This week I’d like to step back and reflect on why I’m drawn to custom clothing.
My background includes rising through the ranks of the CPA Profession to partner in one of the largest firms in the world, leading a few mid-sized companies through some challenges, and founding a men’s specialty store chain that was recognized by Esquire Magazine as 1of the top 100 in America…7 seasons in a row!
So…why did I settle ultimately on custom clothing for my business model?
- VALUE
- SELECTION
- FIT
- EXCLUSIVITY
VALUE– In previous posts, I’ve discussed how custom clothing will result in a more efficient wardrobe. Just think about how many shirts, pants, jackets, suits, and ties you’ve purchased being told by a great sales person how these were “just what you need”…and “your perfect fit”…only to get home and not be pleased with your choice, the color…or more often than not…the fit! Here is a link to a post that discusses “Value”…Link To Value Blog Post
SELECTION– When you shop in a traditional store, you are at the mercy of the “buyer’s” tastes…and what your salesperson has REMAINING to sell! When you work with your custom clothier, you will be getting advice on how to add outfits (or add to existing outfits) that meet your specific wardrobe AND budget! You will never be limited by what any store’s buyer thought would be in style in a coming season…or what any store’s salesperson has left on the floor that he/she is pressured to sell! With custom, you will always have unlimited options!
FIT– This benefit is self-evident. Just think about the last shirt you purchased because it was just the color, or had just the collar you had been looking for…only to get home and feel that it was too blousy…or too long to wear outside casually over your jeans…or the sleeves were just a little too short…or a little too long! Think about those great looking trousers you purchased…only to get them home and discover that the legs were just a little too big…or worse…a little too small!
With custom, you will always be expertly fitted with garments that fit just how you’d like them to!
EXCLUSIVITY– Whether you are purchasing the most value-priced custom garments…or the most expensive, you can rest assured that you will be the only one wearing a given outfit in your neck of the woods! Furthermore, most custom clothiers know who are within your circle of friends, and do their utmost to maintain exclusivity of fabrications and designs within such circles.
For the most discriminate, my favorite fabrications include Dormeuil’s Amadeus 365, Tropical, and Aquaplan. While each has its unique features…every Dormeuil pattern except core basic solids…is made into Four Seventy-yard pieces. Since an average suit utilizes 3.5 yards of fabric, Dormeuil ensures that their patterns will only appear in 70 suits WORLDWIDE! While I love Zegna, Scabal, Loro Piana, and other fabrics…Dormeuil provides one of the most affordable, exclusive fabrications available today!
If you haven’t tried custom, call a local custom clothier to discuss your next wardrobe update…be pleasantly surprised by the overall annual cost for custom vs. off-the-rack!
Regards,
Vinnie Rua- Founder, Christopher’s Custom