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Best of Toronto

The Best Bespoke Tailors in Toronto

Posted by Staff / October 7, 2011

bespoke suits torontoThe best bespoke tailors in Toronto agree that a suit is always in style. A well fitting suit can get you as many head turns as Ryan Gosling walking down the street. Ok, maybe that's a stretch, but you'll get at least one double take. But what is bespoke tailoring? Basically it refers to the craft of which a suit is created by a custom pattern based on the man's specific measurements with unlimited design options. Bespoke tailoring is best for those who luck out with off-the-rack sizing and desire custom details.

The origins of bespoke tailoring started in London on Savile Rowe. Taken so seriously is this craft, that the Savile Row Bespoke Association was established to protect its heritage. But that doesn't mean you have to cross the Atlantic to get a superior quality suit. And it doesn't mean you have to forfeit the down payment on your first house. The wide range of Toronto tailors is comparable to the variety found in major cities from New York all the way to Sydney.

So whether you're a young professor, Bay Street tycoon, band promoter or you just want to wear something nice when you're at home (I don't judge), here are ten bespoke tailors ready to size you up!

See also:

The best place to buy a suit in Toronto
The best menswear stores in Toronto
The best consignment stores in Toronto

Writing by Iris Chan. Photos by Jesse Milns

Garrison Bespoke

Garrison Bespoke

Garrison Bespoke present a sophisticated and savvy aplomb, much as their suits do. They are probably the most mentioned tailors (reviled and revelled), though no one should dismiss the high quality of their work. But the Garrison Bespoke tailors welcome the competition. The owners have carved out a niche creating a whole culture for the clients from their process to the feel of their atelier to the exclusive fabrics they can provide. They credit it to the reason why they have some of the biggest names in Toronto as clients. They also consult some of the largest firms on Bay Street on appearance and attire. Their starting price sits in the median of the spectrum at $1600. More »

Trend Custom Tailors

Trend Custom Tailors

Helpful and inviting, creating a bespoke suit at Trend Custom Tailors is a friendly and laid back experience. Much like their master tailor, there’s not a lot of pretension with this group. Located on the east side of Toronto, they find their clientele is looking for an understated look. All of the cutters and seamstresses are located on site, so there is a family atmosphere here. Academics and NDPers should buy their suits here. Starting price for all of this love is $1450. More »

Daswani Tailors

Daswani Tailors

Cheap and cheerful Daswani tailors aren’t Toronto based, but frequently visit for consultations and measurements. All suits are made in Hong Kong, but there are local tailors for any further adjustments. Many bespoke tailors take umbrage with Daswani’s claim to be bespoke, but there is a custom pattern made with varied design options. The main limitation is that there is just one fitting, so this is best for the guy who might be a bit too tall or wide, but not for the Quasimodo doppelgangers. All said, Daswani’s starting price at $575 US (before shipping and taxes) is hard to dismiss. More »

Aquarius Menswear

Aquarius Menswear

Located near Dufferin and Castlefield, Aquarius Menswear may not be in the downtown core, but it hasn’t stopped them from a loyal fan base of Bay Street men. Don’t let the facade fool you. They offer much of the same high end fabrics as other tailors, but they pride themselves on the design detailing they can provide. If you want the perfect suit to match your black and silver Mustang, these guys can design it. But the area boasts many wedding stores, couples planning their nuptials can get a suit made, find a dress, buy a cake and get all other essentials in one convenient location. Starting price is around $1400 (which is still cheaper than most wedding dresses). More »

GreenShag

GreenShag

A touch of cheekiness is sewn throughout this West Queen West store. However, this team’s process is more artsy than crafty, but it doesn’t mean you won’t get a good suit. Though they say their clientele is varied, the vibe is more for the independent-upstar, taking-meetings-in-a-Leslieville-coffeshop client. Funky details on the lapel or something a bit more whimsy, you can get it here. However, they want to help you build a wardrobe that will last throughout the decades. An interesting part of their process is they will produce a fashion sketch to help visualize the suit. Starting price is at the high end at $1900. More »

