It’s a small world after all, it’s a small, small world… words Walt Disney made famous decades ago, yet in 2010, I can sit behind a computer Dallas, order a Custom MTM suit and shirt half way around the world and have it delivered in 15 days!!!   

I decided to have a suit and shirt made from Matt Salignac with Tailored Suits Paris.  Being the contrarian that I am, I decided to stay away from the preverbal Navy and Charcoal and have a smooth understated brown suit custom made.  I am proud of my decision, as this color is as versatile as any in my wardrobe.  At first glance on his website, www.tailoredsuitsparis.com, one may think there is not enough selection to warrant having a garment designed, but do not confuse quality with quantity.  The garments I received are of high quality fabric and attention to detail is obvious.   

Let me start by commenting on the suit.  The jacket was spot on in terms of fit, no adjustments needed to be made from my local tailor.  The pants needed to be let out one inch in both the rise and the waist.  A small adjustment, especially with my first order.  The fit is trim without being constricting.  The small details lie in the pick stitching, trim between the suit fabric and lining and the functional sleeve buttons.   

The shirts are a hidden treasure.  I have shirts that cost $30 - $50 more then Matt’s and are not of the same quality.  Thick, thick mother of pearl buttons are noticeable from the time the package is opened.  A nice, spread collar the stands out from all the pointed collars in the office.  Double buttons cuffs are a must when ordering custom and they are delivered with style.  The fit was great on both shirts, even though they were different cuts.  The first was a traditional cut.  The second was a slim fit and I mean slim.  I wanted to order each to see the difference.  A few of the companies I have dealt with simply taper the chest to waist measurement, Tailored Suits Paris, on the other hand, makes the entire shirt slim fitting.  The arms, chest, waist, cuffs and hips are reduced to give the slim look everyone is going for these days. 

All in all, I don’t see the reason why a consumer would pay retail for a garment that is designed to fit 90% of the people in a certain range when a custom MTM garment can be purchased for nearly the same price.   The 100% wool suit was approximately the same cost as a polyester blend suit I found at a local department store, after alterations.  The shirts were a few dollars higher then I found at local department stores, but with the ability to customize the style and fit…it begs the question, why buy off the rack?