How does Made-to-Measure rise in the apparel industry?

Mass-produced clothing is struggling to keep up with consumers who want style and fit made just for them¹. That's where Made-to-Measure (MTM) is gaining traction—bridging the gap between ready-to-wear and high-end tailoring.

Made-to-Measure is revolutionizing the apparel industry by offering semi-customized clothing that balances fit, speed, and affordability—backed by digital tools and growing consumer demand for personalization.

I first noticed the rise of MTM when a client walked into our factory asking for “something tailored, but not too slow or expensive.” That one request led us down a path of tech upgrades, process changes, and a whole new business model.

What is Made-to-Measure and how is it different from traditional custom clothing?

The term "custom" gets thrown around often. But MTM has specific meaning and unique value in modern apparel.

Made-to-Measure (MTM) uses pre-designed templates adjusted to a customer's body measurements, offering a fit better than off-the-rack but faster and cheaper than bespoke tailoring.

Luxury Suit Boutique

The difference between MTM and Bespoke (advanced customization) and ready-to-wear

MTM hits the sweet spot for customers who want a better fit without the wait or price tag of bespoke.

The core advantages of MTM: faster, more personalized, and cost-effective

MTM allows brands to:

• Reduce inventory risks (fewer pre-made SKUs)
• Deliver semi-custom garments in just 2–3 weeks
• Offer unique styles in scalable formats

Consumers get personalized clothing without deep pockets. That’s why demand keeps rising.

Technology-driven MTM: 3D body measurement, AI size recommendation, automatic cutting

Tech makes MTM scalable. Key enablers include:

• 3D body scanning²: Precise measurements via smartphone or in-store kiosks
• AI recommendation engines: Analyze user data to suggest fit adjustments
• Automated cutting systems: Handle small-batch orders with speed and accuracy

Together, these tools turn MTM from artisanal to industrial.

Why is the private customization market exploding at the moment?

It’s not just about fit—it’s about identity. Modern shoppers want what fits them in more ways than one.

Consumer demand for personal expression³, paired with tech-enabled operations and rising inventory pressures, is accelerating the growth of MTM and private customization.

The trend of consumption upgrading and individual expression

Gen Z and Millennial consumers don’t just buy clothes—they curate identities.

They’re tired of fast fashion clones. MTM allows for:

• Unique styling choices
• Better self-expression
• A premium feel, without a luxury price

This is identity-driven consumption.

Brands seek differentiated solutions under inventory pressure

Overproduction is killing margins—and the planet.

MTM reduces unsold stock by producing only what's needed. This shift helps brands:

• Improve cash flow
• Cut warehousing costs
• Adapt faster to trend cycles

Some brands even offer customization as a value proposition, turning fit into a feature.

Sustainable fashion helps the legitimacy of the customization model rise

Sustainability gives MTM a moral edge.

• Less waste
• No deadstock
• Longer-lasting garments (because people value custom fit more)

As environmental pressure grows, MTM becomes not just desirable—but necessary.

Which brands are leading the private customization track?

Some names are already shaping the MTM future. From suits to jeans, innovation is everywhere.

Suitsupply, Indochino, Unspun, and Sene Studio are redefining how clothing is tailored, ordered, and produced—with AI, body data, and digital experiences.

Suitsupply and Indochino in the suit market

• Indochino: Offers full online MTM suit service with over 20 body measurements. In-store fit specialists + global fulfillment.
• Suitsupply: Combines sharp retail with MTM options, allowing adjustments to sleeve length, lapel width, and more in-store.

Their hybrid models blend physical and digital for a seamless user experience.

Unspun and Sene Studio (AI customization) in jeans and trousers

• Unspun: Uses body scans and 3D weaving to produce zero-inventory jeans.
• Sene Studio: AI-powered fit algorithms that recommend sizes based on customer feedback and returns data.

These brands show how AI can make even casual wear custom.

How to balance scale efficiency and personalized service? Case analysis

Balancing customization with volume is tough. But these brands use smart tactics:

• Batch production by pattern clusters (e.g., group similar orders)
• Digital self-measurement tools to cut down on returns
• Customer profiles to enable repeat purchases with saved fit data

It’s not easy—but it’s doable.

From manufacturing to delivery: Challenges and opportunities of MTM for the supply chain

MTM forces us to rethink everything—patterns, timelines, logistics, and even factory layout.

Supply chains need to become more modular, responsive, and digitally integrated to support MTM operations.

Demand for small batches, multiple SKUs and flexible factories

Traditional factories are built for scale, not flexibility. MTM needs:

• Quick changeovers
• Small-batch agility
• Digital pattern libraries

Factories that succeed in MTM often invest in unit production systems (UPS) and modular sewing teams.

How to integrate the front end (customization platform) and the back end (intelligent manufacturing)

Integration is the missing link.

Here’s how it works:

1. Customer orders online → measurement + style captured
2. Data flows to PLM system
3. Smart factory queues orders for cutting/sewing
4. Item is shipped directly to consumer

This only works when tech stacks are built for real-time collaboration.

From 3D fitting to production on order: the key link of the integrated process

The biggest challenge? Ensuring what fits in 3D also fits in reality.

That means:

• Accurate avatars and virtual try-on
• Precise grade rules for digital-to-physical translation
• Fabric behavior simulation (e.g., stretch, drape)

The goal is WYSIWYG: What You See Is What You Get.

Looking to the future: Will private customization become mainstream?

MTM has all the pieces: consumer demand, tech infrastructure, and brand interest. But will it scale?

With AI breakthroughs and growing demand for ethical, personal fashion, private customization is on track to move from niche to norm.

How can technological innovation further lower the threshold for customization?

Some exciting developments:

• Body scanning via smartphone (no hardware needed)
• Generative AI style assistants to help design custom looks
• Cloud-based pattern libraries that adjust automatically

As tools get cheaper and better, the entry barrier will shrink.

Deep integration of MTM with sustainable and DTC brands

Direct-to-consumer brands are perfect for MTM because they:

• Control customer data
• Have flexible operations
• Can educate buyers on value

We’re seeing MTM + DTC + sustainability emerge as a powerful combo.

Prediction: Which categories are most likely to be customized on a large scale?

Look out for jeans and tailored trousers to lead the next MTM wave.

Conclusion

Made-to-Measure is no longer a luxury—it’s a smart, sustainable, and scalable solution for modern fashion. With tech, consumer appetite, and global brands driving it forward, MTM is set to reshape how clothes are made and sold.