Custom Men's Apparel, Bespoke Clothing, Custom Made Suits, NYC, NJ

What qualities should you look for in a men’s custom suit tailor?

Givemeservice on April 21, 2023

When it comes to investing in a custom-made suit, finding the right tailor is just as important as choosing the right fabric, design, and style. A good tailor can transform a simple piece of cloth into a masterpiece that fits perfectly, enhances your best features, and makes you feel confident and comfortable. On the other hand, a bad tailor can ruin your suit, waste your time and money, and leave you with a garment that is ill-fitting, uncomfortable, and unflattering. Therefore, when looking for a men’s suit tailor, there are several qualities that you should consider to ensure that you get the best value for your money.

Experience and Expertise:

One of the most critical qualities to look for in a men’s suit tailor is experience and expertise. A tailor who has been in the industry for many years and has a wealth of knowledge and skills is more likely to produce a high-quality suit that fits well, looks great, and lasts for years. Experienced tailors have seen and worked on many different body types, styles, and fabrics, and have honed their craft to deliver exceptional results.

An experienced tailor with a great reputation is a must

They know how to measure, cut, sew, and tailor a suit to perfection, taking into account your body shape, posture, and preferences. They also have an eye for detail and can identify and correct any imperfections or errors in the suit’s construction.

Communication and Customer Service:
Another crucial quality to look for in a men’s suit tailor is communication and customer service. A good tailor should be able to listen to your needs, understand your style, and provide expert advice and suggestions. They should be patient, attentive, and willing to answer any questions you may have. They should also be able to communicate clearly and effectively, using industry jargon and technical terms in a way that is easy for you to understand. Additionally, they should be willing to work with you throughout the entire process, from the initial consultation to the final fitting, to ensure that you are satisfied with the end result.

Attention to Detail:
Attention to detail is another essential quality to look for in a men’s suit tailor. A good tailor should be able to focus on the small things that make a big difference in the suit’s appearance and functionality. They should pay attention to the fabric’s quality, texture, and weight, and recommend the best options for your needs. They should also take precise measurements, ensuring that the suit fits perfectly in every area, from the shoulders to the cuffs. They should be able to customize the suit according to your preferences, such as the lapel style, pocket placement, and button choices. They should also be able to add finishing touches, such as hand-stitching, lining, and buttonholes, that give the suit a polished and refined look.

Flexibility and Adaptability:
Flexibility and adaptability are also important qualities to look for in a men’s suit tailor. A good tailor should be able to adapt to your schedule, budget, and preferences, and provide flexible options that meet your needs. They should be able to work within your budget, offering different price points and fabric options that fit your budget. They should also be able to accommodate your schedule, whether it’s a rush job or a long-term project. Additionally, they should be able to adapt to your style and preferences, providing suggestions and options that match your personality and taste.

Reputation and Reviews:
Finally, when looking for a men’s suit tailor, you should consider their reputation and reviews. A good tailor should have a strong reputation in the industry, with a portfolio of satisfied customers and positive reviews. You can check online reviews, social media pages, and testimonials from previous customers to get a sense of their reputation and work quality. You can also ask for referrals from friends, family, or colleagues who have had a good experience.

How Does A Clothier Work?

Givemeservice on October 10, 2022

The term “clothier” is commonly heard in the world of men’s wear, but in fact, in its simplest form, it refers to a person who sells or makes clothing. It is the textbook definition of a clothier, at least, but the job of a clothier is much more complex than that.

Clothing designers are required to do a variety of things, all of which should be performed at a high level in order to be successful. There are many skill sets associated with garment designers, tailors, salespeople, and even mathematicians. Ultimately, their mission is to produce fashionable, well-tailored garments for their clients in order to satisfy their needs. It is important that the service they provide is both high-quality and convenient at the same time.

Having a keen eye for detail is part of what a clothier does because their clients expect good value for their money from them. In addition to providing their clients with value, what else does a clothier do, and how exactly does he or she do that? Now that we’ve taken a look at it, let’s move on.

Personalization

The personal touch is something that all clothiers have in common, even though they are different from one another.

As a part of their job, it is a key part of their job to get to know their clients personally so that they can produce a garment they can be proud of and comfortable wearing.

