Gentlemen, I know we’ve gone over some basics, and will continue to do so. However, we need to discuss the one main secret that separates that men from the boys when it comes to fashion and style- a good tailor.  He is the unsung hero of the the well-dressed. Sure, they can shorten pant legs and take up a suit sleeve, but they can do so much more! If you don’t have your own personal Cassandra to nip and tuck you to fabulousness, invest in finding a good tailor. This is the type of thing you need to ask around for, not just google “tailor” and pick the location that’s the closest to work. This person needs to be highly skilled, and you are paying them to NOT screw up whatever item you just brought them. Trust me. It’s a big deal.

Reasons why you need a good tailor:

#1: To take in all of your blouse-like shirts. The sides are not SUPPOSED to be poofy guys. You can purchase a cheap (maybe even thrift) shirt and tailor in the sides. Check out this guy below. Did he lose weight? NO! He had someone take in the sides (and shorten the sleeves)! Look how much better it looks! (Ignore the frat boy faded khakis. That’s still a no, guys)  #2. To shorten your sleeves. As you see in the above picture, the arms looked baggy in the before, and after they look less like Tom Hanks in “Big.”

#3 To fix your suits. Suits sold off the rack are by nature boxy. A tailor will nip in the waist and this will automatically make a suit look better, and honestly will feel more comfortable.

#4.  Take your pant legs in. Yes I said legs in. Some guys like a wider thigh because they have large quads and don’t want skin-tight pants. You can purchase larger pants and have the waist and legs taken in so that they fit like a glove.

#5 You lose or gain weight, they can adjust your clothing accordingly. I am only talking 10-20 lbs, any more and you should probably buy some new clothes. They can work magic, but there’s only so much they can do.

#6. To adjust jacket length. When you put your arm to your side, your thumb should hit the bottom of your jacket. If it’s too long, have a tailor take it up a bit.

The main rule of thumb I tell guys is that WHATEVER shirt, jacket, etc you buy- it must fit in the shoulders. That is the hardest part to adjust and most often, not worth the adjustments. It can be too long, too big, too short even and they can fit it. As long as it fits in your shoulders.

Not sure where to go? If you don’t have some recommendations from friends, most suit stores have a tailor and if you call them you can see if they take appointments for items not purchased in that store. If not, they will probably know of a tailor you can go to.

Guys this is the best way to spruce up your old wardrobe and make it more stylish. So look through your closet and pick out a few dress shirts and a suit or jacket, and head over to your tailor. Let me know how it goes!!! (No more poofy shirts!!!)

Happy Friday!