made-to-measure

A tailor takes made-to-measure suit measurements for a client.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Custom-made: "made-to-measure" describes an item, especially clothing, that is specifically produced to fit the exact measurements of a particular person, rather than being manufactured in standard sizes.

Usage Examples

• (A suit tailored precisely to his body measurements.)
• (Curtains cut and sewn to fit specific window dimensions.)
• (Shoes crafted according to her foot measurements.)

Advanced Usage

• "made-to-measure" as a compound modifier: It is typically used before a noun (e.g., a made-to-measure shirt) but can also appear after a linking verb (e.g., The shirt is made to measure).
  • The dress was made to measure, so it fits perfectly. (The dress was custom-tailored.)
• Extended use: Beyond clothing, it can apply to any product or service customized to individual requirements.
  • The software offers a made-to-measure solution for small businesses. (A customized software package.)

Variants and Related Words

• Made-to-order (adj): produced according to a customer's specifications, often used interchangeably with "made-to-measure" but more general.
  • The furniture is made-to-order, with your choice of wood and finish. (Custom-built to your preferences.)
• Bespoke (adj): a synonym often used for high-end custom-made items, especially suits.
  • He wears bespoke suits from Savile Row. (Hand-tailored suits.)
• Tailored (adj): fitted or adjusted to suit specific needs.
  • The program offers a tailored learning plan for each student. (Customized.)

Synonyms

• Custom-made: made according to individual specifications.
• Custom-tailored: specifically fitted or adjusted for a person.
• Bespoke: custom-made, especially for clothing.

Related Idioms

• Cut to measure: an older expression meaning the same as "made-to-measure," often used for fabric or clothing.
  • The cloth was cut to measure for the dress. (Cut according to specific measurements.)
• Fit like a glove: to fit perfectly, often used for clothing that is made-to-measure.
  • The made-to-measure jacket fit like a glove. (It fitted perfectly.)

Phrasal Verbs (None directly associated)

• No phrasal verbs are formed from "made-to-measure," as it is a compound adjective. However, the verb "make to measure" (to produce something according to measurements) is used.
  • The tailor will make the suit to measure. (The tailor will custom-make the suit.)