Made-to-Measure Matters
Range Rover x SHARP
When it comes to your personal style, made-to-measure offers a distinct balance between bespoke precision and the convenience of ready-to-wear. After all, why settle for ‘almost perfect’ when you can have something that’s literally made for you?
Harry Rosen, long synonymous with luxury menswear in Canada, has deep roots in made-to-measure (MTM) tailoring. Having started as a made-to-measure shop, the brand continues to be a leader in the field with expert guidance and a commitment to exceptional craftsmanship.
According to Adam Percival, Harry Rosen’s Director of Made-to-Measure, it’s all about considering your individual measurements and unique style preferences, and combining them to customize a designer’s pattern before production even begins. It’s a level of customization that goes beyond what traditional tailoring can achieve.
Its also a way to take current trends and makes them your own. Case in point: Consumer preferences have shifted significantly in recent years, with comfort emerging as a leading priority. (Because, let’s be honest, no one wants to suffer for style anymore.)
“Comfort is the biggest trend pushing made-to-measure clothing right now,” says Percival. “People want clothes that feel as good as they look, no matter the occasion.”
So, brands like Harry Rosen have responded by introducing versatile designs such as overshirts and blouson jackets, which seamlessly combine “the sharp, polished look of a sports jacket with the relaxed comfort of unstructured tailoring,” he adds.
Of course, sustainability is another important driving force. We’ve all heard about the environmental impact of fast fashion — this is the exact opposite. “Made-to-measure garments are created one at a time, meaning there’s no waste,” says Percival. So, it’s an approach that not only offers a superior fit but also appeals to environmentally conscious shoppers.
Turns out, looking good and doing good can actually go hand in hand.
At the heart of the made-to-measure process is the blend of technical accuracy and creative expression. Percival underlines the role of Harry’s Rosen’s own Style Advisors when it comes to achieving this balance: “They’re the secret ingredient,” he says. “They work closely with you to understand your style, fit preferences and any feedback you have. From there, they help guide you toward a garment that’s not only technically precise but also reflects your personality, lifestyle and vision.”
Harry Rosen launched its own in-house label for custom-made offerings in 2022, Harold, allowing clients to create everything from custom-made suits to sartorially inspired tracksuits, from the ideal dress shirt to the overshirt, from bomber jackets to trench coats, and more. The fabric choice is equally expansive, with offerings from mills like Loro Piana, Vitale Barberis Canonico, Reda, and others.
The process? It’s simple enough: work with a Style Advisor to pick your garment, choose your fabrics and customize as you like. (More pockets? A lining that best reflects your character? No problem.) Finally, get measured so everything fits perfectly. Simple enough.
Given that the goal is making things personal, scaling made-to-measure services isn’t without its hurdles. One of the biggest challenges comes down to balancing speed with the high-quality standards clients expect. But brands like Harold have found ways to meet those demands, streamlining the process so it can deliver a custom garment in about a month.
“The industry has come a long way in just the last few years,” says Percival — as have the mills that support it, which are constantly experimenting with new blends and weaving techniques. “They’re creating materials that are more unique, high-performing and sustainable than ever before.”
Ultimately, he believes the made-to-measure offering will increasingly make sense for men looking for something a little more bespoke, a little more special. Thanks to cutting-edge technology, eco-friendly practices and a highly personalized approach, made-to-measure really has become as simple as ready-to-wear — but you get so much more. “We can will deliver clothing that fits way better than off the rack,” he sums, “and reflects what matters most to you. Life is too short not to express yourself to the fullest, and dress the way that feels most authentic to you.”
Explore More Range Rover & SHARP Content
