Disclaimer: MAB supplied TPL with this suit for the purposes of this review.
We have covered many custom suit companies here on TPL, but one that always intrigued me specifically was Michael Andrews Bespoke. I had always heard good things about it, knew a few people who were quite happy (and looked phenomenal) in their clothes, and there are few shops in NYC that feel comfortable referring to themselves as true “bespoke”, so it was something I was keen to try, especially at what seemed to be quite reasonable prices for what you were getting.
Michael Andrews Bespoke is situated in New York City's NoHo, tucked away on a nice side street. Like any such shop, a visit to MAB is more than just a fitting; it's a personalized sartorial journey. Their team of knowledgeable tailors takes the time to understand your style preferences, ensuring that the final product truly reflects your individuality. They provide expert guidance on fabric selection and style choices, making the process a collaborative effort. This personalized approach ensures that each suit is a reflection of your unique personality and needs. (And did I mention that they shot a scene from Suits there, too?)
The ambiance of the atelier itself is tasteful and comfortable (and smells incredible), creating an atmosphere that respects the art of tailoring without feeling stuffy or intimidating. So, A+ for all of that.
Now, onto the making of the suit itself. The process is typical of higher end shops like MAB. You can choose truly anything under the sun. They have endless books of fabrics, with prices ranging into the thousands for some truly special fabrics. All the usual suspects are there in terms of mills, and really anything you’d want, they can find for you. I went with a grey glen-plaid, in a 3 piece, peak lapel configuration — something I had always wanted.
As far as fitting goes, you have two options. A pretty advanced “MTM” and “Bespoke.” The former will run you around $1k, while the latter is a bit more than double that. (Again, all prices will depend on fabrics chosen, whether you’re getting a vest or not, and so on; but this is a good rough estimate.) The difference between them is simply this: Bespoke will have MAB create a truly custom, one-off pattern just for you, which allows truly limitless flexibility in the fit. This is as opposed to MTM custom — something like what Suitsupply offers — which, while still often great, is much more limited in scope of adjustments as, eventually, you’ll run into the wall of working off a standard size. In that sense, MAB does offer bespoke. If you’re more particular, and call a suit bespoke only when the cutting of the garment pattern happens in the same facility, and is overseen by the one actually making it on your body and measuring you, then MAB would not qualify as bespoke (as the garment is cut and made overseas). Nevertheless, the extensive fitting options offered at MAB will be far superior and more complex and nuanced than what is offered at Suitsupply or similar tiers.
I will say, though, that the main defining hallmark of Michael Andrews Bespoke as I see it is undoubtedly its unwavering commitment to quality. They pay attention to every detail, ensuring that each garment emerges as a work of art. From the sharp, precise cuts to the hand-stitched buttonholes, the passion for perfection shines through. Every centimeter of my final suit was gorgeously constructed and crafted, with hardly a stray strand to be seen. This is to be expected at this price point, and while the difference in quality between MAB and, say, higher end Suitsupply is not “night and day”, it also very much is noticeable. MAB suits feel far more unique, custom, and boutique, and far less mass produced — because that is the truth. Every element of an MAB suit is as high quality as you can get, and not a corner is cut as far as I can tell.
As far as the fit goes, my first fitting was already more dialed in than many second fittings I have had in my life. There were a few tweaks needed to the back and sleeves, and the final product is a well-fitting, though quite slim as requested, suit that skims my body nicely, and while not 100% perfect (no garment ever is), is certainly amongst the best fitting suits in my closet. (I have been preferring somewhat slightly looser fitting suits recently, but still wanted something that was slimmer from a high end maker — which is harder to cut properly than looser garments, of course — in my wardrobe as I am a tall and slim guy, and find this suits my body very well too.)
To conclude: For those who appreciate the finest in tailored clothing without the frills and extravagance, Michael Andrews Bespoke is a reliable choice. It's all about quality and style in a welcoming environment. When you wear a suit from this establishment, you're not just wearing clothes; you're wearing a piece of art that perfectly fits your style and sensibilities. MAB is a testament to the fact that fine tailoring is not dead, and there is a world of fine suiting beyond the mass market indeed.