Is Suitsupply’s custom program any good? Here’s a hands-on review of a custom Suitsupply suit, shirt and overcoat.
Suitsupply needs no introduction: the brand is often touted as the best place to buy a suit right now. Boomers had Men’s Wearhouse, and we have Suitsupply.
Heck, I’ve recommended this modern Dutch clothier countless times to friends looking for a wedding or groomsman suit.
Sure, Suitsupply has caught some heat over the years for their aggressive marketing campaigns and possibly pretentious in-store reps (personally, I’ve never noticed this), but they still make a great suit at a relatively affordable price.
I say “relatively” because Suitsupply isn’t cheap. But it’s also not overpriced. In other words, you’re getting a lot of value for what you pay.
My Past Experience with Suitsupply
But, even though Suitsupply has become my top destination when helping someone buy a suit, it hasn’t actually worked well for me.
I bought a basic navy suit from Suitsupply a few years ago, just to see what all the hype was about. At the time, Suitsupply didn’t have a robust custom program, so that wasn’t an option.
I tried on a few different cuts and sizes, and the rep determined that a 32R Lazio with alterations was my best bet. After tailoring, it fit okay, but not great. For the price (nearly $600 after tailoring), I was disappointed.
I ended up donating that suit and decided that Suitsupply just wasn’t for me.
But that all changed…
Suitsupply Custom Made
Suitsupply’s marketing department reached and asked if I’d like to review their newly revamped custom clothing program, in exchange for my honest review.
They said I could start the process online and finish it up in a store (which is great because the closest Suitsupply is a couple hours drive from my house).
I was too curious not to jump on this opportunity, but I wanted this review to be thorough. So, instead of just getting a custom suit, I asked for the whole getup: suit, shirt and overcoat.
They agreed, and I got started on the design process at home, before visiting a store.
Suitsupply’s ‘Design Your Own’ Tool
If you’ve ever built a custom garment on any online made-to-measure brand’s website (like Indochino), then Suitsupply’s interface will feel familiar.
You pick your garment type, fabric (they stock more than 1,000), construction and details. You see your changes in real-time as you choose your lapel width and pocket style.
This type of garment designer is commonplace these days, but I have to say that Suitsupply’s execution is above average. It feels clean and intuitive, like a Volkswagon.
They offer as many or more customization options than any other MTM brand, including some that you won’t find elsewhere, like several different types of shoulder construction.
Between canvas, shoulder and lining options, you can really create a unique jacket with Suitsupply.
For your suit pants or odd trousers, you can choose your preferred type of waistband, closure and fly. You can add pleats, cuffs, pick stitching, suspender buttons and unique pocket types.
I love that you can add side adjusters to the waistband instead of belt loops. When it comes to keeping your pants up with style, side adjusters are far superior to belts (in my humble opinion).
Even the optional waistcoat can be customized to your liking, which is a nice touch.
For custom outerwear, you can choose between six different fabrics (wool, cashmere, camel and blends) and three different styles. From there, you can customize the length, lining and buttons.
The bottom line is, Suitsupply has done a great job with their online customization tool.
But none of that matters if they can’t deliver a garment that fits properly, so let’s move on…
What I Ordered
Suitsupply offered a full getup with no restrictions on fabric or add-ons, and you better believe I took advantage of this.
Here’s what I chose:
Suit (Brown Wool/Silk/Linen) – $1,087
- Jacket
- 2 button, double vent
- Full canvas (light)
- Narrow notch lapels
- Natural shoulder
- Flap pockets
- Trousers
- Double hook closure
- Side adjusters
- Zip fly
- Single pleat
- Cuffs (4cm)
- Half-linsed
- Waistcoat
- 4 button
- Notch lapel
- Straight pockets
- Fabric back
Shirt – $119
- Cotton twill
- Light blue hairline stripes
- Mother of pearl buttons
- Widespread collar
Overcoat – $499
- Navy wool
- Thigh length
- Brown/light brown buttons
- Paisley lining
I started with these designs online, then I saved them and sent the designs to Jared at Suitsupply’s Georgetown location.
We ended up tweaking a couple of small details in store, based on his recommendations, but most of our time together was spent getting my measurements right.
