Style-Board Brief for a Made-to-Measure Suit Manufacturer
Retailers launching a new MTM line often send a Pinterest folder — and wonder why the sample lapel is wrong. At Shi Yuan Suit Factory, a style-board brief turns silhouette intent into cuttable fields before the 7–14 day sample clock (after measurements and fabric are confirmed).
MTM from 1 is the natural path for a new line’s masters. Later graded stock can move to bulk from 50. Production after seal: 14–21 days after written confirmation. Factory: Baodi, Tianjin · Chengxingwang · Est. 2009. Acumenwear = export site.
Image: Style board with lapel, pocket, and silhouette callouts for MTM brief
Style-board brief template (copy into your doc)
A. Silhouette
Jacket length intent (short / classic / long)
Shoulder: soft / classic / structured — soft vs structured
Suppression (waist shape): clean / moderate / shaped
Stance: number of buttons + button position intent
B. Lapel
Notch / peak / shawl
Width at widest point (cm) or “match photo #3”
Belly / gorge notes if relevant
Buttonhole on lapel: yes/no
C. Pocket & details
Breast: straight / slanted / none
Hip: flap / jetted / patch; ticket pocket yes/no
Vent: none / single / double
Cuff: kissing / spaced / functional intent for sample
D. Trouser
Flat front / pleat
Extend of pleat if any
Hem: plain / cuff height
Waistband / curtain / side adjusters / suspender buttons
E. Construction
Fused / half / full — named
Tie to construction guide
F. Fabric & lining
Mill-indent or stock code
Lining color / composition intent
G. Reference photos
Max 6 photos, each labeled: binding vs mood only
Circle the binding details on the image
H. Owner
One name who can approve WhatsApp seals
This template sits beside measures — measures alone do not define lapel width. Related: tech pack photo brief · first WhatsApp inquiry.
How new MTM lines should use the board
Build one house silhouette board before client #1.
Sample the house model on MTM from 1 (staff fit model OK).
Seal board + measures together.
Client MTM repeats reuse sealed silhouette with client measures swapped in.
Capability: made to measure suit manufacturer · sample policy.
Unique element: binding vs mood labeling
Every photo on the board gets a stamp:
BINDING — Meaning: Factory must match this detail
MOOD — Meaning: Direction only — not measurable
IGNORE — Meaning: Do not copy (wrong era / wrong make)
Unlabeled folders create silent conflicts between buyer and cutter.
Mid-brief CTA:
From board → sample → line launch
Sample window: 7–14 days after measures + fabric confirmed
Fit approve (photos OK) → written seal
Optional second sample if silhouette changes are large
Then offer MTM on the retail floor; plan bulk from 50 only if you also want graded stock
Process · how we work with boutiques.
Common retailer questions
Can we start with mood only? For discovery chat yes; for sample cut no — mark BINDING fields.
Do we need a full tech pack CAD? A labeled board + measures works for many first samples; CAD helps when details are dense.
House block vs client MTM? See house block vs client MTM.
Numbered example: launching three MTM silhouettes
City soft — soft shoulder, notch 7 cm, patch optional, fused, travel cloth
Boutique classic — classic shoulder, notch 8 cm, flap + ticket, half canvas
Evening peak — structured shoulder, peak, jetted, half or full per client
Each gets its own board with BINDING labels. Sample order: make #2 first (highest volume intent), then #1, then #3. Do not merge three silhouettes onto one unlabeled moodboard and expect one sample to teach all three.
Retail-floor handoff after seal
Train stylists on which board is default for which client brief
Store sealed photo set in the POS or client profile tool you use
Alteration tailors see the same BINDING notes — not a verbal “make it like James’s”
Factories mirror your clarity. Fuzzy boards create fuzzy samples.
Checklist before you hit send on WhatsApp
[ ] Silhouette section filled
[ ] Lapel width or BINDING photo marked
[ ] Pocket + vent named
[ ] Construction named
[ ] Fabric path confirmed or clearly pending (clock waits)
[ ] Measures attached or house block named
[ ] Owner named
[ ] Mood photos labeled so they cannot override BINDING
Incomplete boards become incomplete samples — regardless of how polished the PDF looks.
How style boards differ from measurement forms
Measurement form — Answers: Body / ease / balance
Style board — Answers: Product design details
Construction note — Answers: Fused / half / full
Fabric confirm — Answers: What cloth is cut
All four are required for a clean MTM sample. Skipping the board is why two shops with identical measures get different lapels. See measurement form.
Bottom line
A style board is a specification tool. Label BINDING details, name construction, then sample. Shi Yuan · +65 8013 8838 · houzhenying226@gmail.com
Ready to start?
Send country, MTM sample intent, monthly volume, and silhouette notes:
Or email houzhenying226@gmail.com.
Acumenwear is the English export site for Shi Yuan Suit Factory. Brief the board — then cut the master.
