Why do bespoke suits offer a better cost per wear than off the rack alternatives?
Bespoke suits offer greater long term value because they are designed for durability, precision fit and personal style. Unlike off the rack garments, a bespoke suit is measured and built around your individual body shape using premium materials and specialist tailoring methods. The result is a suit that is worn more often, looks better for longer and requires fewer replacements over time. This high frequency of wear and reduced need for replacement lowers the cost per wear significantly, making a bespoke suit a practical and worthwhile investment.
Here's What We Have Covered In This Article
The Fielding and Nicholson bespoke experience
What makes Fielding and Nicholson different
Fielding and Nicholson suits are created through a consultative tailoring process that includes expert guidance, fabric selection and multiple fittings to get everything just right. With showrooms in Mayfair, Manchester, Zürich and New York, clients receive the same high standard of service and attention regardless of location. The tailoring process focuses on comfort, longevity and individual preference. Learn more about our bespoke tailoring process by visiting our tailoring service page.
Showrooms in the UK and internationally
You can book appointments at our showrooms in London, Manchester, Zürich or New York. Each location offers a calm, professional space to explore options and begin the tailoring process with confidence. Visit the book appointment page to get started.
How does a proper fit increase cost efficiency?
Measurement techniques that improve longevity
A Fielding and Nicholson bespoke suit is measured using over 30 key body points. These include shoulder angles, arm curvature, chest depth and standing posture. Precision in these areas ensures that the suit supports your movement and maintains structural integrity through frequent wear.
Fit supports comfort and lifespan
A suit that fits your exact frame moves with your body rather than against it. This reduces fabric strain and seam tension, which helps prevent wear. When clothing is comfortable and fits well, it becomes a go to choice, increasing how often it is worn and reducing the need for constant replacements.
Fabric quality and longevity
Why fabric sourcing matters
We select cloths from leading British and Italian mills known for consistency and durability. These fabrics maintain shape, resist pilling and deliver excellent drape even after years of wear. Our partnership with heritage mills ensures material quality that matches our tailoring standards.
Wool, cashmere and silk for year round use
Wool remains the most popular fabric due to its breathability and natural resilience. Cashmere blends are ideal for colder months, offering softness without compromising structure. For formalwear, silk blends provide elegant sheen and flexibility. You can explore our fabric guide for seasonal and event specific recommendations.
Book Your Personal Fitting
Ready to experience a proper fit? Get measured by a Fielding and Nicholson expert.
Why construction method affects value
Tailoring techniques over industrial production
Our suits are assembled by experienced tailors using hand sewing methods rather than factory assembly. This allows for strong internal construction, better tension distribution and longer garment life. Details like floating canvases and hand stitched buttonholes provide flexibility and resilience that are not found in mass manufactured suits.
Built to suit modern style and classic form
A bespoke suit accommodates both contemporary cuts and traditional shapes. You can select notch lapels, peak lapels, double breasted fronts or three piece constructions depending on your needs. Because the structure is built from the base up, the result is consistently polished regardless of changing trends.

See Our Bespoke Work
Browse our gallery of recent made to measure and bespoke suits, tailored for every style and body type.
How function influences frequency of wear
Designed to fit your routine
Fielding and Nicholson suits are made with purpose. If you need something that moves easily through business meetings, travel and evening events, we factor that into your garment’s construction. You choose the pocket placement, lining type and internal structure. This makes each suit relevant and functional across multiple settings.
One suit that fits many occasions
With a neutral colour palette such as navy or charcoal, your suit can transition from formal settings to more casual combinations. The jacket works with chinos or denim, while the trousers can pair with knitwear or button down shirts. This flexibility increases use and justifies the initial investment.
Why is a baste fitting important?
Testing fit before finishing
A baste fitting allows the tailor to assemble a draft version of your suit using temporary stitching. This stage gives us the opportunity to assess drape, movement and silhouette before final construction. It is especially useful for identifying subtle fit issues that do not show on paper measurements.
Incremental improvements through each fitting
Each fitting session refines the shape and comfort of the suit. Adjustments might include sleeve length, trouser taper, shoulder pitch or jacket closure. This layered approach helps deliver a precise fit that holds up over years of wear.
