Indochino vs. Bonobos: Which brand should you buy? [2026]

Indochino specializes in affordable, made-to-measure custom suits and shirts, giving you control over every detail of your fit and style. In contrast, Bonobos is known for its wide range of premium, off-the-rack menswear - from suits to chinos - that focuses on perfected fits for different body types. Bonobos offers convenience and reliably great fits out of the box, while Indochino provides a bespoke experience at an accessible price.

Let's explore the key differences to help you decide which brand best suits your wardrobe goals and wallet.

Indochino: Accessible Custom Tailoring

Indochino disrupted the menswear industry by making custom-tailored suits available to a wider audience online. The brand's model is built on personalization, serving customers who want a precise fit for weddings, work, or formal events without the high costs of a traditional tailor. They operate with a blend of online configuration and physical showrooms for guided fittings.

• Product mix: Primarily focuses on made-to-measure suits, blazers, dress shirts, and chinos. They also offer accessories like ties, pocket squares, and cufflinks to complete your look.
• Price point: Very competitive for custom clothing. Two-piece suits often start around $399 during frequent sales events, with custom shirts beginning at $79. Prices increase with premium fabrics like cashmere blends or high-grade wools.
• Fit & Sizing: Based entirely on your unique measurements. You can measure yourself at home using their detailed online instructions or visit one of their showrooms for a complimentary professional fitting and design consultation.
• Customization: Extensive options allow you to choose your fabric, lapel style (notch, peak), jacket lining, buttons, pocket styles, and even add a personalized monogram.
• Shopping experience: The process is designed to be straightforward. You select your design options and submit measurements online or get fitted in-store. Production and shipping take a few weeks.
• Return policy: As items are custom-made, they are non-refundable. However, Indochino provides an alteration credit (up to $75) to take to a local tailor. If the fit is very off, they may offer to remake the garment.

Indochino offers incredible value for anyone who has struggled to find an off-the-rack suit that fits properly, giving you a completely customized garment tailored just for you.

Shop Indochino: indochino.com

Bonobos: The Master of Great-Fitting Menswear

Bonobos started with a simple goal: create a better-fitting pair of men's pants. They succeeded and have since expanded into a full menswear line known for quality materials, versatile style, and a laser focus on fit. Their target customer is the modern man who values everyday comfort, style, and a hassle-free shopping experience.

• Product mix: A comprehensive menswear collection including their iconic chinos, dress shirts, suits, blazers, jeans, shorts, and swimwear. They are a one-stop-shop for a complete, smart-casual wardrobe.
• Price point: Positioned in the mid-to-premium range. Chinos typically cost $78 to $98, dress shirts are around $98, and off-the-rack suits start at approximately $598.
• Fit & Sizing: This is Bonobos' biggest strength. Most apparel comes in several distinct fits (e.g., Slim, Tailored, Athletic, Straight) to accommodate different body shapes. This system nearly eliminates the guesswork of finding a great off-the-rack fit.
• Shopping experience: A digitally native brand with a strong e-commerce platform and a network of "Guideshops." At a Guideshop, you can try on any item in any size, get styling advice from an expert, and then your chosen items are shipped directly to your door.
• Quality: Known for high-quality fabrics and solid construction, especially in their chinos and shirts, which are designed for comfort and durability.
• Return policy: Excellent and customer-friendly. Bonobos offers free shipping and free returns, making it completely risk-free to try their clothes at home.

Bonobos is the ideal choice for men looking to build a high-quality, versatile wardrobe with pieces guaranteed to fit well right away, backed by outstanding customer service.

Shop Bonobos: bonobos.com

Indochino vs. Bonobos Comparison

Price Comparison

For suiting, Indochino is the more budget-friendly option. With suits often available for around $399-$499, it offers unmatched value for a fully custom garment. Bonobos suits start higher, around $598, reflecting their premium off-the-rack construction and materials.

For other wardrobe items like shirts and pants, the pricing is more competitive. An Indochino custom shirt can start at $79, while a standard-fit shirt from Bonobos is around $98. The primary difference is customization for the price versus immediate availability and fit variety.

Quality & Materials

Both brands deliver solid quality for their price points. Indochino offers a wide array of fabrics, including wool and wool-blends, with higher-priced tiers featuring more luxurious materials. The standard suit construction is fused, with more expensive options allowing for a half-canvassed construction that offers better draping and durability.

