Bespoke: meaning, definitions and examples

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bespoke

 

[bɪˈspəʊk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

tailoring

Custom-made; made to order. Specifically designed or commissioned for a particular individual or purpose.

Synonyms

custom-made, made-to-order, tailor-made.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bespoke

Ideal for high-end or luxurious products and services, often associated with fashion, formalwear, and exclusive items. Implies a high degree of personalization and craftsmanship.

  • He ordered a bespoke suit for the wedding.
  • They offer bespoke interior design services for upscale homes.
custom-made

Suitable for a wide range of items and services, from clothing to furniture, often emphasizing that the item is made specifically to meet the customer's specifications.

  • She has a custom-made bookshelf in her living room.
  • They received a custom-made cake for their anniversary.
tailor-made

Best used for items or services closely fitting the needs or requirements of a person or situation, often suggesting a very good fit or suitability.

  • This job is tailor-made for her skills and experience.
  • He prefers tailor-made clothes because they fit perfectly.
made-to-order

Commonly used in commercial environments like restaurants or manufacturers, indicating that the item will be created after the order is placed.

  • All our pizzas are made-to-order, guaranteeing freshness.
  • He purchased a made-to-order car with all the features he wanted.

Examples of usage

  • He wore a bespoke suit to the event.
  • The company offers bespoke solutions for each client.
  • Bespoke furniture is gaining popularity among homeowners.
Context #2 | Noun

tailoring

A custom-made product or service, especially in the field of tailoring.

Synonyms

custom-made, tailor-made.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bespoke

Used mainly in British English to refer to things that are designed or crafted specifically for a client's requirements. Commonly associated with high-quality, personalized services and products.

  • He ordered a bespoke suit for his wedding.
  • The bespoke furniture fit perfectly into the unusual spaces in their home.
custom-made

Refers to items that are made specifically to the buyer's specifications. Can be used for a wide range of products and doesn't necessarily imply luxury.

  • He drives a custom-made motorcycle.
  • The kitchen was filled with custom-made cabinets.
tailor-made

Specifically used when something is perfectly suited or adapted to a particular situation or person. Often associated with clothing but can be used metaphorically in other contexts.

  • The tailor-made suit accentuated his best features.
  • The training program was tailor-made for the new employees.

Examples of usage

  • The tailor specializes in creating bespoke garments.
  • She ordered a bespoke dress for the special occasion.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the verb 'bespeak', which means to order or arrange in advance.
  • It originated in the UK, particularly within the tailoring industry, where garments were custom-made for clients.
  • Historically, using 'bespoke' referred mostly to men’s suits, but has expanded in modern times to include many types of custom items.

Fashion

  • Bespoke clothing is hand-crafted, often taking weeks or months to create, ensuring a perfect fit.
  • High-end brands often spend significant time working closely with clients to incorporate their preferences into designs.
  • The bespoke trend has seen a resurgence in recent years, as consumers seek unique, quality items over mass-produced goods.

Business

  • In recent years, 'bespoke' has been applied to various industries, including software, where products are developed to meet specific customer needs.
  • Bespoke services often promise a higher level of personalization which can lead to increased customer satisfaction.
  • Companies that offer bespoke solutions can charge a premium because of the tailored nature of their products.

Pop Culture

  • Bespoke items often appear in high-profile films and television shows, emphasizing the luxury lifestyle.
  • The character of Sherlock Holmes is sometimes depicted wearing bespoke suits, showcasing sophistication and social status.
  • Shows that focus on fashion often highlight bespoke tailors and designers who create unique pieces for their clients.

Art & Design

  • Bespoke furniture has gained popularity among designers who aim to create unique, functional pieces tailored to individual tastes.
  • Artisans from various crafts, including jewelry and pottery, often offer bespoke services for unique creations that reflect personal stories.
  • The bespoke trend encourages creativity and craftsmanship, allowing both artists and clients to collaborate uniquely.

Translations

Translations of the word "bespoke" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sob medida

🇮🇳 विशेष रूप से तैयार किया गया

🇩🇪 maßgeschneidert

🇮🇩 sesuai pesanan

🇺🇦 на замовлення

🇵🇱 na miarę

🇯🇵 オーダーメイド

🇫🇷 sur mesure

🇪🇸 a medida

🇹🇷 özel yapılmış

🇰🇷 맞춤형

🇸🇦 حسب الطلب

🇨🇿 na míru

🇸🇰 na mieru

🇨🇳 定制的

🇸🇮 po meri

🇮🇸 sérsmíðað

🇰🇿 тапсырыс бойынша жасалған

🇬🇪 შეკვეთის მიხედვით

🇦🇿 xüsusi hazırlanmış

🇲🇽 a medida

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,925, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.