Dress to Impress: It’s All About the Accessories!
Why bother investing time and money into the perfect wardrobe? There are a number of answers to that question. To many of our clients, dressing well is a way for them to represent their powerful social or business position. For others, it is a way to impress those around them.
But whatever your reason for dressing well, one thing is certain: the goal is to stand out from the crowd, not blend in.
For that reason, it’s important that you think about more than just the basics of your suit or your outfit. That’s right, we are talking about accessories… because it is accessories that have the power to truly take your look to the next level.
Take a look at this picture on GQ.com. From your hat to your shoes, accessories offer the opportunity to accent your outfit and truly make it memorable.
Below are some of our favorite accessories:
1) Pocket squares. The right pocket square will add the perfect touch of color, style, and class to your jacket.
2) Socks. Socks are often ignored, but they can undermine your entire outfit if you choose the wrong pair.
3) Watches. The right watch will add class and sophistication to your outfit. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, however—it’s important to ensure that the watch you’re wearing works with the outfit.
Choosing the right accessories to go along with your outfit is like the cherry on top of the ice cream sundae—it takes your outfit from “very good” to “memorable.” And memorable is exactly what our clients aspire to be.
You’re worked hard to achieve your position in life, and it is important that your wardrobe reflects your stature. At Michael Thomas Clothiers, we want to help you make the right impression on those around you as well as bring out your best. To that end, we offer meticulously hand- tailored clothing and accessories in luxurious fabrics – and sometimes at less expense than an off-the-rack suit. We take detailed body measurements, which Michael Thomas Clothiers’ garments will fit you perfectly and enhance your physique. You will have a choice of an array of fabrics in numerous hues.
Choose clothing that is timeless, classic and reflects the excellence you pursue on a daily basis—give us a call and set up your appointment today!
Michael Thomas Clothiers: Combining Technology with Style for the Perfect Client Experience
Imagine this: it’s time for a new wardrobe, and you visit your tailor. But rather than spending hours taking your measurements and trying on outfits, you have the ability to see your garment in your chosen style and fabric then create the look you desire. Not only are you able to ensure that you get exactly the look you are hoping for, but you’re able to do it in a fraction of the time.
Does this sound like science fiction?
At Michael Thomas Clothiers, it’s not fiction—it’s reality. We’d love to show it you personally, so consider this an invitation to our brand new showroom. We offer meticulously hand-tailored clothing, and our virtual imaging technology allows you to see your garment in your chosen style and fabric before we ever take your measurements. Whether you are looking for a slim cut for a modern look or our basic traditional cut we have luxurious fabrics with personalized details to capture your individual style.
Not only does our virtual imaging technology save time, but it also ensures that you walk out the door looking your finest. Our goal is to help you make the right impression on those around you as well as bring out your best. To that end, we offer clothing and accessories in luxurious fabrics – and sometimes at less expense than an off-the-rack suit. We offer an array of fabrics in numerous hues. You’ve invested in many areas to get to where you are today. Now, choose clothing that is timeless, classic and reflects the excellence you pursue on a daily basis.
At Michael Thomas Clothiers, we never settle for the status quo. Our clients expect us to be on the cutting edge of the fashion industry, always one step ahead of the crowd. Over the years, we’ve built a successful business by doing exactly that. But our commitment doesn’t stop there. We work tirelessly to ensure that each of our clients receives the highest possible level of service—and our new virtual imaging technology is simple the latest example. Come by today and experience it for yourself!
Seven Reasons to Invest into Your Wardrobe Today
You have heard it said that “the clothes make the man.” But have you ever wondered why this is true—and more importantly, why investing into your wardrobe is worth it? Today, we are going to share seven reasons that your wardrobe is among the best investments you can make:
Your clothing largely shapes the first impression you create. The first impression you make is important—whether it’s during a job interview, a first date, or anything in between. And the way you dress plays a major role.
Dressing for the job you want improves your chances of attaining it. Many people hope to secure a prestigious job—without understanding that, if they don’t look the part, they’re unlikely to get the opportunity. Dress for the job you want… not the job you currently have!
Dressing well distinguishes you from the masses. In today’s highly competitive world, it is important that you can distinguish yourself from others—whether it’s in business or social settings. Your wardrobe is a sure way to do so!
A sharp wardrobe gives you a huge advantage during a job interview. Landing your dream job is never easy, but in the current economy it is even more challenging than usual. The first step is making a good impression during your interview… and the right outfit makes a big difference.
Your style of dress helps you create a memorable personal brand. It’s not enough to look good—you need to stand out. There are thousands of people who look “good” in a suit… but how many of them are truly memorable?
Dressing well boosts your self confidence. When you know that you are dressed well, it changes the way you carry yourself. You become surer of yourself and more willing to take on challenges.
A top-notch wardrobe allows you to “take over the room” when you enter. A small number of people have the ability to “take over” a room when they walk in the door. You know what I’m talking about—the people that you can’t seem to take your eyes off of. Clothing from MT Clothiers will help you become that person!
Set up your appointment today—it just may be the best investment you ever make!