Getting Measured In Person
This is the part of the process that makes or breaks your custom suit. No matter how many customization options you get to choose or how fancy the fabric is, if the person taking your measurements doesn’t know what they’re doing, your suit isn’t going to fit properly.
And if you’re taking your own measurements, chances are you don’t know what you’re doing (I’m not blaming you…I’ve botched my own measurements more than a few times).
So I really prefer getting measured in person, and I like Suitsupply’s “start online, finish in store” approach. Of course, it only works if you can get to a Suitsupply location, which I could.
I have to say: Jared Bethune, a custom made specialist at Suitsupply’s Georgetown shop, was a pleasure to work with.
He was friendly, knowledgeable, laid back (not at all rushed) and, of course, very well dressed. He was also svelte like me, so he understood what it takes to fit the shorter, slimmer body type.
Jared had me try on a fitting garment for each piece (jacket, pants, shirt, coat), and he built out my measurement profile based on adjustments to these garments.
This is a standard approach used by many other custom brands. It’s made-to-measure, not bespoke, but some companies do it better than others.
For example, some brands only adjust the length of your jacket, not the button stance, which can throw off the overall proportions of your suit.
Jared explained that Suitsupply moves the button stance up or down proportionally based on your jacket’s length. This sort of micro-adjustability is really important, especially for people with non-off-the-rack builds.
We finished up my measurements, and about 3 1/2 weeks later, the clothes arrived at the Georgetown shop, ready for me to try on.
How Did Everything Fit?
I went back to shop and tried everything on, and I’m happy to report that this custom Suitsupply suit fit much better than the off-the-rack Lazio I’d tried a while back.
The waistcoat and overcoat fit just right, no alterations needed.
The jacket sleeves needed to be shortened just a tiny bit to make sure a sliver of shirt cuff would be exposed on my wrist. All of the important stuff, like the shoulders and length, were great.
The pants had to be taken in and hemmed slightly. All of these minor alterations were done in store that same day, which is pretty cool.
The final product is great. With Jared’s help, Suitsupply was able to make me a suit, shirt and overcoat that fits well.
Some common problems I have with suits, such as collar gap and twisting sleeves, aren’t present here. The suit is comfy (not too tight) but still nice and fitted, which is how I like my suits to wear.
My Overall Recommendation
We here at TMM have tested out so many custom suit companies: Oliver Wicks, Black Lapel, Indochino, Enzo Custom, Hall Madden, Lanieri, Knot Standard…the list goes on.
Suitsupply definitely deserves your consideration if you’re in the market for a new suit, shirt or overcoat, especially if you’re tough to fit off the rack.
I’ve had hit or miss experiences with custom clothing over the years. These pieces from Suitsupply turned out remarkably well. They’re high quality, they fit properly, and the overall experience was straightforward and stress-free.
The only downside is the fact that you’ll need to be able to get to a Suitsupply location. The in-person measuring is what makes this process work.
If you can make that happen, I absolutely recommend Suitsupply for your next custom suit, shirt or coat.
Frequently Asked Questions About Suitsupply
Still have questions? Here are the answers you need:
Does Suitsupply make custom suits?
Yes! Along with their ready-to-wear line, Suitsupply offers a Custom Made service that includes suits, sportcoats/blazers, trousers, shirts and overcoats.
You can design your custom suit online or in store. You can choose between ready-to-wear sizes or go to a Suitsupply store to get measured.
How much is a custom suit from Suitsupply?
Custom suits from Suitsupply start at $498, and the price goes up depending on which fabrics and options you choose.
Custom shirts start at $119, and custom coats start at $499.
How long does it take to get a custom suit from Suitsupply?
Typically, it takes 2-3 weeks for Suitsupply to make and deliver your suit. During periods of high demand, it can take 6-7 weeks. My suit order took about 4 weeks to be completed.
Where are Suitsupply’s suits made?
Suitsupply suits are made in China from imported materials (e.g., Italian fabrics).
Does Suitsupply make custom shirts?
Yes, they make custom jackets, trousers, waistcoats, shirts and overcoats.
Is Suitsupply one word or two?
