Frequently Asked Questions About Our Bespoke Process

Endless options to create your truly unique look. From Italian cashmere to merino wool and novelty buttons, we bring the showroom to you so you have all the options available when designing your garment. Discover what makes a suit bespoke and learn about our unique tailoring process in the FAQs below. We’ve also included videos showcasing our craftsmanship, fabric choices, and the many customization options to ensure your suit is distinctly yours.

1) Q:  What is a bespoke suit?

A: A bespoke suit represents the pinnacle of tailoring, offering a garment crafted uniquely for an individual from scratch, with an unparalleled level of customization and precision. The term “bespoke” itself originates from “bespoken for,” indicating that the fabric was reserved and the suit made to a specific customer’s exact requirements.

 2) Q: What is the process of getting my bespoke suit start to finish?

A:  The Bespoke Suit Journey Step-By-Step

A) Initial Consultation & Design Discussion

• Appointment: You’ll start by scheduling an appointment with a bespoke tailor or tailoring house.
• Discussion of Needs & Style: This is a crucial conversation. You’ll discuss:
• Purpose of the suit: Is it for business, a wedding, special events, or everyday wear?
• Your personal style: What kind of look are you aiming for (classic, modern, bold)? Bring inspiration photos if you have them.
• Preferences: Do you have specific likes or dislikes regarding fit, fabric feel, or details?
• Lifestyle: How often will you wear it? Do you travel frequently with it?
• Fabric Selection: You’ll be guided through an extensive selection of fabric swatches (often hundreds or thousands) from various mills. You’ll consider:
• Material: Wool (various weights and weaves like worsted, flannel, tweed), cashmere, silk, linen, cotton, or blends. 
• Color & Pattern: Solid, pinstripe, check, herringbone, etc.
• Weight & Seasonality: Heavier fabrics for winter, lighter ones for summer.
• Styling Details: You’ll decide on every element of the suit’s design: Jacket, coats, trousers, shoes.
• Initial Measurements: The tailor will take a comprehensive set of measurements (often 10-20+). These are much more detailed than for off-the-rack or made-to-measure and will also note your posture, shoulder slope, and any other unique physical characteristics.   

  B) Pattern Creation (The Blueprint)

  • Drafting: Using your precise measurements and style choices, the master cutter will hand-draft a unique paper pattern exclusively for you. This pattern is the blueprint for your suit and is what distinguishes bespoke from made-to-measure (which uses existing blocks of pre-sized fabric).  The suit is then sewn together in the factory by our artisan tailors made perfectly to your given measurements. The suit will then be sent to us for the first fitting.

       
    C) First Fitting  

     

     

  • We will bring the suit to you for a personal fitting. While we aim for a perfect fit on the first try, this fitting allows us to ensure optimal comfort and that the suit drapes flawlessly on your frame. This fitting is for final tweaks and minor adjustments to ensure perfection. It’s about confirming button placement, final sleeve and trouser lengths, and any subtle refinements. If any alterations are needed, our skilled local tailor will expertly complete them.

     

    D) Final Fitting/Pressing & Final Touches

  • Typically, we will have your suit dry-cleaned and pressed after the tailor has made your necessary alterations.
  • In the final fitting we will ensure all of the alterations made by the local tailor sit well in this final version of your suit and with a dry cleaned, pressed suit, everything is flawless and ready to be worn.

     

     3) Q: What different fabrics are offered for my garments to be made from?

    A: Most of our fabrics are made from merino wool, we also offer cashmere wool, linen, tweed and flannel. Our shirts are all made from premium cotton. 

     

    4) Q:  How do you offer such high-quality suits at competitive prices?

    A:  We operate on a concierge model without a physical storefront. This significantly reduces our overhead costs like rent and extensive retail staff salaries. We pass these savings directly to you, allowing us to offer premium garments at prices typically 1/3 less than made-to-measure competitors and about half the price of traditional bespoke services.

     

     

     

     5) Q: What’s the process for ordering additional clothing once I’m an existing client?

    A:  Reordering is a breeze! Since we have your precise measurements and pattern on file from your initial order, the process is significantly streamlined. You’ll simply need to select new fabrics, linings, and discuss the styling details for your desired garments (suits, jackets, shirts, pants). Once your selections are finalized, we can begin crafting your new pieces.

     

     6) Q: How do I order a pair of bespoke shoes?

    A: Please see our page titled ‘Bespoke Shoes’ to see how we measure for our bespoke shoe collection.  

     

     7) Q: How do I care for my bespoke suit?

     

    A: Steve Pariani Garment Care

    Proper maintenance is key to preserving the quality and drape of your finely crafted Steve Pariani suits and separates. Please follow these guidelines:

    Recommended Dry Cleaning:

    We advise using Super Quality Dry-Cleaners (https://www.sqcleaners.com/) for expert care. Important: Instruct staff to use minimal moisture during dry cleaning. Our suits feature natural fibers and internal canvassing; excess moisture can cause bubbling. Super Quality Dry Cleaners is experienced with such garments.

    Shirt Care:

    Our 100% cotton or linen shirts are best dry cleaned or laundered with light/medium starch. This helps maintain structure and freshness, especially for travel.

    Suit Cleaning Frequency:

    Dry clean suits 2-4 times annually, depending on wear frequency.

    Maximizing Suit Life:

    For frequent wear, consider an additional pair of trousers to alternate with the jacket, significantly extending the suit’s lifespan.

    Alternative Dry Cleaners (Colorado Springs):

    If Super Quality Dry-Cleaners is not accessible:

    • European Dry Cleaners: 802 Arcturus Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80905 | (719) 473-7476
    • Tide Cleaners: Consult their website or local listings for Colorado Springs locations.

    Further Assistance:

    For any questions regarding garment care, please contact Steve Pariani directly.