The Clothes Really Do Make the Man (and the Woman!)
Your style of dress sends a strong message about yourself. The clothes you wear play a huge role in creating the first impression that others have of you.
For that reason, choosing the right wardrobe is essential for success in the world of business and beyond.
But that is not the only reason that your clothing selection is so important. You have all heard the saying that “you should dress for the job you want, not the job that you have.” It is important to understand, however, that this statement is about more than simply what others think of you. The truth is that an individual who dresses well is typically inspired to work hard in order to live up to the standards that his clothing has set for himself (or herself).
In other words, your clothing will bring out the best in you—provide that your clothing reflects the excellence that you are striving for. Taking the time to invest into your wardrobe not only ensures that you will look your best, but also that you will be driven to live up to the standards you have set.
At Michael Thomas Clothiers, we want to help you make the right impression on those around you as well as bring out your best. To that end, we offer meticulously hand- tailored clothing and accessories in luxurious fabrics – and sometimes at less expense than an off-the-rack suit. We take detailed body measurements, which Michael Thomas Clothiers’ garments will fit you perfectly and enhance your physique. You will have a choice of an array of fabrics in numerous hues. You’ve invested in many areas to get to where you are today. Now, choose clothing that is timeless, classic and reflects the excellence you pursue on a daily basis.
Don’t settle for simply being “ordinary.” Don’t settle for looking “okay.” Choose excellence!
Visit Michael Thomas Clothiers, and invest in your most important asset – you.
Dress for Success and Achieve Your Dreams in 2012
The dawning of a New Year is always an exciting time. For many professionals, it represents an opportunity to step back from the day-to-day grind and focus on the big picture. It’s an opportunity to ask questions like “am I happy with my career?” and “where do I want to be on January 1, 2013?”
Of course, simply asking the questions isn’t enough. In order to ensure that you are able to achieve the results that you desire in 2012, it’s important that you create a plan.
List the specific actions that you will have to take in order to achieve your goals—whether personal, professional, or otherwise.
If your goal is to secure a great job in finance, your action items would likely include polishing up your resume and spending time networking.
If you hope to spend less time working and more time with family in 2012, your action item could be committing to leave work at 5 PM each day, no matter what.
If your goal in 2012 is to secure that big promotion, your action items would likely be to accomplish specific measurable tasks that impress your bosses and prove that you are ready for the next step.
If you have not already done so, we would like to take this opportunity to urge you to create a list of your objectives for 2012—as well as the specific action items that will allow you to accomplish these objectives. Studies have shown conclusively that individuals with written objectives and goals are far more likely to achieve their dreams.
Of course, setting goals is not enough. In today’s day and age, success in the business world requires that you look the part. Whether it is securing an entry-level position or moving up the corporate ladder, your style of dress can make all of the difference. At MT Clothiers, we specialize in helping professional men and women look their very best. Contact us today to set up your personal consultation.
Make 2012 your best year yet. Set goals, identify action steps, and remember to always dress the part.
Fall Attire from Michael Thomas Clothiers Will Have You Looking Your Best
As we roll through fall and into winter, it is a great time to brush up on the latest trends and re-evaluate your wardrobe. The holiday season and the months to follow feature a number of events—fundraisers, galas, banquets, black-tie dinners, and more.
At Michael Thomas, our goal is to have you looking your best—no matter what the occasion may be.
We know how important your image is to you—and that’s why we are particularly proud of our fall attire this year. From top coats to flannel suits, from cashmere to tuxedos, we offer the hand-tailored clothing and accessories you need to look your finest.
Here’s what you need to know:
1) As formal events draw near, ensure that you have the perfect tuxedo for the occasion. At M.T. Clothiers, we can offer you a variety of looks—from a classic, understated appearance to a more modern style. It’s critical that your tuxedo perfectly fits your body, which is why we take detailed body measurements. Stop by and take a look at our latest offerings—you won’t believe how great you’ll look in your tuxedo this year.
2) As temperatures drop, a trendy topcoat will keep you warm while sending a distinctive message. Choosing the perfect topcoat is an art—and it can make or break your entire outfit. At Michael Thomas, we understand the importance of the first impression you create… and with our perfectly fitted and hand-tailored options, you’ll send a message of prestige, class, and exquisite taste.
3) The right suit still makes all the difference. As a professional, your day-to-day appearance has a substantial impact on your career success. Though many people don’t realize it, the quality and appearance of the clothing worn by an individual plays a substantial role in defining how he or she is perceived. And your environment matters—the proper attire in the world of finance is very different than in a prestigious law firm, for instance. We will help you choose the perfect suit for you and your workplace—and we’ll make sure that you create the right impression on coworkers, customers, and supervisors.
Does your wardrobe send the right message? Does it reflect your standing within the business and social community? Visit us today for a personal consultation—and make sure that your clothing positions you in the best possible light!
The Arrival Of Fall Means It’s Time For Tweed
The word tweed comes from Gaelic, and literally means “the big cloth”. In its earliest iteration, tweed was worn by hunters as a form of camouflage. Though the fabric has become associated with stuffy English professors, many designers are changing its perceptions so now, especially as the weather starts to cool down, it’s time to go tweed.
