Have you ever wanted to wear clothes that fit perfectly, last for years and that you can design yourself? Kitenge is a global, ethical clothing brand selling beautifully handcrafted, unique made to measure clothes online.
Made to measure clothing (MTM clothing), or custom clothing, is different to bespoke. MTM clothing is cut and sewn using a pre-existing, base pattern and uses consistent manufacturing processes.
One of the new sewing machines our master tailor has been able to purchase in Tanzania using the profits made from our orders.
Each MTM garment is designed to fit an individual customer based on their preferred measurements. The fit of a MTM garment is superior to ready-to-wear and is more expensive although cheaper than bespoke.
Cutting the fabric pattern by hand demonstrated by one of our menswear tailors in Tanzania
In comparison, bespoke tailoring starts from the initial design concept and largely depends on the customer’s individual requirements. Even more attention is given to the fit and there are usually several fittings during production. For more information, read our blog on the differences between made to measure and bespoke clothing.
A Kitenge customer modelling his bespoke outfit with gold brocade embroidery, handmade in Tanzania
Bespoke garments are made entirely by hand so it is more labour intensive and usually made by a group of very experienced tailors who are experts in different areas such as cutting or sewing the button holes.
Our made to measure order process is simple:
1) Select your chosen garment from the main menu (for example, a men’s long sleeve shirt or women’s trousers) and choose the main body fabric.
2) If you have chosen a shirt, pair of trousers or shorts then you can customise your design! For example, for a shirt you can choose your preferred collar, cuff, placket, pocket shape and position.
3) Enter the measurements of a shirt or pair of trousers/shorts that fit you well at home by following our simple ‘how to measure‘ guides. If you are ordering a women’s pencil skirt then you will need to enter your own body measurements.
4) Complete your purchase. Our highly skilled tailors in Tanzania will proceed to cut your chosen fabric and make your garment(s) by hand.
If your first garment does not fit perfectly then we will pay a local tailor to make the necessary adjustments or send you a replacement free of charge. You can adjust the measurements saved in your account for future reference.
If you require your made to measure garment(s) faster then you can upgrade to ‘Priority’ shipping on the basket or checkout pages. This guarantees that your order will be handmade and dispatched within 5 working days (instead of 1-2 weeks) for an additional GBP £10. Your order will be treated as a priority and will jump the production queue.
Kitenge prides itself on making beautifully handcrafted, high quality, durable garments that fit perfectly and are one of a kind! Our tailor made clothing can easily be worn to many different events by making simple changes to your outfit such as changing your shoes and accessories.
Find out more about each garment style in Kitenge’s vibrant custom-made collection and start designing yours today!
Our fun and creative men’s made to measure shirts ooze style and sophistication. There are so many great prints on offer from subtle florals that are always on trend, to bright colours and more muted tones. There is a print to suit each individual personality!
Kitenge’s floral long sleeve shirt prints modelled in Tanzania
Kitenge prints in bright and muted colour tones as modelled by a customer in Switzerland
Once you have chosen your favourite print and sleeve length you can continue to start designing your dream shirt! What’s so great about the custom features is that you can create a shirt that perhaps no one else in the world is wearing. Pretty cool!
You can currently get another shirt for free when you purchase your first made to measure shirt. Use coupon MTMFIRST to get 50% off two shirts with the same sleeve length and measurements. The special offer includes two shirts in different or the same prints. The choice is up to you!
If you prefer to purchase a made to measure short sleeve shirt and long sleeve shirt together then you can use the coupon MTMFIRSTSPECIAL to get the cheapest shirt for free. Start designing your dream shirts today!
Get noticed and be prepared to receive lots of compliments when wearing Kitenge’s modern African print clothing for women. Starting with our women’s custom tailored shirts, which come in various sleeve length options (short, 3/4 and long).
Women’s shirts can sometimes be boring but at Kitenge you can design and create something really special! Perhaps you’d like to try a button-down collar or covered placket with hidden buttons to make your shirt even more unique.
A women’s button-down collar and covered placket (hidden buttons)
Remember that you are in charge of your shirt’s measurements so you can choose your preferred fit (loose, regular or slim) as well as the length of the shirt and sleeves.
Simply measure a shirt that fits you well at home and use it as a size reference so you can adjust the measurements accordingly. You can always contact us for help if you have any questions.
For example, a customer in Japan designed this loose fitting shirt with long and wide 3/4 sleeves so that she will feel comfortable when she wears it during the intense summer heat.
A women’s three quarter sleeve shirt with a mandarin collar, covered placket (hidden buttons) and wide sleeves.
Get another shirt for free when you purchase your first made to measure shirt! Simply add two MTM shirts to your basket with the same sleeve length and measurements. They can be two different prints or two of the same print. Then use the code MTMFIRST at the checkout to receive 50% off!
If you would rather purchase a custom-made short sleeve shirt (or 3/4 sleeve shirt) and long sleeve shirt together then you can use the coupon MTMFIRSTSPECIAL instead to get the cheapest shirt for free!
Kitenge also offer a range of gorgeous and extremely flattering to wear made to measure African print pencil skirts. This style of skirt can easily be worn all year around and to many different occasions from the office to a party with friends.
They feature an invisible side zip and are fully lined inside. What’s also great about our African print clothing is that all our gorgeous garments can be machine-washed. Our high quality, original fabrics also have fantastic colour fastness.
The majority of our customers prefer their pencil skirts to finish below the knee, which is often difficult to find when buying off the peg garments especially if you are tall. All we require are 4 simple body measurements including your preferred length. It’s best to ask a friend or relative to help you.
Kitenge produces extremely comfortable men’s trousers and women’s trousers in fun and funky prints. With over 12 amazing, bold and vibrant prints to choose from you will be spoilt for choice. The only problem is that you won’t want to take them off!
You get to choose if you would like a loose, regular or skinny fit and if you would like a straight or tapered leg. Simply measure a pair of trousers (even jeans) that you like the fit and style of at home, by following our ‘how to measure‘ guide, and decide if you would like deep side pockets and a drawstring tie.
Our tailors in Tanzania will then get to work creating your very own unique design so that they can be shipped promptly within 1-2 weeks. We’ll keep you updated throughout the entire process and will try our best to send you photos and videos of the tailor making your order!
Like our trousers, we also make awesome made to measure shorts for men and women! If you are looking for a pair of hot pants or board shorts then you have come to the right place. It’s up to you if you would like them to be loose or tight fitting.
They are perfect for taking on holiday and look even better when worn with a matching short sleeve shirt in the same or contrasting print. Are you brave enough to sport this great look, which you can also create with our African print trousers? They make fantastic festival outfits as demonstrated by one of our customers below at WOMAD.
We recommend creating an account before you start to design your dream garment as you can then save your measurements for future reference. This will also make it easier for you to re-order another garment in future, as you will not have to fill in the boxes with your measurements again. You can check and edit your measurements in your account at any time.
Still not made up your mind? Visit our reviews page to see what our customers say about us, our products and service. If you have any questions please visit our FAQ’s page for further information and do not hesitate to get in touch. We are always happy to help!
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