You’ve decided to buy a custom suit. You’re excited about the perfect fit, your chosen fabric, and the style details. Then comes the question everyone asks: “When will it be ready?”
The honest answer? It depends. But that doesn’t mean you’re left guessing. Understanding the custom suit timeline helps you plan better, whether you need something for a wedding three months away or a business trip next season.
This guide walks you through realistic expectations for custom suit turnaround times, from your first consultation to the final delivery. We’ll cover both made-to-measure and bespoke processes so you know exactly what to expect.
Let’s break down how long your custom suit really takes.
Types of Custom Suits and Their Base Timelines
Made-to-Measure (MTM): 4-8 Weeks Total
Made-to-measure suits use existing patterns that get adjusted to fit your measurements. Because the basic pattern already exists, MTM production time is efficient and predictable.
Typical timeline: 4 to 8 weeks from order to delivery
This process works well when you need quality customization with a reasonable wait time. Most MTM suits require just one or two fittings, which keeps the process moving smoothly.
Bespoke: 4-8 Weeks
Bespoke suits are handcrafted from scratch. Your tailor creates a unique pattern specifically for your body, cuts fabric by hand, and constructs the suit with meticulous attention to detail.
Typical timeline: 4 to 8 weeks from order to delivery
The question “How long for a bespoke suit?” often surprises people—quality bespoke work can be completed within the same timeframe as MTM when working with experienced tailors who have efficient processes. Multiple fittings and hand-stitching are built into this timeline.
Factors That Affect Speed
Several things can change your timeline:
- Tailor workload: Busy seasons mean longer waits
- Shipping times: International fabric orders add 1-3 weeks
- Seasonal peaks: Wedding season (April-October) increases demand
- Fabric availability: Special orders take longer than in-stock options
- Your schedule: Fitting appointments need to work around your availability
Step-by-Step Timeline Breakdown
Initial Consultation (Day 1 – Week 1)
This is where everything starts. You’ll meet with your tailor to discuss what you need.
What happens:
- Full body measurements (20-30+ different measurements)
- Fabric selection from available options
- Style choices: lapels, buttons, pockets, vents
- Discussion of timeline and delivery date
In-person vs. virtual: In-person consultations typically take 45-90 minutes. Virtual consultations require you to take your own measurements using provided instructions, which can add a few days if you need help.
Time investment: 1-3 hours for your part, then 3-7 days for the tailor to process and begin work.
Pattern Making & First Fitting (Weeks 2-4)
Now the real work begins behind the scenes.
For MTM: Your measurements are applied to an existing pattern base. Adjustments are made digitally or manually. The pattern goes to production.
For bespoke: A master tailor hand-drafts a unique pattern on paper based entirely on your measurements and body shape. This alone can take several days.
First fitting (bespoke only): Around week 3-4, you’ll try on a basted version—a roughly assembled suit held together with temporary stitching. The tailor marks needed adjustments.
Time investment: You’ll spend 30-60 minutes at this fitting.
Production Phase (Weeks 4-8 for Both MTM and Bespoke)
This is the longest phase. Your suit is being built.
What’s happening:
- Fabric is cut according to the pattern
- Pieces are sewn together
- Canvas is hand-stitched into the jacket (for half or full canvas construction)
- Buttons, pockets, and details are attached
- Initial pressing shapes the garment
MTM production time moves efficiently with a combination of modern techniques and traditional craftsmanship. Bespoke production involves handwork and personalized attention to every detail, all completed within the same professional timeframe.
You don’t need to do anything during this phase except wait patiently.
Final Fittings & Refinements (Weeks 6-8 for Both MTM and Bespoke)
Your suit is nearly complete. Now it’s time for fine-tuning.
Both MTM and bespoke typically require 1-2 fittings
What gets adjusted:
- Sleeve length to hit exactly at your wrist bone
- Trouser length for the right break on your shoes
- Waist suppression if needed
- Shoulder balance and jacket length
- Any small details that aren’t quite right
Each fitting takes 20-45 minutes. You’ll try on the suit, the tailor pins adjustments, and you come back 1-2 weeks later to check those changes.
Pro tip: Schedule these around your availability. If you travel frequently, mention this upfront so fittings can be clustered when you’re in town.
Delivery & Final Touches (Week 8 for Both MTM and Bespoke)
The finish line is in sight.
Final steps:
- Professional pressing that shapes the suit’s silhouette
- Final quality inspection
- Any last-minute minor tweaks
- Packaging for pickup or shipping
At pickup, your tailor will show you how to care for your suit and may make tiny on-the-spot adjustments if needed.
