True Bespoke Suits

A suit built entirely for one person. Hand sewn bespoke suits from hand drawn patterns. Only 100 made each year.

★★★★★

Exceeded my expectations. It feels like Max has a modern version of the classic tailoring business.

-Chad C.

★★★★★

Max really took the time to get everything dialed in and made the whole experience easy and worth it.

-Blair H.

★★★★★

I’m glad that I found 1701 Bespoke – Max has been incredible and the cut and style of my new suit are even better than I imagined.

–Scott R.

★★★★★

10/10 recommendation and I intend to be going back for more wardrobe pieces.

-Jamie M.

★★★★★

He was respectful and kind the entire time and made me a suit that made me look and feel amazing.

-Jordynn S.

★★★★★

The craftsmanship, attention to detail, and overall bespoke experience are well worth it.

-Justin B.

Peak Luxury

Bespoke is the pinnacle of tailoring; a suit entirely conceived for you, from pattern to the final stitch.
Very few people in this world can claim they own a true bespoke suit.

The Rarity of True Bespoke

Many claim bespoke, but use pre-made patterns and machine stitching.

Each 1701 piece is a testament to artisanal excellence. A hand-drawn original pattern is made for you and over 50 hours of hand work goes into each suit.

The World’s Best Fabrics

We work exclusively with the most prestigious mills in the world—Loro Piana, Zegna, Dormeuil, and Ariston—chosen for their rarity, handle, and timeless performance.

The Bespoke Suit Process

Every suit is built entirely by hand—from the first line on your paper pattern to the final press.

We begin with a private consultation, take over 30 precise body measurements, then draft your unique pattern by hand.

Over three to five fittings, the shape is refined until perfection is inevitable.

More than 50 hours of expert hand-stitching go into each suit, with every buttonhole, lapel, and seam shaped by skilled hands, not machines.

Exclusivity Without Equal

We only make 100 bespoke suits each year. Our bespoke suits made in our Neapolitan workshop, are completely handmade with hand drawn patterns. Fittings available in Detroit, New York City, and Los Angeles.

Inquire Availability

Regular fittings in Detroit, New York City, and Los Angeles. Other locations upon request. Inquire below for availability and we’ll get back to you..

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Frequently
Asked
Questions

The Bespoke Process

What is a bespoke suit?

A bespoke suit is a completely handmade suit derived from an original paper-drawn pattern without the use of blocks, or pre-made patterns.

HOw Does it Differ from made-to-measure?

A bespoke suit is different from made-to-measure because it is created using an original pattern, while made-to-measure uses standard sizes and patterns that are then modified. This makes made to measure more limited in styles and the way it fits.

What is the process, step by step?

First, an initial appointment is made to get measurements, choose fabrics and linings, and choose style details. Afterwards, the pattern is drawn for you by hand, the fabric is ordered, and the cutting and sewing begins.

Next, there is a first fitting, where all the seams are temporarily stitched, or basted, and changes are made to refine the fit.

Then comes the second fitting, where the suit is nearly completed. Minor changes are made to refine the fit, although it is possible the suit can be completely finished by this point.

Finally, a third fitting is conducted to ensure the absolute perfect fit and the suit is ready to go.

How long does it take to make?

The process typically takes three months to complete. This includes the initial appointment all the way up to the final fitting.

Each piece of the suit is made by hand, and more fittings are conducted which requires at least twice the amount of time as a made-to-measure suit.

What role does the paper pattern play in bespoke tailoring?

The paper pattern is the blueprint of the suit. It’s drafted from scratch for each client, capturing exact measurements and posture so the suit fits precisely and moves naturally. Without a hand-drawn paper pattern, a suit is not considered to be bespoke

How much handwork goes into a true bespoke suit?

At least 50 hours of handwork. From the roll of the lape and collarl, to sewing the sleeves and collar on the body, to stitching the lining and the pick stitching, nearly every seam is done by hand.

How much does a bespoke suit cost?

We start at $10,000, but the price is largely determined by fabric selection. 1701 only uses luxury fabrics to create a beautiful drape and soft feel.

Where are Your Suits made?

They are made in our workshop outside of Napoli, Italy. This makes the house style Neapolitan; soft shoulders, light canvasing, high armhole and tight chest. The Neapolitan style makes the suit feel light while still having structure.

Do you ever travel to other cities besides Detroit, new York & Los Angeles? What about outside the US?

Yes, for special clients, travel is available outside of the US and to other cities inside the US besides Detroit, New York and Los Angeles

Fabrics & Materials

What are the best winter fabrics?

Choose a heavy-weight fabric, above 280 grams per square meter, for winter, and depending on your style, opt for a plain finish fabric, a flannel, or a lighter-weight Italian tweed

What are the best summer fabrics?

Choose a light-weight fabric, under 230 grams per square meter, for a summer-time suit, or you can opt for a linen-wool blend, so it has some cooling properties, but still retains the structure and shape of a bespoke suit.