House of Salgado

House of Salgado

The craftsmanship knowledge of these tailors is bursting at the seams. Their personalities can be a bit pushy, but that’s only because of their passion. House of Salgado have been in the game for over 40 years. Located at the Toronto Dominion Centre, they are very Bay Street orientated and their bread and butter is of a very classic cut. The experience is simple, straightforward and old school. Starting price at $1700. More »

Walter Beauchamp Tailors

Walter Beauchamp Tailors

One of the oldest tailors in Toronto, Walter Beauchamp’s history reaches back to 1908 and have suited men and soldiers in its time. Buying a suit there is like buying part of Toronto’s heritage, but truthfully there’s nothing they offer that you can’t find anywhere else. However, they are solid tailors and have a loyal client list. So much like its English styled store, if you like a well fitted suit and prefer an understated style, then this is the place for you. Starting average price is about $1595. More »

Isaac Ely

Isaac Ely

The Isaac Ely studio is a design dream and is situated on Champagne Drive. Never heard of that street? Well, it’s at Finch and Dufferin, but nonetheless, Isaac Ely had garnered attention from the Toronto upper class. Ely is extremely friendly and quick to answer questions (almost jumps on them – guess he’s heard it all before). For the uninitiated, his tone might be a bit intense, but Ely is has no limits with styles, cuts and designs. The big limitation is that his suits start at a hefty $3000. More »

Harry Rosen (Bloor)

Harry Rosen (Bloor)

Harry Rosen is known for its high end ready to wear and made-to-easure men’s suits, but it also offers bespoke tailoring at their Bloor Street Store. Master tailor, Nello Sansone, has been in the business for over 40 years. The clientele gravitate towards his traditional process and style. He’s a stalwart in the industry without a doubt. Considering the starting price at $3400, you might be paying for the name (and valet parking). More »

Stavros

Stavros

Heralding an old European feel with its suit of armour in the store window, Starvos does decadent quite well. The studio is nestled within Yorkville and there is a very ‘gentleman’s club, let’s smoke cigars and sip brandy’ feel. Being a stalwart in the business, there is a lot of knowledge within these walls. They have an unmistakable quality, but it comes with old money affectation and the matching starting price of $3500. If you’re a descendant of the Eaton’s (or want to be) you will probably feel comfortable here. More »

Discussion

16 Comments

matts / October 7, 2011 at 08:59 pm
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Editors, the inclusion of Daswani is a mistake. One cannot, by definition, deliver a bespoke suit without a number of fittings which ordering from travelling tailors precludes. Also, I'd bet a sizable amount that the $575 suits are fused (glued) which again, is a no-no for bespoke garment.
Alistair Rupert Winthrop / October 7, 2011 at 11:10 pm
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Daswani? Oh dear me! I must agree with young Matthew. As I read that utterly daft inclusion, my monocle tragically fell into my snifter of brandy in horror.
reliena / October 7, 2011 at 11:57 pm
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"Alistair", you're very amusing, but while for most people this may seem silly, if you actually work in tailoring (or in theatre, which is my case) it IS insulting to include Daswani. This is highly skilled work and involves a huge amount of hand-sewing, and yes, many fittings.

I also have to ask if the writer of the article meant to say "luck out" in regards to off-the-rack sizing. To luck out is to have good fortune. Out-of-luck, maybe?
saltspring / October 8, 2011 at 12:11 am
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I agree heartily with the above comments. Daswani should never have been included in a "best of" list of bespoke couturiers. Yes, Hong Kong tailors make great suits, but, having been there often and having had many suits tailor made there, they have all involved multiple fittings and all are cut and sewn impeccably. Likewise, Harry Rosen. God, how can people walk into that place without feeling like they're being dipped in Vaseline??
matts / October 8, 2011 at 01:40 pm
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Ah, Alistair, an attempt at humour? Too bad it belies your ignorance. When you learn what a basted fitting is, come back and debate.
J_Talks / November 1, 2011 at 12:40 am
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Seriously? No Ted's Style Shoppe? For shame! That David is the King of Koreatown!
James Daigle / November 4, 2011 at 08:16 am
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Seriously! I'm surprised there is no Astor & Black up there. Kunal is my clothier and he is awesome! They clothe a decent amount of celebrities, including some NHL'ers. Let me know if you want his contact info! They're awesome!
Ghoash / November 19, 2011 at 03:25 pm
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Went to Garrison from this website. Got a killer Bespoke on it's way. Best service i've ever had $2250 for a Bespoke is ok compared to a Canali, zegna or Cambridge
Laurent / November 24, 2011 at 01:47 pm
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All theses comments amuse me.

