Why Custom-Made is Your Best Investment in 2026
“Made for you” makes more sense; here’s how to embrace custom-made this year.
To some, the idea of having clothing custom-made may sound like a luxury; to others, it’s the only way to shop. Wherever you fall on that spectrum, we’re betting big on custom-made in 2026 — and we think you should be, too.
From quality and longevity to taste and intentionality, there’s no shortage of reasons why custom-made clothing — and we don’t just mean suits and sport jackets — deserves more space in your wardrobe this year.
What is “Custom-Made”?
It wasn’t too long ago that whenever men needed new clothing, it would start with a visit to their tailor — and yes, every man did have a go-to tailor responsible for most of their (albeit modest) wardrobe.
What changed was the invention of ready-to-wear clothing; pre-made pieces that, perhaps after a few minor alterations, would be fit for wear without delay.
Today, many men are re-embracing the age-old tradition of commissioning clothing specifically for them, and it’s not just because of an admiration for the way things used to be.
Ready-to-wear or off-the-rack clothes are offered in standard sizes following a designer’s signature pattern, which may or may not immediately fit well depending on your body type.
Custom-made or made-to-measure garments begin with a designer’s sample pieces and signature patterns, which are then adjusted to better suit you. A Style Advisor takes your measurements and notes posture and fit preferences, then refines the pattern — lengthening, shortening, or shaping as needed — before the manufacturer creates a net-new garment made specifically for you incorporating your anatomical measurements and styling preferences.
Bespoke does away with signature patterns and sample garments entirely. Each piece is created from scratch based solely on your measurements and your tailor’s understanding of how you move and carry yourself. This is the most labour-intensive and costly process, resulting in a truly one-of-a-kind garment built from fabric to finished form. The process typically includes a minimum of three fittings to hone the pattern and fit of the individual.
Why Opt for Custom-Made?
Where ready-to-wear can be limiting in terms of fit, fabric, and design preferences, and bespoke can be limiting in terms of accessibility, cost, and turnaround time, custom-made garments occupy the sweet spot between the two.
Offering far greater freedom than ready-to-wear, custom-made clothing allows you to personalize everything from fit and silhouette to fabrics, linings, buttons, and finishing details — all tailored precisely to your preferences.
At Harry Rosen, our extensive array of custom-made fabrics from some of the finest Italian and English mills, paired with customization options unavailable off the rack, appeals to those who know exactly what they want from a garment.
Simply put, custom-made clothing is a more authentic expression of personal style — you become the designer, taking control of as many or as few details as you want (with the help and guidance of your Style Advisor to lean on). Want a wider lapel? No problem. A different button closure? We can do it. A custom-printed lining? You’re the boss.
Advantages of Custom-Made
How does the custom-made process benefit you in the long run? Stick with it and you’ll eventually cultivate a wardrobe full of pieces that you’re more likely to return to time and time again — clothes you look and feel your best in and that you’ve developed a personal connection to.
This is where intentionality comes into play — custom-made encourages you to pause and ask yourself, “what is it I truly want from this garment?” before making a purchase.
A truly personalized fit enhances both comfort and appearance, allowing you to move with ease while looking sharper. It also reduces the risk of garments becoming unfavourable or unworn due to improper fit or wardrobe coherence; a much more sustainable approach to shopping.
Combined with higher-quality fabrics that age gracefully and the continued expert guidance of a Style Advisor — from fit and fabric to function — custom-made ensures every addition to your wardrobe is one that works harder and lasts longer.
The Harold Custom-Made Process
Harold is Harry Rosen’s very own private label, offering both ready-to-wear and custom-made clothing from suits and sports jackets to dress shirts, track suits, overcoats, bomber jackets, and beyond.
The custom-made journey begins with an in-store consultation alongside one of our expert Style Advisors or Harold brand specialists. Together, you’ll discuss how the garment fits into your lifestyle and wardrobe, its intended use, and what you’re truly looking for in the finished piece.
Next comes one of the most enjoyable parts of the process: exploring our curated selection of fabric swatches sourced from the world’s leading mills. From there, you’ll select linings, buttons, and design details — a creative, hands-on step that allows the garment to take shape.
Once your selections are finalized, your Style Advisor will take your precise measurements and compare them against the fit of a Harold sample garment. All necessary adjustments are noted and sent to the manufacturer, who refines the pattern before production begins — resulting in a garment crafted specifically for you, with your chosen fabrics, finishes, and details.
Once the garment returns — typically about 3-4 weeks later — we invite you back in-store for one more fitting to identify if any further alterations are necessary, finally culminating in a garment that far surpasses the fit of anything you could find off the rack.