While it may be daunting to dive straight in and pick up a full two- or three-piece tweed suit, a jacket or sports coat is a good place to start. Esquire Magazine recently posted a list called “10 Tweed Jackets for Right Now.” The items they highlight really run the gamut from classic to contemporary, from heavy to lightweight and from simple to patterned. When it comes to pattern, though, there is one thing to always keep in mind: a busier pattern is going to lead to a less versatile jacket. That’s the nice thing about tweed – it’s such a strong fabric that it usually doesn’t get overpowered by the rest of the outfit, no matter how brash its patterns may be.
If you do pluck up the courage and opt for a three-piece suit, there are many different looks you can go for, as presented in this post from The Style Blogger. As you can see, simply wearing all three pieces together is the least creative and exciting!
We are proud to carry over five hundred different kinds of fabrics from all over the world, including the torch-bearer in terms of tweed: Harris Tweed, which is hand-woven and hand-spun in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, as it has been for over a century. Durable but not scratchy, Harris Tweed has been referred to as “the champagne of fabrics” – we invite you to come and see what all the fuss is about.
Fabric Fever – What’s Popular in Fine Style
Fine style is comprised of many aspects in fashion. Fabric selection, however, stands as one of the most defining elements of a well styled suit. The quality and texture of a fine fabric can make the wearer feel differently, stand differently, and interact with others in a way that sets him or her apart. Just as a luxury bridal boutique representative can select a dress that makes a bride-to-be blush with joy and radiate with beauty, so can a custom suit company make a professional raise their posture a notch above their peers. The perfection of a fabric’s quality and feel plays a key role in the feeling of distinction. Choosing the finest fabrics is an asset of Michael Thomas Clothiers. The skill of the staff, combined with the alluring feel of the clothing’s fabric, results in an explosive result that everyone notices.
Let’s talk specifically about the fabrics that M.T. Clothiers uses for their high style clients. The sophistication of this tailored suits showroom calls for nothing less than the best. So, M.T. Clothiers offers more than 5,000 luxurious fabrics from many of the world’s finest mills. The company’s owner travels across the globe to select and purchase materials from some of the professional dress industry’s top name fabric manufacturers. Some of these prestigious companies include Zegna, Scabal, Vitale Barberis and Dormeuil.
The fabric types that Michael Thomas Clothiers chooses for their clients are personalized for the individual and the season. Suiting fabrics include either richly woven wool or a blend of both wool and cashmere together. To accessorize these excellent fabrics, the custom tailor selects shirts that are made from sea island cottons found in Italy and England.
Come explore the finest selection of fabrics yourself, and experience the staff’s superior knowledge and customer service by visiting our upcoming showroom at 1300 Eye Street NW, Washington D.C. 20005.
Also, meet Darrin Hawkins, of Eye Street Essentials, and learn about his 20 years of entrepreneurial experience in his concierge business (shoe care, dry cleaning and more).
Admittedly, suits have never really been out of style, but there have been times where they haven’t been “cool” (or what would have, in previous eras, been considered “groovy,” “dapper” or “smart”). But today’s young gentlemen take to the streets wearing the suits styling’s of their grandfathers, including everything from three piece suits to bow ties.
Variety is critical, depending on a multitude of factors. Are you in the financial business? Then, your office place will expect different attire than a lawyer’s office would. Is your shape very muscular and broad in the shoulders? Then, you will need the right fit and appropriate cut to accommodate your size for the best appearance and comfort. This is why a custom wardrobe consultation meets the individual needs of every professional who walks through our doors.
The truth is, business is no longer a casual experience. And don’t let your “casual” work environment fool you. Men and women who dress at the level of their colleagues benefit from camaraderie, while those professionals who dress a slight step above their peers benefit from being seen as qualified for career growth. Dress up, not just to fit in, but to gain a clear competitive advantage.
Custom tailored clothing can assist you with this goal. By utilizing a professional clothier, you will quickly gain traction in your own career growth and accelerate your professional progress. The power of an updated, upgraded and custom fitted and styled wardrobe silently speaks volumes. Not just suits. At Michael Thomas Clothiers, we fit men and women with custom selected accessories like French-cuff dress shirts, distinctive cuff links, high-quality neckties and classic shoes to present a complete visual package.
We invite you to come visit our showroom today for your personal consultation! The showroom will be open in two weeks, and located at 1300 Eye Street NW, Washington D.C. 20005.
Many businessmen hesitate to choose checked shirts, keeping to the more traditional solids and stripes. However, with foresight, there is no need to avoid this wardrobe-extending choice.
When choosing a checked shirt, the choice of tie pattern can be critical. The tie’s print, whether solid, striped, or patterned, should complement the shirt print by offering a visual change of pace. Pairing similar patterns, whether both are large or both small, in tie and shirt can create a feeling of heaviness. Instead, try out combinations with alternating patterns. Tightly-checked shirts require a larger tie pattern, while large checks can support a small, busier print.
