20% off White Shirts! Now Through February!

Do you buy standard white dress shirts off the rack and wish they would fit you better? More often than not, you'll hit up a department store and search for a shirt according to your collar size. Then once you try it on, you find a ridiculous amount of extra fabric billowing around in the back! Gasp.

Are the shirt sleeves are too long for you? Too short? Or maybe the length works, but the sleeves in general are either too tight or way too loose! Hardly comfortable and mostly silly looking. Grunt.

Maybe you're a guy who finds store-bought dress shirts fit pretty well but aren't long enough to tuck into your pants. Either that or or they're too long and look like night gowns. Sigh.

In our humble opinion, every gentleman could use a crisp white dress shirt that FITS. And if the trend reports we research tell us anything, it's that white is in this season! But seriously, dude, it's always in. That's why we are offering our 100% cotton white or white on white textured fabrics at a discount now through February! Email a Style Consultant at info@9tailors.com to make your appointment and get measured, choose your white fabric, and pick out design options like collar and cuff style.

* Discount Rules and Restrictions:

• Discount applies to full-priced 9tailors custom dress shirts in the 100% cotton range. 
• Discount does not apply to colors or patterns other than pure solid white or white on white textured fabrics.
• Discount applies to merchandise purchased or ordered from now until February 28th, 2013
• Discount cannot be applied to men's and women's accessories, sample sale items or shipping;
• Discount cannot be combined with other offers or promotions.
• Extras (monogram, contrast fabrics, special buttons) will be charged at full price. A la carte design options are not inclusive in discounted shirt.

Jegga What? Jegga Who? Jegman!

Back in early September, we participated in Fashion Night Out on Newbury Street. Alongside several other wonderful menswear designers, we had a booth in a thrifty pop-up store assembled by the dazzling folks at UpTempo Magazine. Among the flurry of activity from the sidewalk to the stores, creative minds and stylish ensembles wandered the streets and joined together to showcase what's what and who's who in Boston fashion. Much to our pleasant surprise, Boston really turned it on—you tell 'em you're not the worst dressed city! Slowly but surely, Bean.

Amidst all of the talent-bursting people we worked with, we happened upon a dashing young man, Jason Eli Glover. His company, Jegman, designs and produces some of the hippest ties we have ever seen—rife with personality, rich with colors and ridiculously clever in pattern. So naturally, we thought of our clients and how much they might love this collection and gots to thinkin'... 

We proudly debut Jegman to the 9tailors studio, assorted ties available for purchase now! Learn more about the company and the owner below:

Jason Eli Glover pictured with the Fall 2012 Jegman collection

 What is your full company name?
Jegman Inc. Simply put, the word ‘jegman’ derives from the initials of our Founder’s name, Jason Eli Glover. We added “man” to his initials because, well, that’s who we proudly cater to. 

Tell us about your company and your products. What is your favorite item out of your collection?
Jegman is a new menswear brand that makes designer neck ties. We provide the modern gentleman with high quality neckwear that suits a range of personalities. All of our ties are original designs and made by hand. Our label takes pride in having crafted an affordable collection that offers subtle novelty, smart colors, a hint of charm and the ability to start conversations.

What was your inspiration? Why did you get involved in fashion?
We were inspired by the all too common ties men wear today. So instead we decided to make ties for the uncommon man looking to dress his personality. Our current collection captures the "boyish charm" most men seem to have forgotten. Our mission is to provide men the benefits of being fashionably unique.

How do you define style? What's your best fashion advice?
Style is personal, no different than a finger print... it's your identity. Our advice for all, match your wardrobe to your true personality. Once aligned, everything else falls in place.

What made you want to partner with 9tailors?
We love the 9tailors team and service offering! Also, we enjoyed meeting at the FNO event and learning about their overall presence here in Boston.

What is your favorite 9tailors item?
Trench Coat

Check some of our Jegman faves below!! 

The Nogotiator

Clip Star

Going Bananas

Rico Fedora

                                          

See a tie you like? Want to coordinate with a suit or shirt? Email a style consultant at info@9tailors.com and make your appointment today!

Meet Robert: "When you create a custom shirt, it really is a reflection of you."

Meet Robert Ebeling, an exuberant 9tailors client who has a knack for color coordination and an even more impressive flair for design. Our consultations with Robert are chock-full of creativity—this man knows what he wants and has wonderful ideas that we enjoy immensely! Seen here in a gray heathered tweed suit, the slim young gent is ready to take on Fall. Read more below about Robert's hankering for herringbone and compulsion for custom fit.

Name:

Robert L Ebeling III, M.D.

Age:

30

Hometown:

Austin, Texas

Current Residence:

South End, Boston

Occupation:

Radiation Oncology resident

How long have you been a 9tailors client?

