Hey there, suit lover! Adam here, your resident menswear geek and bona fide suit snob. I‘ve spent more time than I care to admit obsessing over lapel widths, buttonhole stitching, and the perfect shade of navy wool. But enough about my sartorial quirks – let‘s talk about YOU and your quest for the holy grail of suiting.
If you‘re reading this, chances are you‘re considering taking the plunge into the world of custom suiting. And if you‘ve done even a smidge of research, two names have likely popped up again and again: Indochino and Suitsupply. These titans of tailoring have been duking it out for the title of "Best Made-to-Measure Suit" for years now, and for good reason.
But with both brands boasting some seriously impressive offerings, how‘s a guy to choose? Never fear, my dapper friend – I‘m here to break it all down for you. Consider this your ultimate guide to the Indochino vs Suitsupply showdown. I‘ll be diving deep into every aspect of the suiting experience, from the quality of the fabrics to the intricacies of the ordering process, all to help you make the most informed decision possible.
So sit back, relax, and let‘s talk suits!
Tale of the Tape: Indochino vs Suitsupply
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let‘s start with a quick overview of our contenders.
Indochino: The Affordable Custom Suit Pioneer
- Founded in 2007 in Vancouver, Canada
- Offers made-to-measure suits starting at $299
- Over 50 showrooms across North America for in-person fittings
- Extensive online customization options
- Wide range of fabrics and styles to suit every taste
Suitsupply: The European Suiting Innovator
- Founded in 2000 in Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Offers made-to-measure suits starting at $499
- Showrooms in major cities worldwide for in-person fittings
- Sleek online customization platform
- Known for premium Italian fabrics and modern, slim-fit designs
Now that you‘ve met our challengers, let‘s see how they stack up in the key areas that matter most to you, the discerning suit shopper.
Quality & Construction: The Foundation of a Great Suit
When it comes to suiting, quality is king. No amount of customization or clever marketing can make up for subpar materials or shoddy construction. So how do Indochino and Suitsupply fare in the quality department? Let‘s take a closer look.
Fabrics: The Building Blocks of Your Suit
Both Indochino and Suitsupply offer a wide range of fabric options, from classic wools to more unique blends. However, there are some key differences in their approach to sourcing and quality.
Indochino works with a variety of mills to offer a solid selection of fabrics at accessible price points. While you won‘t find many ultra-premium options like cashmere or vicuña, their wool fabrics are generally high-quality and durable. For example, their "Premium" line features 100% Australian Merino wool in Super 110s-120s for a soft hand and sophisticated drape.
Suitsupply, on the other hand, is renowned for their partnerships with some of the most prestigious Italian mills in the game. We‘re talking the likes of Vitale Barberis Canonico, Reda, and Zegna – the crème de la crème of fabric producers.
To put this in perspective, let‘s look at some hard numbers. A typical "Napoli" suit from Suitsupply features 100% Italian wool in Super 110s-130s, starting at $499. In comparison, Indochino‘s "Premium" suits in Super 120s start at $429. So while Indochino certainly offers great value, Suitsupply has a clear edge in terms of fabric provenance and quality.
Construction: The Art of the Suit
Of course, even the finest fabric is nothing without skilled construction. Once again, both Indochino and Suitsupply deliver some impressive attention to detail, but with a few key distinctions.
Indochino suits are machine-stitched for efficiency and consistency, with more basic construction techniques suitable for their affordable price point. You‘ll find standard fused interlinings, a single-layer canvas chest piece, and plainweave pocketing. It‘s not the height of artisanal craftsmanship, but it gets the job done for most men‘s needs.
Suitsupply takes construction to the next level with a greater emphasis on handwork and traditional tailoring methods. Half- and full-canvas construction options, hand-stitched buttonholes, and reinforced pockets are just a few of the finer details you‘ll find. It‘s a more involved process that results in a suit with superior structure and longevity.
