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Frequently Asked Questions

Your Questions, Answered

Below are the answers to the most commonly asked questions about our process, products and pricing.

WHAT DOES "BESPOKE" MEAN?

Bespoke is the past form of “Bespeak” and is a British term for something that is made to order- Most commonly referred to the creation of one’s suit.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 'CUSTOM', 'MADE-TO-MEASURE', AND 'BESPOKE'?

  • Custom: Custom can mean anything. Choosing a lining, lapel/vent/pocket styles, and buttons gives a suit maker the right to call it “custom.” Bottom line, “custom” means you’ve had somesay in the design of the suit (even something as small as a button color), but the suit isn’t necessarily made for your body.
  • Made-to-Measure: This is a form of “custom” and means there are a number of symmetrical adjustments (+/-) in girth(s) and length(s) to a pre-existing pattern. Because of this, ‘made-to-measure’ adjustments are limited. They typically cannot make adjustments for shoulder slope, posture, or any significant asymmetrical irregularities in your body, which are common.
  • Bespoke: This refers to the process of creating a unique, original pattern specific to a client’s body structure. Unfortunately, the word “bespoke” has lost the impact it once had in the industry. Most custom clothiers will claim to deliver a bespoke garment, but nearly all of them use a made-to-measure process. Each of our clients experience a true bespoke process and product from start to finish. Not only do our clients choose each and every detail, but each garment suits each individual to exact specifications.  With bespoke clothing, everyone is able to see and (most importantly) feel the difference.

HOW LONG DOES THE ENTIRE PROCESS TAKE FROM START TO FINISH?

The first fitting takes around an hour. We’ll take your 40+ measurements, go over your specific fit requests, and then we’ll help you design your garment(s). Turnaround time for your garment(s) to be made is about 5 weeks, with some slight variation depending on the season. For a fee, we have the capability to do a “rush” order and can deliver in approximately 3 weeks (subject to season). Once your garment(s) arrives, we’ll schedule the final fitting where you try everything on to ensure perfect results.

DO YOU HAVE AN ONLINE CATALOG OR A WAY FOR ME TO SEE EXAMPLES OF YOUR WORK?

We have hundreds of fabric books that are constantly being added to with each new season. Because of this, we do not have an online catalog to view fabric selections. If you’d like to see samples of our work, please follow Richards Bespoke on Instagram.

DO YOU SELL WOMEN'S CUSTOM SUITING?

Yes! We offer custom women’s suits, blazers, dress pants, skirts, blouses/shirts, jeans and tuxedos.

DO YOU SELL ANYTHING OTHER THAN SUITS?

Richards Bespoke offer suits, sport coats, slacks, shirts (both dress, causal, and formal), jeans, tuxedos, leather jackets, overcoats, and raincoats. Additionally, we offer accessories such as shoes, socks, ties, and pocket squares.

DO YOU EVER WORK WITH PEOPLE NOT LOCATED IN TENNESSEE?

We have worked with clients all over the world. Our main servicing location is the Middle Tennessee area, but we are able to travel anywhere. Contact us to inquire about scheduling an appointment in your city.

HOW DOES PRICING WORK?

Because we use the bespoke process, pricing depends on two factors: 1. The yardage needed to make the garment and 2. The cost/yard of the fabric chosen. This is the reason why we do not have designated pricing for each level of garments listed on our website (the price for an entry level suit of $1,395 that we have listed is just an average). Once we finish measuring clients, we then calculate their yardage to give an exact amount their garment will cost.

HOW DOES THE PRICING WORK FOR PACKAGES?

Pricing for packages is dependent upon the specific suit or sport coat fabric chosen for each individual garment. The price of the packages listed on our website will start out at that price and has the potential to go up from there depending on what fabric is chosen.

For example: The Parthenon package is listed at $1,595 and includes a 2pc suit, shirt, tie, and pocket square. That package price is based off of someone selecting an entry-level fabric with an average amount of yardage needed to make that suit. Meaning, the suit fabric they have chosen would typically retail for around $1,395 (entry-level suit price) and the other items are added for an additional $200. If they decide to select a suit fabric in a higher price range, the difference in the package price will now be the difference in the suit price (Example: You choose a suit fabric that would typically retail for $1,995, The Parthenon package is now $2,195).