MadetoMeasure

madetomeasure is a term used in fashion and garment manufacturing to describe clothing produced to the customer’s measurements. Often described as made-to-measure (MTM), it sits between ready-to-wear and bespoke tailoring by using a standard pattern block adjusted to an individual fit.

The process typically begins with measurement collection, which can occur in-store, through online forms, or via digital scanning. A base pattern is selected and then altered to accommodate the customer’s proportions, such as shoulder slope, chest, waist, hip, sleeve length, and inseam. The customer chooses fabric, color, and trim, and the garment is cut and sewn from the adjusted pattern. A fitting is usually scheduled to check key points like sleeve length and waist fit, with further alterations made as needed. The result is a garment that aims for a closer fit than off-the-rack clothing, with greater customization than mass-produced items.

Compared with bespoke tailoring, madetomeasure generally uses pre-existing pattern blocks modified to fit rather than constructing a pattern entirely from the individual’s measurements. This typically yields shorter lead times and lower cost, while offering more fit options than standard ready-to-wear. However, MTM limits the degree of personalization and may still be unable to address every unique body nuance or posture issue.

Today, madetomeasure is offered by many fashion brands, ranging from traditional tailors to online retailers. Trends include digital measurement tools, 3D body scanning, and automated pattern adjustment, aimed at improving accuracy and speed while maintaining moderate price points. See also: bespoke tailoring, ready-to-wear.