Made to measure is one of the most rewarding ways to own beautifully fitting clothing. But what exactly is it? Riccitelli Milano explains made to measure clearly and crafts made-to-measure garments adjusted to your precise measurements, with the craftsmanship of Made in Italy.
Sitting between ready-to-wear and bespoke, made to measure offers a personal fit without the full complexity of a bespoke commission.
What Is Made to Measure?
Made to measure is a garment created from an existing base pattern that is adjusted to an individual’s measurements and selected preferences. Rather than starting from a blank sheet, the maker takes a proven pattern and refines it to fit you, accounting for your size, proportions and chosen details.
This gives a personalised fit and a degree of customisation, while remaining more streamlined than a fully bespoke garment created entirely from scratch.
How Made to Measure Works
The process begins by taking your measurements and discussing your preferences, from fabric and lining to details such as lapels, buttons and finishing. The base pattern is then adjusted to your measurements, and the garment is produced and refined for fit.
Because it builds on a proven pattern, made to measure typically involves fewer fittings than bespoke, while still delivering a fit far superior to standard ready-to-wear.
Made to Measure vs Ready-to-Wear vs Bespoke
Ready-to-wear is made to standard sizes; made to measure adjusts a base pattern to your measurements; and bespoke creates a unique pattern entirely from scratch. Made to measure is the considered middle path: more personal than ready-to-wear, more accessible than bespoke.
Understanding these levels helps you choose the right approach for your needs, and we are glad to advise.
The Craft Behind the Fit
Even adjusting a pattern well demands genuine skill. A made-to-measure garment is shaped to follow your body cleanly, and the construction, from internal structure to finishing, is carried out to a luxury standard. The result feels personal and considered.
This craft builds on the same precision found in our pattern making and tailoring.
Choice and Personalisation
Made to measure offers meaningful choice, from fabrics and linings to the details that make a garment yours. We guide these decisions so the finished piece reflects both your fit and your taste.
This personalisation, within an efficient process, is much of what makes made to measure so appealing.
Why Choose Made to Measure With Riccitelli Milano
Our tailoring is grounded in genuine Italian craftsmanship, and our made-to-measure garments are crafted to a luxury standard, Made in Italy. Explore our tailoring or learn about our agency.
Get in touch to begin your made-to-measure garment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is made to measure?
Made to measure is a garment created from an existing base pattern that is adjusted to your individual measurements and preferences. It offers a personalised fit and customisation while being more streamlined than fully bespoke tailoring.
How is made to measure different from bespoke?
Made to measure adjusts a proven base pattern to your measurements, while bespoke creates a completely unique pattern from scratch with more fittings and hand construction. Made to measure is more accessible; bespoke is the highest, most individual level.
How is made to measure different from ready-to-wear?
Ready-to-wear is produced to standard sizes, while made to measure adjusts a base pattern to your specific measurements and preferences, giving a far more personal and flattering fit.
How many fittings does made to measure need?
Because it builds on a proven pattern, made to measure usually involves fewer fittings than bespoke, while still delivering an excellent, personalised fit.
Can I choose the fabric and details?
Yes. Made to measure offers meaningful choice, from fabrics and linings to details such as lapels, buttons and finishing, so the garment reflects both your fit and your taste.
What garments can be made to measure?
Made to measure is most associated with suits and tailoring, but the approach can apply to a range of tailored garments, each adjusted to your measurements and crafted to a luxury standard.
Is made to measure Made in Italy?
Yes. Our made-to-measure garments are crafted in Italy with genuine tailoring craftsmanship, giving them the quality and provenance of Made in Italy.
How do I start a made-to-measure garment?
Simply get in touch through our contact form. We will discuss your needs, take your measurements and preferences, and guide you through creating a beautifully fitting made-to-measure garment.
Who is made to measure best suited to?
Made to measure suits anyone who wants a genuinely personal fit and meaningful choice of fabric and details, without the time and complexity of a full bespoke commission. It is an excellent step up from ready-to-wear for those who value a garment shaped to their measurements.
Beyond tailoring for individuals, Riccitelli Milano is a fashion production agency that helps designers and brands develop and produce entire collections in Italy. If you are building a label, start with our guide to creating your own collection or explore our fashion production services.
Work With Riccitelli Milano
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Start your production with Riccitelli Milano
Tell us about the collection you would like to create. Our team will get back to you to begin your production in Italy.