Bespoke Menswear and Sustainable Tailoring With Matt Jefferson
Author(s): Scott Douglas Jacobsen
Publication (Outlet/Website): The Good Men Project
Publication Date (yyyy/mm/dd): 2025/09/13
Matt Jefferson is a style consultant and custom clothier at TWEEDS Tampa, specializing in bespoke suiting that blends precision, artistry, and authenticity. With a background in industrial design and professional training in Japan, Matt brings a unique design philosophy to tailoring, delivering garments that inspire confidence and timeless elegance. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and personalized approach, he has built a reputation for guiding clients through transformative style experiences. Beyond fashion, Matt is an avid Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner, often drawing lessons from martial arts into business and design, emphasizing discipline, adaptability, and integrity in every endeavor. Jefferson highlights bespoke tailoring’s sustainability, artistry, and cultural traditions; stresses education on waste, science-fashion collaborations, and challenges men to elevate effort in personal style.
Scott Douglas Jacobsen: How can traditional tailoring practices meet modern sustainability goals?
Matt Jefferson: Traditional tailoring, such as bespoke or fully custom suiting, is inherently green. At TWEEDS, we only order the necessary fabric for our clients custom clothing, therefore minimizing waste. Many higher-end fabric mills that we partner with now source sustainably, ensuring an equitable and transparent supply chain. Contrast this with fast fashion, where everything must be turned over each season, regardless of sales.
Jacobsen: How can they preserve artistry?
Jefferson: Fully custom clothing is more artistic than mall-bought options. As a Style Consultant at TWEEDS, I am able to control every aspect of the design from the buttons, to the lining, to the stitching, to bring a client’s vision to life.
Jacobsen: What role does upcycling or reworking vintage menswear play in a circular fashion economy?
Jefferson: Despite the lack of awareness for local tailors, people still seek alterations services. However, investing time, knowledge, and money for alterations is challenging. Many prefer instant gratification from big-box brands.
Jacobsen: How can technology reduce fashion production waste?
This complex topic could take many directions. For instance, you could ask how to solve the food waste problem. I believe education is key. People don’t understand how their clothing purchases contribute to waste or what happens when ready-made clothing doesn’t sell. If more Americans understood the complete cycle, we’d see more educated clothing purchases.
Jacobsen: What overlooked garments in menswear could benefit from reinvention?
Jefferson: Underwear.
Jacobsen: How do cultural traditions influence sustainable clothing practices?
Jefferson: Different cultures have different experiences with clothing. Is it made for you or bought from the mall? In Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, tailoring is appreciated. Not so much in North America. Custom clothing is a niche here. So we’re the worst offenders when it comes to supporting sustainable clothing.
Jacobsen: What collaborations between designers and scientists push the boundaries of eco-conscious menswear?
Jefferson: Materials science can contribute to fashion. Man-made fibers like LYCRA or Elastane can enhance natural fibers like Wool, Linen, or Silk. Our best-selling shirt material is synthetic, but clients love its stretch and ease of care. Are these sustainable or eco-conscious? No, but they’re employed sustainably.
Jacobsen: If you could challenge men on fashion choices, how would you do it?
Jefferson: Put in more effort. If every American man put in 10% more effort into presenting himself well, we’d all be better for it. Look good, feel good, do good.
Jacobsen: Thank you for the opportunity and your time, Matt.
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Image Credit: kdacreative.
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