In order to help you choose the right garment to suit your lifestyle, you can expect your clothier to ask you questions about what type of garment you want and how often you wear them, and for what purpose you wear them, etc. A tailor will need to know as much as possible about your lifestyle so that he or she can better understand why you are wearing a particular garment. As a result, clothiers are able to offer appropriate recommendations to their customers.

Personal Stylist Or Clothier?

There is a common misconception that clothiers and personal stylists are the same things. Personal stylists help you curate your wardrobe, whereas clothiers specialize in a specific area, so that is what they will produce for you according to your preferences. An item custom made for you versus a stylist who sells brands straight off the rack as opposed to an item bespoke made for you.

Whenever you visit a major department store, you can get a personal stylist on staff to assist you with your shopping needs. Although you will need to schedule an appointment ahead of time in order to receive these services, they are usually free of charge.

The Benefits of Choosing A Clothier

If you were to purchase a brand new suit from your tailor for $2000, it would last you a decade before it needs to be replaced. Due to the fact that it is very special to you, you only wear it about twice a month or so. It is estimated that the cost per wear of this suit would be around eight dollars. That’s less than $200 per year, which is less than a dollar a day. In spite of the fact that it might seem like a lot of money, let’s compare that price with what at a fast fashion outlet or department store would cost.

If you walk into a store to buy a suit off the rack, you’ll likely find that it’s quite common for it to cost $300 or more. Although the initial cost is less, but the quality of the cut, construction, and cloth used in these suits is not as good as what a clothier would produce for the same price. In addition to that, they are designed to last a year or less, so you can return to them the following season. If you were to buy a new suit off the rack every year over a period of ten years, you would be spending $3,000 on suits.

There is no doubt that a bespoke item from a clothier will put a spring in your step. When you wear a garment that was made especially for you, you are going to feel comfortable and confident. There is no better way to shop than this.

What Happens If A Leather Belt Gets Wet?

Givemeservice on November 22, 2021

We don’t usually dress for the day considering that the sunny morning might turn into rain. And as such, there may be a time when you’re stuck outdoors in a downpour and your favorite leather belt is getting pelted by the rain as you run for cover. Alternatively, in busy living, it’s certainly not uncommon for belts to get left on pants as they are pushed through the washing machine! Ouch!

The good thing about leather is that it’s durable – but is it THAT durable? Here’s what happens when leather gets wet and how you can try to fix it if you need to.

What Happens When Leather Gets Wet?

When wet, the oils in the skin of the leather bind together with the new water molecules. There is no effect when immediately wet, but when the water starts to dry and evaporate, it will draw out the remaining oil with it. When the leather loses these natural oils, it starts to become stiff and will lose its feel and quality. On top of this, water can also leave stains on the leather as it shifts the dye around, or it can even cause the leather to rot if the water doesn’t dry fast enough.

However, this also depends on the finish and treatment of the leather product. With high-quality products, you can get away with a little water contact without having to take any precautionary measures at all. Most common leather products are made using smooth, vegetable-tanned leather which looks great but is more easily damaged by water. So your first order of business would be to know what type of leather your belt is made of.

What To Do Once Your Leather Belt Gets Wet

As soon as you realize that your belt has gotten wet you need to take immediate action if possible. The faster you are able to start working on removing the water, the better the results will be. Once the water has set into the leather, there will inevitably be some level of water damage no matter what you do afterward. For this purpose, you should have the following items handy:

A clean, dry cloth
A microfiber cloth
A high-quality leather conditioner

The steps:

Ensure that your hands are clean. Our hands have natural oils that can also be soaked up the water-stained leather causing further damage. Wash your hands with soap and water beforehand or wear gloves.

Using the cloth, gently dab at the water droplets to remove them from the leather. This should be done both inside and on the outside.

Then you need to set the belt aside, allowing it to dry without applying any unnatural heat. You don’t want the water to completely dry but allow it to become damp rather than wet. This is the part where you need to be patient or it will cause damage.

Once it is damp, the next step is to apply a thick coat of high-quality leather conditioner. They contain oils that the leather will absorb which will replace the lost oils caused by the evaporating water. You will need to massage the conditioner into the belt and then leave it to dry for about 8 to 10 hours.

After that time has passed, check the belt for areas that look overly dry than the rest. If there are any, apply a little more conditioner and buff the whole belt again. You should let it dry again for a few hours before you move on.

Finally, to make the belt more water-resistant for future purposes, you can apply a coat of water repellant which can help save your belt from becoming overly wet for some time.

