For you–and only you. That’s how made to measure works and that’s the feeling surrounding the process. All the noise about other people’s interests, preferences, sizing and opinions fade away as the only person worth knowing is you. At A.K. Rikk’s, we offer made to measure clothing experiences and appointments for custom clothing that’s one-of-a-kind and built solely for you. The made to measure adventure is for everyone. If you’re curious or intimidated, we break down the process via a simple Q&A and talk with our expert personal stylists to see the wonder in their deeply personal made to measure stories that are loaded with notes of self-expression and designer dreams brought to life.

Made to measure is built to your body’s exact measurements with custom choices and signature details. It adjusts an existing pattern to your measurements while bespoke tailoring drafts a new one. It’s a large and luxurious step above mass-produced and off-the-rack clothing that’s made for the general public.

The first step is the consultation where the client chooses the category and brand they want to discuss. Whether it’s an Isaia sportcoat or an Atelier Munro suit, you start with the garment and the brand that best fits your lifestyle and taste. At A.K. Rikk’s, our made to measure brands include ZEGNA, Isaia, Sartorio, Atelier Munro, Savas, Simonnot Godard and John Lobb.

Next, choosing a fabric and/or pattern is how the process evolves. Brands send new fabric swatches every season for Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer.

This is where measurements come in. Based on the desired garment, a fit sample in the appropriate size is made up so the client can try it on. Oftentimes, a sample size is already in store. If we don't have the correct size, we request the brand send a try on sample for the client.

The personal stylist takes their measurements and also looks at posture and proportions. They may adjust things such as jacket length, sleeve length, waist suppression, shoulder balance, trouser rise, waist, thigh, leg opening and inseam fit for example.  

Here comes the fun part: The client customizes their piece to make it their own and make itspecial. This is where we rise to the luxury experience. After the initial fabric selection, the client can now add the smaller details from the style of lapel, buttons, linings, pocket configurations, trouser details, monogramming and stitching.

Following that, we wait for delivery. Depending on the brand and how much craftsmanship it involves, the client can expect to wait a minimum of 5 weeks for clothing (suits, shirts and sportcoats) and up to 10 weeks for leather garments and accessories. There is the choice to rush items to 4 weeks but there is an extra fee for that rush order. 

Last is the final fitting as well as any required alterations. When the piece arrives, the client still has to try it on. Ideally, it is very close to their fitting, however, it is not perfect and sometimes tailors step in to help make minor adjustments.

Clients have a large amount of pieces to individualize:

• Suits
• Sportcoats
• Trousers
• Vests
• Outerwear
• Shirts 
• Shoes 
• Sweaters
• Leather jackets 
• Belts 
• Leather goods

It’s as easy as connecting with your personal stylist and expressing to them that you are interested in a made to measure piece. A.K. Rikk’s offers a number of events wherein made to measure is a part of the experience. 

Made to measure is special for a number of reasons. According to Assistant Men’s Buyer Hong Tran, personal touches and the story every client threads into each garment is where the magic happens. She breaks down the payoff and why the experience is unrivaled.

• IT’S PERSONAL. It's not just a standard size, rather it’s fitted to your body's posture, shoulders, proportions and preferences.
  
• THERE’S A STORY BEHIND IT. You get to choose every single detail that goes into the garment–from fabric, colors and buttons. Pieces can also have a personal touch with specific monogramming and embroidery that makes things more sentimental. 
  
• IT GIVES YOU ACCESS TO MORE. You're often choosing from hundreds of fabrics and options that aren't represented on the sales floor so this is a rare and select opportunity. 
  
• IT BUILDS A WARDROBE OVER TIME. Once you've established a fit you love, we already have your measurements. You can return season after season and build around it with shirts, sweaters or a new print for suits and sportcoats. The blueprint is already established.  
  
• THE RELATIONSHIP IS ALSO PART OF THE LUXURY EXPERIENCE. Your stylist and our vendors learn your measurements, preferences, wardrobe and lifestyle. Eventually, they can already prep what they know you might like and fit that into your budget. They can prep and pre-style you as they already have the knowledge tailored to your taste so choices and products can be waiting for you when you come to an appointment. 

Looking for a lasting and ultra-personal fashion experience? Book a made to measure consultation with an A.K. Rikk’s stylist here