Time investment: 15-30 minutes for pickup and final check.
Andre Emilio’s Made & Delivered Custom Suit in 14 DaysÂ
While most brands take 4 to 8 weeks to deliver a custom suit, Andre Emilio completes your suit and delivers it to you in 14 days—without compromising on quality or fit.
Here’s how we do it, day by day:
Day 1: Consultation & Measurements You meet with our expert tailors, who take precise measurements and discuss your style preferences. We help you select from our premium in-stock fabrics and finalize every detail—lapels, buttons, pockets, and lining.
Days 2-3: Pattern Creation & Fabric Cutting Our master tailors create your unique pattern based on your exact measurements and body shape. Once approved, we carefully cut your chosen fabric, ensuring every piece is perfectly aligned.
Days 4-6: Expert Construction. Your suit comes to life. Our skilled craftsmen begin construction using quality techniques that ensure durability. Hand-stitching, canvas work, and careful assembly happen during these crucial days. Every seam is crafted with precision.
Day 7: Fitting & Final Adjustments You try on your suit. Our tailors check sleeve length, trouser fit, shoulder balance, and overall silhouette. Any necessary refinements are made immediately. The suit receives professional pressing and quality inspection to ensure perfection.
Day 8: Delivery Your custom suit is ready. We do a final check, ensure you’re completely satisfied, and you walk out wearing a suit that fits like it was made for you—because it was.
The Andre Emilio Advantage: We maintain premium quality while delivering in record time. Our efficient in-house process, experienced team, and commitment to excellence mean you get a truly custom suit in just 14 days—faster than anyone else without sacrificing craftsmanship.
What Influences Your Custom Suit Turnaround
Rush Options
Need your suit faster? Many tailors offer expedited service.
What to expect:
- Rush service: Can sometimes be done in 2-3 weeks for both MTM and bespoke
- Cost: Expect to pay 20-50% more
- Availability: Not all tailors offer rush service, especially during busy seasons
Rush orders work by bumping your project ahead in the queue and dedicating more focused time to your suit.
Global vs. Local Tailors
Where your tailor is located matters.
Local tailors can often work faster because:
- No international shipping delays
- Easier to schedule fittings
- Faster communication
International or online tailors may take longer due to:
- Shipping times (1-3 weeks each direction)
- Time zone differences for communication
- Customs processing
Common Delays
Be aware of potential slowdowns:
Fabric sourcing: If your chosen fabric isn’t in stock, ordering it can add 2-4 weeks
Client revisions: Changing your mind on details mid-process restarts certain steps
Holidays and vacations: Tailor shops often close for 1-2 weeks during holidays
Fitting no-shows: Missing appointments pushes back your entire timeline
Need Your Suit Faster? Express Service Available
Sometimes you don’t have 4-8 weeks to wait. Maybe you have an important meeting next week or a last-minute event. That’s where express service comes in.
Many brands now offer 14-day custom suits for clients who need their suits quickly. This fast-track option speeds up the process without cutting corners on quality.
How it works:
- Immediate scheduling – You get an appointment right away, no waiting list
- Quick pattern work – The tailor handles everything in-house to avoid shipping delays
- Priority construction – Your suit moves to the front of the line
- Fast alterations – Dedicated staff focuses on getting your fit perfect, quickly
This same express service works for custom tuxedos, too. Whether you need a business suit or formal evening wear, the 7-day timeline is possible when you work with the right tailor.
Keep in mind: Express service typically costs 30-50% more than standard timelines. But when you absolutely need a perfectly fitted suit in a week, it’s worth the investment.
Get your custom suit in 14 days now
Ready to start your custom suit timeline? Book a consultation today and enjoy our superfast custom suit delivery to your doorstep, with no hidden cost.
Plan ahead, stay patient, and trust the process. The result is unique, as you want.
FAQs on Custom Suit Timelines
How long for a bespoke suit if I need it fast? With rush service, bespoke suits can be completed in 2-3 weeks, though standard timelines of 4-8 weeks allow for the best quality and attention to detail. But Andre Emilio can deliver a custom suit in 14 days.
What’s the MTM production time for first-time buyers? First-timers should expect 4-8 weeks because initial measurements take extra care, and you may need an additional fitting to ensure everything is perfect.
What if fittings don’t align with my schedule? Communicate this upfront. Some tailors offer evening or weekend appointments. For international clients, some tailors can cluster all fittings into one trip.
Can I order online and still get it quickly? Online MTM services typically take 4-6 weeks, but shipping adds time. Factor in 2-3 weeks for shipping in both directions.