Bonobos focuses on high-quality, comfortable fabrics across all its products. Their suits often feature premium wool and better construction methods from the start. For everyday wear like their famous chinos, the fabrics are known for their soft feel and resilience, making them a worthwhile investment for daily use.

Product Selection & Style

Indochino is a specialist in tailored garments. Their selection is deep but narrow, focusing almost exclusively on products you customize, like suits, blazers, and shirts. Their aesthetic is modern and classic, perfect for formal events and professional settings.

Bonobos offers a complete menswear wardrobe. Beyond suits and shirts, they provide a vast selection of casual pants, jeans, knitwear, shorts, swimwear, and accessories. Their style is contemporary and approachable, designed to transition smoothly from the office to the weekend.

Fit & Sizing

This is the most significant point of comparison. Indochino provides a made-to-measure fit, promising a result that is entirely unique to your body. This requires accurate measurements and potentially a round of alterations, but the final product should fit perfectly.

Bonobos tackles fit by perfecting standard sizing. By offering multiple silhouette options like Athletic fit (more room in the seat and thighs) or Slim fit, they cater to a huge range of body types that often struggle with one-size-fits-all off-the-rack clothing. It's often called the best standard fit in menswear for a reason.

Shopping Experience

The Indochino experience involves a design and measurement process. It can be done entirely online but benefits greatly from an in-person showroom visit. There's a lead time of several weeks for production and shipping, so it requires advanced planning.

The Bonobos experience emphasizes convenience. You can order online with fast, free shipping and risk-free returns. Their Guideshops offer a unique hybrid experience where you get an expert fitting in person without the pressure of taking anything home, as your order is shipped for free.

Return Policies

This is a major difference. Bonobos offers famously easy, free returns on all items, making it zero-risk for the shopper. You can try anything on at home and send it back with no questions asked if you're not satisfied.

Indochino's custom garments are final sale and cannot be returned for a refund. They stand behind their fit, however, by offering alteration credits or a remake to ensure customer satisfaction. This model requires a greater commitment from the buyer upfront.

Which One Should You Choose?

The decision depends heavily on what you're buying and what you value most in the shopping process.

Choose Indochino if:

• You're buying a suit or tuxedo for a wedding, new job, or special event.
• You have a specific body type that makes buying off-the-rack suits a challenge.
• You are on a budget but refuse to compromise on getting a perfectly tailored fit.
• You enjoy the creative process of choosing fabrics and designing your own garment.

Choose Bonobos if:

• You are building a complete wardrobe with versatile pieces like chinos, button-downs, and casual shirts.
• You value immediate gratification, convenience, and a risk-free return policy.
• You fit into one of their specific categories (like Athletic or Slim) and want a reliable fit without any tailoring hassle.
• Customer service and an easy shopping experience are your top priorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Indochino or Bonobos cheaper?

For custom suits, Indochino is significantly cheaper, often with suit prices starting around $399. Bonobos suits begin at a higher price point (around $598), and their casual wear is priced in the mid-to-premium range.

Which brand has better quality suits?

Bonobos often uses higher-quality materials and better construction like half-canvassing in their standard suits. Indochino's quality is excellent for the price, but you generally need to upgrade to their premium tiers to match Bonobos' entry-level construction.

Do I have to go to an Indochino showroom?

No, you can complete the entire process online by following their step-by-step measurement guides. However, visiting a showroom for a first-time purchase is highly recommended to guarantee the most accurate measurements.

What exactly is a Bonobos Guideshop?

A Guideshop is a physical store where you can try on clothes for fit, see the fabrics, and receive one-on-one style advice from a trained guide. You don't take any inventory home, your order is placed for you and shipped directly to your house for free.

How long does it take to get an Indochino suit?

Production and shipping for an Indochino suit typically takes 2-3 weeks. You should always factor in extra time for potential alterations, so it's a good idea to order at least 4-6 weeks before any major event.

Can I return my Indochino suit if it doesn't fit?

You cannot return it for a cash refund, as it is a custom item. However, Indochino has a fit promise and will provide up to a $75 credit for you to take it to a local tailor, or in some cases, will remake the suit for you.

Is Bonobos sizing true to size?

Yes, Bonobos is known for its highly consistent and reliable sizing. The main advantage is their range of different fits, which helps most men find a perfect 'true-to-size' option for their specific body shape.

Which brand is better for business casual?

Bonobos has a distinct edge for business casual wardrobes. Their extensive collection of premium chinos, dress shirts, sweaters, and blazers are designed specifically for the modern professional, offering more variety than Indochino's tailored focus.