Get the perfect fit that only custom-tailored clothing can provide

The custom-tailored look is unmistakable. It’s sharp, crisp and perfectly flattering to any man’s body type – the kind of look that you just can’t get with off-the-rack garments. It may be a little more expensive, but there’s an advantage to having several well-made items to complement your wardrobe rather than tons of ready-made clothing that doesn’t suit your build. OFC spoke with Jon J. Johnson, managing partner of Moda, to get the scoop on custom clothing to ensure you look your best.

Top 5 things to know about custom tailoring:

1. What is made-to-measure? “Unlike a store-bought suit off the rack, a made-to-measure or bespoke suit will be measured to account for every detail of your body,” Johnson says.

2. Measuring properly is vital: Skip the department stores where you may get a sales associate who does the measuring. Instead, you want a professional tailor who has the skill and knowledge to measure you properly.

3. Consider the occasion: Think about where you will be wearing the suit so it can be built right for the occasion. For example, a business suit will have extra treatments such as inside pockets for a wallet, cell phone or passport. Meanwhile, a wedding suit will be cut slimmer to fit your body more closely since you won’t be putting much in your pockets.

4. Fabric is important: This is the foundation of the suit. “Most custom tailors use finer wools, and Super 100 to Super 150 wool is the most common,” Johnson says. “These numbers describe how fine the wool is. The higher the number, the better the fabric. These fabrics hold their shape and they are easier to work with for the tailor, especially when working with the fabric by hand. The majority of finer fabrics are produced in Italy, although you can find fine fabrics being made all over the world now, including China, England, India and Germany.”

5. Choose the right style: When deciding on the style of your suit, always take into account your body type. “Don’t be boring, but also don’t think that you’re a designer,” Johnson says. “For a slim or average build, I would recommend a semi-natural shoulder, natural shoulder or a semi-square shoulder. For a muscular man, I would recommend an extended semi-natural shoulder, extended shoulder-forward pitch, or a natural to square shoulder.”

Top 5 things to avoid when buying made-to-measure:

1. Don’t settle: Don’t let a sales associate who is uncomfortable taking measurements get anywhere near you. Ask for a professional tailor instead.

2. Don’t go retro: Make sure that you’re choosing a model that is up-to-date so you don’t look like Tom Hanks in Big. “Today’s coats are shorter and trimmer,” Johnson says. “Based on a regular coat size of 40, the coat length typically would be 30.25 inches. However, coat lengths today might be as short as 29 inches and a lot trimmer through the body. A professional tailor can adjust the measurements to less than the standard coat body style.”

3. Don’t go with just any old fabric: “Make sure that the fabric you have chosen is available,” Johnson says. “A lot of time fabrics fall out – meaning that they are no longer available and/or sold out – and the sales associates may not be aware of it, which can result in very poor customer service.”

4. Don’t deal with a tailor who doesn’t stand behind the manufacturer: “Where the suit is made is important as well, because if you have a problem you want to be able to return the suit,” Johnson says. “Make sure you deal with a reputable store, and ask about their return policy.”

5. Don’t worry about paying it all up front: “Most stores will accept a half down payment on made-to-measure garments since you have to wait at least three to four weeks for delivery,” Johnson explains. “Most made-to-measure companies also offer rush jobs. It may cost you more, but you can get delivery within a week in most cases.”

Top 5 other kinds of garments to have custom tailored:

1. Sport coats or blazers: Both men and women can benefit from having these garments custom-made for a personalized look.

2. Pants or slacks: Step out in style with perfectly fitting pants or slacks. Women also can have skirts made-to-measure.

3. Topcoats: These are a wardrobe staple that you’ll wear again and again. Be sure to invest in one that you’ll enjoy wearing.

4. Tuxedos: There’s just nothing better than a custom-tailored tuxedo.

5. Dress shirts: Have a few custom-tailored dress shirts (blouses for women) that you can mix and match in your wardrobe. ]

Moda is located at 1459 Larimer St.
For more info, call (303) 862.5949
or visit: http://modaman.com