The Made to Measure Man
One of the driving forces behind Made to Measure’s increasing popularity at Budd is the expertise of our Piccadilly sales consultant, Inam Bokth. Perhaps it is the creativity involved, or simply the ability to advise so well on fit and function that make Inam thrive in helping customers choose their perfect custom-tailored shirt.
With his recent influence in mind, who better to provide some perspective on the service? Although, we can’t promise he won’t try and sway you into a cream or ivory shirt!
What makes Budd’s Made to Measure so popular?
I think it is the convenience and flexibility of it, and the fact that there is so much scope when it comes to cloths and finding exactly what you need or want. You get the same craft, skills and heritage that goes into our bespoke shirts, but with no minimum order and a very decent price point. You get a quintessentially Budd experience without too much investment in time or money.
Why should somebody opt for MTM?
To have something truly special, made just for them. Made to Measure is a completely personalised service. It’s a great way of ensuring you get the shirt you really want and can be crafted for whatever occasion. Great if you want a particular collar, or cloth for your day to day shirts, or if you are creating something for a special event, like a wedding.
Made to measure is also a great stepping stone up to bespoke. You get the same cloth options and a generous amount of styling options, great if you don’t want or don’t need to take the plunge into bespoke. For those ordering from our Piccadilly shop, they receive a one on one consultation, with no rush and plenty of advice and guidance and a good run through of the measuring process, whilst experience all of the the charm and tradition of the Budd store.
Biggest misconception about MTM?
I think there are two main misconceptions. The first is that it lies very much in the domain of corporate shirts and the second, that it is exactly the same as bespoke. It is not. Shirts are still hand-cut and sewn in our workrooms, but there are limitations. Once a shirt becomes more complicated or nuanced, we tend to recommend customers over to bespoke.
You subscribe to Made to Measure yourself. What are the benefits of it and what are your go-tos?
I still have a fairly narrow frame and smaller neck size than our standard ready to wear shirts, so made to measure suits me well and ensures my shirt fits perfectly. It wouldn’t be a good look for Budd otherwise!
My go-to is a plain cream poplin shirt, cut to our slim fit block with our Budd Collar and square double cuff with a three stud front. I also have my initials embroidered on to the left waist in wine coloured stitching. Alongside it, I always order spare cuffs and collars should the shirt fray (much) later down the line. This habit stems from seeing some customers come in for a collar and cuff replacement on well worn, super-softened shirts. This gives the shirt and experience an almost sentimental feel, whilst also being sustainable. I find there is a romance to it, and love the idea of my shirt ageing over the years.
Most satisfying MTM order to date?
Half a dozen cotton and silk shirts in various shades of ivory made for a member of European nobility, then another half a dozen shirts for a cosmopolitan gentleman in the most luxurious cotton shirting you can buy.
Your dream MTM shirt?
Basically, it is the same as my go-to shirt - Cream, but in English spun silk, with a detachable three stud front Budd collar ad square double cuff. I guess I have a signature shirt and seem to always be on the lookout for good ivory and cream options.
Greatest learning from your work with Made to Measure?
The appropriate block makes all the difference to a man’s silhouette and proportions. It can really tidy things up. There is always something to learn and it is a privilege to engage in conversation with a customer, discover their needs and have their trust in measuring them up and understanding what works best for them. A great fitting shirt is transformative and there is something special in being a part of that.
Also a little knowledge goes a long way. The process is a simple one. Measuring yourself or a customer is easy, and once they have their core measurements and learn which ones to take and how, they can have a lot of fun and creativity placing future orders, whether in store or online. A repeat customer is a great reward.
Favourite cloths?
West Indian Sea-Island Cotton (in ivory) because of its lustre, silky texture and great back story. I love how rarefied it is and the fact that it is cultivated and spun in such limited quantities. Its' culture and cultivation represent true luxury. It is a great story to tell at dinner parties as it makes up just 0.0004% of global cotton supply. Furthermore, the genetic make-up of the cotton is unmatched compared to every other cotton available, with a perfect blend of extremely durable yet silky smooth and soft like cashmere.
First shirt and toe in the water, what would you recommend somebody opts for?
I’d recommend our house stripe in Edwardian or Sky Blue as it is the perfect first Budd Shirt. It embodies British men’s sartorial idiosyncratic lifestyle choices, for two reasons. Firstly, it’s durable yet soft - its poplin weave stripe alternating with the satin twill white stripe and a black hairline for extra definition. It has been our house stripe for over a century and is thus a core heritage piece. It gets softer and better with age too, so quickly becomes a firm favourite.
Secondly, it is a Budd exclusive, so no one else is likely to be wearing anything similar – and if they are, then you’re part of a special club.
Key measurements to take?
Never underestimate the sleeve measurement. I believe that it is the most important part of the shirt and can make or break your whole ensemble. If sleeves are too long, your whole outfit looks clumsy, and if too short, then it will cheapen your look and seem awkward. Correct sleeve lengths brings harmony to the rest of the measurements, resulting in a stylish, elegant and timeless shirt.
Discover our Made to Measure service.
