Max Schmidt
I’m Max Schmidt, founder of 1701 Bespoke in Detroit. For more than a decade, I’ve been making bespoke suits, made-to-measure suits, and ready-to-wear. My focus is always on fit, fabric, and craftsmanship. In this blog, I write about the details that set fine clothing apart—from the mills behind the fabrics to the history of tailoring and style. My goal is to make menswear clear and approachable, showing why quality matters, and help foster an obession into the world of fine clothing. I split my time between Detroit, New York, and Los Angeles working with clients.
Secure Your Bespoke Suit Fitting
Every suit begins with a hand-drawn pattern, crafted from the finest fabrics in Italy and England, and shaped with more than 50 hours of work. Schedule your fitting today in Detroit, New York, or Los Angeles. Other locations available upon request.
Only 100 bespoke suits are made per year, so inquire below for availability.
Latest Articles By Max
Shirt Maintenance: How to Properly Clean Your Shirts
January 30, 2024
I recommend using OxiClean Max Force. No science here, it just works. Spray each collar and cuff with OxiClean before you put it into the washing machine. Some use a toothbrush in addition to the OxiClean, but you can risk damaging the cotton if you scrub too hard, so just spraying on the collars and
The History of Solbiati
December 19, 2023
Below is the story of Solbiati, one of the most famous linen and cotton mills in Italy carried by 1701 Bespoke.
Zoot Suits: Rebellion in a Suit
December 16, 2023
The zoot suit today is considered a costume by most, and was just a funky outfit people wore in the 1940s. But what most people don’t know is that the zoot suit was actually a form of rebellion. And this rebellion even cost people their lives. Below is the story of the Zoot Suit Riots
The Magic of Biella: Why Italian Fabric Mills Love This Village
December 2, 2023
THERE ARE ONLY A FEW THINGS FOR CERTAIN IN THIS WORLD; DEATH, TAXES, AND ITALIAN FABRIC MILLS BASED IN BIELLA. CONSIDER COMMISSIONING A SUIT IN ONE OF THE MANY FABRICS WE OFFER FROM BIELLA MILLS: VBC, LORO PIANA, REDA AND MORE.
What is Spalla Camicia
December 2, 2023
The quintessential detail that defines Neapolitan style in custom tailoring. Spalla Camicia isn’t for everyone One of the interesting things about style is it’s very geographic. Some things look good in some places, but not in others. Because spalla camicia is such a quintessential Italian detail typically only reserved for made to measure or bespoke
