Bespoke suit tailor with a small studio
Make suits, jackets and trousers to measure for men from a small studio or unit.
- £4k-20k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
1,257 UK companies in this field, 28% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 14131 “Manufacture of other men's outerwear”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
A small tailoring studio offering made-to-measure and bespoke suits, shirts and trousers alongside alterations. You take measurements, cut patterns, hold fittings and finish garments yourself or with a trained assistant.
Your first three steps
- Build up your skills through a tailoring course or by working with an experienced tailor
- Compare rent on small units, studio spaces or shared workshops and price up a cutting table, machines and fabric samples
- Make a few sample garments, photograph them well and offer wedding and workwear clients a launch deal
Who pays
Men wanting well-fitting suits for work, weddings and special occasions, plus groups such as groomsmen.
How it makes money
A price per garment, often with a deposit up front, plus alterations to bring in steady smaller jobs between larger commissions.
Skills that help
- Pattern cutting and garment construction
- Fabric knowledge and sourcing
- Measuring and fitting
- Building trust and long-term client relationships
Watch out for
- Public liability insurance and cover for stock and equipment
- Rent and business rates on premises, so check costs and any relief with your local council
- Takes time to build a reputation, so plan for quieter early months
- Take deposits and agree timescales in writing to avoid disputes
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: bespoke suit tailor with a small studio
Researched with live web search for United Kingdom: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a bespoke tailoring studio?
Typically around £4,000 to £20,000, depending on your premises, equipment and fabric stock. Monthly revenue is estimated at around £1,500 to £7,500, depending on how many clients you build up and the work you take on.
What should I check before opening a tailoring studio?
Check public liability insurance and cover for stock and equipment. Check rent and business rates on premises, including any relief, with your local council. Take deposits and agree timescales in writing to avoid disputes.
What skills and time does a bespoke tailor need?
Pattern cutting and garment construction, fabric knowledge, measuring and fitting, and building client trust are the core skills. Estimates suggest at least around 30 hours a week, and it takes time to build a reputation, so plan for quieter early months.
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Photo: matham315 on Pixabay