Guide artisanat - Comment bien choisir son artisan ou artisane ?

Do you dream of a unique costume, tailored to your character, crafted with care and passion? Calling on a craftsman or craftswoman is a key step in bringing this vision to life. But in a world where there is a vast range of craftsmanship on offer, how do you find your way? How do you choose the right person to create an outfit that will accompany you on your adventures?

1. Look for a style that speaks to you

Every artisan has their own artistic flair. Some excel at faithful historical cuts, others offer more stylized creations inspired by fantasy, folklore, or heroic fantasy, while others have cuts more reminiscent of haute couture or focus on practicality... Take a look at their gallery, social media, and website: does the aesthetic speak to you? Can you see yourself in their creations?

When you approach artisans, bring a mood board and reference images—silhouettes or textures that you like. This will help you better define your style and identify the artisan who matches it.

2. Check the quality of their work.

A beautiful suit is also a sturdy suit. Analyze:

• The finishes visible in the photos: clean seams, well-placed braiding, neat assembly.

• The choice of materials: linen, hemp, brocade, velvet... avoid fabrics that are too shiny or low-end.

• Customer reviews: opinions, comments, testimonials... But above all...

• Word of mouth: have any of your friends used artisans in the past? Ask them for feedback and don't hesitate to ask for references from people whose costumes you love.

A tailor won't just sell you a silhouette: they will create a piece designed to last... and, above all, suited to the use you will make of it.

3. Take the time to talk

Dialogue is essential, both on your part and on the part of the artisan. When you contact an artisan, take the time to do so. Some artisans include a video meeting in their sales process, so go ahead and do it. This is a collaboration that is being established. But pay attention to the quality of communication on their part:

• Do they ask relevant questions about your world, your character, your use of the costume (LARP, ball, show, market, etc.)?

• Do they offer ideas, adjustments, advice?

• Do they explain the technical constraints or material choices?

• What is the artisan's position on after-sales service?

A costume is not just fabric. If the artisan understands your story, that's a good sign.

4. It's not a cost but an investment

A handmade suit costs more than an industrial purchase—and that's normal. What you're paying for isn't just a garment, it's:

• The design time

• The expertise

• The communication

• The quality materials

• The tailoring to your body shape

• The bespoke service

• Local labor

You can compare prices, but keep in mind that you are investing in a unique piece, often made locally, with love. A very low price may hide poor quality or unethical practices.

Don't hesitate to ask for a detailed quote, or to discuss a flexible budget with several options or several creations to be spread out over time, and even payment in installments.

5. Anticipate delays

A handmade costume does not come out of a factory. Some artisans have several months of waiting time—especially during the preparation period for LARP seasons or festivals.

So remember to place your order well in advance (at least 3 to 6 months ahead of time, depending on your artisan) to avoid disappointment.

Tip: Ask for an estimate of the lead time when you first make contact. And be honest about your deadlines: the artisan will be able to tell you what is feasible and what is not, or offer you a quote tailored to your specific requirements.

Some artisans accept orders with short deadlines for an additional fee to compensate for the reorganization of their schedule or the extra work required to meet the deadlines to which they have already committed. At Les Mains à Coudre, this surcharge is 20%.

6. Look for flexibility (and honesty)

A good artisan will be able to advise you. It's even a legal obligation! This person is a professional in their field and should help you create a costume that suits you, whether in terms of technical, aesthetic, budgetary, or other constraints.

Check that the artisan

• Guides you towards a solution that suits your various needs,

• Says no if a request is unrealistic or technically impossible,

• Adapts the project if you have physical constraints, fabric preferences, or allergies,

• And so many other things that are important to you.

You are not there to impose a sketch that is accurate to the millimeter, but to collaborate on a creation that reflects who you are. An order of this type is a dialogue, not a fixed order. Keep in mind that if you have chosen this artisan for your order, it is because you like their style: so trust them to have fun with it, and your order will be all the more beautiful for it.

7. Trust your instincts

Beyond skills and photos, choose with your heart too. Working with a craftsman or craftswoman is a human adventure. Do you feel listened to? Do you get along well? Do you want to wear this costume with pride? Do their ethical commitments speak to you?

A costume for LARP, a ball, or a performance tells a story: your story. And it deserves a designer who understands this dimension and whose work you are proud to wear.

In summary

Choosing the right tailor for a suit means:

• Understanding your style and needs

• Observing the quality and consistency of their work

• Establishing a genuine dialogue

• Being transparent about all your constraints

• And above all... following your intuition: make sure you like it.

A well-designed suit is an extension of yourself, a companion, a living memory. Choosing the right person to make it is the first step in bringing it to life.

Some recommendations from designers to check out!

• Lucioles Makes: Designer specializing in corsetry in a style between fantasy and romantic gothic, promoting the upcycling of noble materials.

• Dragon Armoury: LARP weapon designers based in England, my favorite weapons by far! Unfortunately, they have recently suspended deliveries to France and the European Union, but hopefully they will resume soon.