Replacing bad shopping habits with conscious ones is not a new concept given we now know the detrimental effects it’s having on the planet. In its place we are seeing the pleasant uprise of vintage markets, second-hand shopping apps and bespoke tailoring that ensure we feed into a more a circular economy, one that prizes wear over waste.
One Perth made-to-measure shop, InStitchu Custom Tailors, has noticed a shift in their showroom: consumers seeking suits that last longer and not only fit their bodies better, but their personalities too.
“Off the rack is fine until you realise you don’t have to settle for ‘close enough’,” General Manager of the brand Mauricio Carbajal said.
“For a similar price, you can get something that fits perfectly, lasts longer, and truly feels like you, right down to the lining colour and button choice,” he said.
Though made-to-measure has always existed, its re-emergence can be seen as a direct response to the loss of a sacred craft and the relentless churning out of synthetics to only end up in landfill.
Mauricio said the biggest shift has been in the wedding and corporate markets. Grooms are customising every detail – thoughtful and playful customs include bright linens, floral lining, rich velvet and monograms. Some even match their bride’s energy by changing into a different dinner jacket halfway through the wedding, getting two distinct looks in one day. Corporates, like real-estate agents and lawyers, are seeking comfort without sacrificing style. InStitchu has also seen a rise in women designing custom-made pieces for work and special occasions since they launched their womenswear.
The made-to-measure process is an enjoyable experience too: head to the showroom, sit down with a glass of bubbles, and explore a selection of carefully curated Merino wool fabrics in a range of colours, patterns, textures, weaves and weights, guided by an expert stylist.
“It’s easy, it’s fun, and completely focused on creating something that reflects your style,” Mauricio said.
“We take precise measurements, our skilled tailors work their magic, and within three weeks, you’ll receive your new favourite outfit.
“Plus, our Perfect Fit Guarantee gives you the security of a perfect fit, with the option to alter your garment for free if needed.”
That guarantee was a nice surprise to me. So often we splurge on something only to pay for alterations later, or buy online and find upon arrival it’s just not right. Online shopping has become a game of Russian Roulette: Will it fit? Will it be the right shade of blue? Made-to-measure may be on the rise not only because of its environmentally conscious bent — longer wear, natural fibres like Merino wool — but because it might just be what we need when retails feels robotic, trend-led and disconnected. It’s restoring what is desperately missing: a meaningful exchange between two people and the fulfillment of creating something. The word transaction becomes more meaningful.
“We often tell every customer who tries it, ‘Once you go made-to-measure, you don’t go back.’ And it’s true, not just because the garments fit perfectly, but because the entire experience is so effortless,” Mauricio said.
“You get to build a relationship with your stylist, easily keep track of your preferences, and smoothly add pieces to your wardrobe over time.”
Just this week, designer and owner of the romantic and thoughtfully limited brand Mirror Mirror Paris, Marcelo Gaia, took to his 776k Instagram followers to share how his independent brand has been hijacked by fast fashion companies without his consent. “If you shop fast fashion you are an accomplice,” he wrote. “This is why it’s important to be a conscious consumer”, someone commented – garnering over 7,700 likes. It’s an important message, but what’s most vexing is the lack of creativity so severe that some are willing to rip off small businesses for monetary gain, all while knowingly contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and the Olympic-pool volumes of water wasted by mass production.
It’s part of a broader shift: as more of us turn to AI for creative output, we risk stripping away what makes us wholly human: the ability to think independently, to craft beautiful things and derive pleasure from knowing they are ours.
Perhaps the demand for the perfect fit and a craving for self-expression taps into something deeper: our inherent need to create. Perhaps it’s why we all want to customise everything in our lives – our phone cases, playlists and coffee orders. It’s why we enjoy making Pinterest boards, designing our kitchens and agonising over the perfect sofa. It’s why made-to-measure on the rise is a good thing.
InStitchu Custom Tailoring want you to have the made-to-measure experience, just like it used to be. Their fabrics are all-natural, certified Woolmark Australian Merino wool, sourced from some of the world’s finest mills, including REDA, VBC, and STYBIELLA. Because they only order the exact amount of fabric needed for each garment, there is minimal waste in the process, resulting in a much cleaner, more ethical, and sustainable production. For more information, you can visit their website.
https://thewest.com.au/lifestyle/culture/are-more-people-turning-to-made-to-measure-clothes-c-19744858
