The Gentleman’s Guide
Top Five Things to Look for in Your Custom Tailor
We break down the top five things that every custom tailor should have.
5. Custom experience. Your individual experience at a tailor shop is just as unique as the garment itself. The appointment should be relaxed and stress-free, with everything at your fingertips: fabric swatches, design examples, full-length mirrors and an expert tailor to guide you through the process.
4. Tradition of excellence. A great tailor should have a long-standing reputation of quality and craftsmanship, with a rich history in custom tailoring. Creating a hand-made custom suit requires a great deal of skill and client service that spans generations.
3. Awards and recognition. An excellent review from a publication or online review from a current client is one of the best testaments to a tailor shop’s expertise.
2. Outstanding client relationships. A custom tailor must understand your personal …
Read more »How to Sport a Transitional Wardrobe
Sport coat: The fundamental transition piece
Summer is not over, at least we keep saying this, fully ignoring the fact that Labor Day is right around the corner. But as we make our way into September (arguably one of the nicest months for weather in Chicago) and the temperature transitions from scorching hot to slightly cool, our wardrobe also transitions. This requires a few tweaks and additions to stay comfortable, fashionable and professional. The fundamental pieces to making this transition are the sport coat and blazer.
Many office environments become more casual in the summer, so once September hits, getting back to business professional is key. When you’re not quite ready to put away the light-colored slacks and vibrant, summery blues, simply adding a sport coat is an easy way to transition into the new season. Plus, a classic …
Read more »How to Travel in Style: 5 Tips on Packing for a Trip
One of the most frequent questions we’re asked at BALANI is: “What should I pack when I travel for work?”
Clearly it’s important to pack smart—with minimal luggage (unless you have your own private jet) and versatile clothing options—but what many men fail to realize is the invaluable opportunities of traveling in style. Before we discuss the practical side to packing, let’s consider why men’s travel clothes are so important.
One of the greatest advantages of traveling is the opportunity to network and meet new people. Striking up a conversation with the person sitting next to you on the plane is an easy way to meet a potential client or gain a referral, and how you’re dressed gives them an immediate impression of your character.
With that said, take a minute to consider how you present yourself when traveling. …
Read more »How To Plan Your Wardrobe
Staying one step ahead of the game
Summer’s here, and with your winter gear pleasantly tucked away in the back of your closet, it’s the perfect time to plan your wardrobe for the fall.
What, too soon? In reality, it’s not. Planning your wardrobe a season ahead of time is essential for building your wardrobe and keeping up to date with the latest fashion trends. Custom clothiers employ this practice perfectly.
This idea isn’t novel. Think about it: fashion designers put out their spring collection in winter and their winter collection in spring. This lets the industry (and the rest of us) know what’s “in” and what’s “out.” It also gives us the opportunity to see if some of the clothes we haven’t worn in a while are back in style (sorry, ripped jeans are still not OK).…
Read more »How to Know Your Tailor is a Good Fit
Does he measure up to your standards?
Choosing a tailor is an important step in a man’s life, as it marks the beginning of a lifelong relationship. Just like finding a doctor or a lawyer, you want someone who you trust and enjoy working with, who’s with you throughout the different stages in your life. Here are the Balani tips for finding the right tailor.
Find out what kind of experience the tailor has. More years (or decades) of experience are normally a direct relationship to the degree of fine-tuned skills a tailor has. A tailor doesn’t need to share your exact style, but he should understand what you want to accomplish. Find a shop with a rich history in custom tailoring, as creating a hand-made custom suit requires a great deal of experience and expertise.
Know the difference between …
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