bespoke
Definition
The meaning: Bespoke is an adjective describing something that is made or adapted especially for a particular customer or user, according to their individual requirements. It is most commonly used in reference to clothing, furniture, software, or services that are custom-made rather than bought off the shelf.
La signification: L’adjectif bespoke signifie “fait sur mesure”, “personnalisé” ou “conçu spécialement” pour un client, selon ses besoins ou ses goûts. Il s’emploie surtout pour les vêtements, les meubles, les logiciels ou les services créés à la demande.
Note: Ce mot est plus courant en anglais britannique et suggère souvent une qualité ou une exclusivité supérieure.
Word Analysis
French equivalents
» Sur mesure
» Personnalisé
» Fait à la demande
A: Tu as remarqué sa veste ? B: Oui, c’est du bespoke, cousue main rien que pour lui.
English equivalents
» Custom-made
» Tailor-made
» Made to measure
A: Where did you get your suit? B: It’s bespoke – made just for me.
Dialogue
Thabo: "I love your kitchen cupboards. Where did you get them?"
Nomsa: "Thanks! They’re completely bespoke – designed and built to fit my space."
Etymology
Origin: Bespoke comes from the past participle of the verb “bespeak”, meaning “to order or arrange in advance”. The adjective form dates back to the 18th century, originally referring to items (especially clothing) that were “spoken for” or commissioned by a particular customer. Over time, its use broadened to describe anything custom-made or tailored to individual needs.
From Middle English bispeken, Old English besprecan (“speak about, arrange”).
Modern Usage: Today, bespoke is most commonly used in British English to refer to custom-made clothing, especially suits (bespoke tailoring). However, its usage has expanded into other fields, such as bespoke software, bespoke furniture, and even bespoke experiences, reflecting a broader cultural interest in personalization and craftsmanship.
Connotation: The term often carries connotations of exclusivity, luxury, and attention to detail. Something described as bespoke is generally understood to be high-quality and made with the end user’s preferences in mind.
Grammar Note: Unlike many adjectives, bespoke is not gradable — you don’t typically say something is more bespoke or very bespoke. It either is or it isn’t.
Audience
The adjective "bespoke" is formal and often associated with high-end products or services. It is widely used in British and South African English, but is increasingly found in marketing, design, and technology contexts worldwide.
When to use: Use it when you want to emphasise that something is uniquely made or tailored, especially in business, design, or luxury settings. For example: "We offer bespoke solutions to meet each client’s needs."
Dictionary Meaning
Cambridge Dictionary defines bespoke as "making and selling products, or providing services, specially for a particular person, organisation, or purpose: a bespoke tailor/shoe maker." Example: "The company offers a bespoke, 'tailor made' vacation service to Australia, New Zealand, Africa and Asia."
News Snippet
"I did my community service at Stanger Hospital here in Durban and since then I’ve done a number of courses to increase my knowledge and insight into pelvic health. I’ve done as much research as I can into sexual and menstrual health so that I have a better understanding overall of the way the ‘female’ body works – and I say that in inverted commas because I’m speaking to ‘vagina owners’, because that’s the area I treat," she says.
"Every assessment and treatment is bespoke. We have all walked unique journeys and despite our gender identity we have varied relationships with our bodies, genitalia, and of course, unique sexualities."
(Read the article at The Daily Maverick)
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Common Idioms & Expressions Related to "Bespoke"
Bespoke solution
A solution designed and created specifically for a particular client or situation.
Example: "We developed a bespoke solution for their logistics challenges."
Bespoke suit
A suit that is individually tailored to the measurements and preferences of the wearer.
Example: "He wore a navy blue bespoke suit to the wedding."
Bespoke service
A service that is customised to the unique needs of a client.
Example: "Our company prides itself on offering bespoke services to every customer."
Made to measure
Custom-made to fit the specifications of an individual.
Example: "She ordered made-to-measure curtains for her new flat."
Tailor-made
Specially made for a particular person, purpose, or situation.
Example: "They delivered a tailor-made training programme for our staff."
Custom-built
Built or created according to the specifications of the customer.
Example: "The company installed a custom-built kitchen in their home."
Bespoke: https://www.euronews.com/2025/06/28/bespoke-bash-for-a-billionaire-jeff-bezos-weds-lauren-sanchez-in-lavish-venice-ceremony
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