What Not To Do When Leather Gets Wet

Don’t apply any heat to make the water evaporate faster. This means don’t use a hairdryer or other similar appliances in the wet area.

Don’t only apply the leather conditioner into the stained areas and then work it in. This can cause the leather to become discolored in those areas.

Don’t leave it as it is and wait for the water to dry off in the sun or in an air-conditioned room.

Don’t rub the leather too hard when trying to get the water off. This can damage the area further.

We can’t predict when our leather products are susceptible to becoming wet. But if you know how to fix the problem if they do end up wet, you can save your belt (and money).

How Tight Should Suits Be?

Givemeservice on October 21, 2021

How your suit fits you can make or break your overall look. Finding the perfect material, cut, and design will not matter as much unless you get that perfect fit for your body. Your age and body type should not be deterrents for getting a tailored fit. With the right, experienced tailor, you can get a suit that looks great on you and also feels comfortable to wear all day long.

How Tight Should A Suit Be?

The ideal fit is when your suit is able to show your full body silhouette in a sleek manner without any pulling or sagging visibly anywhere. This is the only way to get a comfortable suit that allows you to move freely while looking fantastic.

tailor taking measurements of bespoke suit jacket on mannequin

When choosing a suit, here are a couple of pointers to keep in mind:

When you button up your jacket, it should create an hourglass shape of your body. If you notice any pulling of the fabric or any loose fabric under your arms, it is not the right fit.

When you sit down, your trousers’ fabric needs to remain smooth without any strain or bunching. If there are, you need a new set of pants stitched right away.

Signs That Your Suit Is Too Tight Or Loose

Let’s go through some of the main points you should be looking at when finding that perfect fit.

The Jacket

The button should fasten perfectly without any pulling or sagging of the material around it. When closed, the jacket should feel like a glove.

The bottom of the jacket should stay neatly in place with a short gap when buttoned. If it starts to pull away, then the jacket is too tight for you.

The jacket should not hang loosely on your body. If you feel any part of it sagging forwards, you will have to adjust it to fit your dimensions.

The Shoulders

The jacket sleeve needs to begin at the exact point where your shoulder ends. If the sleeve is too high, the jacket will be difficult to put on and will look small on you. If it is too low, the jacket will sag, giving you an overly large frame.

When the seam hangs over your shoulder, extra fabric will bunch up under your arms to the side of the jacket. This will again give you a wider frame.

The Collar

The jacket collar should sit perfectly along the lines of your shirt collar. It shouldn’t stand away from or press up against the shirt collar for the best look.

When the jacket is too large, there will be a gap between the shirt collar and jacket collar. This is quite visible to other people and does not show off a smart look.

When the collar is pressed up against you, you are bound to be uncomfortable wearing that jacket. Your shoulders, neck, and sides will be a little too tight and you won’t be able to wear that jacket comfortably for a long time.

The Length of the Jacket

Your height is the best measure to find the best jacket length. Typically, the best length is when the jacket ends around the middle of your crotch area.

Another way of checking is by the length of your hands. Stand straight in front of a mirror with your arms by your sides and see where the jacket ends. The best length is when it ends around the middle of your fingertip and wrist.

Why A Bespoke Suit Is The Better Choice

In order to get a suit “just right”, it needs to be tailored exactly to your body dimensions. Every person has a unique body type and you cannot get a perfect fit from a suit you get off the shelves. Those suits are created with generic body dimensions in mind and will fit perfectly for only a few choice people around the world.

Each section of the suit (jacket length, collar, pants, sleeve) will have to be custom-done to your exact measurements so that they all come together into one perfect ensemble. This is the only way to stitch a dashing suit that is the perfect fit for you. When you try on a well-fitted suit, you will definitely notice the difference in comfort and movement it offers you.

Once you try a bespoke suit, it can be difficult to go back to wearing a normal, everyday suit. Get in touch with our team today to discuss your requirements and we’ll work with you to create a suit that’s the perfect fit.

Bespoke Vs. Made-To-Measure. What Are The Differences?

Givemeservice on August 14, 2021

Bespoke suits, as the name suggests, are customized for every customer. This type of suiting has a long history that dates to the renaissance. Made-to-measure suits came along later and were based on a design established by the company prior to production.

So, how do you distinguish between the two? Here are the five key points of difference.

