5 Reasons You Should Invest in Custom Clothing
As a stylist in Washington DC, I work with several different types of people. Yet, most of them are often hesitant to purchase custom clothing when I first suggest it. I especially see this resistance with women. Typically, it is because they have not considered custom before, do not know where to purchase custom women’s clothing in DC, did not know it was an option, had a bad experience in the past, or something else entirely. But I’m here to tell you that custom is the way to go if you are looking to elevate and expand your wardrobe.
Here are 5 reasons why you should consider investing in custom clothing:
Perfect Fit
To me, the most obvious reason to purchase custom clothing is because it fits well. Some stores will tell you they offer custom or made-to-measure suiting options, but then measure you and tailor something off the rack. That’s fine if that is what you are looking for, but be careful of the price versus what you’re getting. When I say custom, I am referring to the opportunity to get individual measurements, choose custom material and fabric, pick out a design, and have clothing made 100% for you. If your goal is to look put together, elevated, wealthy, trustworthy, and professional, then fit is crucial. Our clothing should fit us well, especially business attire. Sadly, the right fitting “tailored suit” look is not always possible when shopping at a standard retail store. Purchasing from a custom clothier means you can get gorgeous pieces that are tailored exactly to your body shape; not an average size that was generated by a computer or the fashion industry at-large. We feel impeccable when our clothes fit like a glove, and a custom clothier can make that happen.
High Quality
When it comes to custom, you generally get what you pay for (if you purchase it from the right place). That is, quality. Custom clothing generally is not meant to live in a closet for a mere season, only to be tossed out when the next trendy thing comes along. Whether it’s a full custom suit or simply a custom dress shirt, they are meant to be invested in, cared for, and to become a staple piece in your wardrobe because they last and don’t go out of style. A good custom clothier will have hundreds if not thousands of high-quality fabrics to choose from and you won't have to worry about cheap cotton that pills, polyester that gets shiny after one trip to the dry-cleaners, or cheap wools that are rough and itchy. In a culture that subsists on fast fashion, quality is noticed and appreciated by the right people and that quality is far easier to find when you choose custom.
Few Worthwhile Suiting Alternatives on the Market
I cannot stress this enough: there are not many suiting options on the market for women that are high quality, varied in color, and that are appropriate for most body types. A post-COVID world has left us with a massive gap in new business attire. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to wear the oh-so-popular athleisure and matching sweatsuits for the rest of my life. As we emerge from our cozy work-from-home environments, it’s equally as important not to look like a man (unless you want to) because it was impossible to find a suit that flattered your tastes and your body. Places like Express and Zara offer blazers and slacks for women but as stated above, their quality is far lower and the price doesn’t match that quality. If you’ve got a body type that doesn’t match the unrealistic type of the runway models a lot of off-the-rack suits were made for, choosing a custom clothier may be the best option for a great looking and worthwhile business (or even casual) look.
Personalization
It’s called custom for a reason! Personalizing pieces is my favorite part about custom clothing. I purchased my first custom suit last year (yes, I should’ve done it long ago). At the time, my obsession was hunter green and all things DC. So, I purchased a hunter green suit from Capitol Hill Clothiers. The lining? A beautifully edited collage of black and white pictures of each of the DC monuments being built. The point is, you can look like a badass with something that you designed and that fits your personality (and body) perfectly. Power red suit? Check. A bright patterned lining? Check. Buttons that match your shoes? Check.
It’s a scientific fact that when you look good, you feel better!
Diversify Your Wardrobe
Custom clothing does not have to be just business. While that is often the case, it doesn’t have to be. Men and women frequently wear button-down shirts and oxfords – why not play with different patterns that match other pieces in your wardrobe for weekend wear? Jackets and blazers offer a wide array of outfit options including pairing them with jeans, skirts, and dresses. What about custom jeans or a skirt you can wear on date night? Don’t let limitations in your lifestyle stop you from intentionally building your wardrobe.
Leah Nalepa is the owner and operator of District Style, a style consulting service that is guaranteed to improve the quality and function of your wardrobe.
