Have an idea of what you want your suit to look like – do some research to avoid all those choices proving overwhelming; have something to show your tailor.

Keep in mind what you want the suit for – a suit that needs to be worn most days to the office is a very different animal to one that might only be worn once, for a summer wedding. That said, you still might want to make choices that will allow you to get value out of your suit after your wedding day.

Be aware of being railroaded by tailors into having something they want you to have, rather than what you really want. Fashion brands increasingly offer made-to-measure suits – though keep in mind that they will inevitably be providing a more fashion-forward style of suit.

Make sure you pick a style of suit and a cloth for it that doesn’t quickly date, since a made-to-measure suit should last you a long time.

Make sure you feel comfortable in whichever tailoring house you use – if you don’t feel comfortable, go somewhere else.

Don’t…

Assume that because a tailor is not based on Savile Row – or some equally ‘expensive’ street – that it isn’t any good. A better deal and great expertise might be found with a local tailor, for example.

Worry too much about increased costs, if you can. It will increase your bill but, if you intend to wear your made-to-measure suit a lot, it’s a smart move to have a second pair of trousers made – as it’s trousers that are likely to wear out fastest.

Be intimidated because you are new to made-to-measure: most tailors find it a pleasure to work with such people because they really take care over their choices.

Forget that once your details and preferences are held on file by your tailor, the process of having a second made-to-measure suit made by them will be considerably smoother – if you need it to be.