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A Standard Size suit is the better choice when your body proportions fit comfortably within a regular suit size range and you want a straightforward ordering process. A Custom Tailored suit is more suitable when you need the selected design prepared according to your individual body measurements.
At Imperial Stitch, the Custom Tailored option changes the fit—not the product design. The colour, fabric and design remain as shown on the product page.
The right choice therefore depends on your measurements, proportions, available time, budget and how precise you want the fit to be.
Choosing a suit online becomes much easier once you understand the difference between standard size and custom-tailored suits.
Both options can help you create a polished look, but they follow different sizing processes. Standard sizing uses a predetermined range of jacket and trouser measurements. Custom tailoring uses the body measurements you submit when placing the order or afterwards.
One is not automatically better than the other. The best option is the one that matches your body proportions, fit expectations and the occasion for which you are buying the suit.
This guide explains the differences clearly so you can confidently choose your preferred option before exploring the complete Imperial Stitch men’s suit collection.
A Standard Size suit is ordered using an established size range rather than a full set of individual body measurements.
Depending on the product, you may select details such as:
This option works particularly well for men whose chest, shoulders, waist, arms and height fall comfortably within conventional suit-sizing proportions.
For example, if you already know that a particular jacket size and length normally fit you well, Standard Size offers a quicker and simpler route to ordering.
Standard sizing does not mean that every man with the same chest size has an identical body. Two people may both wear a size 42 jacket while having different shoulder widths, sleeve lengths, waist measurements or postures. That is why checking the complete size guide is more reliable than ordering based only on the size printed inside an existing jacket.
Research published by the National Institute of Standards and Technology on body dimensions for apparel highlights the importance of body measurements and sizing systems in achieving satisfactory garment fit.
A Standard Size suit offers several practical advantages.
The ordering process is straightforward because you select from familiar size options. It usually requires less information than a custom-tailored order, making it convenient when you already understand your regular suit size.
Standard Size may also be the right choice when:
You can find Standard Size options across Imperial Stitch’s two-piece suits and three-piece suits.
A Custom Tailored suit is prepared according to the individual body measurements submitted by the customer.
With Imperial Stitch, you begin by choosing an existing suit from the website. You then select Custom Tailored as the purchase type and provide the required measurements while ordering or submit them afterwards.
The selected product’s:
remain as displayed on the product page.
The custom-tailoring service focuses on preparing that design according to your measurements. It is not a fully bespoke, design-your-own service in which every fabric, button and construction detail is selected separately.
In broader menswear terminology, made-to-measure generally sits between standard sizing and full bespoke tailoring. A standard design or pattern is adapted using the wearer’s measurements, whereas bespoke traditionally involves a more extensive individual pattern and fitting process. The GQ guide to suit terminology provides a useful explanation of these commonly used distinctions.
Custom tailoring can be especially valuable when standard sizes do not reflect your proportions accurately.
You may benefit from the Custom Tailored option when:
A custom-tailored order does, however, depend heavily on measurement accuracy. Even an experienced tailor cannot work from incorrect information, so measurements should be taken carefully and preferably with assistance.
| Factor | Standard Size | Custom Tailored |
|---|---|---|
| Sizing method | Selected from an available size range | Prepared according to submitted body measurements |
| Information required | Jacket and trouser sizes | Complete set of required measurements |
| Ordering process | Faster and more straightforward | Requires measurement submission and review |
| Body proportions | Best for conventional proportions | Better for customers outside standard proportions |
| Design and fabric | Remain as shown | Remain as shown |
| Preparation time | Generally shorter | Requires additional tailoring time |
| Price | Base product price | Additional tailoring charge may apply |
| Potential alterations | Minor alterations may still be needed | Fit depends on accurate submitted measurements |
| Best suited to | Customers who know their regular suit size | Customers seeking a measurement-based fit |
Your decision should begin with your previous experience of wearing suits.
Standard Size will probably suit you if you can usually purchase a jacket and trousers without needing major alterations.
A sleeve adjustment or trouser hemming is relatively common and does not necessarily mean you require a custom-tailored garment. Small local adjustments can refine a standard suit without changing its overall construction.
Before ordering, compare your current measurements with the size guide rather than relying entirely on a size you bought from another brand. Suit sizing can vary between manufacturers.
Custom Tailored is worth considering if you frequently experience problems such as:
In these cases, choosing a larger standard size may solve one issue while creating another. A custom-tailored option allows the selected suit to be prepared from a more complete set of body measurements.
Body weight alone does not determine suit size.
Two men of the same height and weight may require very different suits. One may have broader shoulders and a narrower waist, while the other may carry more width through the waist and hips. Arm length, posture, torso length and thigh measurements can also change how a suit sits.
When deciding between standard size and custom tailoring, pay attention to where standard suits normally fit poorly.
