Frequently Asked Questions
Find everything you need to know about Balani Custom Suits
Custom Suits
What is the difference between a custom suit and a made-to-measure suit?
A custom garment is drafted and constructed from scratch. Using the 40+ body measurements that we capture at your New Client Consultation, our pattern-makers will draft a totally unique, custom pattern just for you. Using that pattern, our tailors will cut and sew your custom garment. A made-to-measure garment starts with a standardized pattern. From this pattern, the pattern-makers will tweak and alter the paper pattern to get pretty close to your body measurements. Using that pattern, the seamstresses will cut and sew your garment. While this option is often less expensive than custom, it also is much less accurate and doesn’t provide a great fit.
Why should I choose a custom suit instead of off-the-rack?
Not only does custom clothing create a great-fitting garment with your unique pattern, but it is also 100% styled to your liking. With off-the-rack, you are limited to the options you see in-store or online. With custom, however, you get to choose your fabric, style, and details, creating a totally custom, one-of-a-kind garment with impeccable fit.
Do you carry off-the-rack or ready-made clothing?
Balani does not carry any off-the-rack/ready-made clothing. All of our clothing is 100% custom.
How is a custom suit made?
To make a custom suit, we first take your precise measurements and discuss your preferred fabric and customization options. Our tailors then use this information to create a unique, 100% custom pattern. Your fabric is cut to this pattern and then hand-stitched together to bring your suit to life.
I’ve never bought a suit before. Where do I start?
The first step is to schedule an appointment with one of our clothiers who will guide you through the process. During your consultation, we will discuss your style preferences, take your measurements, and help you choose the perfect fabric and customization options for your needs. Our team will be with you every step of the way to ensure you walk out with a great-fitting suit that makes you feel confident.
Locations
Where is Balani located?
BALANI is located in 14 cities across the US: Atlanta, Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Tampa, and Phoenix.
Are you expanding to any other US cities?
Balani is on a mission to make our award-winning custom clothing as accessible as possible to our clientele. We are always exploring new potential metropolitan markets. Please sign up for our newsletter to get the latest expansion news straight to your inbox.
I’m not located in one of your cities. Can I still place an order?
We would love to help you place an order for custom garments. If you are interested in a virtual appointment, we can connect you with a custom clothier to discuss further.
Process
What is the process for getting custom clothing?
To begin the custom process, you can schedule an appointment with one of our expert clothiers over the phone or at balanicustom.com. During your first appointment, which we call the New Client Consultation, your dedicated clothier will take your measurements and work with you to design every detail of your custom suit or garment, including lapel style, button color, and pocket shape. We have partnered with world-renowned mills and will guide you through our vast selection of fabrics to help you choose a beautiful cloth that meets your preferences and needs. After approximately 8 weeks, we will invite you to come back for your Fitting for Completed Garments appointment, where you will try on your finished custom garment. At this appointment, we will assess the fit and may make slight adjustments to ensure it meets your style preferences and requirements. If any final alterations or tweaks are necessary, we will complete them promptly within just a few days, ensuring you are completely satisfied with your new custom piece.
How long does it take to get a custom garment?
Our custom turnaround time is about 8 weeks from the time of your first appointment, to the time the garments are in your hands.
Is it possible to get a garment sooner than your standard turnaround time?
We do have rush options available depending on our production schedule. We can connect you with a custom clothier to discuss further.
Appointments
How can I make an appointment?
We can help you schedule an appointment over the phone. Alternatively, appointments may be booked online at our website, balanicustom.com.
How long are the appointments?
First appointments, or New Client Consultations, last approximately 90 minutes. This gives us enough time to assess your wardrobe needs, take your measurements, and guide you through our collection. The second appointment, also known as Fitting for Completed Garments is scheduled for 30 minutes. This allows us ample time to assess the fit of your newly constructed garments.
How soon should I make my appointment?
We recommend scheduling your New Client Consultation appointment as soon as possible to allow plenty of time for construction and fittings before your event. While our typical turnaround time is 8 weeks, coming in early will ensure that we have enough time to create your custom garment and make any necessary alterations to ensure the best fit. Don't hesitate to schedule your appointment now to avoid any last-minute stress or rush.
Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?
Of course. You're welcome to bring a friend or family member to your appointment to help you make decisions or offer support.
What is the appointment experience like?
Our goal is to make the custom clothing experience as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. During your New Client Consultation appointment, you'll work one-on-one with a clothier who will guide you through the process of selecting fabrics and customization options for your custom garments. We'll take your measurements and answer any questions you have. Plus, if you’d like, you can enjoy a scotch, whiskey, or wine while you browse our swatch collections.
I don’t know exactly what I’m looking for. Should I still make an appointment?
Absolutely. Our clothiers are experts in helping clients determine the best fabrics, styles, and customization options for their custom garments. Even if you're not sure exactly what you want, we can help guide you through the process and make recommendations based on your personal style and preferences.
Can you come to my home or office?
Yes, if you would prefer, our Balani Clothiers would be happy to discuss an in-home or in-office appointment with you. We can connect you with a custom clothier to coordinate further.