1. Pattern-Making

Made to Measure patterns are either fully or partially created by machines. If the wearer’s measurements lie beyond the standard design, then the master tailor will tweak the standard model.

On the other hand, bespoke suites do not follow any set pattern or shape for the wearer. The absence of base patterns makes sure that the tailor crafts the suit to fit the wearer’s body specifically.

Tailors take extra care to make the suits in bespoke patterns, and minute details like the slope of the shoulder and the arch of the back are also considered. While a decent made-to-measure suit will fit you well, a well-crafted bespoke variant fits your body like a second skin.

2. Number of Fittings and Time

In the case of made-to-measure suits, there are no fittings while creating the product. The only fittings are the initial ones to take the measurement and the final one to see if it needs alterations. Bespoke suits, being much more detailed, require more fittings. It consists of various stages, beginning with the tailor laying down the foundation of the shape in the first fitting and then building on it. Some shops do more than five fittings for their customers so that they can get the perfect result.

The purpose of doing so many fittings is to highlight the details every time the wearer puts them on. A typical made-to-measure suit can take between four to five weeks to deliver. A bespoke suit, due to its precise nature, can take months to complete. The specific time depends on the wearer’s demands and the efficiency of the tailor.

3. Customization

Made-to-measure selections usually offer a choice between two mills. In contrast, some bespoke houses provide more than ten. The type of suit you get varies with each brand, but certain basic features are always customizable. But, since the suit is built by a machine to some extent, it is difficult to expect anything different.

House tailors will consult you about every possible detail regarding your suit and build anything you ask them to. The options are endless, and if needed, you can ask them to make something unique as well. The same freedom is not present in the case of made-to-measure suits.

4. Place of Creation

Made-to-measure suits often require a lot of transport since most of the process takes place in a factory. The parts of the suit are modified in various places that consume time, although not as much as that of the bespoke suits.

Although ordered suits take months to deliver, the entirety of their construction takes place in a single house. The entire process, including fitting, is managed in a single place. Each brand or house has its own style, which is often revealed when the customer walks in.

5. Price

Take into account all the variables that go into the construction of a suit, and you’ll see that bespoke suits are more expensive. However, what you need to remember is that you’ll be paying for a premium product.

A made-to-measure suit has an $800 price tag on average. On the other hand, $2,500 is the starting range for a bespoke suit. You can go up depending on the kind of product you desire. All things considered, the overall quality, feel, fabric, and attention to detail of a bespoke suit outweigh that of factory-made models. You truly get what you pay for in the world of suits.

Final Thoughts

Both kinds of suits have their respective advantages and disadvantages, as you can see. The competition between the two types of suits has narrowed down drastically over the last few years. The amount of customization that you’re able to do for made-to-measure suits is much more than that a few decades ago.

If you’re on a budget or need to get a suit quickly, then made-to-measure is the way to go. Similarly, if you’re willing to invest the time and money in a premium product, you cannot go wrong with bespoke suits.

Should I Invest in Bespoke Clothing?

Givemeservice on July 21, 2021

Bespoke clothing is one of the terms that you don’t hear outside of the West End of London, or in the vaunted halls of some of the world’s most premier fashion houses. It is, most definitely, a class apart from the rest of the fashion industry. This is particularly due to it’s close personal relationship with the end-user. Bespoke clothiers often see themselves as craftsmen and women and tradespeople – bespoke suit design, for example, is seen as an art form in and of itself.

It is because of the intense amount of personal labor involved in the creation of an item of bespoke clothing that one can expect to pay a hefty price for a bespoke clothing item.

What Types of Things are “Bespoke”?

Bespoke clothing first emerged at the beginning of the 18th century in London, at a time when high fashion was the norm and most men wouldn’t be caught dead outside of their homes without a tailor-made suit. It is during this time that bespoke clothing really caught on and became something of a norm for middle/upper-class Londoners. And, as with all things English during this time, these tailors and their materials were considered second-to-none.

Today, when we talk of “bespoke clothing”, we mostly refer to suits, as these are still the most common items that are requested to be “bespoked.”

What Sets “Bespoked” Apart?

In general, what separates bespoke clothing from the rest of the fashion industry is the highly personalized nature of the craft. Bespoke clothiers will make individual pieces of clothing from an individual pattern, rather than crafting a piece of clothing from a single pattern. Bespoke clothing puts the control back in the hands of the consumer. You get to choose your fabrics and styles and even the little details, such as cufflinks or working buttons, pockets, hems and more. Bespoked is unique to you and your body and fits you in a particular way.

