Men's Style Blog
Section: Men's Style - Blog
Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes when your tailor creates your tailored suit? Hopefully, this brief tutorial opens your eyes to a few truths so you can make informed future purchases.
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Many tailors fly down from overseas and offer allegedbespoke or tailored “Pure Cashmere Wool Super 150s” suits in designer materials for under $500. However, to us, it sounds farfetched to offer a Super 150s hand tailored suit made with designer cashmere wool at such a low price.
How can they cover return airfare for the workers, as well as pay for accommodations, materials, labour and so on? Either they're not making a profit, which is unlikely, or they're using cheap materials and cheap labour to make the suits.
Don't be surprised if some of the buttons fall off or the suit comes apart at the seams; additionally, the material may be poor quality and probably isn't Super 150s pure cashmere wool. Instead, the material will probably be a polyester-wool blend, and the cheaper it is, the more polyester content it will contain.
In many cases, the material flaunts a designer brand label such as Bvlgari, Armani, Versace, Boss, Gucci, Zegna, etc. printed along the side strip to attract customers. The tailor will offer a tailored suit using the designer material for an amazingly low price.
To the un-versed, this amazing price may be attributed to the cheap cost of labour in some foreign countries, which is partially true. However, the major reason the tailor can offer a low price is because the material is not actually what he claims it is.
For example, the material alone would cost around $450 if it is genuine.The cost of paying a Master Tailor to construct the suit, even in a country where cost of labour is cheap, would not be so cheap unless they're resorting to unethical practices such as sweatshops. On top of this, retailers add their own margins. All this is enough to drive the price up to $1200 - $1500 at the very least.
Here's a pictorial comparison between a cheap suit and a quality suit:
This brings me to my next point: despite cheap labour and tailor shops being abundant in many countries, not all tailors are equal. Many offer packages comprised of 2 suits + 1 blazer + extra trousers + 2 shirts + 3 silk ties all for USD $350. You often see such advertisements in the in-flight magazines. Once again, it sounds too good to be true, doesn't it? Well, to be fair, the offer is usually legit; however, you usually lose out in quality.
Often these ads get you into the shop, and then you're shown the materials that are on offer for this price. If you happen to know your suit materials and are discerning,you quickly realise you would not be caught dead in suits or shirts made from those materials, or you would not wear cheap polyester ties such as the ones in the offer.
Your aversion is instantly recognised by the experienced salesman, and you are swiftly upsold into better quality materials. You walk out spending more than you originally anticipated, or if you don't know any better, you walk out with cheap clothes that wear out in a couple of months and may cause your colleagues to view your attire with disapproval.
The majority of “tailors” are just shop fronts or showrooms that stock the rolls of materials and where measurements are taken, a suit is designed, and fittings are conducted. Many of these shop fronts ultimately use the same actual cutters, stitchers and finishers (collectively called tailors) who put the suit together in workshops that are hidden away somewhere offsite. The flashier looking larger shops just charge more, even though they may be using the same backend manufacturing as the tiny shop next door.
Well – there are three ways:
We have gone through the trial and error process for you and thereby refined our quality control practices. We hire real Master Tailors who expertly hand craft your suit. We use real Super 110s Australian Wool. No need to fly anywhere, just visit our Sydney CBD Showroom for a personal consultation. Finally, our prices are not astronomical – we believe we strike the perfect balance between high quality and reasonable prices.
Image credits:
© Francesco Mou | Dreamstime.com © Daniel Nagy | Dreamstime.com © Daniel Nagy | Dreamstime.com
With over 20,000 satisfied clients, Montagio's distinction as the top-rated tailor in Sydney and Brisbane is no coincidence. Our success lies in our commitment to personalisation, ensuring each suit is a true reflection of the individual wearing it. Unlike others, we focus on providing unparalleled service, meticulous attention to detail, and an array of bespoke options, making every Montagio suit a testament to quality and individuality. If it lacks that personal touch, it simply isn't Montagio.
Behind every Montagio suit is a team of experts dedicated to precision, craftsmanship, and personal service. Get to know the masters who bring your vision to life, ensuring every suit is as unique as the person wearing it.
James Goodchild
With over 15 years of experience in suiting and 8 years at Montagio, James Goodchild has custom-fitted over 3,000 suits, earning a reputation as a trusted bespoke tailoring expert in every aspect of the art. Passionate about bold statement suits and meticulous craftsmanship, he believes true greatness lies in integrity, influence, and style - much like a well-tailored suit that leaves a lasting impression
Book @ SydneyAaron Bry
Aaron began his career in 2002 and has deep expertise in tailoring and luxury menswear, achieving multi-million-dollar sales and earning induction into MJ Bale’s Million Dollar Club... twice. Now converted to custom, he is committed to excellence in both style and service and believes in always being impeccably presented. Outside of work, he enjoys bodybuilding and films, often described as a 'gentle giant' for his approachable nature.
Book @ SydneyRaul Rodriguez
Raul has a deep passion and knowledge of bespoke suiting. With a background in marketing and an eye for detail, he brings unique industry insight to his role. Raul bridges the worlds of craftsmanship and communication - showcasing our brand’s commitment to quality, style, and individuality. He ensures our clients not only look their best but also connect with a brand that truly understands them.
Book @ Brisbane
Named in GQ Magazine's "Best Tailors" list, and the highest reviewed tailor on Google, Montagio has paved the way for discerning men to get suited up with style. A truly personalised experience, we deliver perfectly fitted bespoke suits, shirts and coats for business, weddings, formal and casual events. Our showrooms are packed with designs that inspire and thousands of fabrics, making it easy for you to get the look you want. Our difference? We won't let you walk out until we've tailored your perfect garment. It's personal. To experience Montagio's red-carpet service, book your personal appointment today.