Fabrics
What fabrics do you carry and where are they sourced?
We’ve partnered with award-winning fabric mills to present you with some of the best cloth options in the world. Read more about our textiles here: balanicustom.com/our-mills/
Do you carry vegan fabrics/can you make a vegan garment?
Yes, we have vegan fabrics for you to choose from including linen and cotton. We can create your garment using no animal products.
I have fabric already. Can you make a custom garment using my fabric?
While we appreciate your interest in our custom garment services, we are unable to use customer-provided fabrics due to the nature of our process. However, we would be more than happy to assist you in finding the perfect fabric for your custom garment from our extensive collection.
Weddings
We recommend scheduling your New Client Consultation appointment as soon as possible to ensure plenty of time for construction and fittings before your wedding day. This will allow you to check off one important task on your wedding to-do list and reduce stress during the planning process. Additionally, if you experience any weight changes closer to the wedding day, we offer complimentary alterations* within one year of your purchase date to ensure a precise fit of your custom suit or garment.
My groomsmen and I all want to get custom suits. Do you offer wedding party packages?
Yes, we have wedding party packages available. We would be happy to connect you with a clothier to discuss further details.
Do you offer custom packages for grooms?
Yes, we have groom packages available. We would be happy to connect you with a clothier to discuss further details.
My fiancé wants to help me pick out my fabric. Can they come to the appointment?
Yes, of course. We encourage you to bring anyone who can help you make a decision. Choosing the fabric for your custom suit or tuxedo is an important part of the process, and we want to ensure that you feel confident and excited about your choice.
Style
I’m looking for a contemporary, European cut. Can you make this?
Yes, we can definitely make a contemporary, European cut suit. Our expert clothiers are well-versed in the latest styles and trends, and can help you create a custom suit that meets your specific style preferences.
I want something conservative. Can you make a classic-fitting suit?
Absolutely. We specialize in creating custom suits that fit your personal style preferences, whether you're looking for a classic or contemporary fit. Our expert clothiers will work with you to ensure that your custom suit is not only comfortable but also fits your unique style.
Do you have a catalog of fabrics online for me to look at?
We don't have an online catalog of fabrics since our selection is constantly evolving with the latest styles and exclusive fabrics. Some of our fabrics are even limited run, making your garment even more unique. We invite you to visit one of our locations to view our extensive selection of fabrics and work with our clothiers to find the perfect one for you. However, we encourage you to take a look at our social media pages where you can find examples of our work and get inspiration for your own custom piece. Our experienced clothiers will work with you to design a garment that reflects your personal style and meets your specific needs.
Accessories
Do you offer accessories?
Balani offers a wide range of accessories, ties, bowties, pocket squares, socks, cufflinks, and more. At your final fitting, your Balani clothier will offer accessory recommendations to perfectly complement your new custom clothing and complete your look. Plus, if you are looking for something specific that we don’t have in stock, chances are we can order it for you.
Do you carry shoes?
We offer an extensive custom shoe program that allows you to customize every aspect of your footwear, from the laces to the sole to the burnishing. Ask your Balani clothier about our custom program to create a pair of shoes that are truly unique and personalized to your liking. If you need something quickly, we've also partnered with the luxury Spanish off-the-rack shoe brand, Magnanni.
How does the custom shoe process work?
During your appointment, our expert team will work with you to determine your perfect shoe size using our sample shoes. Then, we will discuss your desired style and model, and customize every detail of your shoes, from the sole to the laces, eyelets, heel, and toe shape.
Pricing & Payment
What is the cost of a custom suit?
Pricing is based on the quality of cloth selected from our curated collections. Please consult your Balani stylist for more details.
Are there additional charges for customizations on your garments?
All of our customizations, including lining, contrast threading, buttons, monograms, and more, are included in the price of every garment at every price point, so you can focus on creating your perfect custom piece without any surprises.
Can I purchase a gift card?
Yes, gift cards may be purchased online at our website https://balanicustom.square.site/
Sizing
I am big and tall. Can you make custom clothing for me?
Absolutely. Our custom clothing service is designed for every body type, including big and tall sizes. We take precise measurements and create a custom pattern tailored specifically to your unique body shape.
Alterations
Do you do alterations on garments that were not made by Balani?
We do not offer alterations on garments that were not made by us. We specialize in custom garments and want to ensure that every piece we work on meets our high standards for quality and craftsmanship.
I previously purchased a Balani garment that no longer fits me. Do you provide alterations?
Balani is pleased to offer complimentary alterations* for your garment within one year of your purchase date. We can schedule your fitting appointment over the phone or you may book online at balanicustom.com.
Other
Do you offer suit or tuxedo rentals?
Balani does not offer any rental options. All of our garments are 100% custom.
Are you hiring?
We are always on the lookout for talented individuals to join our team at Balani. If you are interested in a career in custom menswear and have a passion for providing exceptional service, we encourage you to check out our careers page website and submit an application.
Welcome to #TheCustomLife
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT*Significant weight changes (+/- 20 lbs) may render the garment unalterable and a remake would be necessary.