Blog : April 2012

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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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 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.

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.