About 2.5 years

Why choose custom?

Where to start! For me the number one reason is very simple . . . FIT.  Off-the-rack clothes simply do not fit me!  If the collar is correct, the sleeves are too short; if the sleeves fit, the shoulders are too big.  Regardless of where any one shirt would fit me “OK”, I could use them all as spinnakers in the America’s Cup!  Also, the fabric and build quality of bespoke clothing is far superior even to high end off-the-rack.  You will spend slightly more for a custom shirt (in certain cases actually less!), but it will outlast an off-the-rack shirt 3:1.  In my eyes, that is real value.  When you create a custom shirt, it really is a reflection of you.  You pick every last detail; fit, fabric, buttons, no pocket, two button collar, contrast fabric, placket front, etc.  It is the ultimate outward expression of inner style.  No pockets on your vest?  No back pockets on your pants? Two button collar with placket front?  Abalone buttons?  Yes, please! 

Because of the personal nature of creating custom clothing, wearing it really changes your attitude (though you can still have a bad day in great clothes).  And attitude is the most important aspect of style.

Who/what inspires your style? Why?

My style is more understated elegance than “in your face.”  I start with a timeless look, then “clean it up” by removing elements that distract.  Everything without serious purpose must go!  Back pockets on pants?  Don’t need ‘em.  Boutonniere's hole in a suit lapel?  Really?  Buttons visible on a shirt?  Too busy.  By focusing on the real elements of the clothing, I make the clothing cleaner, sleeker, and slightly dressier.

I sometimes look to Jason Statham, Daniel Craig, and Matt Bomer for ideas, and then make them my own.  These men have all the elements: fit, complementary colors, clean lines, timeless appeal, and attitude.  Ask anyone: Who do you think of when you say “tuxedo”?, and I’m pretty sure the answer is James Bond.  A tux is so simple, so perfect, and (nearly) always appropriate.  Craig also has a great sense of style off the camera as well.  Jason Statham really knows fit, everything he wears is well-cut and timeless.  He is the first person I ever really thought made a black suit look spectacular.  I really admire Bomer’s character Neal Caffrey.  I have never seen a man whose clothing fits so perfectly. Every.  Single.  Time.  Black, grey, brown, pinstripe, 3-piece, you name it! And it has been worn before, but never with such style, fit, and attention to detail as he does.

What is your favorite piece from 9tailors?

All of them!  If I had to pick just one, it would be my new white-on-white pattern shirt with an eyelet collar. You never see those anymore.  I think it adds that extra “something” that pushes the shirt from great to incredible.

What would be your style advice to other men in your professional field?

Medicine is a very conservative field when it comes to dress, but that doesn’t mean you can’t dress WELL!  We dedicate so much time to our patients (that is, after all, why we’re here), we often forget to spend time on ourselves.  Dressing well does not have to mean flashy colors or an hour in the morning deciding what to wear.  Try adding a new color shirt in the same tone as your other shirts; this way the new shirt will match most of the ties you already own.  With khaki pants, try a moss green shirt; with black pants go with a lavender one.  

Oh, you fancy, huh? Sage advice, Robert. 


See below for more of Robert's dashing style, shot by our fantastic photographer, Channing Johnson. Or, check out our Facebook page here for more photos.

Looking for a heavier fabric for Fall? Tweed, wool, corduroy piquing your interest? Make an appointment with a style consultant at info@9tailors.com and get the process started today. 

Refer A Friend Program

As a small company, our name is usually passed around by word-of-mouth, and we humbly thank all of our clients for referring their colleagues, family members, and friends our way. Without such a lovely clientele, we would not be where we are today!

Did you know about our Referral Program?

Want to make an appointment with a friend? Email a style consultant at info@9tailors.com to schedule a group fitting.

Meet Sergio: "Custom gives me a way to really make the suit mine."

Are you ready for some football? With pre-season starting, we figured it'd be a good time to feature one of our esteemed clients, Mr. Sergio Brown of the New England Patriots. Read below to learn more about this handsome young man's thoughts on custom clothing. 


Name: Sergio Brown
Age: 24
Hometown: Maywood, IL
Current Residence: Foxborough, MA
Occupation: Professional Athlete, safety for the New England Patriots


How long have you been a 9tailors client?

One great year.


Why choose custom?

I love my 9tailors' custom suits because with my athletic build, sometimes it is hard to get suits to fit like I want them to. Custom gives me a way to really make the suit mine and be fashionable at the same time. With all the competition in the locker room with suits on game days, 9tailors really keeps me on my game.


What/who inspires your style? Why?

