Totally agree on the last paragraph.
As for bespoke suits/shirts, i have taken that route and luckily there happens to be a travelling tailor that comes by the city as well as other cities to take measurements. The costs are the same as if you went in to your local Express/Zara store but the customization of cuffs and collars, choice of cloths and the lovely monogram make it unbelievable for the value. I'd highly recommend it, the guys at styleforums.com recommend it as well.