Custom Made
For men and women
Custom-made is the tailoring we make our name on. It is not made-to-measure, which is the industry basic tier. It is not old-world bespoke, which we still offer as an accommodation. It is a distinct discipline. The measurements are taken by hand. The pattern is drawn for you and refined by pattern software. The finished garment is presented in two fittings. Between one commission and the next, only the final fitting is normally required, because the pattern is kept on file.
Custom-made, made-to-measure, and bespoke
Custom-made. Cut from a paper pattern drawn for you and refined by pattern software. The garment arrives from our atelier as a finished suit, jacket, shirt, or dress. Two fittings. The pattern is kept on file, so subsequent commissions can go straight to the final fitting.
Made-to-measure. An industry basic tier: a stock size that has been graded to a set of measurements. A garment, but not one drawn for one person.
Bespoke. In its original sense, cloth “bespoken for” a client — set aside for one person. In modern British tailoring, a garment cut from a paper pattern drafted by hand, without pattern software, hand-finished across four or more fittings. Clements and Church still offers it where a client’s body genuinely benefits from the extra fittings. For most clients, custom-made produces the same fit on a finished garment, in two fittings.
Where a commission begins
A commission begins with an unhurried consultation, either at one of our shops or with a travelling tailor at your home or office. We discuss the wardrobe, the occasion, and the cloth. We take measurements by hand. From those measurements a pattern is drawn.
First fitting: The finished garment is presented on you. Trousers, jacket, and cloth all come together for the first time. Adjustments are marked. Rarely needed because the pattern is accurate, and usually a matter of preference rather than measurement.
Final fitting: The garment is refined and re-presented. When you and your tailor are agreed, the pattern goes on file. A second garment from the same pattern needs neither measuring nor a first fitting. Straight to a final fitting.
What we make and what we cut it from
We tailor suits, jackets, trousers, coats, shirts, waistcoats, ties, dresses, evening wear, and bridal. For women we cut from a women’s pattern block, not a men’s block adjusted. We keep a working library of British, Italian, and Scottish cloths in wool, cashmere, linen, silk, and denim. We do not tailor garments made elsewhere.
Men's
Custom-made suits, jackets, trousers, coats, shirts, waistcoats, ties, and evening wear.
Women's
Suits, jackets, dresses, evening wear, and bridal cut from a women's pattern block.
Weddings
Groom, bride, and wedding party. Custom-made in the shop or wherever the wedding takes you.
Frequently asked
What is bespoke tailoring? 
Bespoke, in its original sense, means cloth “bespoken for” a client, set aside for one person. In modern British tailoring the word describes a garment cut from a paper pattern drafted for one client, hand-finished across four or more fittings, without the aid of pattern software. Each of those fittings is a stage of construction rather than a completed suit. It is the traditional route. Clements and Church still offers it where a client’s body genuinely benefits from the additional fittings. For most clients, custom-made produces the same quality of fit on a finished garment, in two fittings.
What is the difference between bespoke and custom-made suits?
Bespoke follows the traditional four-fitting route without pattern software, and each fitting is a stage of construction. Custom-made begins with the same hand measurement, refined by pattern software, and delivers a finished garment to both fittings. In both cases the finished garment is cut from a pattern drawn for you. The difference is fitting time, and what you see in the fitting room.
Do you make women's tailoring?
Yes. Suits, jackets, dresses, evening wear, bridal. Cut from a women’s pattern block, not a men’s block adjusted.
How long does the first garment take?
Around six weeks from first consultation to second fitting. Repeat commissions arrive sooner because only the final fitting is required.
Do you offer alterations to garments made elsewhere?
No. We tailor only garments we have cut.
Do you travel to clients?
Yes. A tailor visits UK clients at home or office. International visits are scheduled by region.
Is there a minimum order?
No. A single shirt is welcome. Most clients build a wardrobe over several years.
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