Colors can be similarly brought into balance. Rather than limiting your choices to single shades of colors, harmonize the tones. The “seasonal” color scheme may help you decide if a certain red or blue is compatible with your shirt and suit tones, as fall or summer colors naturally complement each other.
A bold shirt, paired with a strong tie, may offer too much visual competition. Rather than pairing warring elements, balance a prominent item with a less pronounced one to allow one piece to create the eye’s focal point.
When choosing ties, try pairing several of them with the shirt, moving them into and out of place quickly to see how your eye reacts. After considering several options, you’ll likely get a feel for which options create a pleasing combination.
Keeping in mind principles of scale, color, and balance can help check shirts become a valuable source of variety in your wardrobe.
While overall style trends point to slimmer silhouettes, and trimmer fits, summer is the perfect time to loosen up a bit. Key pieces to consider for the season include unlined cotton and linen trousers and jackets, in a range of colors from the most neutral beige to bold and vibrant tones.
Allow us to propose three trouser styles for summer: a slimmer fitting flat front for the fashion adventurous, a roomier fitting single pleat or a more traditional double pleat for those who prefer comfort. Consider a forward facing pleated model in the English tradition for a seasonal change of pace.
Sustaining summer style is easy with custom options that give a very personal approach to each item in your wardrobe. The end result is a customized wardrobe where every item is your favorite style with just the right details. Whether it’s sartorial details like buttoning surgeon’s cuffs or a ticket pocket or hand pic-stitching on a power suit for breakfast in the boardroom or your favorite pocket flaps on your golf slacks, choosing the appropriate custom elements can diversify a wardrobe and provide versatility.
Keeping cool this summer is easier in your choice of custom fabrics in sophisticated weights, weaves and textures all designed for lightweight comfort and ease.
Many business suits feature a notched lapel, conveying a dependable functionality. But when you’re looking for something a little dressier, let your lapels climb to the peak.
Wearing an elegant coat with peaked lapels is suitable for most business needs, but this isn’t the suit coat that doubles as a sport coat. Don’t pair peaked lapels (including double-breasted coats) with jeans and a T-shirt–keep the power suit powerful.
For an added measure of dressiness, pair the peak lapel suit with a coordinating vest. Overcoats may also be made with peaked lapels, creating an even stronger combination of elegance.
Five Modern Ways to Wear a Suit
While a custom tailored suit occupies a very serious position in most wardrobes, knowing the possibilities of a variety of ways to wear a new suit can make it more than just a suit; you can re-create the whole image. The key to repackaging the image is to just relax the image of a suit and to create a comfortable unconstrained feeling.
Here are our suggestions for Five Modern Ways to Wear a Suit:
Dress that suit up with a stunning shirt and tie for the board meeting by day.
Switch up the shirts to a luxurious black cashmere, silk, or high-end wool or cotton knit shirt for the opera by night.
On weekends, the trousers on their own pair beautifully with a worn leather jacket or sweater.
Youthful, hipper guys pull the look together with super-refined T-shirts.
Go fancy with the footwear. You’ll see it on the late-night talk shows. Super stylish shoes, exotics and more fashion forward looks make a bold style statement.
The 80/20 Rule is alive and well in most people’s closets. According to organizational expert Peter Walsh, we wear 20 percent of our clothes 80 percent of the time. Further, we often tend to buy the same things over and over again.
It’s perfectly fine to lock into our fashion favorites and keep those items well stocked in our wardrobes. Walsh suggests hanging similar items together so you know exactly what you have on hand in your working wardrobe.
It’s a good thing to periodically sort through your clothes and separate them into “keep” and “donate” piles. If you haven’t worn an item in the last 6-12 months, the likelihood is that you never will.
After purging the closet, which often results in a closet that feels more spacious and uncluttered, try ridding the closet of wire hangers and upgrading to nicer wooden hangers, all of which match for an organized, coordinating look.
Now, start out with all the hangers hung in the reverse direction. Test the 80/20 Rule yourself. Since you wear 20 percent of your clothes 80 percent of the time, for the next six months, whenever you wear an article of clothing and hang it back in the closet, hang it the correct way. After six months, if you have items that are still hanging backwards in your closet, ask yourself, “Am I ever going to wear it again?”
If it can be altered or repaired, have it done. If not, donate it and replace it with more functional pieces in your working wardrobe.
LIGHTER SHADES LIVEN SPRING FASHION
Whether you’re a flag waving fan of the eco-friendly movement or not, you can confidently endorse a sign of the times by going green this spring in a fresh assortment of custom shirts with fresh accents of green grass, moss and even lime.
We anticipate spring fashions to be down-to-earth this season rather than explosive. Some notable trends to watch for include light clothing-in both weight and color, and a bit of shimmer and shine.
Colors for spring tailored clothing are subtle and discreet. While lightness of color is of course, mandated by the season, it is a refreshing change of pace from dark navy and black suits. Enjoy the rebirth of lighter shades of silvery gray and dusty neutral tones. Such colors are prevalent in both suiting and European inspired sport jackets.
