THE STAPLE: Peal & Co. White Buck wingtips

These classic summertime essentials are a staple to the preppy culture. The above pair, made by Peal & Co, are designed exclusively for Brooks Brothers. Pair these with Madras shorts(slim cut and ABOVE the knee)and a slim-fit white oxford to achieve the perfect balance between minimalist and preppy style. If you opt for seersucker, i would suggest wearing one piece at a time (either the jacket or the pants). You want to avoid looking like Colonel Sanders or the sheriff from Sparta, Mississippi.

The Basics: Made to Measure Versus Bespoke

As men become more in tune with their inner sartorialist,grasping certain basics are increasingly necessary and relevant. One of the biggest misconceptions in fashion, is that the terms, made to measure and bespoke are interchangeable. Not many people(even those who consider themselves amongst the sartorial elite) really know the difference between the two. In this post, I will explain the fundamental differences between made to measure and bespoke.

Made to measure suits and shirts originate from pre-existing factory fabrics, patterns, and templates. The products are then adjusted according to a person's size specifications and varying design techniques of the tailor. Afterwards, the product is sent back to the factory, where the shirt or suit is processed the way "Ready to wear" products are made; except instead of size averages, an individuals specific measurements are used.

Bespoke is a British term which means "made to individual order". Unlike made to measure, bespoke shirts and suits are made from scratch(no pre-existing pattern) and sewn entirely by the tailor based upon a persons specific measurements. The collar and cuff can be made EXACTLY to your specifications. In Americana fashion, the term "Custom made" is often used to describe bespoke garments.

As for whether to choose made to measure or bespoke, there are two things one must consider; time and money. Bespoke garments have a longer preparation time and can require between 3 and 6 fittings before completion. Because of such time consumption and preparation, expect to pay anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000 for an entry level suit, and anywhere from $200 to $600 for a shirt.
Made to measure shirts and suits have a considerable shorter process for completion. After the measurements are sent to the factory by the tailor, it takes a couple of weeks to create what is very close to, if not perfect fit with a considerably smaller price tag. One can attain a made to measure suit for under a $1,000 in some instances; and in most cases, made to measure shirts range between $100 and $200.