tailormade

Tailormade is an adjective and noun used to describe goods or services produced to meet an individual customer’s specifications. A tailormade item is customized rather than mass produced, with attention to fit, function, and preference. The term is widely used in clothing and fashion, but it also applies to furniture, interior design, software, travel itineraries, and other specialized solutions.

Originating from the craft of tailoring, tailormade emphasizes measurement, selection, and personalized construction. In clothing, it typically involves taking body measurements, choosing fabric and details, drafting or adjusting a pattern, and multiple fittings to refine the fit. The goal is a garment or product that aligns closely with the wearer’s or user’s exact requirements.

Relation to other terms varies by industry and region. Made-to-measure commonly uses pre-existing blocks adjusted to the wearer’s measurements, while bespoke denotes a garment made from a unique pattern, often with several fittings. In marketing, tailormade can be used broadly to signal customization, even when production steps are similar to made-to-measure.

Industrial and service contexts extend the concept beyond apparel. In business software or consulting, tailormade solutions are designed to fit specific organizational requirements, sometimes through configuration, customization, and integration rather than off-the-shelf products. Lead times are typically longer and prices higher than standard offerings, reflecting the personalized development and closer alignment with user needs.