Vince Rua | Best Men's Store Albany | Custom Advantages

About Christopher's Custom

Christopher's Custom quite simply offers the best value in better men's clothing available today...similar to his original mission statement at Christopher's. The weakness of the US Dollar makes most Euro-based garments too expensive due to the unfavorable exchange rate. Custom, on the other hand, whether made in the US or Far East, does not have the same exchange-rate pressures. Christopher's Corporate is a natural off-shoot of Vince's relationships with the leaders of the Capital District, offering ready-wear choices in the convenience of one's office, saving precious customer travel/shopping time over traditional mall-based shopping.

Why Custom Clothing?

If you have experienced custom clothing, you know why so many professionals are gravitating towards custom vs. high-priced European garments. The exchange rate between the Euro and the dollar make all “euro-based luxury goods” very expensive.

If you haven’t experience custom, here are a few of Vince’s comments:

• Once we cross the price threshold of $595 for a suit, custom becomes a viable alternative.
• With custom, you get the exact swatch you want…the exact style that works best for your physique…the exact fit for you…did you know that 50% of my customers have different length sleeves? It’s true…this occurs because of athletic injuries, athletic concentration on one arm, medical problems, etc.
• With custom, sleeve length is never an issue.
• Pants can be tricky. For example, how many of you guys want (or have significant others asking you to wear) flat front trousers? Have you found them to be too tight? Well…that makes sense…a pleated pant has approx. 3 more inches of fabric in the knee of the pant…because of the pleats that must be absorbed into the leg of the pant. Many Americans also have grown up playing sports that require strong thighs…which makes the problem all the more severe. What’s the solution? I personally wear custom flat front trousers that have knee dimensions similar to my pleated pants…but the fronts are flat…and the appearance is neat and clean…and everyone’s happy…and I’m comfortable!
• Another great thing about custom is that when you go to any store, you are seeing what the “store’s buyer” chose…because he/she thought the item would sell easily “or check out quickly”. Having said that, you are not seeing a full assortment of what is in fashion. Furthermore, if you want a 2B suit but the style is 3B, you are out of luck for most of your choices…not so with custom. We’ll make whatever you want!

Christopher's History

Vince is the founder of Christopher's, having started from scratch in 1996 in Crossgates Mall. In 1997, Vince opened a Poughkeepsie store, followed by a Downtown Albany location (destroyed by accidental fire), acquired the Learbury Outlet Store in Syracuse, and then expanded into the Philadelphia market. Throughout its expansion, Christopher's always had a strong custom clothing following.

After closing all stores, Vince was asked by many of his former customers to consider offering office/home consultations. From these requests was born "CHRISTOPHER'S CUSTOM", specializing in custom clothing from the finest mills in the world, and offering corporate sales presentations where staff can consult with Vince in the convenience of their conference room and choose from the dozens of ready-wear choices Vince has at every price point.

About Vince Rua

Prior to starting Christopher’s, Vince led several businesses to significant growth. He was a partner in the largest single-office CPA firm in the country, CEO of the largest window replacement company in NYC, and assisted numerous clients in estate and financial planning.

Under Vince’s guidance, Christopher’s routinely won accolades as the “Best of Albany”, “Best of the Hudson Valley”, “Best of Central NY”, and his stores were even chosen by Esquire Magazine as 1 of the top men’s chains in the country, right alongside Bergdorf, Boyd’s of Philadelphia, Wilkes Bashford, et.al.

Vince now offers his uniquely-honed sense of style to the Albany professional market.