When you’re planning for a wedding, gala, or an important professional milestone, the last thing you want to worry about is whether your suit will be ready in time. Unlike grabbing something off the rack, a custom suit requires craftsmanship, fittings, and patience. But the results—a garment that feels and looks like it was made for you (because it was)—are well worth it.
So, how long does a custom suit actually take? Let’s break it down.
The Henry A. Davidsen Process
Every suit we create follows our proven process of Consult, Educate, and Design. Our goal is to understand not just your measurements, but also who you are, what you want to communicate through your image, and how we can guide you through the often overwhelming world of modern menswear.
Education is central to our approach. One of the first distinctions we help clients understand is the difference between Made-to-Measure (MTM) and Bespoke construction. Both offer a higher level of fit and personalization than ready-to-wear clothing, but the processes—and timelines—differ in meaningful ways. (you can learn more about that here).
Made-to-Measure (MTM) – 6 to 8 Weeks
Made-to-Measure begins with a base pattern that is adapted to your measurements and preferences. It strikes a balance between speed and personalization—offering you the full array of design choices while moving through production on a shorter timeline than bespoke.
With MTM, you’ll select fabrics, linings, lapels, vents, buttons, and other details with the same level of freedom as a bespoke garment. The difference lies in the underlying fit: because the suit starts from a modified block pattern, it won’t be sculpted quite as precisely as bespoke. That said, our in-house finishing process allows us to mold the suit to your unique body shape, ensuring a final product that drapes beautifully, feels comfortable, and looks sharp.
Typical MTM Timeline:
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Design & Consultation – Fabric, style, and measurement session (week 0).
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First Fitting – Around week 4–6, your garment arrives nearly complete. At this stage, we make fine-tuned adjustments.
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Final Delivery – By week 6–8, your finished suit is ready to wear, refined to fit your frame.
Why MTM? It delivers extensive customization, a wide range of fabric choices, and a streamlined turnaround time. While it sacrifices a touch of the laser-precise sculpting that bespoke provides, the efficiency and finishing process make MTM an excellent option for clients who want quality and individuality without a longer wait.
Bespoke – 10 to 12 Weeks (First-Time Clients)
Bespoke tailoring represents the highest level of craftsmanship in menswear. Unlike Made-to-Measure, which adapts an existing block pattern, bespoke begins with a blank sheet. A master tailor drafts a completely new paper pattern from your unique measurements, posture, and proportions. This becomes the blueprint for a garment that is truly one-of-a-kind.
The process is intentionally more in-depth. After your initial consultation, a muslin fitting (also called a basted fitting) is created from plain cotton or unfinished cloth. This “test suit” allows us to study how the garment interacts with your body—shoulder slope, chest shape, seat balance, and posture—long before your chosen fabric is cut. From there, additional fittings refine the drape and comfort until the suit achieves the sculpted silhouette that defines bespoke.
What sets our bespoke apart is not just the process, but the maker. Henry A. Davidsen works with one of only two grade six bespoke makers in the United States—a designation reserved for the very highest echelon of tailoring skill. That means more handwork goes into each garment: hand-padded lapels, hand-set sleeves, and careful shaping that simply cannot be replicated by machine.
Typical Bespoke Timeline (First Suit):
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Design & Consultation – Comprehensive measurements, posture analysis, and design details (week 0).
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Muslin/Basted Fitting – Around week 4–6, a rough test garment is created for initial adjustments.
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Second Fitting – Around week 8–10, your garment is partially completed, allowing for further refinements.
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Final Fitting & Delivery – By week 10–12, your finished suit is ready, with subtle tweaks as needed.
Repeat Bespoke Orders: Once your personal pattern is established, future suits can be made in just 5–6 weeks, the same as an MTM timeline. Your pattern stays on file, making it easy to build a wardrobe of garments that maintain the exacting standard of your first bespoke commission.
Why Bespoke? It’s the most comprehensive expression of tailoring—maximum personalization, more handwork, and a garment sculpted precisely to your form. The extra time invested up front ensures a suit that not only fits, but feels like a natural extension of you.
One of the simplest ways to approach custom clothing is to work backwards from your calendar. By anchoring your suit process to a specific date, you’ll give yourself—and your tailor—the breathing room needed for fittings, refinements, and the occasional surprise (like fabric shipping delays or last-minute adjustments).
Planning Backwards from Your Event
Here’s a straightforward guide:
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Wedding in October? Start Made-to-Measure by July or Bespoke by June. This ensures you’ll have your final suit in hand with time to spare for accessories, shirts, and shoes.
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Holiday Gala in December? Begin Made-to-Measure in September or Bespoke in August. The holiday season is a peak period for mills and tailoring houses, so extra lead time guarantees you won’t get caught in production bottlenecks.
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Career Milestone in March? Schedule Made-to-Measure by January or Bespoke by December. This way your suit will be ready well before your big presentation, photoshoot, or media appearance.
A good rule of thumb is to start MTM at least 8–10 weeks out and Bespoke 12–14 weeks out if it’s your first commission. Once your bespoke pattern is on file, you can shorten that runway, but building in a buffer keeps the process enjoyable and stress-free.
Think of it this way: the earlier you begin, the more freedom you have to explore fabrics, seasonal options, and styling details without the pressure of a deadline.
Final Thoughts
Across the industry, the turnaround for a custom suit ranges from 6 to 12 weeks, depending on construction method. At Henry A. Davidsen, we’re transparent about that timeline because we believe the process should be as rewarding as the finished garment. Whether you choose MTM for its efficiency or bespoke for its artistry, planning ahead will ensure your suit is ready when it matters most.
