InStitchu

InStitchu brings the tradition of old-world tailoring into the modern era at its showroom on Marcus Clarke Street in Canberra, ACT. Founded in 2012 by Australians Robin McGowan and James Wakefield, the brand bridges the gap between bespoke craftsmanship and digital convenience, offering custom, made-to-measure suits, shirts, tuxedos, and casual wear for both men and women. The Canberra showroom is part of an extensive network of locations across Australia, providing a dedicated space where clients can design garments that reflect their personal style, all while enjoying a relaxed and professional atmosphere. The focus is on fit, quality, and value, ensuring every piece is crafted to precise measurements and individual preferences using premium fabrics sourced from world-leading mills.

The experience at InStitchu is designed to be collaborative and informative. From the moment an appointment is booked, clients are guided by expert Stylists, including Showroom Manager Nicholas Wyer and a dedicated team of professionals, who assist in navigating a curated selection of hundreds of fabrics in different colours, weights, and patterns. The process moves from selecting cloth and taking measurements to customizing every detail, from lapels and buttons to pockets and monograms. The showroom itself reflects a blend of classic tailoring heritage and a clean, contemporary aesthetic, making it a comfortable setting for both solo consultations and group fittings for wedding parties or corporate events. With a Perfect Fit Guarantee and a seamless online-offline integration, InStitchu redefines what it means to invest in custom clothing.

Our Story and Evolution

InStitchu began with a simple yet ambitious vision: to make custom tailoring accessible, affordable, and convenient without compromising on craftsmanship. The company's founders, Robin McGowan and James Wakefield, started the business above a Sydney cafe in 2012, driven by a desire to modernize the traditional bespoke experience. They recognized that modern professionals wanted more than off-the-rack options—they wanted garments that fit perfectly, expressed their individuality, and didn't cost a fortune. By leveraging world-leading technology, including advanced pattern-making software and a fully integrated website, InStitchu transformed the tailoring process into a streamlined, customer-centric service. Over the years, the company has grown from a single location to double-digit showrooms across Australia, including a prominent presence in Canberra's CBD.

The journey from a small startup to a nationally recognized brand is rooted in the principle of "The InStitchu Way": Fit, Quality, and Value. These three pillars guide every decision, from the selection of natural-fibre fabrics—breathable, soft, and durable—to the implementation of patterns developed by European tailors, including Savile Row-trained experts. The Canberra showroom embodies this ethos, offering a space where clients can connect with the company's heritage while benefiting from modern conveniences like online design tools and traveller tailor services. InStitchu has also earned media recognition and a loyal following, as evidenced by its 4.5-star rating on Google Maps based on 260 reviews, reflecting a generally positive but nuanced reputation. The business owner actively responds to reviews, indicating an effort to engage with all client feedback.

Boundless Custom Tailoring Services

The core offering at the Marcus Clarke Street showroom is the design and creation of custom, made-to-measure garments that cater to a diverse range of needs. From formal business suits and elegant tuxedos to casual wear, including jackets, trousers, shorts, and even knitwear, the workshop can bring any vision to life. The process is supported by a Perfect Fit Guarantee, where the team will alter or remake any garment that doesn't fit correctly, ensuring complete satisfaction. Clients can also explore accessories like ties, pocket squares, cufflinks, and bow ties to complete their look. The service options are structured to accommodate individual commissions, group events, corporate partnerships, and special life milestones like weddings.

Appointment Types

• One-on-One Appointment: A dedicated consultation with an expert Stylist to choose fabrics, take measurements, and design a garment in a relaxed, old-world setting, lasting up to an hour.
• Group Appointment: A social experience for creating custom garments together, complemented by champagne or whisky and expert guidance, ideal for wedding parties, friends, or corporate teams.
• Wedding Consultation: A complimentary preliminary meeting with a Wedding Stylist to discuss wedding plans, explore styles and fabrics, and understand the process without a hard sell, allowing for a stress-free start to wedding tailoring.
• Pick-Up Appointment: A final fitting session to try on completed garments, where the Stylist can arrange any last adjustments, ensuring everything is perfect for the event or everyday wear.

Specialised Offerings

• Wedding Suits From $699: Create a cohesive look for the entire bridal party with custom suits starting at $699, with group discounts of up to 20% off. The Tuxedo Package saves up to $157 by bundling a custom tuxedo, shirt, bow tie, and cufflinks for $750.
• Corporate Tailoring: InStitchu partners with businesses to deliver branded, tailored uniforms or team attire, ensuring a sharp, consistent image with personalized fittings and bulk-order convenience.
• Travelling Tailor Services: For those unable to visit the showroom, a stylist can travel to a convenient location, offering the same expert measurements and design guidance.
• Recreation Services: Clients can bring a favorite suit or shirt to replicate its fit and style exactly, using digital measurement tools and fabric matching.
• Online Design Platform: The website allows customers to design garments from scratch, choose from preset styles, and save measurements for easy reordering, bridging the digital-physical divide seamlessly.

