Citytailors’ Guide to Men’s vs Women’s Custom Tailoring: What You Need to Know

Citytailors’ Guide to Men’s vs Women’s Custom Tailoring: What You Need to Know

In today’s fashion world, finding clothing that fits perfectly off the rack is nearly impossible. Whether you’re dressing for business, a wedding, or everyday style, having clothes that match your body’s unique shape is a game-changer. That’s where custom tailoring steps in.

At Citytailors, with services in Bath and Brighton, we specialise in custom tailoring for men and women, offering expert clothing alterations and bespoke garments designed just for you. But did you know that tailoring for men and women involves very different techniques?

Let’s dive into the world of men’s vs women’s custom tailoring and explore what you need to know before booking your next fitting.

What Is Custom Tailoring and Why It Matters

Custom tailoring means having garments made or adjusted to your exact body measurements. Unlike ready-to-wear clothes that come in standard sizes, tailored clothing offers:

• Better comfort
  
• Improved style and posture
  
• Enhanced confidence
  
• Clothing that lasts longer

Whether you’re searching for a sharp business suit or a flattering dress, custom tailoring in the UK ensures you get a garment that looks and feels right.

Men’s vs Women’s Tailoring: Key Differences

1. Body Shape and Silhouette

The biggest difference in custom tailoring for men and women is body shape. Men generally have broader shoulders and straighter hips, while women have curves around the bust, waist, and hips.

• Men’s tailoring focuses on structure sharp lines, squared shoulders, and tapered legs.
  
• Women’s tailoring balances style and function, often using darts and seams to highlight the natural curves of the body.

2. Fabric and Flow

Tailors often choose fabric based on how it drapes:

• For men: heavier fabrics like wool, tweed, or structured cotton.
  
• For women: softer fabrics like crepe, silk blends, or stretch cotton that flow with movement.

This is why a men’s blazer feels heavier and firmer, while a tailored women’s jacket might feel more flexible and fluid.

3. Fit Preferences

Men typically prefer a snug fit around the chest and shoulders with a taper toward the waist. For trousers, they might want a slim or relaxed fit.

Women, on the other hand, may need tailoring to adjust the bust, waist, hips, and sometimes shoulders. Tailors use techniques like shaping seams and bust darts to create that ideal feminine outline.

4. Design Elements

• Buttons: Men’s jackets usually button left over right, while women’s button right over left.
  
• Zippers and Pockets: Placement can vary, with women’s garments often having hidden or decorative zippers and fewer functional pockets.
  
• Waistlines: Tailors adjust the waist positioning based on body type and fashion trends. For women, higher or cinched waistlines are popular, while men prefer mid-rise trousers or low-cut suits.

Custom Tailoring for Men: What to Expect

Tailoring for men in the UK continues to evolve, combining traditional structure with modern fashion trends. Common garments include:

• Suits
• Trousers
• Waistcoats
• Shirts
• Blazers

At Citytailors, when a man walks in for a fitting, we consider every detail:

• Shoulder slope
  
• Chest and back width
  
• Sleeve length
  
• Waist-to-hip ratio
  
• Trouser taper and break

Many men today opt for modern slim fits, custom lapels, and even bold linings for a hint of personality inside their otherwise formal outfit.

Whether it’s a tailored suit for your wedding or a crisp shirt for the office, custom tailoring for men guarantees you’ll look sharp and feel confident.

Custom Tailoring for Women: What to Expect

Women’s tailoring is where functionality meets elegance. From professional suits to casual dresses and skirts, tailored women’s clothing is designed to fit, flatter, and flow.

Tailors take special care with:

• Bust shaping
  
• Waist fitting
  
• Hip contouring
  
• Sleeve length and flare
  
• Skirt length and drape
  

We often tailor the following pieces for women:

• Blazers
  
• Trousers
  
• Dresses (formal and casual)
  
• Pencil skirts
  
• Evening wear
  

At Citytailors, we understand that women tailoring isn’t about one look for everyone. Each piece is designed to express your unique personality while fitting like a glove.

The Power of Clothing Alterations

Not every great outfit starts from scratch. Many of our clients in Bath and Brighton bring clothes that they already love but need a better fit. That’s where clothing alterations come in.

Common alteration services include:

• Hemming trousers or skirts
  
• Taking in or letting out waistlines
  
• Sleeve adjustments
  
• Bust shaping
  
• Jacket resizing
  
• Zip or button replacement
  

Even small adjustments can make a big difference. For example, a blazer that’s too loose or a dress that doesn’t sit right can ruin the look. Altering these garments can revive them and make them look like they were made just for you.

Common Tailoring Mistakes to Avoid

Before you visit your tailor, be mindful of these common errors:

• Over-tightening: Clothes should fit, not restrict. Comfort is key.
  
• Ignoring movement: Always test how your garment moves with you.
  
• Wrong fabric choice: Some fabrics wrinkle or pull more easily than others.
  
• Not wearing the right shoes or underwear during fitting: These small details can affect how a garment sits on your body.

At Citytailors, we guide you through each decision so you never have to worry about these mistakes.

Tailoring Trends in the UK

Tailoring is evolving with fashion. Today’s top UK tailoring trends include:

For Men

• Lightweight, breathable fabrics
  
• Earth-tone suits and textured weaves
  
• Minimalist double-breasted jackets
  
• Shorter trouser lengths with no break
  

For Women

• Statement blazers with strong shoulders
  
• Tapered suits with feminine details
  
• Neutral-tone power suits
  
• Hybrid tailoring mixing formal wear with casual designs

Our team at Citytailors stays ahead of the curve, constantly exploring new designs while honouring timeless tailoring traditions.

Why Citytailors Is Your Best Choice

Whether you’re in Bath or Brighton, Citytailors is your go-to destination for expert custom tailoring for men and women. Here’s why our clients trust us:

• Over 30 years of combined tailoring experience
  
• Personalised fittings with expert advice
  
• Premium fabric choices and precise craftsmanship
  
• Reliable and efficient clothing alterations
  
• Tailoring that suits UK fashion trends and lifestyle

We don’t just tailor clothes, we tailor confidence.

Conclusion: Fit That Speaks for Itself

Understanding the differences between men’s and women’s custom tailoring helps you appreciate the skill, art, and precision that goes into every stitch. Tailoring is not just about size; it’s about expressing your individuality through clothing that’s made to fit your life, your body, and your style.

Whether you need a sharp business suit, a wedding outfit, or simply want to breathe new life into your favourite clothes with expert clothing alterations, Citytailors is here for you.

📍 Located in Bath and Brighton, our tailoring services are designed to meet the high expectations of modern UK fashion lovers.

Frequently Asked Questions