body. Until then the wearer of the garment played an important role in how the garment would look. The weaver and the end customer interacted directly. Tailors and the custom suit came in to the picture around this time, and their importance increased through the years.

Two countries played key roles in the popularization of the custom suit for men England and France.

England: English men have always been very particular about the way they look, with clothing leaning towards the ostentation of silks and velvets. The 17th century saw a major turn in this trend as men started opting for the custom suits and clothing that was slightly more sober. Bespoke tailoring found its way into the English fashion around this time. Men started preferring the more understated and sober designs. By the end of the 17th century, English tailors, especially those in London, came to the forefront and became important people. No longer was clothing made by personal seamstresses and peasants themselves. Rather a tailors guild came into existence.

France: French fashion has forever been overstated, with a bent towards the extravagant. The actual process of tailoring bespoke suits started in Paris and nobles from all over the country would go to Paris for their suits. Initially, the trend was to wear as much frill and bright colours as was possible. Eventually brocade gave way to silk and velvet to wool. The custom suit became a popular choice of clothing in the French courts and among the nobility. King Louis XIVs time saw a shift from the cloak, doublet and hose to the vest, coat and breeches.

England and France have played a major role in the development of modern mens clothing. Tailors making bespoke suits in the bygone era are, in the real sense, the forerunners to todays designers.