How we dress represents, to many, who we are. And a man’s best option is, and will always be, a suit. But unlike some other men’s apparels, the fitting of a suit can mean the difference between heaven and hell. However, it’s not easy to get a well-fitting suit. Either you spend $99 at one of those “suit stores” of NYC, or you go to a men’s clothing chain store or department store and decide to spend a few hundred to even a few thousand. Getting a perfect fit is always a challenge. The only way to get a perfect fit is to get a suit custom tailored.
The moment one mentions a custom tailored suit, you start imagining “The Great Gatsby” style lavish lifestyle, with unparalleled riches, to afford something like that. And to be honest, that’s what I assumed. The closest I could get to a custom suit would be to afford the $20-$40 fitting of the suit pants, at my departmental store, or neighborhood tailor. The jacket needs to fit, as it is. However, a jacket is the most visible part of the suit. So isn’t that what matters the most? And if it does, how do I get a custom tailored suit, without having to take out a large loan or win a big lottery?
As it happens, I discovered Mohan’s Custom Tailors right in Manhattan. A place to get a custom tailored suit, in person, not online or any sham like that, but an old-school custom tailored suit starting at just a few hundred dollars. I was surprised to hear about that and started on a quest to figure out the truth and get my first custom tailored suit in America. And I called to get an appointment. Yes, you should get an appointment.
Mohan’s shop is in Midtown Manhattan, right next to Grand Central. As you enter the shop, you see fabrics, collars, ties and some beautiful pictures as samples of some impressive work that this shop has already done. I meet Mohan, a very well spoken, well dressed elderly statesman, who reminds you of an Indian Alfred (from “Batman”), who’s the founder and owner of the shop. He immigrated from India several decades ago, and as all immigrants do, saw an opportunity, and worked hard to make it into a successful business. He was joined by his son Victor, a handsome, well-dressed, stylish man, who’s a big-time fan of Superman, apparent from his Superman ties, cuffs and Superman tattoo. He runs the shop with his father and is helping to build the business and take it to the next level.
Getting a nice custom tailored suit is a several step process. The first step is picking the style of the suit you might want and fabric for that suit. Options are unlimited, but with Mohan and Victor, you are in great hands to pick the right stuff. Besides color and design, the different fabrics have their benefits from being better suited for different weather, your own comfort and all that. You don’t only pick the suit material but you also get to pick the lining for the inside. Yes, you pick how your suit looks outside and inside!
If you are getting a shirt, which you should, you also get to pick the collar, placket and cuffs. Yes, it can be that detailed. And the cherry on the top is your personal initials on the shirt and the suit. How amazing is that?
After the fabric and materials have been picked, the next step is measurement. Now, if you do not know a lot about custom tailored suits, you will think that the measurement just involves getting your measurement with a tape measure, measuring different parts. But that’s not all. This process uses the technique of putting an unfinished sample jacket on you, which is pinned to give a custom fit. That gives an opportunity for you to get a feel of how the suit jacket will fit and look on you. And that’s how you get that perfect fit.
This whole process can take from a half-hour to an hour. And after that, you are done for the day. But the process is not complete. You get to return in a few weeks when your suit is ready and try it out in the shop. If you need alterations, and further fitting (which might or might not be required), it’s included in the service. The service also includes any fittings or alterations within a year, and even after that for a small fee. As they have your measurements, you may order further suits remotely, if you like. You’re only really required in the shop for first fitting—the rest can mostly be done remotely. And they do ship the suits all over the U.S.
And there you go. You are on your way to getting an amazing custom tailored suit. The whole experience will leave you feeling better about yourself even before you pick up the suit. With Mohan and Victor, you are in great hands. If you have any questions about the process, they are always willing to help and guide you through the process.
I love wearing suits. But there’s something really special about wearing a custom tailored suit. You will know it once you try it. Holidays are right around the corner, and you know what holiday gift you can get for your loved ones or yourself!
