Custom Suiting

While we have always offered a selection of fine ready-made men's clothing at Valentino Tailors, I always believed a custom suiting option would be a good fit with the services we provide. In Fall 2010, we introduced the H. Freeman line of custom suits. We chose H. Freeman for their high quality, vast selection and American make.  Custom suiting offers endless options for fabric, color, design details and fit.  This option is perfect for those who have a challenge shopping off the rack or for anyone who wants the freedom and creativity to design their own clothing.  After all, why should the jetsetters and A-listers have all the fun designing their own clothes? 

In preparation for our upcoming custom suiting event, we did a Q&A with our partner from H. Freeman, Miguel Pena.  I certainly share in his enthusiasm for this wonderful product and service. Read on, and if you aren't already on our email list, be sure to get in touch with us!

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Why should men and women consider custom suiting?

"First and foremost, I believe it has a lot to do with getting a garment made to your specifications, at the same price as what you can buy off the rack.   How would you like to have 400 fabrics cut for you, to your specifications, versus the few that might be available off the rack?

Once you go custom, you don’t go back."

Where are H. Freeman Suits manufactured?

"Our factory is located in Westminster, Maryland.  We have 278 employees who are skilled at sewing, cutting, and custom fits. They are all skilled craftsmen and women."

Why is it important that H. Freeman’s suits are made in America?

It’s important that we as consumers continue to support businesses that are located here in America employing American workers.  The company was founded in America, and it's nice to see that tradition continue here."

  

How many options are available through custom suiting?

"There are over 400 seasonal fabric choices and over 200 permanent choices, totaling over 600 options to choose from. The options are endless for collar and lapel widths, coat lengths, pant and skirt styles, button holes. Tell me what you want, and we can work with you.

We are a classic house with a contemporary twist. We can fit anyone from a dapper dan, to a plus size man or woman. We have sufficient styles that will fit all preferences."

What do you love most about your job?

"The ability to take a flat surface fabric and create this three dimensional garment that will now fit you- how you want it. Also the value of customer service and customer satisfaction."

What are the trends?

"Trends are tough. I think presently in suiting, you will find that a trim, well fit garment is at high demand. I do see where flat fronts have taken over the market, where a pleated trouser, whether single or double, with a trim knee and bottom will come.   Fortunately, through H. Freeman custom suiting, you are not limited to the current trends. What you want now, you can get now. You are not limited to what you find in the store."

Email us to learn more...

The Midnight Blue Tux

Last night, Hollywood once again proved that the Midnight Blue Tuxedo is one option that should not be over looked by any well dressed man.


While black is the conventional "go to" for most black tie affairs, this very classy, sophisticated tux is a subtle way to set yourself apart from the herd. Such a tux, however, is not just for any man. The man who chooses this option is one who is a bit more of a risk taker, is not afraid to be looked at by beautiful foreign women, and to some degree lives his life in the spirit of James Bond.

You can certainly drop a few Hollywood dollars to purchase this coveted item. Or, you can visit with me at Valentino Tailors to review your options to either rent this featured tux from our vendor Sarno & Sons, or to be fitted for your very own custom tuxedo through our partners at H. Freeman. Either of my options will still leave you with some extra cash to attend a few of your own red carpet events this year!

What do Italians know about fashion?

My wife and I had the fortune of traveling to Italy this summer. The sights, smells and sounds were exactly what you might expect of Italy, as were the fashions. As a Tailor, I took notice of  the fitted looks and bold use of color found on many men and women. The Italians seem to follow their own rules when it comes to fashion.  The term the Italians use for their nonchalant careless elegance is called "sprezzatura".  I also noticed that they don't seem to let anything influence their "look". They dress elegantly whether they are riding their scooters to work, walking across cobblestone streets, or just sipping coffee at a bar on a rainy day.   I was able to capture some great candid photos of stylish Italians in action. Below are some of my favorites.  If nothing else, it will serve as a testament for us non-europeans - that dressing with style each day will certainly get you noticed, and maybe even photographed!

the trifecta: pop of color, fitted jacket and scooter!

Car-pooling, Italian Style.

a pop of bright blue...

cool shades and slim lines

more pop of color

Don't look now...

There's an old saying...If you look around the office (or room) and you can't spot the poorly dressed shlub, then it's probably you.  Most people don't notice the small details that separate the best dressed people from the average (and horribly) dressed guys out there.  Once your eyes are opened, you'll never be the same again.  Sure, this photo depicts two very exaggerated examples, but you get the point, your clothing should compliment your shape, not bury it or make a joke of it.  If you're looking around the room and you've just realized that you need help, don't panic, just call me. We'll get started right away.

Nailing Your Office Style

If you're wondering how to kick up your personal style in the office then look no further, the boys at GQ have put together this 10 step guide to help you put it all together. Check it out, and if you need any help in the clothing department, you know where to find us!

GQ - 10 Step Guide to Nailing Office Style

USA's Smooth Lawyer Drama "SUITS"

Kudos to USA for this season's hit show "Suits".  Lucky for us it's not another CSI show or reality show about singing contests.  The show is about a couple of hot shot lawyers, who, to the non suit wearing world are known as, yes, you guessed it..."suits".  The nice thing about this show is that the wardrobe people actually dress the characters in some really well fitting clothes.  Check out the details on some of these suits: wide peak lapels, pick stitching, roped shoulders, ticket pockets.  It's nice to see them pay such attention to these details, and it's even nicer to see people(albeit fictional) wearing really nice suits to work, instead of just wearing a suit because it's expected of them.  If you like what you see and want one for yourself, then come on in and we'll build one together!

An interesting label...

I see a lot of manufacturer labels and some of them just make me laugh... This label claims the garment will automatically provide each purchaser with a custom fit, without any tailoring.

Is it magic, or sorcery, or maybe some new microchip technology embedded deep in side the suit? They must be marketing this garment to a person who doesn't know how it should fit, but is willing to trust haggar's marketing agency to tell them that it fits perfectly just the way it is! Fortunately, the owner of this suit brought it in to us anyway.

For those of you without a magic label, rest assured you can still bring your suit in to us for alterations, we'll be happy to make it fit the way you want!