Like man’s best friend, if you love your shoes and take good care of them, you’ll be repaid with years of loyal service. There’s a huge return on a gentleman’s investment in acquiring and caring for a few pair of fine footwear. While they may not last a lifetime, with proper care and routine maintenance you can log substantial miles and years in a good pair of shoes.
Consider these pointers for extending the life of your loafers or beefing up the performance of your brogues-
- Invest in the best footwear you can afford, and re-sole and re-heel them as necessary, just like routine maintenance on your automobile. Regular tune-ups and even re-crafting over time will restore and extend the youthful vigor of your favorite shoes. Acquire and wear the right shoes for each occasion.
- Always rotate your shoes, allowing at least a day of rest between wearings. Let them rest on a good pair of aromatic cedar shoetrees. They’ll prolong the life of the shoes, absorbing moisture and odor and maintain the shape of the leather.
- Shoehorns make putting on your shoes easier and protect the shape and construction of the back of the heels.
- Polishing your shoes every three-four times you wear them with a good cream or paste will make them look good and help you to put your best foot forward. Brush off the road dirt first, then wipe clean with a damp cloth or saddle soap before polishing. Allow the polish to set for a few minutes and brush to a shine with a horsehair brush, then buff to a perfect polish with a soft cotton cloth.
- If your shoes are wet, don’t force dry them next to heat. Stuff with newspaper or cedar shoe trees and lay them on their side so the soles can dry quicker in room temperature.
Shirt patterns for spring
Shirt fabrics that once featured wide-opened expanses of background color between the patterns are now reading between the lines. The latest of shirt collections achieve an airy effect not so much from the usual expanse of white ground, but from the lightness of the lines that criss-cross it. You’ll note the fine lines grouped into clusters and the accent stripes in subtle neutral tones that seem to pick up whatever color suit or tie is worn with them.
Instead of solid stripes in a single color on a solid ground, note the selection of multi-dimensional stripes and multi-hued checks. Such elements add an architectural sophistication to your wardrobe.
(Your mirror reflection)
Start with wide end of tie on your right and extending a foot below narrow end.
Cross wide end over narrow and turn back underneath.
Bring up and turn down through loop.
Pass wide end around front from left to right.
Then, up through loop…
And down through knot in front. Tighten carefully and draw up to collar.
 |
Summer color in tailored clothing and sportswear has always leaned toward lighter tones and softer palettes. Today’s summer shades are discreet and subtle with just enough touches of color to please the eye. You’ll notice an array of dusty neutral tones and silvery shades for the season and accents in dusty lavenders, melons, greens and blues.
While lightness is of course mandated by the season, it extends beyond the fabric and the color palette to the trimmer, lighter suit silhouette. This is evident by trends towards slightly shorter jackets in suitings and sport coats, slim trousers and a clean, classic shoulder line. Simple two-button jacket models and single pleat or flat front trousers complete the lightened look.
The white shirt, elegant in its simplicity, is an essential element in every gentleman’s wardrobe. A fresh canvas, a white shirt can be painted upon with any color or pattern of necktie and worn simply with everything. Whether it’s properly pressed and crisply accenting a pinstriped suit or worn wrinkled with a pair of faded jeans, the white shirt is about as classic of a fashion icon as they make.
Custom tailored white shirts offer superior workmanship since there are no patterns to conceal anything less. Tailored shirts also excel in fit, comfort and personalized style. French cuff or button barrel cuffs, in button down, point or spread collar, the welcome white shirt is as flattering on any man as a tuxedo is. It’s been said that every man needs a white dress shirt. But more than that, he should aspire to one. It can reach the pinnacle of elegance.
The white shirt is the number one selling shirt color in the world, and gaining ground in popularity. It’s followed closely only by blue. Everything else, in the way of patterns, stripes, etc. is a distant third. Season after season, year after year, it leads the list of wardrobe staples.
When times are tough men want to be serious about their look. In a vibrant booming economy many men turned to colorful dress shirts. Now, in an era of restraint and conservatism, a simple white dress shirt sends a savvy and timely message that a man is seriously ready for work.
Power, especially in the context of business and politics, is an elusive quality. It is sought after by nearly everyone, but attained by only a few. From season to season, an item of fashion gains noteworthy popularity as an emblem of power. We may say that a red tie is a power tie at one time. In another season, perhaps the yellow or purple tie occupies the position of power. Perhaps no other item of clothing embodies authority and influence like that of a well-tailored power suit.
The custom tailored suit is the ranking favorite among power brokers everywhere. While the details of single or double-breasted styling, lapel options and button counts may vary, it is clear that the strong shoulder line, accentuating the masculine form is the dominant characteristic of the quintessential power suit. The chalk-stripe suit, in the classic colors of navy and gray, is often the first to come to mind when imagining the power suit. The clout of this authoritative wardrobe choice goes well beyond the surface. It is the hand cut and tailored details that define this expression of influence, resulting in powerful perfection intended to make the owner look like a million bucks. Our task as custom clothiers is to assist you in the discovery of your strong suits so that each exudes comfortable confidence.