The shoulders deserve particular attention. Trouser length and jacket sleeves can often be adjusted locally, but significant shoulder problems are more difficult to correct without affecting the jacket’s structure.
Both options can work for weddings, but timing and fit expectations matter.
A Standard Size suit may be ideal for a wedding guest or groomsman who already knows his size and has time for a minor alteration before the event.
Custom Tailored may be more appropriate for:
Explore the men’s wedding suit collection to compare two-piece, three-piece and statement-colour options.
When ordering for a fixed event date, allow enough time for production, international delivery and any local adjustment you may wish to make. Review the latest Imperial Stitch Shipping and Delivery Policy before placing a date-sensitive order.
Standard sizing is often practical for business suits because professional wardrobes may require multiple garments and regular repeat purchases.
A well-fitting standard navy, charcoal or grey suit can cover:
Custom Tailored may be worthwhile when you wear suits frequently and standard sizing repeatedly creates the same problems. Improving sleeve length, trouser proportions or the balance between the chest and waist can make regular business wear feel more comfortable and intentional.
Still choosing between classic business colours? Read our comparison of a charcoal vs grey suit before selecting your next professional outfit.
Prom and formal events often involve statement colours, tuxedo details and a more fashion-led silhouette.
Standard Size may work well when:
Custom Tailored may be preferable when you want a more measurement-focused fit or find that standard jackets and trousers rarely work together.
For black-tie or evening occasions, explore the available men’s tuxedos. Remember that a tuxedo is defined by formal design details such as satin-style lapels and is different from an ordinary business suit.
Accurate measurements are essential for a successful custom-tailored order.
Wear a fitted shirt and lightweight trousers rather than bulky clothing. Stand naturally instead of pulling in your stomach or forcing your shoulders backwards. Keep the measuring tape level and comfortably close to the body without pulling it tight.
Where possible, ask another person to help. Measuring your own shoulders, back and jacket length can be difficult, and twisting to read the tape may change your posture.
Common measurements may include:
Enter the measurements exactly as taken. Do not reduce a number because you want a slimmer fit or add extra inches because you prefer more room. Fit preference should be communicated separately where the ordering form allows it.
Do not choose a size only because it matches a jacket purchased several years ago. Measure yourself again and compare the results with the current size guide.
Pulling the tape tight can result in measurements that do not leave appropriate room for movement.
Heavy sweaters, jackets and loose trousers can distort body measurements.
Customers sometimes subtract inches to create a slim fit. This can produce a garment that is restrictive rather than refined.
Custom Tailored orders require measurement review and production before shipping. Place wedding, prom and other date-sensitive orders well in advance.
Standard Size and Custom Tailored garments may have different return conditions. Read the Refund and Return Policy before ordering. The US Federal Trade Commission also recommends checking an online retailer’s shipping, refund and return terms before completing a purchase.
Yes. “Tailored” can describe the appearance and silhouette of a suit, not only the way it was ordered.
A correctly chosen Standard Size suit can look sharp when the shoulders sit cleanly, the jacket closes without pulling, the sleeves end at the right point and the trousers create a neat line.
Minor adjustments by a local tailor can also improve:
The important distinction is that a Standard Size garment begins with predetermined sizing, while a Custom Tailored order is prepared using the individual measurements you provide.
No. A customer whose body fits standard proportions may be completely satisfied with a Standard Size suit. Custom Tailored becomes more useful when standard sizing repeatedly creates fit problems or when a more measurement-based approach is preferred.
No. At Imperial Stitch, the design, colour and fabric remain as shown on the product page. Custom Tailored refers to preparing the selected design according to your submitted measurements.
It may. Minor sleeve, trouser or waist adjustments are common with standard sizing. The amount of alteration required depends on your proportions and the size selected.
Measure your chest and compare it with the Imperial Stitch size guide. You should also consider jacket length, sleeve length, shoulder fit and trouser sizing rather than relying on chest size alone.
Where the product page offers this option, you may place the order and provide your measurements afterwards. Production cannot begin until the required measurements have been received and confirmed.
Not necessarily. Bespoke usually refers to a more extensive tailoring process involving an individually developed pattern, design choices and one or more fittings. Imperial Stitch’s Custom Tailored option uses the selected website design and prepares it according to submitted measurements.
Choose Standard Size when you know your usual jacket and trouser measurements and standard suits generally fit you well. Choose Custom Tailored when you often struggle with standard proportions or want the selected garment prepared using a complete set of body measurements.
The choice between a standard size vs custom-tailored suit comes down to how well conventional sizing works for your body.
Choose Standard Size when you know your regular jacket and trouser sizes, your proportions align with the available size chart and you want a simpler ordering process.
Choose Custom Tailored when standard sizes regularly create proportion problems or you want the selected suit prepared according to your individual measurements.
Whichever option you select, start with a design that suits the occasion and review the product specifications carefully. Browse the complete collection of men’s suits online, compare the available sizing options and choose the fit that works best for you.
