A custom suit is more than an outfit, it's an extension of who you are. It's armor for your biggest moments, a canvas for self-expression, and a declaration of authenticity. Whether you're walking into a boardroom, down an aisle, or onto a red carpet, the right custom suit doesn't just fit your body, it affirms your identity and amplifies your confidence.
At The Tailory New York, we believe custom clothing is genderless, limitless, and deeply personal. Here's how to choose a suit that works for any occasion while staying true to yourself.
Start with You, Not the Occasion
Before we talk fabric swatches and lapel widths, let's ask the most important question: Who are you, and what do you want to communicate?
Your suit should reflect your authentic self first, and the occasion second. Are you bold and fashion-forward? Classic with a twist? Somewhere beautifully in between? Do you prefer sharp, structured silhouettes or something softer and more fluid? There are no wrong answers here, only your answers.
The Occasion as Your Canvas: Once you're clear on your personal style, we can shape it to suit the moment. A wedding might call for elevated elegance, but that doesn't mean you can't incorporate an unexpected pop of color or a funky patterned lining. A corporate environment might require polish, but we can build in details that feel distinctly you, custom embroidery, unique buttons, a signature silhouette.
Business and Professional Settings: Navigating workplace dress codes doesn't mean sacrificing personality. Navy, charcoal, and gray remain versatile foundations, but consider how the cut and details can express your style. A traditional two-button notch lapel projects confidence, but so does a perfectly tailored three-piece with peak lapels. The key is finding what makes you feel powerful.
Weddings and Celebrations: Your own wedding or someone else's special day, this is where custom truly shines. We've created everything from traditional tuxedos to avant-garde jumpsuits with capes and spikes. Masc-of-center suits with structured shoulders. Femme suits with elegant curves. Gender-neutral silhouettes that celebrate fluidity. The only rule? Wear what makes you feel like the best version of yourself.
Evening and Formal Events: Black tie doesn't have to mean boring. While traditional evening wear has its place, we love pushing boundaries, velvet jackets, bold colors, unexpected textures, statement linings that flash when you move. Formal occasions are opportunities to make an entrance.
Fabric: Where Function Meets Expression
Fabric is the foundation, but it's also where creativity begins.
Weight and Season: Lighter fabrics (7-9 oz) breathe beautifully for warm weather. Mid-weight options (10-13 oz) work year-round and offer versatility. Heavier fabrics (14+ oz) provide structure and warmth for cooler months. But here's the thing, we can work with any timeline and any climate to find what works for your body and your life.
Texture Tells a Story: Smooth worsteds create sleek, polished looks. But don't sleep on texture, flannel adds warmth and depth, herringbone brings visual interest, velvet makes a statement. We source from the world's finest mills, Loro Piana, Vitale Barberis Canonico, Dormeuil, Huddersfield, but we also work with sustainable options including bamboo and ethically sourced materials.
Pattern Play: From subtle pinstripes to bold plaids, from classic checks to custom-printed fabrics that tell your unique story, patterns add personality. And if you can't find what you're looking for? We do custom dyeing and printing. You dream it, we make it.
Beyond Traditional Suiting Fabrics: Who says a suit has to be wool? We work with leather, Japanese selvedge denim, premium silks, and specialty fabrics that push boundaries. If it speaks to you, we'll make it work.
Fit That Affirms You
This is where custom tailoring transcends everything off-the-rack could ever offer. We don't fit you into a suit, we build the suit around you.
Your Body, Your Silhouette: We take over 45 measurements because every body is unique and deserves clothing that honors that. Broader shoulders, athletic builds, curves, longer torsos, asymmetrical proportions, we account for everything. Your suit should move with you, never against you.
Posture and Comfort: We analyze your natural posture to ensure the garment drapes correctly and feels comfortable through a full range of motion. Whether you're standing at a podium, sitting in meetings all day, or dancing until 3 AM, your suit should work as hard as you do.
Gender-Affirming Design: For clients seeking gender-affirming clothing, we approach every fitting with intention and care. Masc-of-center suits with strengthened shoulders and clean lines. Femme suits that celebrate curves while maintaining sharp tailoring. Gender-neutral silhouettes designed for comfort and authentic expression. We create a safe space where you can explore what feels right for your body and identity.
Details That Disrupt the Norm
The details are where we get to have fun and push boundaries.
Lapels That Make a Statement: Width, shape, notch versus peak, traditional versus fashion-forward, your lapel choice sets the tone. We'll guide you toward what flatters your frame and reflects your style, whether that's classic elegance or bold disruption.
Button Stance and Style: Two-button is timeless and versatile. Three-button leans traditional. One-button makes a fashion statement. Double-breasted commands attention. But beyond configuration, consider the buttons themselves: horn, mother-of-pearl, custom engraved, or something completely unexpected.