@James: Astor & Black might dress celebrities but their make is miles away to be called bespoke...
Max / November 26, 2011 at 01:57 am
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Hey everyone, I was wondering if someone could possibly give me some advice, you all seem to know a good deal about quality suits. I've just landed my first real job and am looking to finally purchase a proper suit. Quite honestly, my student loans are killing me and I was hoping of picking up a quality suit for somewhere in between $500 - $900, please tell me right off the bat if that is impossible. I am aware that fit is probably the most important thing about a suit which is why I am looking into a bespoke shop, again am I in over my head with my budget? I don't need any fancy materials or brands or styles, the most important things for me are just a good fit and longevity, even if the material isn't the most durable I can hopefully just take good care of it if the craftsmanship is done well. Any advice on where in Toronto I should go. Should I just go for and off the rack suit and have it tailored with my budget? thanks for any help
Samantha Tanner replying to a comment from matts / December 19, 2011 at 09:14 pm
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Thank you Matt I have to agree this is not a Bespoke Tailor at all its just a place where they sell Cheap suits and present them as bespoke to the unassuming buyer. I would know this because my father has been in the business for over 30 years and I'm quite familiar with the business. He owns Angelo Rosso and his subsidiary is Rosso's Bespoke.
Kunal Arora replying to a comment from Max / December 20, 2011 at 10:06 pm
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@Max I'm one of the clothiers that works at in Toronto. I'd love to get together and show you what Astor & Black can do for you at that price point. My email is kunal@astorandblack.com should you need some more information, I'd be glad to help.

Kunal
Rudolf / February 16, 2012 at 07:09 pm
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There is a lot of confusion when it comes to Bespoke. To be a true 100% Bespoke suit there are a few things that a client should look at. There has to be at least 2 fittings. There has to be a floating canvas which you will see during the first fitting. The floating canvas, the lapel area and the button holes have to be sewn by hand to be a Bespoke. There is very little machine sewing in a Bespoke suit, basically only the seems. A Bespoke suit takes at least 70 hours to complete. This would include the pattern making, all the hand sewing and most of all it has to look amazing. So it is obvious if you pay less than $3000 for a Bespoke suit is was never a Bespoke suit. If you want to know what you need to look at to see if what you pay for is what you really wanted you can see my youtube video and it explains all the things that go into a real Bespoke suit. Just enter POPRADI on youtube.
Perry / February 23, 2012 at 05:19 pm
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When I decide I want to purchase a true handmade suit I go to a place that doesn't have a lot of fancy overhead to add to my bespoke. Le Firme is where I've been shopping for 5 years. John really goes all out to create a modern look. I always blow my colleagues away who spend double for theirs. Forget downtown I would rather save money buying the best! The Bespokeman has it.
Alessandro Rocciolo replying to a comment from matts / March 16, 2012 at 05:56 pm
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This list is a joke. Its time the city met a true Master Tailor. His name is Nazzareno Rocciolo. He has been making suits by hand since he was 14-15 yrs old. He has a small shop called Sartoria Raffa. I will let his work speek for itself. He makes the suit on the lower level of his shop by hand stitch by stitch. Its time he is on the top of this list. No factories involved here. By the way, he's one of the nicest guys you will ever come accross. wwww.sartoriaraffa.com.
Maureeen McCabe / May 17, 2012 at 02:58 pm
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Amazing quality, Phenomenal prices - bespoke from $1500 and custom made from $900.

The reason why you likely hadn't heard of Reno and Sartoria Raffa (http://www.sartoriaraffa.com them is that they just created a website in April... their business is strictly word of mouth - referral and have an exclusive clientele

Reno is 3rd generation tailor - he's about 65 years old and has 50 yrs of experience.

There are Toronto’s first establishment to specialize in boutique alterations and garment re-styling exclusive to gentlemen. The Gentlemen's Alterations Studio also helps women -- they 're styled' my suit as I had lost weight.

Bravo Reno and his son Alessandro (who is the 4th generation in the business).

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