Peter Jackson launches affordable made-to-measure suits for men

MEN are taking up the option of affordable, made to measure suits

David Jackson, left, measures up Costa Sclavos for a new suit at the Peter Jackson menswear store at Westfield Sydney. Picture: Richard Dobson

MEN who have only dreamt of a made-to-measure suit can now pick one up for slightly more than an off-the-rack version.

While custom suits traditionally started from $1500-$2000, Peter Jackson’s new made-to-measure service is priced from $799-$999 while its ready-to-wear suits retail for $499-$699.

Design director David Jackson said the service brings custom suiting to the masses.

“There was a disparity between a custom product that only the upper echelon could achieve versus disposable fashion. This is bridging the gap,” he said.

It’s a five week turnaround from design to delivery.

Customers can choose from 80 fabrics made from Australian merino wool which Jackson designed in conjunction with Marzotto, an Italian textile mill. The fabric ranges from super 100 to super 150 yarns and come in a variety of prints, including Prince of Wales windowpane checks, coloured pinstripes, jacquards and knit patterns.

“I’ve always had a passion for making things a little bit unique and customers are really taking to it. As well as choosing the fabric, you can also personalise the suit, anything from changing the width of the lapel, the width of the pocket flap, adding pockets, cuffing the trousers, half-lining the garment and getting your name embroidered on the inside of the suit,” Jackson said.

“The initial uptake has been fashion-forward guys in their 30s and groomsmen who want the date of their wedding day embroidered in the lining.

“They are definitely choosing the more interesting fabric options and styling it in a fashion forward way. We had someone who didn’t want belt loops so we made a trouser waistband using an adjustable slider. All together there are 80 fabrics and 40 variations on offer.”

The service was quietly launched six weeks ago and customers have embraced it.

“We’re approaching 100 orders, that’s well and truly over expectation,” Jackson said.

“We just wanted to bridge the gap and see how it went. We could position it as a higher price offer but we want more people to experience it.”