Why Choose the Canberra Showroom on Marcus Clarke Street

Selecting a custom tailor is a personal decision, and the InStitchu Canberra showroom distinguishes itself through an unwavering commitment to client satisfaction and an immersive experience that goes beyond mere transaction. Located in the heart of the CBD, the showroom is a sanctuary of style where modern aesthetics meet the time-honoured rituals of tailoring. The team, led by Showroom Manager Nicholas Wyer and including stylists such as Katherine Wu, Aasha Causley, Portia Simon, Annick Su, Oscar Fletcher, and Blessy Semy, brings a wealth of expertise and a genuine passion for helping clients discover their unique style. They don't just take measurements—they listen, advise, and collaborate to ensure every garment is a true reflection of the wearer's personality and needs.

At InStitchu Canberra, the approach to fit is uncompromising. Every garment is individually cut to each client's precise measurements, a process overseen by tailors trained in European traditions. The Perfect Fit Guarantee means that if alterations are needed, they are performed at no extra cost, providing peace of mind that many off-the-rack alternatives cannot offer. Multifaceted value is also evident in the quality of materials used; all fabrics are sourced from premium mills, ensuring breathability, softness, and long-lasting durability. The combination of traditional craftsmanship with innovative technology helps to revolutionize the industry, making luxury tailoring affordable without sacrificing an ounce of quality.

Unparalleled Fabric Selection and Customization

The showroom houses a vast library of fabric swatches, encompassing everything from lightweight linens for summer events to rich wools and cashmere blends for winter sophistication. Clients can also access exclusive collections, such as the Continuum range or the new Arrivals capsule, ensuring access to the latest trends. Customization options are nearly limitless: lapel styles (notch, peak, shawl), button types (horn, mother-of-pearl, smoked), pocket designs (jetted, flap, patch), vent configurations, lining patterns, monogram positions, and stitching details. This level of control empowers clients to craft a garment that is truly one-of-a-kind, whether it's a bold, fashion-forward tuxedo or a classic, understated business suit.

A Seamless Online-Offline Experience

What sets InStitchu apart is its harmonious integration of digital and physical touchpoints. After a showroom fitting, measurements are saved to an online profile, making reordering shirts, suits, or trousers as simple as a few clicks. The website also offers a comprehensive design tool for those who prefer to start from home, with expert support available via email at canberra@institchu.com or phone at +61 2 6113 0891. For added convenience, the Travelling Tailor service can bring the showroom experience to corporate offices, homes, or event locations across the ACT region, ensuring that even the busiest professionals can access bespoke-quality tailoring.

A Comprehensive Guide to the Tailoring Process

Understanding the journey from consultation to final garment is essential for anyone new to custom tailoring. At InStitchu Canberra, the process is broken down into clear, manageable phases that prioritize education and comfort. The first step is booking a free appointment, available Monday through Sunday with extended hours on Thursdays (9am–8pm) and Fridays (9am–7pm) to accommodate various schedules. Upon arrival, clients are greeted with a complimentary beverage—choose from whisky, champagne, or coffee—and invited to settle into the lounge-like atmosphere. The stylist begins with a conversation about lifestyle, needs, and preferences, ensuring the recommended fabrics and designs align with the client's daily realities and aspirations.

The measurement phase is meticulous and multi-point, capturing posture, shoulder slope, and body proportions to create a digital pattern that serves as the foundation for the garment. Unlike generic sizing, this ensures a three-dimensional fit that moves with the body. After measurements, the stylist guides the fabric selection, presenting swatches that range from classic navy staples to textured tweeds and vibrant seasonal patterns. Each fabric's properties—weight, drape, breathability—are explained, helping clients make informed choices based on intended use. The design phase is where personalization peaks, with decisions on every visible and hidden detail. Once the garment is finalized, it is crafted by skilled artisans and delivered within 4–5 weeks, after which a pick-up appointment ensures the final fit is perfect.

Post-Purchase Support and Alterations

The relationship doesn't end at delivery. InStitchu's Perfect Fit Guarantee covers post-purchase alterations or even a complete remake if the fit isn't correct, reflecting a long-term investment in client satisfaction. Stylists are available to discuss care instructions, pairing advice, and future wardrobe planning. The showroom also hosts seasonal events and offers exclusive previews of new collections, fostering a community of discerning dressers. With a 4.5-star rating from over 260 Google Maps reviews, the team actively listens to feedback, embracing both praise and constructive criticism to continuously refine the experience. This commitment to improvement is a hallmark of a brand that values genuine connections over transactional relationships.