The maxim, “You only have one chance to make a positive first impression”, is undoubtedly familiar to those who appreciate and have chosen to wear custom tailored clothes. You understand that you have only 4-5 seconds in which to make that critical first impression.
Focus your attention on what is known as the great circle. It is the area that encompasses your shoulder, face, shirt collar, jacket lapel, necktie and breast pocket on your suit or sport jacket. The visual impact made by keeping harmony among the elements in your great circle cannot be over emphasized. The right tie, the correct shirt collar and color, and the proper balance of scale and proportion in one’s accessories can make all the difference in the world. Take care to see that people’s first impression of you is a positive and lasting one. Today, no one can afford to make an impression that is anything less than the best.
DRESSING FOR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
A casual approach to business is gone. Today men are interested in looking smart, dapper and more put together than ever before. It is dressing up for competitive advantage. It is a trend that spans from the most youthful to the most mature.
Custom tailored clothing and the assistance of your professional clothier is the surest way to gain traction and accelerate your progress as you look to update your wardrobe. The successful man wants to take something that is inherently classic, like a great suit, and personalize it–to make it his own–through custom fit and styling.
While the suit is the cornerstone of this wardrobe upgrade, the addition of dressier accessories like French-cuff dress shirts, subtle yet distinctive cuff links, high-quality neckties and classic shoes supplement and complete the package.
WHY CUSTOM SHIRTS ARE WORTH THE INVESTMENT
When acquiring shirts most people are primarily concerned with six criteria:
- Fit
- Style
- Selection
- Quality
- Consistency
- Convenience
Making a shirt purchase is a very personal value judgment. The priority should be to receive the maximum benefit in terms of value and enjoyment for each dollar spent. To us, the difference is between that of an investment and an expense. Here are the main advantages of custom-made shirts as a guide to assist you in making a wise decision and investment with your “shirt dollar”. When you compare the advantages of custom shirts it’s easy to decide for yourself.
Compare the differences and decide for yourself
Fit – There is very little comparison when it comes to the fit of custom tailored shirts. There are at least a dozen key measurements in the design of custom shirts. We consider each of these individual measurements to ensure a comfortable and stylish fit: chest, waist, hips, yoke, tail length, waist length, right sleeve length, left sleeve length, right cuff size, left cuff size, collar size (to the quarter inch), back collar height, and front collar height. Accurate fitting is done by a clothing professional. By comparison, ready-made shirts are based on only two measurements; collar size (to the half inch) and sleeve length. You’re forced to settle for whatever body fit is available.
Style – Custom-made shirts are crafted in your personal choice of dozens of collar styles, pocket styles, preference of one, two or no pockets and your selection of a variety of cuff styles. You become the designer of your own shirts and have the ultimate means of expressing your own style. Ready-made shirts, sitting on a store shelf require settling for whatever the collar, cuff and pocket styles happen to be at the moment.
Selection – As if literally hundreds of fabrics to choose from weren’t enough, consider the wonder of realizing that each and every one is available in your exact size and preferred style. Pick one color, say solid blue, and you’ll find dozens of options in that color alone. The selection includes Sea Island broadcloths; Italian pinpoint oxfords; Swiss voiles; Jacquards and the like. There is simply no ready-made comparison with the depth, variety and overall quality of options available with custom-made shirts.
Quality – Custom shirts feature collars, cuffs and pockets all cut by hand and matched individually by hand to the shirt pattern. Add to that complete single needle stitching, long shirttails that stay tucked in, and exceptional quality details found only on the best shirts in the world. Ready-made shirts just don’t stack up by comparison with their mass production focus on high volume rather than the more fastidious attention to detail.
Consistency and Convenience – Each custom shirt is cut to your individual pattern each time you order, assuring a reliable consistency of fit, year in and year out. We come to you with in-office and home selection for all your shirting needs from casual weekend wear to dressy office attire. Reorders are so easy and convenient you can actually email or phone them in! Compare that to ready-made shirts where the fit, sizing and style of any particular shirt often changes from one season to the next, depending on the whim of the manufacturer, also the prevailing winds of fashion. With custom-made shirts there’s no more shopping around to find what you want
CUSTOM PANTS GET A LEG UP ON STYLE
Custom tailored pants get a leg up on personal style. Today’s sophisticated consumer is concerned with how things look on him. Jeans, no matter the designer, aren’t enough. Custom trousers, with their emphasis on fit and tailoring, are the next logical step in a man’s evolution of style.
Distinguished for their hand-sewn details, custom trousers can touch every style from classic and sartorial cuts to more casual models. Custom trousers allow you to select bolder patterns and something interesting. Fancier patterns like neat nailheads and subtle houndstooths, herringbones, checks, tweeds and Prince of Wales plaids expand the emphasis on fancy men’s wear patterns. In addition to these great patterns, consider luxury gabardine, featherweight wools, even pinstripes.
The pendulum is swinging to dressier looks. A lot of people are starting to dress up at the office again. Whether dress trousers or casual slacks, today’s renewed interest in dressier looks make custom trousers a stand up way to inject one’s wardrobe with style.
