“How To Make a Bespoke Jacket” is a comprehensive tailoring book on classic bespoke menswear. It follows the complete process of making a jacket: from taking measurements and drafting the pattern to the fitting, handmade construction and final pressing.
The book does not claim to show the only correct way to make a jacket. Instead, it combines the traditional principles of bespoke tailoring with my own method of construction and pattern development.
It begins with a detailed foundation section covering the most important hand-sewing techniques. A particular focus is my own pattern drafting system: step by step, the book explains how to draft a made-to-measure jacket pattern and how to use it throughout the fitting and construction process. From taking measurements to the first draft, the first fitting, fitting corrections, refining the pattern pieces, construction and final pressing, the book accompanies the entire making process of a bespoke jacket.
The result is not a brief overview, but a detailed guide to high-quality jacket making — intended as a workbook, a reference book and a contribution to preserving a craft that deserves to be understood and practised in the future.
Please note: For those who do not wish to draft their own pattern, a ready-made pattern is available in the online shop in sizes 44–64. Please refer to the slightly adapted measurement charts.
Covered in this book:
- Taking measurements and analysing the figure
- Drafting the pattern for a men’s jacket
- Making a toile and preparing for the first fitting
- Pattern corrections after the fitting
- Interlinings, shaping and pressing techniques
- Pockets, lapels, collar and sleeves
- Handmade construction through to the finished jacket
- …and much more.
Who is this book for?
This book is intended for advanced home sewers, tailoring students, costume makers and anyone with a serious interest in classic bespoke tailoring. It does not require industrial equipment, but it does require careful work and a willingness to engage seriously with pattern, shape and construction.
Why this book?
This book is not a loose collection of individual sewing steps. It shows the complete handmade construction of a jacket. Pattern drafting, fitting, correction and construction are not treated as separate topics, but as connected stages of one coherent working process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this book suitable for beginners?
The book is primarily intended for advanced home sewers, tailoring students and people with a serious interest in classic bespoke tailoring. Basic sewing skills are helpful.
Does the book include pattern drafting?
Yes. The book covers the process from taking measurements and drafting the pattern to the fitting and further construction of the jacket.
Is a toile fitting explained?
Yes. The first fitting and the resulting pattern corrections are an important part of the book.
Is the book also available as an eBook?
Yes, the book is also available as an eBook.
Do you ship worldwide?
Yes. Worldwide shipping is available. Shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on the destination country.
Since its release, “How To Make a Bespoke Jacket” has found its way into tailoring ateliers, classrooms and private workshops worldwide. Here are a few impressions from readers.
“I searched through an extensive library about tailoring. In my opinion, many of the best tailoring books were published early in the previous century. This book presents that same quality of craftsmanship, aligned with the elegance of the present time. Finding it felt like filtering tons of sand for a chip of gold.”
— Petr, Russia
“I’m not a professional tailor, but I learn something from this book every time I sew. It is an amazing resource, written with clarity, depth and a wonderful sense of humour.”
— Julia, Scottland
“For years I struggled with suit sleeves so much that I ended up hating them. I tried Sebastian’s method, and I’m literally crying — the sleeve finally actually looks like a sleeve.”
— Anni, Norway
Title: How To Make a Bespoke Jacket
Author: Sebastian Hoofs
Language: English
Pages: 334 pages
Format: DIN A4
ISBN: 978-3-00-081188-3
Edition: printed tailoring book
Price: €114.00 incl. statutory VAT
