What Do You Need to Bring to a Suit Tailor?

Everything You Should Carry for a Flawless Fitting Experience

Planning a visit to a suit tailor? Here's a complete checklist of what to bring to your tailoring appointment—from shirts and shoes to accessories and inspiration—for the best custom fit.

Introduction

Whether you’re getting your first suit tailored or returning for adjustments, preparation makes a big difference. A common question asked before a tailoring appointment is: What should I bring to the tailor?

While the tailor brings the expertise, you bring the materials and context. From the clothes you wear to the accessories you carry, every item plays a role in helping the tailor take accurate measurements and understand your personal style. In this guide, we outline everything you should bring to your suit tailoring session to ensure a successful outcome.

1. Wear or Bring a Well-Fitted Dress Shirt to a bespoke tailor

A properly fitted dress shirt is essential for any tailoring appointment. Tailors measure your body with reference to what you'll be wearing under the jacket, so a shirt that mimics your usual style is important.

Why it matters:

• Helps align jacket shoulders and chest accurately

• Influences armhole size and sleeve length

• Affects the collar stance and lapel placement

Avoid casual t-shirts, hoodies, or oversized tops—they can throw off measurements and misrepresent your usual fit.

2. Dress Shoes You Plan to Wear with the Suit

Footwear affects how trousers fall and where the hem should end. Wearing or bringing the actual shoes you’ll pair with the suit is crucial for determining accurate pant length and break.

Benefits:

• Prevents trousers from appearing too short or too long

• Aligns with formal shoe height and shape

• Assists with cuff or taper adjustments

If you're unsure, bring the shoes you most often wear to work, formal events, or interviews.

3. Your Everyday Undergarments

It might not seem obvious, but undergarments play a key role in how clothes fit. Wearing your regular undershirt or base layer helps the tailor factor in how your body normally fills the garment.

Avoid compression gear, thermal layers, or bulky undershirts during your appointment—stick to what you wear under your suits daily for the most realistic fitting.

4. A Suit for Reference (Optional but Valuable)

If you already own a suit—even if it doesn’t fit perfectly—bring it along. It gives the tailor a tangible example of what you like or want to avoid.

For example:

• “I love this shoulder cut.”

• “This jacket feels too long.”

• “I want trousers like these but slimmer.”

Visual references eliminate guesswork and help the tailor understand your style, fit preferences, and silhouette goals.

5. Photos or Inspiration Examples

Have a particular look in mind? Maybe you’ve seen a celebrity wearing a cut you admire or saved a few Instagram posts. Print them or keep them on your phone. Style inspiration is an easy way to convey your vision—whether it’s a modern slim-fit suit, double-breasted design, or classic British cut.

Tailors appreciate visuals. They offer immediate direction and ensure your final suit reflects your taste.

6. Accessories (Watch, Belt, Tie, Pocket Square)

Accessories subtly influence how the suit is tailored. If you regularly wear a watch, it can affect how the jacket cuff is measured. Belts or braces can change how trousers are fitted at the waist.

Helpful items to bring:

• Your wristwatch

• Formal belt or suspenders

• Tie (especially if you're tailoring a shirt as well)

• Pocket square (for styling reference)

These allow your tailor to adjust details like sleeve length, waistband tension, and collar width.

7. Clear Communication and Timeline

Lastly, bring clarity about what you expect. Be honest and detailed:

• Do you want a tight fit or something relaxed?

• Is the suit for daily use, business, or a special event?

• What’s your deadline for completion?

The more context you offer, the better the tailor can deliver. Good tailoring isn’t just about fit—it’s about function, comfort, and timing.

Conclusion

When visiting a suit tailor, preparation is everything. Bring the right clothes, shoes, and accessories—and don’t forget your ideas and expectations. By arriving ready, you’re not only helping the tailor work more efficiently but also ensuring that the final result reflects your true style and fits like it was made just for you—because it was.