Being well-dressed goes beyond purchasing fine clothing. Choosing the appropriate attire for events or business meetings is just as essential as having quality clothing to wear. On occasions when you’re unsure of the dress code, such as traveling to a different city or attending a new event, a few basic principles will ensure your ability to feel at ease.
When in doubt, simplicity is better. Conservative colors such as navy, gray, or black can be dressed up or down more easily than brighter tones. At most events, erring slightly on the side of dressiness is preferable to appearing too casual. Keep to classic choices on accoutrements, as excess items create a feeling of busyness rather than sophistication.
A great sport jacket and trousers can be paired with either a good sport shirt or a dress shirt and tie. High-quality shoes offer a similar level of flexibility. Completing your look with a pair of classic shoes with a coordinating belt allows you to create a wide range of ensembles-from nice jeans to great trousers to your favorite custom suit.
With care and forethought, the worry of assembling an appropriate ensemble can be eliminated, leaving you comfortable in any environment.
When your business attire allows leeway, colored or patterned shirts can offer visual variety without sacrificing sophistication. Choosing a tie that coordinates with the shirt is essential. When pairing ties and shirts, remember these points:
Nearly any tasteful tie can be worn with a white shirt. Solid-colored ties, when the color is chosen with care, can enhance any ensemble. Striped ties create a welcome change of pace when combined with a checked or solid-colored shirt. Remember to create balance by matching a tightly striped shirt with a more relaxed pattern. Polka dots can add interest as long as the dots remain small. As you broaden your shirt and tie combinations, the key is pairing strong elements with subdued ones to create pleasing additions to the traditional white shirt and striped tie.
LIGHTER SHADES LIVEN SPRING FASHION
Whether you’re a flag waving fan of the eco-friendly movement or not, you can confidently endorse a sign of the times by going green this spring in a fresh assortment of custom shirts with fresh accents of green grass, moss and even lime.
We anticipate spring fashions to be down-to-earth this season rather than explosive. Some notable trends to watch for include light clothing-in both weight and color, and a bit of shimmer and shine.
Colors for spring tailored clothing are subtle and discreet. While lightness of color is of course, mandated by the season, it is a refreshing change of pace from dark navy and black suits. Enjoy the rebirth of lighter shades of silvery gray and dusty neutral tones. Such colors are prevalent in both suiting and European inspired sport jackets.
Traditional suit colors, such as navy, black, and gray will always have their place in business. However, don’t let the safety of tradition keep you from tasteful forays into softer, earth-friendly colors. When weather is mild and corporate culture allows, the greens and browns of earth tones can bring a refreshing warmth to your attire.
When considering business or weekend attire, tans and earthy greens, like moss, celery, forest and olive, extend your traditional wardrobe. Trousers and sport coats are excellent vehicles for bringing in these refreshing hues as a welcome counterpoint to stronger colors.
Choosing warm tones for shirt fabrics can create a sense of calm serenity in an outfit. Especially suited for fall casual wear, earth tones bring the life and energy of the outdoors into your wardrobe.
Packing carefully for business travel ensures that you-and your clothing-will arrive unrumpled. Whether you’re traveling for one night or many, these procedures will help keep your clothes in their best shape.
Take just as much care in packing dress shirts as you did in having them fitted. The most important considerations here are minimizing wrinkles and building collar support. Lay the shirt out on a flat surface and fold sleeves under at the shoulder. Next, reduce wrinkling by using a “long fold”-rather than folding it exactly in half, fold the shirt below the waist. Once the shirt is folded and smoothed down, create adequate collar support by filling the collar with rolled socks. Use plastic bags or tissue paper from the dry cleaners to separate shirts. This reduces friction between items and helps prevent wrinkling.
Keep the suit coat fresh by first turning one sleeve of the suit coat inside out. Slide the other sleeve inside, matching shoulders and gently shaking the fabric into place. The suit can now be folded in half lengthwise. If necessary, the suit may then be folded widthwise, just above the lowest button.
Trousers may simply be folded in half, after aligning the sides. Hold the trousers by the hem and fold along the creases. Continue to match the creases above the knee, and fold in half, maintaining the crease while placing in luggage.
LENGTHEN THE LIFE OF YOUR CLOTHING
Care and cleaning can have a long-lasting impact on the life of your custom clothing. Help your attire enjoy a long life by taking care to store and care for it properly.
Suits should rest for at least 24 hours between wearings. This allows the suit fabric to breathe and return to its original shape. Place the suit coat on a wooden hanger with one to two inches of space between it and its neighbor. If possible, store trousers on a hanger which allows them to hang from the cuffs. When storing on a hanger with a pant bar, check creases and straighten the edges before hanging.
Take your suit to the cleaners once or twice a season to maximize freshness and appearance. Over-cleaning can reduce the life of the suit. Some wrinkles can be reduced by steaming the suit, either by hanging on the back of the bathroom door while running hot water, or with a portable steamer. Be careful to avoid excessive moisture by removing the suit after a few minutes.