Well, I try to keep up with my gentlemen quarterly magazines, they give me ideas when I need them. I take those ideas and try to make them my own. And, I ASK SAM! 


What is your favorite piece from 9tailors?

I have to say my favorite piece from 9tailors will have to be my white and black shirt with the checker print. I love how versatile it is. I can dress it up or dress it down and even turn it into a short sleeve. 


What would be your style advice to other men in your professional field?

Ask Sam! 


Good advice! 9tailors CEO, Sam Shih, sure does know her stuff!


See Sergio's photo shoot by our highly talented photographer, Channing Johnson. You can view more photos of Sergio on our Facebook page here.

Want the look but don't have the loot? Enter 9tailors. We have a multitude of shirting cloth and wool-cashmere blends for suiting to choose from, in a variety of colors and patterns. And you won't break the bank with a purchase from us. We provide a service of bespoke suits that won't empty your checking account. Email a style consultant at info@9tailors.com  and make your appointment to start building that sharp Fall wardrobe.

Shoot Details:

Location: Boston Seaport
Checked Shirt:  9tailors  
Black Suit: 9tailors 

Did you pick up the Improper Bostonian this month?

If  you didn't then you should! They have graciously chosen 9tailors as Boston's Best Tuxedo! We are humbled and overjoyed to accept such a title. We wouldn't have achieved something like this without such loyal clientele! We love working with you, so thank you for your continued support!

Not to mention, our talented and wonderful photographer, Mr. Channing Johnson, was chosen as Best Wedding Photographer. Congratulations, Channing!

Also, if you're wondering who's arm that is in the photo in the Improper, it's our actual client, Patrick! Check out his profile here.

On newsstands now! Check out it here or on page 158!!

Interested in designing a custom tuxedo with 9tailors? Email a style consultant and info@9tailors.com to make your personalized appointment today!

Gifts for Father's Day?

What to buy for the man who has it all? Let's face it, patriarchs are hard to shop for, especially when they are refined, particular sticklers for what they like. Esquire has given some helpful hints to what may make the most stylish fathers swoon. Still stumped looking for items to get Dad for Father's Day? Enter 9tailors. Think custom.

If you didn't know about our Buy 3, Get 1 Free promotion this month, it's still going on through the end of June! You're giving Dad the freedom to design his own shirts and choose his own fabrics.  Spare yourself the frantic guesswork of choosing something you "think" he'll like. Rather than eyeing which off-the-rack shirt could fit him, you're purchasing a shirt that will fit him...very well, indeed. Personalized gifts make that much more of an impact anyway.  Thoughtfulness is the best present someone can receive! Not to mention, once we have the measurements of the father(s) in your life, he'll finally own a shirt that fits his proportions.

And don't forget about the other items we offer here in the 9tailors studio. Sterling Kane leather goods, made-to-order! Premium leather in exquisite quality at affordable prices. Or if you're buying the customary Father's Day tie, why not throw in a tie thing for good measure? It's a nifty little accessory that keeps ties in their proper place as well as a handy contraption for guys on the go. OooTie Bow ties and Dressed By CC pocket squares also available for purchase!

Still can't decide what to get? Perhaps a suit or suit separate with a meaningful monogram embroidered inside? Gift certificates are also available. Visit the website or call us at the studio for more details. As always, feel free to email info@9tailors.com to make an appointment, with or for the special dad in your life.

OoOTie Bow Tie - All Right, All Right, All Right.

Do you own a bow tie? If you don't, then you should. This timeless fad has come a long way! With all of the varying tie knots out there, this fashionable version will never go out of style. And with so many trendsetters coming to our studio, it was about time we ramp up our accessory selection. That's why we have launched OoOTie at 9tailors! The founders, Matthew Pearlson, Adrian Rodriguez, and Diego Torres-Palma put a modern twist on the classic item, but their looks are nothing short of extraordinarily hip.

And while many fellas don the bow tie for novelty purposes, it's a very fashion-forward accent to give your suit or shirt that extra oomph of awesome. Still unsure if you can get away with a bow tie? Check out the OoOTie App to browse and "try on" the fancy collar-wear from their collection!

“OoOtie’s app makes buying bow ties simple. Our collection is designed to work with your existing wardrobe, and we make it easy for men to understand where and how to wear a modern bow tie.” 

The patterns, available year round, can be sported within any season. Limited editions occur on occasion. And if you're an artist who has an idea for a bow tie, feel free to submit your creative ideas as  OoOTie  is always on the hunt for new inspirations.


Have some bow ties which need a proper shirt to go with? Email info@9tailors.com and make an appointment with a Style Consultant today for expert advice in color and pattern coordination, as well as lessons in tying a bow tie!

Side Back Pleats or Back Darts?

