Pad stitching turns 2D fabric into 3D form. It's used on the lapel to give it a certain roll and help the area stay open when worn. Pad stitching can be done by machine or by hand. If price were no object, which method would you prefer? IG desmondmerrionbespoke, hameen_official/

For me, above a certain price point, the work should be done by hand if only to show the tailor's skill. I agree with Desmond that the Strobel padding is better than many tailor's hand padding. But the best hand padding still feels a step above to me than machine work.

For me, above a certain price point, the work should be done by hand if only to show the tailor's skill. I agree with Desmond that the Strobel padding is better than many tailor's hand padding. But the best hand padding still feels a step above to me than machine work.

Tailors have been debating the value of handwork since the founding of the trade publication Apparel Arts in 1931. As they wrote in Vol. 1, No. 11: "In the clothing business, 'hand-tailoring' as a term of encomium has often covered a multitude of sins. By itself, it is not a self-sufficient term. It is as vague and non-indicative of the degree of excellence a the term 'hand-painted,' which can, after all, apply equally to Rembrandt and to a backyard fence."