Why Does 1701 Prefer Loro Piana Fabrics?

Loro Piana is widely regarded as the most prestigious mill in the world. For nearly 200 years, they’ve sourced the finest wool, cashmere, and vicuña. Their consistency and reputation ensure that every fabric we select from them meets the highest standard of luxury.

Are patterned fabrics like checks or stripes a good idea for a first suit?

If it’s your first bespoke suit, it’s ok to choose a patterned fabric, but make sure it’s subtle enough to look like a solid from a distance. You’ll want to wear this fabric for special occasions, and patterned fabrics tend to be more memorable than solid fabrics, which might suggest to your friends that you only have one suit to wear to nice events. While solid is always a great choice, if you desire a pattern, make it subtle.

What fabric should I choose if I want a suit that doesn’t wrinkle easily?

Choose a mohair-wool blend if you’re looking for a fabric that doesn’t wrinkle easily. Mohair has a wonderful sheen which makes it look luxurious, and is naturally wrinkle resistant, allowing it to easily bounce back from creasing. That’s why it’s one of the most popular fabrics for tuxedos.

Will a lighter fabric wear out faster than a heavier one?

Lighter fabrics will not wear out faster than heavier fabrics because the weight is only one part of structure of the fabric. What’s more important is the average fiber diameter, otherwise known as the Super Number, as well as whether the yarns have been double twisted.

The higher the Super Number, the more delicate the fabric, which means you can’t wear it as much. A Super 200s, for example, should only be worn a handful of times a year, while a Super 110 can be worn multiple times a week.

Fit & Style

How should it fit compared to an off-the-rack suit?

A bespoke suit should feel like a second skin, meaning it should feel light and comfortable to wear. Off-the-rack suits will pull on your neck, the arm holes can be too high or low, and the overall balance is generally extremely unflattering.

Why does fit matter more than fabric?

Your suit should feel comfortable to wear and flatter your body shape. If it doesn’t meet those two requirements, even if it’s made from the finest wool in the world, you won’t want to wear it.

What are the differences between British, Italian and American suit cuts?

British suits are very structured, with high arm holes, full chest and stiff canvassing. Traditional American suits are lower arm holes and soft canvassing with less shape. And Italian suits are a mix between more structured British suits, and Neapolitan style, unstructured, with high arm holes, soft canvassing and tighter chests.

How does a bespoke suit achieve better balance and proportion than ready-to-wear?

They are designed for balance, taking into account stooped and erect posture, the balance between the torso and the legs, as well as areas of over developed and under developed muscles. While made-to-measure has limitations on how to account for everyone’s unique body shape, bespoke is unlimited because the pattern is drawn by hand just for the wearer.

What makes a bespoke jacket feel different when you wear it?

A bespoke jacket feels very light and comfortable to wear, yet structured, meaning it’s adding to your body’s shape and complimenting the way you look. When you first put on a bespoke jacket, you’ll wonder how it’s possible that it’s so light, yet you’re still wearing a suit coat.

How long should my jacket be?

A general rule of thumb is that the front of the jacket should be in line with your crotch and the back of the jacket should cover your butt. From the side, the jacket should look straight and not longer in the back or the front.

Are They only for skinny guys?

Not at all! No matter if you have a large chest, large belly, both, or neither, a bespoke jacket is designed to compliment your body, making you look better, and feel extremely comfortable to wear.

History & Longevity

Why do bespoke suits last longer than off-the-rack or made-to-measure?

Bespoke suits are hand-stitched, which gives the seams more flexibility. Machine stitches are much tighter, but are more prone to snapping when placed under constant stress.

Bespoke suits also use more seam allowance than made-to-measure and off-the-rack, allowing the suit to be let out a lot more if the wearer ends up gaining weight as they get older.

Can a bespoke suit be altered years later if my body changes?

Yes, bespoke suits can be altered much more so than off-the-rack and made-to-measure suits because there is more seam allowance.

A typical made-to-measure suit might only have two inches to be let out in the waist, while a bespoke suit can have upwards of five inches, allowing way more flexibility for changing body types.

And if the wearer loses weight, bespoke suits can always be taken in, within limits, to make the suit more form fitting.

How Can I make a bespoke suit last decades?

Depending on the fabric you choose, wearing the suit about once a month, keeping the suit on a proper hanger, taking it to the dry-cleaner infrequently (if ever), and storing the bespoke suit in proper garment bag without extreme heat or humidity will make the suit last decades.

Will a bespoke suit still look stylish 10 or 20 years from now?

Yes. Bespoke tailoring avoids short-lived trends and focuses on proportion, balance, and timeless details. When cut to your body and finished with classic elements—lapels, shoulders, length—a bespoke suit will look refined decades after it was made.

Where does the term bespoke come from?

Bespoke is a method of creation, meaning it’s made specifically for the one person ordering it. The word “bespoke” comes from 17th-century England when cloth merchants would mark fabric as “bespoken for” once a customer reserved it.

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