The word bespoke can be intimidating. To think of getting clothes custom-made, and you likely imagine a ceremonial Savile Row-style experience with loads of measurements, fittings—and staggering prices. But made-to-measure fashion doesn’t have to be so formal and serious. In fact, there’s a new crop of bespoke brands that are reinventing the art of tailoring altogether.
From custom leather jackets to bespoke suits and perfectly-pleated trousers, a younger generation of labels is infusing fun and personality into their customizable services. Sure, they will all fit you to perfection—but these buzzy brands are less about lavishness, and more about ensuring every piece of your wardrobe feels authentic to you and your personal style. (And not just for special occasions, either.)
Take Esque/By founder Jennifer Lee, whose bespoke brand takes a 360-degree approach to creating custom garments (whether casual or formal)—from pulling ideas from mood boards to sketches, to final fittings. Her aim is to make people feel seen. “After my mother underwent breast cancer surgery, I saw how difficult it was to find clothing that accommodated her changing body while still making her feel like herself,” says Lee. “It reinforced a belief that continues to guide everything we do: clothing should adapt to people, not ask people to adapt to clothing.”
Other brands, like By The Namesake or Amber Doyle, are taking a more rock-and-roll approach to bespoke tailoring—fine-tuning edgy suits or leather jackets for their cool, non-traditional clientele. “The clothing I create doesn’t live in one category,” says Doyle, who has dressed musicians such as Des Rocs. “It’s not traditional. It’s not trend-driven. It’s an elegant collision of all the knowledge and skills I’ve spent my life learning in the menswear space.” Speaking of the menswear space, Stoffa is creating quietly luxurious wardrobe staples that take a fabric-first approach. Want a groovy, 1970s-style polo in the finest cashmere? They’ve got you covered.
Consider these bespoke brands, then, the cool new crop of innovators you should have on speed-dial for your next custom-made piece. Read on to hear how they’re all taking the traditional world of tailoring to new places.
A leather skirt from By The Namesake.
Photo: Courtesy of By The Namesake
Founded by: Rosa Halpern, in 2019.
Based in: Toronto, Canada.
Signature services: Custom leather jackets, pants, and select ready-to-wear.
What sets it apart: At By The Namesake, customers aren’t simply choosing a jacket—they’re invited into the design process. They can customize everything from the leather, hardware, and lining to the silhouette, details, and fit, all to create something that feels entirely their own.
Favorite looks designed thus far: “Our adjustable blazer is one of the pieces I’m most proud of. It can transform from a short jacket to a midi or long jacket, and the removable panels can also be worn as a mini skirt or a long skirt. It captures so much of what By The Namesake is about: versatility, individuality, thoughtful design, and giving the wearer the freedom to make a piece their own. There’s a real sense of play and magic to it.”
Best part of the job: “I love seeing what people dream up. Our clients constantly inspire us, and some of our most innovative design features, including removable fringe, have come directly from customer requests. But the most meaningful part is watching someone who has never had a jacket fit them properly put theirs on for the first time. You can see their posture change and their confidence shift. Being able to make someone feel truly seen, celebrated, and powerful in their clothing is incredibly special.”
