How Long Do Bespoke Suits Last?

From initial design, measurements recording, fabric cutting and construction, bespoke suits are meticulously handcrafted to achieve not just a masterful outfit that will make heads roll, but also one that serves you for long. The huge sum of money that goes into buying such masterpieces demands that they come with more durability, over their ready-made counterparts. Typically, bespoke suits come with a guaranteed service of between 8 and 10 years. However, the timeline of this service can vary depending on various factors like frequency of use, artisanship, maintenance, fabric quality, fit and adjustments.

Fabric Quality

When choosing your bespoke suit fabric, you will explore options like wool, cashmere, linen, silk and blends. Renowned for its breathability, versatility and comfort, wool enjoys more favor over other fabric types. When well-treated and craftily constructed, wool can be a great choice since it is a little cheaper and offers more durability and comfort compared to linen and silk. Silk and linen on the other hand are breathable due to their lightweight.

Bespoke suits are made to last!

However, they do not make an appropriate choice when durability is your priority. Cashmere on the other hand offers benefits in both aspects, quality and durability. The only limitation with cashmere is that it is very expensive.

Frequency of Use

The number of times you wear your bespoke suit greatly determines its durability. No matter the quality of fabric and artisanship put into the construction of one, a bespoke suit may never last a year if you wear it so frequently, say fortnightly. The more often you wear the suit, the more you will brush shoulders with other people while also exposing it to the causes of common wear like elements and dust. The only solution to this is to have a few pairs so that you can interchange between them whenever events come up.

Craftsmanship

The nature of craftsmanship invested in the making of a bespoke suit goes a long way in determining its lifespan. The main distinctive feature that characterizes bespoke suits is handcrafting, which translates to their high levels of quality and extended service. Sections that experience a lot of stress and constant contact with people, for instance, shoulders and lapels are hand-stitched to ensure they are firm for longer service.

In place of fused, the interlining of jackets is made of canvas, a denser but comfortable material. The canvas interlining is also designed to ensure the suit does not lose shape before its lifespan. A great tailor will also leave some minor allowance for adjustments in line with the changes on the body of the wearer.

Maintenance

Even with the 8-10-year guaranteed warranty, your masterpiece may never see the 3rd year if it is not properly cleaned and maintained. Instead of dry cleaning, a bespoke suit should be spot-cleaned after every wear to remove dirt and dust, both of which might damage the fabric. Dry cleaning should be done a few times, say 2-3 times a year. This is because chemicals used in dry cleaning might damage the fabric and contribute to its untimely wear.

When clean and completely dry, bespoke suits should be hung with sturdy broad hangers. They should then be stored in a breathable garment bag to prevent mold buildup. Since our bodies are constantly changing, the suit is bound to develop minor tears and loose buttons. You should keenly lookout for these and have them repaired before they escalate to serious damage.

Fit and Adjustments

The fitting and adjustment phases of the construction process play a critical role in the durability of bespoke suits. The initial fit allows the tailor to have an idea of the shape and size of the body of the customer. A perfect-fitting masterpiece lasts longer than one that is baggy or very tight. In an attempt to accommodate body changes in the future, the tailor leaves room for adjustments just before the final construction. The adjustments are usually in line with the customer’s demands, taste and style.

With a few pairs to interchange between them, a well-maintained, bespoke suit perfectly crafted with quality fabric should last somewhere between 8 and 10 years. To ensure your masterpiece attains this lifespan, be sure to have a few pairs. Having just a single pair exposes it to a lot of wear especially if you have many events to attend. As you look for a great tailor, be sure to evaluate their experience and customer feedback. A tailor with many positive reviews and higher ratings is more likely to deliver an exemplary outfit that matches your style and taste.