Can I Bring My Own Fabric to My Custom Tailor?
Can I Bring My Own Fabric to My Custom Tailor?
If you’ve ever wondered, “Can I bring my own fabric to my tailor?” — you’re not alone. It’s a common question from clients who want to put a personal touch on their custom suit or bespoke garment.
At The Cutting Room, based in Los Angeles and Orange County, the short answer is: we generally don’t accept client-supplied fabrics — and there are several important reasons why.
1. Fabric Selection and Preparation Is an Art
Every great bespoke suit starts with the right fabric — and choosing that fabric isn’t as simple as picking something off a bolt.
When we source from our trusted mills and curated vendors, each fabric is carefully inspected for imperfections such as nicks, pulls, or weaving flaws. We also handle crucial preparation steps like steam shrinking and stabilization.
Clients who bring their own fabric usually skip this step, and that can cause major issues once the cloth is cut and sewn — especially for luxury custom suits that require precision at every stage.
2. How Much Fabric Do You Really Need?
Knowing how much fabric to buy depends on many factors: your body measurements, the type of garment, the weave of the cloth, and the pattern layout.
For example, some fabrics can lose up to 15% during steam shrinking, and patterned or striped materials often need extra yardage to match the design correctly across seams.
When we create bespoke suits in Los Angeles or Orange County, we calculate every inch based on your exact pattern. Clients who bring their own fabric often underestimate how much is required — and once cutting begins, there’s no room for error.
3. Not All Fabrics Tailor Equally
Our tailors have years of experience working with a wide range of textiles — from soft Italian wools to technical blends. But not every fabric behaves the same.
Some cloths are a joy to shape; others are unpredictable or difficult to press cleanly. When you’re investing in a custom suit, the wrong fabric can compromise everything — drape, fit, even longevity.
At The Cutting Room, we choose materials that we know will tailor beautifully and maintain their structure over time. That’s part of what makes our Los Angeles bespoke suits exceptional.
4. What Happens If More Fabric Is Needed?
Even the most skilled tailor can occasionally need a little extra fabric — whether for an adjustment or to perfect a pattern. When we use our own suppliers, we can easily order more.
But when a client provides fabric — especially deadstock or heirloom textiles — getting more is often impossible. If there’s an issue during cutting, we might be stuck without a way to fix it.
That’s why, for custom suits in Orange County and Los Angeles, we strongly prefer to work with fabrics from our own mills. It allows us to guarantee the result.
The Cutting Room’s Approach to Bespoke Suiting
At The Cutting Room, our mission is simple: to create modern bespoke suits and custom garments that reflect your individuality and fit flawlessly.
Using our network of world-class mills, we’re able to source fabrics that not only meet our high standards but also give you the look, feel, and longevity you deserve.
If you’ve found a fabric you love or have a special textile story, we’re always happy to help you find a comparable option through our mill partners — ensuring the result is consistent, reliable, and unmistakably you.
The Takeaway
Bringing your own fabric might sound appealing, but for most bespoke suit clients in Los Angeles and Orange County, it introduces unnecessary risk.
Working with your tailor’s trusted fabrics ensures the best craftsmanship, consistent quality, and peace of mind — every time.