I don’t know, a good suit just, you know, you can take on, you can take on the world in a good suit, you know? –Conor McGregor
I put this blog together in an effort to help those looking to improve their overall appearance, clothing-wise without spending an arm, a leg or some other extremity. One subject I stated in a earlier post I was going to touch upon is having a good tailor. I have a great tailor that was referred to me by a friend. You could buy top of the line clothing and if the fit is horrible, there isn’t anything in the universe that can save you except a tailor.
We have all seen the before and after pictures of a suit, a blazer or a sport coat that was transformed from well, nice try to aesthetically pleasing. From experience, you feel the difference and what goes without saying, see the difference. We are aware there are three kinds of fit when it comes to the aforementioned; classic, modern and slim fit. The wonderful thing about having your tailor on speed dial or having the luxury of dropping by anytime, if you happen upon and purchase a suit, blazer or sport coat in the classic fit, your tailor will clean that mess up!
As far as the modern and slim fit go, unless your body has perfect specs for either style, you need to get them tailored! In the following pictures, you will see a Nicole Miller slim-fit suit in black and an Alfani slim-fit suit in grey. 
Nicole Miller suits are not on the website but one can find them almost everywhere online and at brick and mortars. I have owned Nicole Miller clothing in the past and absolutely loved them. For the price (I paid around $125 as suit separates at Burlington Coat Factory), you cannot go wrong. The quality is excellent. 
This isn’t a four figure suit and I am not going to wear it for maybe more than thrice a year, if that! Alfani is a private brand of Macy’s. Macy’s also has under its umbrella of brands: Tasso Elba, Bar III and Club Room. I have had great luck with the fit when it comes to their Alfani performance and slim-fit dress shirts. For the suit, also purchased as suit separates, they were on sale for a total around $210. If I got these when they weren’t on sale, we are looking at a price tag around $650! SCOREBOARD. The quality is excellent! If I had been lucky enough to find one in navy blue, well that would have been showcased here too. I had both jackets taken in as well as had the sleeves shorten. The Alfani pants were perfect, the NM pants were not.
For suit pants, I wear a 33/34 inch waist and prefer a 30 inch inseam for a quarter break. For my dress pants, I indulge a 29 inch inseam because I prefer no break. Both styles of break, I am allowed to show off a little bit of sock as well as show off my style of shoe. In addition, I wear flat front pants only. Pleats are a matter of personal preference as well as body type. If one is a bit bulky, pleats may be the way to go. I am lucky my Korean genes afford me good great legs, hence why I wear flat front pants.
Now back to the tailor. If you have no referrals from friends (well, are they really your friends?), do some research just as you would when searching for clothing bargains. Ask around, talk to people, read reviews, make an assessment and pick your tailor. Something that goes without saying but I will type it, communicate with your tailor! Make it your pleasure to create a great relationship with him or with her. Tell them what you are looking for. Be receptive to input from your tailor. This is a business partnership where both parties benefit. When you become a regular, your tailor will take care of you and you should do the same. If you are absolutely satisfied with their workmanship, not only tell them how happy you are, refer potential clients to them. I make it a point to tell my friends and co-workers. Since last year, I had 11 jackets (blazers and sport coats) and 2 suits tailored. The pants on my NM suit had to be hemmed. I bought the wrong length because my mind was locked on denim length. She didn’t charge me for the hem. It was a token of appreciation for my business and one I was thankful for. So, what are you waiting for? Go find that tailor who will assist you achieve your style! Jal ga!
poor, broke and handsome 