One of the most common questions we are asked at BALANI is how to properly care for a suit.   Your suits from BALANI are an investment, and for this particular investment, longevity is key.  Sure, wear and tear is inevitable, but there are things you can do to help prevent your one-year old suit from looking like it was purchased during the Clinton administration.

First, only dry-clean your suit between 2-4 times a year. Yes, you read that correctly. The chemicals used in dry cleaning can substantially damage your suit as well as shorten its normal lifespan. Instead, have your suits machine steam-pressed regularly by your dry cleaner; which is a 500 degree blast of steam killing all bacteria, removing all odors and releasing all wrinkles. If you’re prone to spilling, have your dry-cleaner spot clean rather than have them dry-clean the entire suit.

Next, hang your suits on a proper suit hanger and scatter cedar blocks throughout your closet to prevent moths from getting into your clothes. Moths eat through fabrics, leaving large holes in your suits. Fortunately, the oil found in cedar is a natural repellent, and will kill off those pesky moths with destructive motives.

Lastly, for the gentlemen who are very particular, invest in a quality made suit brush.  Why bother?   Simply put, brushing your suit after each wear can extend its lifespan by a decade. Made from either synthetic fibers or natural animal hair, brushing removes built-up dust and food particles that can get lodged in your suit causing the wool to break down.

Simply by dry-cleaning less, brushing your suit more, and incorporating cedar blocks into your closet, you will drastically increase the lifespan of your wardrobe. Because let’s face it, no one wants to see their investment go up in flames or get eaten by moths. So be sure to protect your BALANI suits in order to get the maximum return: a lifetime of looking good.

Tailored to Perfection

by Carlos Rubin - J.W. Marriott Magazine

Off the rack?  No thanks. Made to measure? Only if you're in a hurry. For the truly perfect men's shirt, connoisseurs know that bespoke - a 100 percent personalized product- is the only way to go. Here's six top tailors in six top cities.

Chicago

The Man to Know Sonny Balani at Balani Custom Clothiers

Credentials This family-owned business-Sonny's father Peter trained in London and Milan- has kept the men of Chicago looking sharp for fifty years.

Cost From$125, no minimum order

The Edge Service included cocktails from a fully-stocked bar on premises.

INFO balanicustom.com

Getting the perfect shave requires the right tools, preparation, and technique. To avoid the classic shaving pitfalls, i.e., razor burn and those pesky ingrown hairs, simply, incorporate the following steps into your daily routine.

Step 1: Shaving Tools and Products

Using a quality razor blade is fundamental for getting a close, clean shave. Whether you prefer 3 blades or 6, make sure that you replace your razor with a fresh one every 2-3 weeks.

Shaving cream is as essential as the razor you use. Make sure your shaving cream has a glycerin base, e.g., Truefiit & Hill 1805 Tub. The glycerin base will help trap moisture and hydrate your skin as you shave.

Step 2: Preparation

Preparation is key. In order to open the pores on your face and soften the hair follicles, always shave after a shower or apply a hot, damp towel to your skin prior to shaving. To avoid nicks and cuts, apply a dime size amount of pre-shaving oil to your face and massage thoroughly into your facial hair.

After you have applied the pre-shaving oil, use a stiff badger-hair brush to apply the shaving cream to your face in a circular motion. This helps retain water and preps the beard by raising the hairs on your face.

Step 3: Shaving Techniques

A razor should always be drawn in the same direction as stubble growth. This is referred to as shaving with the grain of the hair. By doing so, you help prevent ingrown hairs and skin irritation. It is also important that you keep the razor well rinsed, so that the blade doesn’t get clogged.

Start shaving by your sideburns and then work down toward your chin and neck. Make sure your free hand is holding the skin taut while you shave. For the more prominent parts of your face, i.e., chin and jawbone, be sure to use the middle part of the blade.

Once you finish shaving, apply cold water to your skin to close the pores. Finish by lightly patting on an alcohol-free aftershave, e.g., Truefitt & Hill 1805 After Shave splash, to sooth the skin.

By completing these 3 simple steps, you will be sure to get the best and cleanest shave possible. Step up your shaving game, and come to BALANI for Truefitt & Hill’s collection of shaving products and accessories!

5.) Ski jacket. We cringe when a man takes great care to choose the fine fabric, thread color, silk jacket lining, and tie pattern, only to throw on his old coat over it to head into the wintery weather. Guys, the last thing you put on going out the door is the first thing people will notice, and you’re most likely to meet someone new when out and about. Don’t cover up your impeccable sense of style with a coat that doesn’t match what’s underneath

4.) Gym shoes. This should go without saying, but think again when throwing on a pair of sneakers with slacks and a sports coat. They’re made for exactly what their name implies: the gym. If you don’t want to scuff up your dress shoes during the commute, invest in weather-proofing techniques or a nice pair of stylish black boots. And if there’s still some confusion on proper shoe care, check out how to keep your shoes kickin’.

3.) Baseball cap. The go-to baseball cap may work for casual Sunday sports viewing, but leave it with your jeans and t-shirts when dressing for work or going anywhere other than a sports bar. If you crave something fashionable to compliment your suit, go with a more stylish hat like the fedora or invest in a nice pair of sunglasses.

2.) Casual jewelry. Men should tread lightly when it comes to wearing jewelry with a suit. Your best bet is to aim for elegant simplicity: a nice watch and stunning pair of cufflinks. Anything that involves wood, beads, hemp or plastic shouldn’t come anywhere near your suits. If you want to add a little color or character to a neutral suit, look to bold or patterned pocket squares, ties, shirts and vests.

