Thinking about a custom suit and considering Raymond Made to Measure? You’re likely weighing it against off-the-rack options and other tailors. This detailed review breaks down the entire Raymond experience to answer your key questions: How does it actually work, what are you really paying for, and is it the right choice for you?
What is Raymond Made to Measure?
Raymond Made to Measure (MTM) is a premium custom tailoring service from the renowned Raymond brand. It bridges the gap between ready-to-wear suits and full bespoke tailoring. Instead of adjusting a pre-made garment, your suit is cut and constructed from scratch based on your precise measurements and style choices. The service promises a perfect fit, high-quality materials, and a personalized design process.
The Raymond MTM Process: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough
Here’s what you can realistically expect from start to finish, based on the information available.
| Step | What Happens | Key Details & What to Know |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Booking | Schedule an appointment online or in-store. | Available in major US cities (NY, LA, etc.). You specify the occasion (wedding, business, casual). |
| 2. Consultation & Styling | A one-on-one session with a tailoring advisor. | Discuss needs, lifestyle, and desired look. You receive expert advice on style and accessories. |
| 3. Fabric & Design Selection | Choose from a range of fabrics and customize details. | Fabrics: Primarily “hand-picked European fabrics.” Customizations: Lapel style, buttons, cuff details, monogramming, etc. |
| 4. Precision Measurement | A specialist takes 20+ detailed body measurements. | Goes beyond basic sizing to capture posture and proportions for a superior fit. |
| 5. Creation & Fitting | Your garment is crafted. A final fitting ensures perfection. | Claimed Timeline: About 10 days until delivery. Alterations: Included if any minor tweaks are needed post-delivery. |
The Big Question: Is It Worth the Price?
Raymond does not publicly list its MTM prices, which is common in tailoring. The value depends entirely on what you’re comparing it to and what you prioritize.
You are paying for:
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Convenience & Brand Trust: A streamlined process backed by a well-known name with a stated “quality promise” and fit guarantee.
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Access to Quality Materials: Their curated selection of European fabrics.
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A Reliable, Standardized Experience: You know what to expect in terms of service and timeline.
You might be overpaying for:
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Less Artistic Freedom: Compared to a true local bespoke tailor, the options (while extensive) are still within Raymond’s defined system. It’s customization from a menu, not unlimited creation.
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The Brand Premium: Part of the cost covers the Raymond name, nationwide operations, and marketing.
Verdict on Value: If your priority is a convenient, reliable way to get a very well-fitting, high-quality suit from a trusted brand without the unpredictability of finding an independent tailor, then Raymond MTM offers good value. If you seek a deeply collaborative, one-of-a-kind artistic project with a master tailor, you may find better value elsewhere.
How It Compares to Other Tailoring Options
To see where Raymond fits, let’s compare it to the main alternatives.
| Tailoring Type | Raymond Made to Measure | Local Bespoke Tailor | High-End Ready-to-Wear (e.g., Suitsupply, Brooks Brothers) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price Point | Mid-to-High (Premium) | High (Varies widely by tailor) | Mid (Plus cost of alterations) |
| Fit | Excellent, personalized fit. | The best possible, fully personalized fit. | Good, but requires alterations for a great fit. |
| Customization | High (Choose from offered fabrics & details). | Very High (Nearly unlimited fabric & design input). | Low (Only minor alterations post-purchase). |
| Convenience & Time | High (Standardized, ~10-day turnaround). | Low (Multiple fittings, longer timeline). | Very High (Take home today, then alter). |
| Best For | The professional who values brand reliability, quality, and a efficient process for a perfect fit. | The connoisseur who values a unique garment, total creative control, and a traditional artisan relationship. | The shopper who wants immediate quality and is satisfied with a “very good” fit after basic alterations. |
Pros and Cons: The Honest Breakdown
Pros:
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Guaranteed Fit & Quality: The fit guarantee and focus on “precision and high standards” reduce your risk.
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Expert Guidance: Helpful for those unsure about style rules, especially for weddings or business.
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Wide Style Range: Covers everything from business suits and tuxedos to casual shirts and polos.
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Efficiency: A 10-day turnaround for MTM is very fast.
Cons:
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Lack of Price Transparency: You must book a consultation to get a quote.
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Potentially Less “Soul”: The experience may feel more corporate and less personal than a small bespoke shop.
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Fabric Markup: While quality is high, you may pay a premium for the Raymond-curated selection compared to sourcing your own fabric elsewhere.
Final Verdict: Who Should Choose Raymond MTM?
Choose Raymond Made to Measure if:
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You need a reliable, fuss-free process for a major event like a wedding.
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You want a significant step up in fit and fabric from department store suits but aren’t ready for the bespoke price or time commitment.
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You value the security of a national brand with clear guarantees.
Look elsewhere if:
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Budget is your primary concern (start with high-end RTW + alterations).
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You desire a truly unique, collaborative artistic experience with a tailor (seek a local bespoke artisan).
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You need absolute price transparency before any commitment.
Bottom Line: Raymond Made to Measure is a strong, premium option in the “accessible luxury” tailoring space. It successfully delivers on its core promise of a perfect fit and personalized style through a polished and efficient system. For the right customer, it is absolutely worth the investment.