The actual brand name is one word with no spaces – Suitsupply – although many people mistakenly call it Suit Supply (two separate words).
Dear Sir,
Sorry for posting a comment on an older post but I have recently discovered your website and I would like to add my 2 cents. I don’t know if your style has changed or developed since posting this article.
I see that this fit could be made better. I know that some of what I want to say could be subjective if not all of it but please bear with me.
First, the pants are on the narrow and shorter side. They sit just above your hips instead of your natural waist which is typically around your bellybutton. They also could benefit from being cut fuller all the way. If you notice, the pleats are open just by wearing the pant and standing still. They have to be closed and only open if necessary when sitting or manoeuvring in awkward positions. The leg opening should cover half to 2/3 of your shoes. This taper is too much for a manly figure.
Second, the WAISTcoat is too long and becomes a HIPcoat. It should be shorter, but the lower rise pant doesn’t help either.
The overcoat is just short. Looks like an elongated sport coat or a dress.
The suit jacket is good. A tiny bit short but this can be due to the camera angle.
IN A FULL CUT SHIRT I WEAR L / SLIM CUT XL / WHAT SIZE DO YOU RECOMMEND
IN YOUR LINEN SHIRTS ?
Hi Brock,
I just went to suitsupply and ordered my first custom suit, my experience was amazing as well, staff are great and knowledgeable, Im just waiting for the final measurements.
BTW, what is the leg opening of you trousers here? looks slimmer than the one they let me try on. I kinda prefer a slimmer look myself.
Glad to hear it! My leg opening is about 6.5-7″.
Loved this article, and the clothing came out great.
I am just a little confused with Suitsupply’s new “Custom Made” program. I went to their Soho shop and right at the beginning informed the salesman “I want a made to measure suit.” He looked a little thrown off and then stated “you mean the Custom Made program?” Anyway, we proceeded with the process. We did the entire suit from the ground up in the store. In other words, I did not select the cloth, lapel etc. online and then go in to the store to finish the order. When it came time for the measuring the salesman essentially put me in a 42S jacket and a 34 waist pants. There was not a measuring tape in sight. He pinned the pants in one spot at the back of the thigh (in additional to the hem of course). And with the jacket he indicated that he would take it out 5 cm. That was the extent of the “measuring.” So it really felt like more of a Made-to-Order process. It seemed as though he basically put me a sample off the rack suit and the finished product will be slightly altered, but nothing that an alterations tailor couldn’t handle.
I actually sent Suitsupply an email on this issue and the response was vague but seemed to indicate that “Custom Made” is more of a Made-to-Order program.
Do you know if Suitsupply has a made to measure program where a unique pattern is made for the customer? Did you by any chance discuss this issue directly with the Suitsupply rep who made you the clothing in this article? I get the feeling that this all changed in the past 12=18 months. Any insight as to what the “Custom Made” really is would be appreciated.
I’ve bought several items from Suitsupply. The first time in their main Amsterdam shop, I bought 2 suits (both with alterations ), 2 sports coats, and 4 ties. I got them delivered to another country. Although shipping should have been free for orders over EU150, they charged me delivery. When I complained, they refunded me the amount, and sent a complimentary shirt and a pair of socks.
Verdict : Suits are fine for the price. The stitching along the back of the linen sports coat came apart after one wear. The shirt was terrible-very cheap material that lost its shape and never regained it, even when dry cleaned and pressed.
I bought trousers in their Berlin store, and had them shortened. The in-house tailor had no idea what the protection band inside the hem was for ( I asked him : he said it was to give the hem shape. Jesus wept …. ). He put the hem protector 2-3 millimetres **above** the hem. I refused the trousers, and they gave them to me for 50% off. I got them fixed at a local tailors.
Most of the things I bought were actually made in Turkey. Their accessories are good for their relatively inexpensive price.
But make sure you are firm in what you want. Twice I had to ask the salesperson to correct his pinning of the hem on the trousers : they were much too short. “But that’s the fashion” he complained. I asked him was pleasing the customer something that Suitsupply took seriously and he begrudgingly adjusted them, only for them to be still too short. I had to ask to see the guy who would do the adjustments, and got him to pin them.
Brock makes that suit look goooooood.