The Guide: Bespoke Clothing from Kamuning

Before we begin, a simple definition of terms is in order. What do I mean exactly when I say bespoke?

Bespoke means an item custom-made to the buyer's specification. The distinguishing points of bespoke tailoring are the buyer's total control over the fabric used, the features and fit, and the way the garment should be made. More generally, bespoke describes a high degree of customization, and involvement of the end-user, in the production of the good.

With that clarified, let's get to the good part.

I've been trying to get bespoke clothes done for quite some time now, and finally, last Labor Day Friday, the heavens opened up and the opportunity was there. My destination? A small compound near the Kamuning market which houses fabric suppliers and old school tailors all in one place. A popular destination for daddies who want to get slacks and barongs made for years now, its potential for stylish pieces has yet to be tapped. Until now.

I wanted to get a great pair of shorts made first, a sort of dipping to test the waters kind of thing I suppose. When I got there, the first thing I did when I got there was to look for the perfect fabric, which led me to Rosditt Merchandise. An iffy name for sure, but get beyond that fact and you'll see that they have the most complete collection of fabrics out of all the stores in Kamuning.

You gotta love the fact that they have materials for upholstering too

Some beautiful check patterns for polos

Various color combos of houndstooth patterns

My favorite: Gingham, gingham, gingham!

Fabrics for Slacks: The blue one with the denim shade caught my eye

Well looky here, they even have denim!

I should get jeans made next, the color of this washed piece is nice!

After browsing through everything in the store, in the end, cotton twill became my fabric of choice. They had it in the colors I wanted and it had that wonderful combination of being lightweight but not too flimsy, solid yet still very breathable. The pricing's a winner too at P100 per yard, and you only need 1 for a pair of shorts.

Cotton twill colors. So hard to choose!

Forced to make a decision, I picked the sky blue version

The guy cutting my order knows every single fabric, so when in doubt, ask him!

After the fabric was cut and paid for, I went across the street to get it sewn. I chose Janiffery Tailoring as my dad got some of his slacks made there. Must be the familiarity that drew me to it more than anything. Either way, I talked to the tailor and specified what kind of fit and cut I wanted along with some other design details. Be sure to be very specific in describing what you want here. Bring pictures if you can so they know what you're aiming for.

As for me, I told her that I wanted my shorts to be no nonsense: Slim but not fitted, a bit shorter, with slant pockets and no buttoning at the back. She then proceeded to take my measurements, ask for the downpayment, and told me that she'll have it ready in 5 days. All in all, the sewing cost P380 only!

Don't be fooled by the items hanging outside, these people got skills

After 5 long days, the shorts arrived. I was so excited to see if this whole bespoke clothing experience was worth my holiday afternoon. Boy, was it ever. For a grand total of P480, I got the shorts you see below, an absolute steal in my estimation compared to what I would buy at mall stores! Plus, it was mine, all mine. I was the only one who had this pair in the world. Ahh, the benefits of custom clothing are addicting. So much that I might get some more items done soon!

The finished product, all P480 worth of it

Shorts I Love!