Compare Off The Rack With Made To Measure
 Thinking about the difference? Discover why tailor made suits are the smarter long term choice.
What does the Fielding and Nicholson five year guarantee cover?
Ongoing support and alterations
We offer a five year guarantee on all bespoke suits purchased within the past twelve months. This includes support for weight fluctuations, minor repairs and issues related to standard wear. If a fabric defect arises, we replace or repair the relevant panels using the original specification where possible.
How to request assistance
Clients can bring their suit to any of our showrooms for inspection. All garments must be cleaned prior to review. We assess each case based on wear and construction integrity, and aim to return adjustments within a reasonable period. Read more about what is included in the five year guarantee.
Comparing cost per wear in real terms
Example comparison with high street suits
A £2000 bespoke suit worn twice per week over ten years equates to roughly 1040 wears. That is under £2 per wear. A £500 high street suit might last two years with weekly use, requiring several replacements in the same timeframe. The cost per wear climbs rapidly, often doubling or tripling the bespoke equivalent.
Where value becomes clear
With a bespoke suit, the combination of comfort, confidence and durability means it gets used more often and retained longer. This makes the upfront cost more manageable and financially sensible in the long run.
Ethical benefits and sustainability
Lower consumption over time
The longer a garment lasts, the less often it needs replacing. This reduces overall demand for new clothing production and lowers landfill contribution. A single high quality garment reduces textile waste significantly over a decade.
Supporting skill based industries
When you choose a bespoke suit, you support traditional craftsmanship, fair wages and specialist skills. These industries rely on patronage to maintain standards, pass down techniques and continue producing well made clothing.
What our clients tell us
Feedback across life events
From weddings and anniversaries to new jobs and board presentations, our clients consistently report higher satisfaction from wearing suits made specifically for them. They note the improved comfort, cleaner lines and ease of movement.
Repeat visits and long term relationships
Many of our clients return for additional suits or updates to their existing wardrobe. The ongoing relationship allows for better results each time and a stronger sense of personal style.
One suit with many uses
Combinations that keep things fresh
Change your shirt, swap your shoes or add a jumper. These small shifts can give your suit a new look without buying something new. This is one reason our suits stay relevant season after season.
Versatility through classic design
A good suit does not need to be complicated. It just needs to work. With the right fit and quality base materials, one garment can take you through different dress codes and environments without compromise.
How to maintain your investment
Keeping your suit in shape
Store your suit on a wide hanger to maintain the shoulder line. Let it rest between wears, and avoid over cleaning. Steam lightly when needed and dry clean only when necessary. These small steps protect the fabric and structure.
Schedule annual reviews
Your body may change, and your needs may shift. We recommend annual appointments to review fit and update details as required. These sessions help you get the most wear from your suit over time.
Why fit has more impact than fashion
Confidence through comfort
Wearing a suit that fits properly changes how you feel and how others see you. You stand straighter, move more easily and feel at ease in professional or social situations. That feeling builds confidence over time.
Presence through precision
The first thing people notice is how well your clothes fit. A well proportioned suit communicates care and attention. That message holds more influence than a visible label.
A suit that earns its place
What you gain by investing in quality
You get a garment that feels good every time you put it on. It works hard in your wardrobe and proves itself year after year. It helps you dress with confidence and comfort in both everyday and special moments.
Why people choose Fielding and Nicholson
We focus on you. Your fit, your routine, your preferences. Our aim is to build something reliable that fits into your life and performs at the highest level. You can learn more about our process on the bespoke tailoring page.
FAQs
What is the average lifespan of a bespoke suit?
Most bespoke suits last between ten and fifteen years with proper care and regular check ups.
Can I have my suit adjusted if my body changes?
Yes. We provide alterations as part of our five year guarantee. Small changes are often enough to maintain the original fit.
How often should I wear my suit to justify the cost?
Even at one or two wears per week, the cost per wear becomes lower than high street options within a few years.
Will my bespoke suit go out of style?
We focus on classic design and individual preference rather than fashion trends. This keeps your suit looking appropriate over time.
Is the five year guarantee available outside the UK?
Yes. The guarantee applies to all Fielding and Nicholson bespoke garments regardless of where they were fitted or purchased, provided they are brought to one of our showrooms for review.