Shoes, like suits, need to rest at least a day between wearings. Store your dress shoes on a wooden shoe tree to let them regain their shape, breathe, and shed excess moisture.
Caring for and protecting fine clothing lengthens its usefulness, enabling you to maximize your wardrobe investment.
FITTING CLOTHING FOR YOUR LIFESTYLE
A man’s suit coat has often been likened to a woman’s purse: many items find their way to its pockets. When being measured for your next suit, be sure to bring everything that normally accompanies you in your business-wear, including your dress shoes. If you tend to keep items in a certain pocket, they ought to be part of creating the entire look. Cell phone, keys, wallet or money clip, handkerchief or pocket square, and glasses can be integrated into your bespoke suit just as well as your posture and height.
Being fitted with all your accessories can eliminate unpleasant surprises down the road, such as discovering that your wallet creates an unsightly bulge in your coat, or that the sleeve of your dress shirt does not accommodate your watch. Customized clothing fits not only your form, but your lifestyle and habits.
The blustery days of spring turn into a distant memory when the weather warms up. And your warm winter suit, so helpful a few months ago, can soon seem too heavy to wear.
Keep your cool this summer-without losing your professional look-by crafting a summer wardrobe with style. Your tools? Summer-worthy fabrics in wool, linen, silk, and cotton.
Wool can still be your wardrobe’s best friend during the sun-friendly months. Simply keep to lightweight versions (look for tropical or summer weight fabrics) to retain the breathability of wool’s natural fibers without the warmth of the winter weights.
Linen fabrics offer a looser weave than wool, which lets air circulate to keep you cool without compromising style by dressing down. Minimize your linen suit’s wrinkles by tailoring the fit to your shape. Baggy trousers and an oversized coat will wrinkle more than a suit that moves with you.
Silks and silk blends drape beautifully and give your suit a fine shimmer-perfect for dressier settings. Fabrics blending silk and fine wool give the flexibility and lightweight feel of silk, with the shape and substance of wool.
Cotton fabrics work well for business casual attire. Paired with an oxford shirt, cotton suit fabrics offer relaxed comfort during the hottest weather.
Finely tailored clothing ensures that you look your best during the warmest months, whether in your favorite linen jacket and trousers or your summer-weight wool suit.
We’ve all heard the phrase, “the devil is in the details.” It’s true that the details-whether in business dealings or business attire-can make the difference between success and failure. Most businessmen wouldn’t dream of presenting a business proposal without careful attention to the details. Applying that same level of care to a business wardrobe is just as important. The niceties of a suit can create the impression of success or failure, competence or irresponsibility, strength or weakness.
We can help you craft a suit that conveys the impression most suitable to your needs. The choices on details are seldom “right” or “wrong,” but rather points on a sliding scale. For example, using a Windsor half-knot on your tie looks heavier than the trimmer four-in-hand knot. Cutting squared suit shoulders creates a more solid look than the closely fitted silhouette.
Your custom-tailored suit is shaped not just to fit your measurements, but to create the visual impression that bests suits your business image.
Fashion fads come and go. Lapels and collars may widen or narrow, fabrics may trend toward light or dark, and trouser hemlines can change course over time. Rather than chase after short-lived concepts, the savvy businessman customizes his suits for his build, sense of personal style, and business habits. This allows his wardrobe to weather the seasonal swings of fashion, and remain in style.
Any particular tailoring decision, no matter how popular, may not be the most flattering to one’s frame. When choosing your suit’s silhouette, we can help you choose a timeless, classic look which will last for years, maximizing your wardrobe investment.
Consider your personal sense of style when fitting a suit: double-breasted suits are generally dressier than their single-breasted counterparts. Coats without a vent are sleeker.
Fabric selection should follow your wearing needs. If you travel frequently in your suits, be sure to select heavy-wearing fabrics. A suit for occasional use can be made of lighter, dressier fabrics.
Keep your wardrobe long-lasting and effective by crafting a suit customized to your needs, not the momentary fads. A fine suit, tailored to your frame and preferences, is enduring.
While a classic, well-crafted silhouette will be stylish on any businessman, savvy businessmen keep in touch with current fashion trends. For this spring, the new look is a much leaner silhouette than we’ve seen in several years. Designers are translating the current economic concerns into a sleek, streamlined look. It’s a movement toward a minimalist look, in keeping with the national desire for a fresh start in business, after the last few years of fiscal uncertainty.
This trend has led to softer shoulders and slightly shorter jackets, which lay flatter on the chest. Many trouser designers have eliminated front pleats and even cuffs, while dress shirts are tending toward a classic, old-school look. Technological developments in suit fabrics have translated to light-weight options that have greater ease, allowing comfort in a closer fit.
Accessories are also seeing changes. Shoes are taking slimmer lines to complement the current suit silhouettes. Most designers are crafting ties from three to three and a half inches wide.
As you keep an eye on these trends, remember to keep the larger picture in focus. Your ensemble should coordinate with your body type, personality, and business habits. When those are all in synch, your wardrobe choices will fit not just the current fashion ideas, but your lifestyle as well.
