Finding a tailor that fits your needs on a personal level can seem like trying to find a needle in a haystack. But there are a few things you should consider as you embark on your journey of finding the right man or woman to alter your clothes:
Research
Custom tailored suits are not offered anywhere, so be sure you do your research on the company you’re looking at. Begin by asking local menswear stores and friends about where they like to go.
Test Them on the Phone
Call and ask if you can shorten a jacket sleeve from the shoulder. It’s one of the most difficult alterations a tailor will need to complete. If they are able to do this, then they are truly a tailor and they know how to make the perfect clothes for you.
Visit Their Store
Look around their store and see if it’s in good condition. If they have garments lying around, then it’s probably not a good place to buy a suit. If they are careful about the clothing they handle and they have an immaculate store, then you can consider them.
Look at Previous Work
If you can get into the store and look at some of the work they’ve done for others, then do it! Looking at their previous work will tell you about their work ethic and how precise they are with their fits.
Test Run
You don’t have to order exactly what you want right away. Simply order a jacket rather than the entire suit and see if you enjoy what they send back. Custom tailored suits are not as expensive as most people believe, but it’s still worth it to just have the jacket done if you’re not sure about their service. You can even just have a shirt or two done.
Go with Your Instincts
If you walk into an establishment and they treat you with professionalism and make you feel they’re doing their best to make you look your best, then trust them to do that small test run. If you walk into an establishment and you feel you’re being swindled, then it’s probably a good idea to find another place.
Build a Relationship
Custom tailored suits are going to need to be altered over time, or you might need a new one after a while. You might like yours so much you want more of them, so be sure you build a relationship with your tailor. Take note of whether they remember your name or if they don’t remember you when you walk in the door. If you start to feel more like you’re walking into a place where everyone will know your needs, then you’ve found the right custom suit tailor.
