<h5>The Pattern System at Black Lapel</h5>
<h5>The Pattern System at Black Lapel</h5>
The Pattern System at Black Lapel

Everything you need to know about fit, sizing, and custom measurement Patterns.

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What is a Pattern?

Patterns are the custom measurements and fit data we use to craft your garments. Each one is a detailed blueprint that incorporates not just your measurements and personal fit preferences, but everything we need to ensure your clothes are made just for you.

We’ve now introduced the ability to save multiple Patterns for each garment type.

That means you can create variations based on fabric selection, changes in your physique, or even just how you want a specific piece to fit, whether it's a roomier linen blazer for summer or a sharper, tailored fit for date nights. Your wardrobe, your fit.

Person measuring another person's arm with a tape measure indoors.
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 Generating Your Patterns

Take a brief sizing survey and we'll plug your answers into our algorithm that has resulted in thousands of Flawless Fits.

You can also add self-measurements for additional context. If that's more than you need, choose standard off-the-rack sizes.

Either way, we'll save all of these values created as "Patterns", which you can modify, duplicate, rename - whatever it takes to ensure your fit matches your expectations.

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Using Your Patterns

Once you've added an item to your cart, you'll notice the ability to select a "Pattern" on each garment.


Usually, this will be the up-to-date sizing from your most recent order. However, you can also add new patterns with modifications like shorter length and a looser fit for casual shirts, or a roomier fit for linen suits and trousers.


You can name and save these Patterns for future use and apply them based on the garments you're ordering, making it easy to swap fits or preferences.

Person measuring another person's arm with a tape measure indoors.
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 Saving Your Patterns

We always keep your Patterns on file—forever.

As your style or fit preferences evolve, you’re free to update your Patterns at any time. Whether you're adjusting for a new fit or just fine-tuning the details, we'll keep every version on file.

Changed your mind? No problem. We can easily revert a Pattern back to its previous specifications or recreate one based on a past garment you loved. Our goal is to make your fit experience seamless, consistent, and completely personalized—whether it's your first order or your fifteenth.

Patterns FAQ

Do you still have my sizing info on file?

Absolutely, we’ve got you covered. We keep nearly all sizing data securely on file, so if you’ve ordered with us before, your measurements and custom pattern are still available. The only exceptions might be a few orders older than 2023, but even in those cases, we’re happy to help update or remeasure if needed. If you're unsure, just reach out. We can quickly confirm and make sure your next order fits just as well (or even better) than the last.

Why are my Patterns and measurements missing?

If your patterns or sizes aren’t currently showing, don’t worry. It’s usually due to one of the following reasons:

If you placed an order in or after August 2023, your sizing is almost certainly still on file. Occasionally, a sync issue between systems can prevent it from displaying properly. If that’s the case, just reach out and we’ll get it resolved right away.

If your last order was more than a few years ago, your patterns may be missing because we want to confirm or update your current details. In these situations, we'll prompt you to update your sizing survey so we can ensure the most accurate fit going forward. We can still reference your previous orders and no information is lost by taking the survey.

In either case, we're here to help. Feel free to contact us anytime and we’ll make sure everything is up to date and ready for your next order.

How do I create a new Pattern?

You can create a new pattern directly in your cart, with no need to start from scratch. Just click the Pattern button under the item you wish to modify and select “Duplicate & Edit”. This allows you to update sizing, tweak fit preferences, or enter new measurements for that specific garment.

Once you've made your changes, you can save the new pattern to your profile for future use. That way, it’s ready to go the next time you order, with no need to re-enter anything.

How many Patterns can I have?

You can create and save as many patterns as you need, within reason. Whether you want different fits for work, weddings, or weekend wear, our system allows you to manage multiple patterns for each garment type under your profile.

It’s perfect for customizing fit preferences across different garment styles or body changes over time. Just name each pattern so it’s easy to find, and you’re good to go.

If you need assistance removing patterns or editing existing ones, don't hesitate to reach out.

Do You Make Full Bespoke Suits?

Our main scope for most clients is a standard Made-to-Measure service, customized in the dimensions listed in your pattern for each garment. Our workshop is fully capable of making handmade patterns cut to cover any posture or balance issue. Please reach out to concierge@blacklapel.com if that's of interest to you and we can provide a quote for this upgrade to your garments.

Need help with Patterns?

Send us a note and our team will get back to you.

A Better Way to Fit 

Custom Clothing Sizing and Pattern Systems: A Better Way to Fit.

When it comes to clothing that truly fits, off-the-rack simply doesn’t cut it. Standard sizing systems, small, medium, large, or even numbered sizes, are built for mass production, not for your unique build. That's why custom clothing sizing and advanced Pattern systems are revolutionizing how men dress. At the heart of every great garment is a great fit, and that starts with a Pattern made just for you.

Most brands use “average” measurements based on outdated or overly simplified body data. The result? Shirts that billow in the wrong places, suit jackets that pull at the button, and pants that either sag or strangle. Even traditional tailoring often starts with a generic base Pattern and adjusts from there, which can still leave room for error.

Custom clothing changes the game by starting where you are, literally. Our methodology begins with your unique body shape, and fit preferences. Captured by our state of the art sizing survey, no tape measure required! Whether you’re broad in the shoulders, long in the torso, or have a tapered waist, our custom sizing system is designed to map the nuances of your body. That means no guessing, no compromises, just precision fit, from collar to cuff.

In custom clothing, a “Pattern” refers to the blueprint used to cut your garment. Unlike mass-market garments, where a handful of sizes are scaled up or down to approximate fit, a custom Pattern is digitally drafted based on your personal specifications. Think of it as a digital tailoring file that evolves with you over time.

Once created, your custom Pattern is saved in our system. Need another shirt or suit six months from now? We’ll use your Pattern as a starting point—refining it as needed based on your feedback or updated measurements. It’s a modern, intelligent approach to tailoring.

Beyond the initial wow factor of wearing something that fits perfectly, a custom Pattern system offers real, long-term value. You’re investing in clothing that works with your body, not against it. You’re also saving time and money by avoiding costly alterations or ill-fitting purchases.

Even better, as your style evolves, your Pattern evolves with it. Want a more tapered pant? A broader lapel? A trimmer sleeve? We simply update your existing Pattern, no need to start from scratch.

Great style begins with great fit, and great fit begins with a system that’s designed for you—not the average. Our custom clothing sizing and Pattern systems are engineered to deliver both comfort and confidence, no matter your shape, size, or style goals.