How Large of an Investment is Bespoke Clothing?

Make no mistake, bespoke clothing may be some of the finest clothing you’ll ever wear. It’ll fit you like a dream and you’ll likely not have to buy many other suits for years on end. It’s a significant investment up-front, but if you’re the kind of person that likes to wear suits, or has a job that requires it, the purchase of a bespoke suit is definitely your best bet.

As above, bespoke suits aren’t cheap. The average bespoke suit in the United States costs around $3000, with labor taking up almost half of that cost, as most bespoke tailors won’t get out of bed for less than $40.00/hour, and given that you are buying a unique piece of clothing that’s tailored to suit you, and you get to choose the bulk of how it is put together, it’s a bargain price for the only suit you’ll ever have to own for potentially several decades.

What You Need To Know When Shopping

When you’re shopping for a bespoke suit, there are a few things you need to keep in mind, including the following:

Your budget: There is no such thing as a “cheap” bespoke suit, HOWEVER, some will be more expensive than others. Determine how much you want to spend and then look for designs in that price range.

Simple is often better. Stick to traditional colors like navy blue or grey so that you can wear them for a variety of occasions.

Select a quality fabric. In summer, look for breathable fabrics such as cotton, linen, or silk blends that will keep you cool. For a winter suit, you want thicker, warmer wools, flannels, or even tweed.

Know your body and what suits you. Shorter men should choose narrow trousers with a minimal break to provide the impression of height. If you’re tall and skinny, avoid a suit that’s overly tight; a little more movement in the fabric will draw attention to your figure. And if you’re broad or stocky, you should avoid cropped cuts or anything with padded shoulders.

And speaking of body shape, before you go to get measured for your suit, you want to make sure you’re at a weight and size that you’re happy with. Your suit is going to last for many years, and you don’t want to be losing weight, or gaining it, and having to get your suit fixed every time you do.

Bespoke clothing isn’t for everyone, but it is an investment that anyone that wears suits regularly should seriously consider.

What Is A Clothier?

Givemeservice on June 30, 2021

Clothier is a term that is most often heard in menswear, but it is simply a person who sells/makes clothing. At least, that’s the textbook definition, but the occupation of a clothier is much more complex.

A clothier needs to do a variety of things, all of which should be performed at a high level. Clothiers are skilled in design, tailoring, sales, and even math. Their ultimate task is to produce stylish, well-tailored garments for clients. The service they offer should be as high-quality as it is convenient.

A clothier will have a meticulous eye for detail because their clients are looking for good value for their money. What else does a clothier do and how exactly do they provide their clients with value? Let’s take a look.

A Personal Touch

While all clothiers are different, they have one thing in common, and that is the personal touch.

A big part of their job is getting to know clients personally to produce a garment you’re proud of and comfortable wearing.

You can expect your clothier to ask you about the industry you work in, the lifestyle you lead, how often you wear the type of garment you want and what you wear them for, etc. They need to know as much about your lifestyle as possible to get a better understanding of what you’re wearing a garment for. This allows clothiers to offer appropriate recommendations.

Clothier Or Personal Stylist?

A lot of people conflate clothiers and personal stylists. A personal stylist will help you curate your wardrobe, whereas a clothier is a specialist in something, therefore that is what they will produce for you. An item bespoke for you versus a stylist who sells brands right off the rack.

If you visit a major department store, there are personal stylists on staff to shop for you. While you need to book an appointment ahead of time, these services are generally free.

Why Choose A Clothier

Think about this: you spend two thousand dollars on a brand new suit from your clothier, and it lasts a decade. It’s special to you, so you only wear it twice a month or so. The cost per wear for this suit would be around eight dollars. That is less than $200 a year. Though it might sound like a lot, let’s compare that cost to a fast fashion outlet or department store.

You walk into a store to buy a suit off the rack, and it’s fairly common to spend $300 or more for it. The initial spend is far lower, but the cut, construction, and cloth used in these suits are low-quality in comparison to what a clothier produces. Additionally, they are designed to last a year or less, so you return the following season. If you buy a new suit off the rack every year over a decade you are spending $3,000.

Essentially, a bespoke item from a clothier is going to put a pep in your step. You are going to feel comfortable and confident in a garment that was made for you. It is a sharper way to shop.