1.) White socks with dress shoes. If your sock drawer contents haven’t changed since college, it’s time to do some shopping. While socks stay invisible much of the time, they can provide a wonderful compliment to the fabrics in your clothing. Flashing a little color or pattern when sitting down shows you’re serious about your style.

On the next generation of Balani
Sonny Balani, owner: I got involved [with the business] eight years ago. I have an investment banking/trading background. I grew up around the business and had no intention in going into this at all. I think my dad asked me once when I was 16, and I just said “No way.” And he just kind of dropped it. And then around 2003, I came around and saw a potential here. But I really wanted to make it a place where I would want to shop. I wanted to bring a little more hospitality into it. A lot of times people think about custom clothing, and they think of it as stodgy and stuffy. We’re the opposite of that.

On the Balani customer
Sonny Balani, owner: Most of our clients are type-A-ish. They dress well and put a pretty high value on their appearance. Everything from the banker guy to a younger guy who likes a slimmer fit. We have full bars [in each room], so you can kick back and have a Scotch after work...Once we made a custom Halloween suit for a guy who wanted an exact replica of the Joker suit. We also do a lot of weddings and a lot of engagements. A lot of brides are buying the experience for grooms.

On added touches
Ricardo Bucio, manager: The inside of our jackets is really cool. Most tailors won’t offer you a lot of choices in linings, but we do. And there aren’t any extra fees for the additional perks. That way, you don’t have to keep calculating what the cost is going to be, and you can really enjoy the experience. On the pants—most people love this part—is a grip guard, so your shirt doesn’t become untucked. Over the years, Mr. [Peter] Balani (pictured, far left) has added different details to make the clothing more durable. The front of the shop also offers ties, cuff links and socks to complete the look.

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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 and professional goals, and then   help you craft your style to achieve them. The best-dressed men in the world (e.g.   Cary Grant, Sean Connery and George Clooney) always had a tailor close by who kept them looking sharp.

1. The finest quality.   Nothing else matters unless you walk away wearing your new favorite suit. The best   part about going custom is knowing that every detail of your wardrobe is perfectly   hand-tailored—from the lining pattern to the thread color—for you and you alone.

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 navy blazer or plaid sport coat can sharpen and polish a casual shirt and slacks.   If you are heading out for a night on the town after work, adding a sport coat provides a little bit of warmth in addition to dressing up your evening.

So when deciding between the sport coat and blazer for a night out, you may ask: What are the main distinctions between the two?

The blazer, traditionally sewn with patch pockets and gold buttons, is normally a solid color (navy blue being the most popular). The sport coat is oftentimes made of heavier, patterned material that originally paired well with men's sporting events, like a fox hunt. Both are acceptable for dressing up casual slacks, jeans or khakis.

Eventually, we'll need to pull out those wool suits for winter (and we should be   planning for them now!). But until then, get the most out of your warm-weather wardrobe by using the sport coat and blazer like a pro.

Guys, whether we like it or not, our style says a lot about us, and no one notices more than women. After painstaking research into the eternal question What do women want?, we've come up with the top six things women love about your style.

6. Dress Shoes
Watch any target="_blank">Sex and the City episode, and you'll immediately notice the importance women put on a nice pair of shoes. Depending on your profession, dress shoes might not be part of your daily routine. However, that's no excuse for not owning a few pairs of well-made, stylish dress shoes. Wear them with your best suit, or as a way to dress up slacks and a sport coat. And don't forget proper shoe maintenance!

5. Style/Trend
While some men's clothing has a classic, timeless look, styles tend to change over time. This doesn't mean you must purchase a new wardrobe every month, but keep in mind current trends, as women love a man who's up-to-date on fashion. For your quality pieces made to last a while, go with a classic look that won't seem dated in a few years. But keep a trendy shirt or accessory around for a little extra pizzazz that shows you care about your look.

4. Fit
Shopping the most fashionable styles will do nothing for a man if it does not fit properly. If nothing suits you like a suit, make sure your investment goes towards something that fits you perfectly-ideally custom cut and fitted specifically for your shape and size.   Baggy, loose clothing is out and appears messy and disheveled. Shop smart for clothing that fits properly so you always look sharp.

3. Purpose
A man who dresses with purpose shows that he's both attentive and fashionable. Before you head out the door, think about your destination. Is it a professional setting that requires a well-designed suit, or is it a dive bar where a blazer might look pretentious? But remember: It's always better to be the best dressed man in the room than the worst dressed.

2. Subtlety
Almost an art form, subtlety is an often-overlooked style that women desire. While trendy, loud colors and designs will definitely get you noticed, it may not be the right kind of attention. But this doesn't mean avoid the pink shirts- just don't pair them with brightly colored pants or suits. Employ a "less is more" outlook when it comes to your wardrobe; women will stop and take notice of your chic, understated manner.

1. Self-confidence
There is no better compliment to your style than an air of confidence (note: not cockiness). Women can sense it from a mile away: A confident man who exudes certainty and poise in any situation. This transcends physical clothing and hits on posture, a firm handshake, and a self-assured smile. And although you can't buy confidence, you can invest in chic, well-fitted clothing that bumps up your self-esteem a notch or two.

A consultant will be in touch with you within 24 hours to confirm your appointment.