A LITTLE BACKGROUND

Whilst seen nowadays as the exception rather than the norm, custom tailoring was originally the mainstay of garment production and making. Before “off the rack” become prevalent in the last 30-40 years, people purchased suits exclusively through custom means, Unfortunately this has become a lost art.

THE BENEFITS OF CUSTOM TAILORING

Broadly speaking we would consider there are three categories of reasons why you should consider custom tailoring.

The Right Fit

Firstly, there is obviously the fit that a well custom tailored garment offers. We are clearly not all in the shape of a mannequin and each individual has their own unique body shape.  

A poor fitting garment is a “CLM” - Career Limiting Move.  They say that in an interview, employers virtually make up their minds within 60 seconds of meeting you.  So what are they judging - your appearance!

For example for shorter men, the jacket sleeve length is often too long and can reach close to the hand knuckle, covering the entirely shirt cuff. This creates a “boy in a man’s suit” look, which is an unsightly outcome and cuts into the maturity of your appearance.

Above: The shirt cuff should extend around a half inch past your jacket, this creates the appearance of your arms being longer.

Just as frequent are men with an athletic build that cannot find “off the rack” garments which fit their “V-shaped” silhouette. There is often too much room around the arms and torso and their masculinity is compromised.

The fact is people, whether consciously or subconsciously, judge and notice the appearance of your suit. An appropriately tailored garment can making you look taller, slimmer and accentuates your  

Above: Appropriately tailored suit with the right about of waist suppression, the jacket curves around the waist area creating a more athletic appearance, however the jacket does not pinch or pull around the second button - the perfect balance. 

The Right Style

Secondly, there are the benefits of choice.  Getting exactly what you want actually saves you more money in the long term - you don’t need to settle for what is in the store’s limited range. A navy suit can look very different depending on the shade of blue it is in, a subtle change in colour can tip a garment between formal and casual and change its purpose completely.

At Herman Bros & Co. you are simply spoilt for choice, with over hundreds of fabrics from some of the world’s top mills. For the inside lining, our choice of illuminous bemberg linings to art deco inspired prints can give your jacket a bit more “pop”.  

Our Signature House Style provides options which are unique to Herman Bros & Co.  Features like our shoulder construction, the house cut our canvas, makes our suits different to any else available on the market, and creates a garment which is more comfortable and elegant for you. 

The Right Quality

Thirdly, and often a neglected area is the quality and craftsmanship available to high end custom tailoring.  The motivations for mass produced, ready made garments it simple - money.  Global chains are very bottom lined focused and many have reduced the quality of their garments overtime.  

We would say next time you go into a high end suit shop, check the button holes on the sleeve if they are working surgeon’s cuffs. Pinch the top layer of wool in the chest piece and feel if it lifts off the canvas.  Or even better yet ask the sales assistant if it is a “floating canvas” - actually don’t bother chances are they will not even know.  

All these finishes which are staples of Herman Bros & Co. take time to produce, and time is money.  However  we feel that such garments are superior in feel and comfort, and are very noticeable and appreciated once they have been experienced.

As a boutique house, we are proud to offer these features to our clientele, and to reverse this “cooker cutter” approach to mens and ladies wear.

A FINAL WORD

Custom tailoring had its origins as the purveyor of clothing for the aristocrats, well dressed kings. queens, princes and princesses.  We might not live in those days anymore but the theory remains the same.  A person that requires a custom tailored garments, has a certain refinement and class.