Made-to-Measure

Term from Tailoring industry explained for recruiters

Made-to-Measure is a personalized clothing creation process that falls between off-the-rack and fully custom clothing. It involves taking a customer's specific measurements and adapting existing pattern templates to fit them better. This is different from completely custom tailoring (called bespoke) because it uses pre-existing designs that are modified, rather than creating entirely new patterns from scratch. Think of it like customizing a basic recipe rather than creating a completely new one. Other common terms for this include MTM, semi-custom, or personal tailoring.

Examples in Resumes

Managed Made-to-Measure department serving 50+ clients monthly

Performed detailed measurements and fittings for MTM suit orders

Created documentation for Made-to-Measure processes and measurement standards

Typical job title: "Made-to-Measure Specialists"

Also try searching for:

MTM Specialist Custom Clothing Specialist Fashion Consultant Fitting Specialist Tailoring Consultant Personal Clothier Custom Apparel Specialist

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you handle difficult customers who aren't satisfied with their Made-to-Measure garment?

Expected Answer: A senior specialist should discuss their approach to customer service, problem-solving methods, and specific examples of how they've turned challenging situations into positive outcomes. They should mention the importance of clear communication throughout the process and their strategy for managing expectations.

Q: How do you train new staff on Made-to-Measure procedures?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate experience in creating training programs, explaining measurement techniques, and teaching customer service skills. Should discuss how they ensure consistency in measurements and fittings across their team.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What's your process for taking client measurements and selecting appropriate style options?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain their systematic approach to measurements, how they document them, and how they help clients choose styles that will work well with their body type and preferences.

Q: How do you handle measurement adjustments for unusual body types?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of how to modify standard patterns for various body shapes and discuss their experience with special adjustments for unique client needs.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What's the difference between Made-to-Measure and Bespoke tailoring?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain that Made-to-Measure uses existing patterns modified to client measurements, while bespoke involves creating completely custom patterns from scratch.

Q: What basic measurements do you need for a Made-to-Measure suit?

Expected Answer: Should list essential measurements like chest, waist, shoulders, sleeve length, inseam, and be able to explain why each is important.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic measurement taking
  • Understanding of fabric types
  • Basic fitting knowledge
  • Customer service skills

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Advanced measurement techniques
  • Pattern modification knowledge
  • Style consultation
  • Problem-solving fitting issues

Senior (5+ years)

  • Team management
  • Complex fitting solutions
  • Training and development
  • Quality control processes

Red Flags to Watch For

  • Inability to take accurate measurements
  • Poor attention to detail
  • Lack of customer service skills
  • No knowledge of different fabric types and their properties
  • Unable to explain the difference between Made-to-Measure and other tailoring services

Related Terms