Here‘s a quick side-by-side comparison of some key construction elements:
| Feature | Indochino | Suitsupply |
|---|---|---|
| Interlining | Fused | Half-canvas (standard), Full-canvas (upgrade) |
| Buttons | Machine-stitched | Hand-stitched |
| Pockets | Plainweave | Bemberg lining |
| Armholes | Standard machine-stitched | High-cut with hand-inserted sleeves |
As you can see, Suitsupply goes the extra mile in craftsmanship, but that added attention to detail is reflected in the higher price point. It‘s up to you to decide if those finer points of construction are worth the investment.
Fit & Customization: Making Your Suit Your Own
Now we‘ve arrived at the real meat of the made-to-measure experience: fit and customization. After all, the whole point of going custom is to get a suit that fits and feels like it was made just for you (because it was). So how do Indochino and Suitsupply stack up in terms of personalization options and fit guarantee? Let‘s find out.
Customization: Your Suit, Your Way
Both Indochino and Suitsupply offer an impressive array of customization options, allowing you to fine-tune everything from lapel style to lining color. However, there are a few key areas where one brand may edge out the other, depending on your preferences.
Indochino has long been a leader in the online customization game, and their platform is a breeze to navigate. With a few clicks, you can choose from over 30 different fabric options, multiple lapel styles (notch, peak, and shawl), various pocket configurations, and even add a monogram. They also offer a wide range of linings and buttons to make your suit truly one-of-a-kind.
Suitsupply‘s customization process is equally extensive, with a few additional options for the die-hard suit geek. Want a Milanese buttonhole? A functional boutonniere loop? Suitsupply has you covered. They also offer a few more specialized options like a double-breasted peak lapel or a Neapolitan-style soft shoulder.
However, where Suitsupply really shines is in their fabric selection. With over 1,000 premium Italian fabrics to choose from, the possibilities are nearly endless. Want a bold windowpane check in a luxurious Super 150s wool? A subtle glen plaid in a lightweight silk-linen blend? Suitsupply has an option for every taste and occasion.
Fit: The Most Important Factor
Of course, all the customization in the world means nothing if the final product doesn‘t fit like a glove. Both Indochino and Suitsupply have their own approaches to ensuring the perfect fit, but one may be better suited to your needs than the other.
Indochino offers both in-store and online ordering, with the added benefit of being able to input your own measurements right from the comfort of home. They provide detailed video guides and a printable measuring tape to help you get accurate measurements, but there is some room for error if you‘re not a measuring pro.
If you do happen to visit one of their showrooms, you‘ll be treated to a one-on-one fitting session with a knowledgeable stylist who will take your measurements and walk you through the customization process. It‘s a great option if you‘re unsure about measuring yourself or just want some expert guidance.
Suitsupply also offers both in-store and online ordering, but their online process is a bit more involved. Rather than inputting your own measurements, you‘ll start by filling out a detailed sizing questionnaire covering everything from your height and weight to your typical suit size and fit preferences. From there, Suitsupply‘s algorithms will generate a custom size based on your inputs, which you can then fine-tune with the help of a virtual stylist.
If you opt for an in-store fitting, you can expect a similarly high level of service and expertise. Suitsupply‘s stylists are trained to take precise measurements and offer advice on everything from fabric choice to styling options.
Regardless of which brand you choose, both Indochino and Suitsupply offer generous adjustment policies to ensure your final suit fits just right. Indochino provides a 60-day "Fit Guarantee" that covers any necessary alterations at a local tailor (up to $75), while Suitsupply offers complimentary in-store alterations for life.
Customer Experience: What Real Guys Are Saying
Stats and specs are all well and good, but what really matters is how these suits hold up in the real world. To get a better sense of the customer experience with Indochino and Suitsupply, I scoured hundreds of online reviews and reached out to a few fellow suit enthusiasts for their firsthand takes.
Indochino: Solid Value, Mixed Reviews
Indochino has built a loyal following over the years, with many men praising the brand‘s affordable prices, wide range of customization options, and user-friendly ordering process. Here are a few highlights from real Indochino customers:
"I was a bit nervous about measuring myself, but the video guides made it super easy. My suit arrived in just under 3 weeks and fit almost perfectly right out of the box. A few minor adjustments at my local tailor and I was good to go. Best of all, I got a fully custom suit for less than $500!" – Mark L., Seattle
"I‘ve ordered 3 suits from Indochino over the years and have always been impressed with the quality for the price. The fabrics are nice, the construction is solid, and the customization options are pretty extensive. The only downside is that the fit can be a bit inconsistent – I‘ve had to get a few more alterations on some suits than others." – John D., Toronto
However, not everyone has had a flawless experience with Indochino. Some common complaints include inconsistent fit (even with professional measurements), longer-than-expected delivery times, and occasional issues with quality control.