Vents, Pockets, and Construction: Side vents offer movement and modernity. Flap pockets are functional and classic. Jetted pockets create sleek formality. But we also love playing with unexpected pocket placements, contrasting stitching, functional surgeon's cuffs that actually unbutton, and construction details that reveal themselves subtly.
Linings That Surprise: This is where many clients let loose. Funky patterns, bold colors, custom prints, personal messages embroidered inside, your lining is your secret superpower. Every time you take off your jacket or catch a glimpse in the mirror, it's a reminder of your personality.
Color Blocking and Custom Elements: Want contrasting lapels? Different colored vent stitching? Unexpected piping? Custom embroidery that tells your story? Nothing is off limits. We've created suits with hand-painted designs, intricate beadwork, cultural motifs, and personal symbols that make each piece truly one-of-a-kind.
Color as Communication
Color speaks before you say a word.
The Versatile Foundations: Navy conveys confidence and works anywhere. Charcoal projects sophistication and authority. Gray feels modern and fresh. These are starting points, not limitations.
Beyond the Basics: Once you have foundations, explore. Deep burgundy or forest green for richness. Camel or tan for warmth. Jewel tones for impact. Pastels for spring elegance. We've made suits in every color imaginable because your wardrobe should reflect your full spectrum.
Unexpected Combinations: Color blocking, using multiple colors in one garment, creates visual interest and showcases creativity. A navy jacket with burgundy trousers. Contrasting vest and jacket. We love helping clients step outside traditional boundaries.
Building Your Custom Wardrobe
You don't need a closet full of suits to be impeccably dressed for life. Start intentionally, build thoughtfully.
The Foundation Piece: Choose something versatile that makes you feel powerful. For many, that's navy or charcoal. For others, it's a perfectly tailored pantsuit in their signature color. There's no single "right" first suit, just the right one for you.
The Statement Maker: Your second piece can take more risks. This is where you explore pattern, color, or silhouette that pushes your boundaries while still feeling authentically you.
The Separator Strategy: Custom jackets, trousers, vests, and shirts that mix and match give you exponential outfit options. A custom blazer that works with jeans and tailored trousers. Separates are the secret to a versatile, expressive wardrobe.
Special Occasion Investments: Wedding suits, tuxedos, formalwear, these pieces commemorate your most important moments. They deserve to be extraordinary.
Completing the Look
Your suit is the foundation, but styling brings it to life.
Shirts for Every Expression: White and light blue are classic for good reason, but don't stop there. Patterned shirts add personality. Custom details like contrast collars or cuffs elevate basics. And yes, we make custom shirts too, because fit matters everywhere.
Accessories That Amplify: Ties, bow ties, pocket squares, jewelry, shoes, these elements complete your narrative. We can guide you toward cohesion without being matchy-matchy, helping you build a look that feels pulled together but not overdone.
Breaking the Rules: Who says you need a tie? Or that you can't wear sneakers with a suit? Or that certain colors can't be paired? Fashion rules are made to be questioned. Wear what makes you feel incredible.
The Process: Your Journey with Us
Creating custom clothing at The Tailory isn't transactional, it's transformational.
It Starts with Conversation: We meet one-on-one (in person or virtually) to understand who you are, where you'll wear your garment, what you want to communicate, and what makes you feel confident. We listen deeply because your vision guides everything.
Fabric and Design Exploration: We'll walk you through our extensive fabric library, discuss design details, explore silhouettes, and help you make choices that align with your vision and lifestyle. This is collaborative, creative, and fun.
Meticulous Measuring: Over 45 measurements, posture analysis, and careful attention to how you move ensure precision. For virtual clients, we use Stanford-developed fit technology that rivals in-person measuring.
The Creation Process: Your garment typically takes 10-12 weeks, though we offer rush services for tighter timelines. We can also offer muslin fittings for particularly complex pieces, allowing you to see and adjust the garment before final construction.
The Final Fitting: When your piece arrives, we conduct a thorough fitting and make any necessary adjustments. Our in-house tailors can complete alterations quickly, ensuring you walk out feeling perfect.
You Dream It, We Make It
At The Tailory New York, we don't just make suits, we create clothing that affirms you. Whether you're building a professional wardrobe, preparing for your wedding, exploring your gender expression through fashion, or simply want something that makes you feel like the most authentic version of yourself, we're here to bring your vision to life.
Custom clothing is for every body and everybody. There are no limits, no "shoulds," no boxes to check. Just you, your dreams, and our commitment to making them reality.
Ready to create something extraordinary? Let's start the conversation.
