Finding the right clothing has always been a hassle. From the sizing and fit to deciding the colors that match the look I'm going for, I find it difficult to get exactly what I want. Then there's the price: most high-end formal wear from stores like Brooks Brothers can cost upwards of $2,000 a suit. In my field of work, it's imperative to have the right clothing to project professionalism & confidence at the office, and I like having a unique sense of style outside of work, too. I was talking to some of my co-workers about my difficulties clothing shopping, and they swore by Astor Vance, an online clothier specializing in men's custom dress wear.
Astor Vance created a technology that allows you to pick out your suit, shirt, pants or coat & then customize the details down to the lining and stitching. This was a total game changer for me; I can't tell you how many times I've looked at a suit in a store and thought, "I just wish this had different buttons, or came in a different color." Once they have your order, they custom make each piece to your measurements. At first, I was skeptical. I didn't think I could afford something custom made, but I decided to give them a try.
I browsed their website & saw prices for custom hand made suits ranged from $499-$799. This was incredible because a made to measure suit which is very different from a custom hand made suit costs about $400-$800. A good off the rack suit can run over $1,000 and on top of that I still have to get them tailored. When I looked at other custom or bespoke tailors, they charged over $1,500-$2,500 a suit. So a custom suit from Astor Vance with a full canvas, functioning buttons, pick stitching and a pocket square that matched the lining almost sounded to good to be true for the price.
On top of that, I quickly learned that they gave you the power to be your own designer and pick exactly how you want the garment to look. I saw a navy blue suit which was exactly what I was looking for. The blazer was great for meetings, and wearing it with jeans and a tee casually too. I selected peak lapels, red stitching on my sleeves, and an owl lining. The cool part was that the lining pulls out from the breast pocket & turns into a pocket square. I even had my initials stitched on the inside coat pocket for no additional charge—a cool touch that made me feel really sophisticated.
Custom Clothing At A
Fraction Of The Price
Flash Sale
+ Get an additional
15% Off Your Purchase!
At Checkout Use Promocode: GeistM
I was worried about getting my measurements right, but Astor Vance teaches you how to enter your measurements digitally by following their step by step videos (it only took 10 minutes). The entire process was done online, without running back and forth to the store, which I really appreciated because it saved me a lot of time and hassle.
Three weeks later I received a black box from my doorman. My Astor Vance suit was here! I was excited, so I hurried upstairs to open it. I pulled out the jacket and tried it on in front the mirror immediately. The jacket fit like a glove and I felt like The Rock in Ballers. I didn't realize how much better a well-fitting suit jacket hangs than one you buy off the rack. The pants fit well too, but I like to wear them a little shorter to show off my sock game. I took the pants down to the local tailor to have them hemmed and they were ready for me the next day. I remembered that Astor Vance gives up to $75 alteration credit based on what needs to be adjust, so I reached out to them. Their concierge service was great and refunded me $15 because I sent them a receipt for my pant alterations.
For many men, shopping for clothes can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. To my surprise,
Astor Vance's fitting and customization process was fun. They make it simple to take your measurements, then they handcraft the suit to your exact specifications. I didn't realize the difference a well-fitting suit could make, especially in client meetings. Before, I always felt a little awkward, because the suits didn't quite lay right on me. Astor Vance made me feel like a character out of
Mad Men and made me feel confident standing next to my well-dressed co-workers. That's why from now on, they're my go to for shopping.
Update: For a very limited time, Astor Vance is having a Flash Sale! On top of that they are extending a special offer to our readers. Follow this link to get an additional 15% OFF any purchase! At Checkout Use promocode: GeistM