"I was really excited to try Indochino, but my first suit was a bit of a letdown. The fabric was thinner than expected and the fit was off in a few key areas, even after alterations. I might give them another shot, but I‘m not in a hurry." – Chris M., New York
Overall, it seems that Indochino is a great option for guys looking for a solid entry-level custom suit at an unbeatable price. Just be prepared for a bit of trial and error when it comes to fit, and don‘t expect the same level of craftsmanship you‘d get from a high-end bespoke suit.
Suitsupply: Premium Quality, Higher Price Point
Suitsupply has earned a reputation as one of the top made-to-measure brands on the market, thanks to their unwavering commitment to quality fabrics, skilled construction, and modern, stylish designs. Here‘s what a few satisfied customers had to say:
"I‘ve been a Suitsupply customer for years and have never been disappointed. The fabrics are absolutely top-notch – you can really feel the difference compared to off-the-rack suits. The construction is also impeccable, with lots of nice hand-finished details. Yes, they‘re pricier than some other options, but in my opinion, it‘s worth every penny." – David S., Los Angeles
"I was blown away by the level of service at my local Suitsupply store. The stylist spent over an hour with me, taking measurements, discussing customization options, and even offering styling tips for different occasions. The final suit fit like a dream and garnered tons of compliments. I‘ll definitely be back for more!" – Michael T., Washington D.C.
Of course, no brand is perfect, and Suitsupply is no exception. The most common complaint? The higher price point, which can be a tough sell for some guys just dipping their toes into the world of custom suiting.
"There‘s no denying the quality of Suitsupply‘s suits – they‘re absolutely gorgeous. But as someone just starting out in my career, it‘s hard to justify spending $700+ on a single suit. I might save up for a special occasion, but for everyday wear, I‘ll probably stick with more affordable options." – James P., Chicago
At the end of the day, Suitsupply is a top choice for discerning guys who appreciate the finer things and are willing to invest in a premium product. If you have the budget and value the highest-quality fabrics and construction, Suitsupply is hard to beat.
The Bottom Line: Which Brand is Right for You?
So, after all this analysis, which brand should you choose? As with most things in life, there‘s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right brand for you will depend on your individual needs, preferences, and budget. However, here are a few key takeaways to help guide your decision:
Choose Indochino if:
- You‘re looking for the most affordable made-to-measure option on the market
- You value a wide range of customization options and an easy online ordering process
- You don‘t mind a bit of trial and error when it comes to fit
- You prioritize value over absolute top-tier quality
Choose Suitsupply if:
- You appreciate the finest Italian fabrics and skilled craftsmanship
- You‘re willing to invest in a premium product for long-term value
- You prioritize fit and are willing to go through a more involved measurement process
- You value sustainability and ethical production practices
Regardless of which brand you choose, remember that the beauty of made-to-measure suiting is the ability to create a one-of-a-kind garment that reflects your unique style and preferences. Don‘t be afraid to experiment with different fabrics, customization options, and styling choices until you find the perfect combination for you.
Your Turn: Share Your Experience!
Now that you‘ve read my take on the great Indochino vs Suitsupply debate, I want to hear from you! If you‘ve had experience with either (or both) of these brands, share your thoughts in the comments below. What did you love? What would you change? Any tips for first-time buyers?
Remember, the world of custom suiting is all about personal preference and experimentation. What works for one guy might not work for another, so don‘t be afraid to try new things and form your own opinions.
And if you‘re still on the fence about taking the made-to-measure plunge, I highly encourage you to give it a shot. Trust me – once you experience the perfect fit and endless customization options of a custom suit, you‘ll never go back to off-the-rack.
Happy suiting, gentlemen!