Location and Operating Hours in Canberra CBD

The InStitchu showroom is conveniently situated at Shop 2, 54 Marcus Clarke Street, Canberra ACT 2601, within the vibrant CBD. This central location places it within walking distance of major office towers, parliamentary institutions, and popular eateries, making it an easy stop during a workday or a dedicated weekend visit. The showroom’s address on Marcus Clarke Street is well-served by public transport, with nearby bus stops and carparking options, ensuring accessibility for all clients from across Canberra and the surrounding region. The bilingual-friendly staff and globally inspired brand ethos create an inclusive environment where everyone, from local politicians to visiting diplomats, can feel at home.

The store’s opening hours are designed for flexibility. Here is a full schedule:

• Monday: 9:00am – 6:00pm
• Tuesday: 9:00am – 6:00pm
• Wednesday: 9:00am – 6:00pm
• Thursday: 9:00am – 8:00pm
• Friday: 9:00am – 7:00pm
• Saturday: 9:00am – 6:00pm
• Sunday: 10:00am – 6:00pm

Appointments can be scheduled outside standard hours for special circumstances, and walk-in inquiries, though appointments are highly recommended to ensure a dedicated stylist is available. For those travelling from outside Canberra, the showroom’s proximity to key landmarks like the Australian National University and Lake Burley Griffin makes it an easy destination to combine with other errands or leisure activities. The physical space itself is thoughtfully designed, featuring individual consultation rooms and communal areas that balance privacy with the social joy of group fittings.

Team of Expert Stylists and Tailors

At the heart of the Canberra showroom is a team of dedicated professionals who bring the InStitchu philosophy to life. Leading the charge is Nicholas Wyer, the Showroom Manager, whose passion for tailoring and keen eye for detail sets the standard for every client interaction. Nicholas oversees a team of stylists that includes Katherine Wu, known for her ability to translate modern trends into timeless ensembles; Aasha Causley, whose warm demeanour and technical expertise make long-time clients feel like old friends; Portia Simon, a specialist in colour theory and fabric drape; Annick Su, who excels in guiding nervous grooms through the wedding tailoring journey; Oscar Fletcher, an expert in casual styling and smart-casual hybrid looks; and Blessy Semy, whose attention to minute details ensures every monogram and button sits exactly where it should. Together, this team forms a collective of talent that rivals any tailoring house in the country.

What truly distinguishes this team is not just their individual skills but their collaborative approach. They regularly conduct peer reviews during fittings, offering multiple perspectives to ensure a garment flatters from every angle. Many team members have received training in European tailoring techniques, and they stay updated on global fashion trends through ongoing education and direct connections with international fabric mills. This depth of knowledge is shared freely with clients, empowering them to make choices that might not have been on their radar—whether it's experimenting with a double-breasted silhouette, incorporating stretch into a business shirt, or selecting the optimal weight of wool for Canberra’s variable climate.

Wedding and Special Event Tailoring Services

Weddings are a cornerstone of InStitchu’s service, and the Canberra showroom has become a go-to destination for couples seeking a stress-free, style-forward approach to bridal party attire. The wedding journey often begins with a complimentary Wedding Consultation, where couples can meet a Wedding Stylist in person or virtually to discuss themes, colour palettes, timelines, and budgets without any pressure to purchase. From there, grooms and groomsmen can book a Group Appointment, turning what is often a mundane chore into a celebratory event with drinks and laughter. Custom suits start from $699, and group discounts of up to 20% make it surprisingly affordable to outfit an entire wedding party without sacrificing quality.

The level of customization extends beyond standard suits to include tuxedos, vests, shirts, and even accessories like custom-designed linings with wedding dates or meaningful quotes. For destination weddings or hot-climate celebrations, the stylists can recommend lightweight blends and unlined constructions that keep the party cool and comfortable. InStitchu also offers package deals that combine multiple suits, shirts, and accessories for streamlined coordination. Beyond weddings, the showroom caters to galas, awards ceremonies, and formal dinners, with stylists who understand the nuances of black-tie and white-tie etiquette, ensuring clients adhere to dress codes while still expressing individuality.

Client Relationships and Continuous Improvement

InStitchu actively cultivates a relationship with its clients that extends far beyond the sale. The Perfect Fit Guarantee is just the foundation; the showroom encourages clients to return for complimentary consultations when their body changes, or when they simply want to update their look for a new season or role. The stylists keep detailed notes on past orders, so reordering or expanding a wardrobe is effortless—a valuable feature for professionals who travel frequently or who maintain a capsule wardrobe strategy. Customer feedback plays a central role in shaping operations, and the management personally reads and responds to Google Maps reviews. Positive experiences, such as those highlighted by customers like Kate Mooney, are celebrated, while critical observations are addressed with empathy and a commitment to resolution. The business maintains a thoughtful dialogue with everyone who walks through the door, ensuring that each interaction contributes to a stronger, more refined service.