Best of Toronto
The Best Bespoke Tailors in Toronto
The 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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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 »

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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?
@James: Astor & Black might dress celebrities but their make is miles away to be called bespoke...
Kunal
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).