When you visit a custom clothier such as 9tailors,  we will always take your body measurements to ensure we create garments that fit you perfectly. Among the style options we offer, there are a few aspects to how shirts fit your back, according to body type and build. There are two aspects I'll discuss here, both are functional, yet they do completely opposite things.


BACK DARTS: stitched-down folds creased down the back, these slim the shirt down around the waist area to reduce any blousey-ness. Generally, if the shirt fits fine in the front, but remains loose in the back, we add darts. 

Notice the black arrows!

SIDE BACK PLEATS: an open fold in the yoke or shoulder of the shirt to give the fabric more ease and fullness, allowing for more movement. They act like an accordion and provide additional room through the upper back region.

Notice the red arrows!

In the words of 9tailors CEO, Samantha Shih: 


"For construction purposes, you can do one of these options, but not both.  If you were to use both back darts and side back pleats, the shirt would look strange and off in the back."


Again, these two options vary according to different body measurements and what fit style you prefer, whether it is European, American, or a Super Slim fit. The most important thing is for you to feel comfortable in your shirt and not "Hulk" out of it, conversely,  you don't want to look like you're swimming in it either.


Need some new custom shirts for the warmer temperatures? Spring into fashion with 9tailors and email a style consultant at info@9tailors.com and make an appointment today!




REMINDER: THE 9TAILORS STUDIO WILL BE CLOSED THIS SUNDAY, 4/22/12. WE WILL BE AT POPSTART AT 328 NEWBURY STREET FROM 11AM-7PM, COME SAY HELLO!

How to: Care for Your Dress Shirt

So, you've buckled down and finally gotten a custom shirt. Bravo! Now, how do you care for it?

DIY

1. If  you have a colored shirt, machine wash cold. If it's white, machine wash warm. The setting depends on the quality of your fabric. Cotton is fine with a normal setting, more refined fabrics deserve a delicate cycle. And please, don't mix your whites with your colors. Duh.

  *All 9tailors shirts have removable collar stays, unless otherwise specified. Please make sure you take your stays out prior to throwing laundry in the washer--the stays could fall out during the cycle.

Courtesy of www.dreamstime.com

2. DO NOT PUT YOUR DRESS SHIRT IN THE DRYER! REPEAT, DO NOT PUT YOUR DRESS SHIRT IN THE DRYER! You had it custom-made for a reason and if you throw it in the dryer, shrinkage will occur. Remove your shirt from the washer and hang it to dry. However, it will dry with wrinkles so you'll have to take an iron to it, see the next step.

3. Ironing. Okay, fellas, it's really not that hard. It's a useful skill to know how to do yourself, rather than relying on Mom Dukes or your lady to do it for you. Check out the Art of Manliness article on how to iron properly.

    *Again, 9tailors shirts have removable collar stays. These are plastic and should definitely not remain in your collar whilst you iron your shirt. Once you have completed ironing, place them back in their allocated collar slots.

Credit: www.madehow.com

PROFESSIONAL LAUNDER/DRY CLEANING

1. Firstly, we do not recommend dry cleaning your dress shirt as the process is very harsh. However, should you have a tuxedo shirt or a dress shirt you only wear for special occasions a few times a year, dry cleaning is perfectly fine, just don't do it very often.

2. If you are sending your shirts out, request a professional launder and press from your dry cleaner.

SPOT CLEANING STAINS

Stains happen, humans are not foolproof. You should blot a stain as soon as possible to preserve the quality of your shirt. NEVER RUB. When you rub, you run the risk of ruining the fabric. 

1. Oil-based stains are best treated by dry-side cleaning agents such as Ajax powder. 

2. Water-based stains, like beer or soda, require wet-side attention, like water or Woolite. 

3. Some stains, like lipstick, have a waxy component and a colored dye component and need both wet-side and dry-side treatment. 

Some horrible stains will need professional attention, so best seek out your dry cleaner if it's a biggie and water-based or powder-based stain removers aren't doing the trick. 

When you're out and about, there's a few things that can help remedy a blemish in a jiffy. I've listed my go-tos below: 

1. Tide Stick. (love it!!!)

2. Soda water. 

3. Cold Water.

4. White Vinegar. 

5. Ammonia or Bleach. (Tread carefully and do not use on colored shirts).

Can't get a stain out of your favorite shirt? Get a fresh one! Email info@9tailors.com to make an appointment and design yourself a brand spanking new crisp, custom dress shirt.

Announcing...9tailors Shirt Giveway!

Our client, Etienne, in his favorite 9tailors shirt. 

Are you ready? We're giving away one free shirt (valued at $100) to one lucky person! Send us a photo of yourself wearing your favorite 9tailors shirt and/or your 9tailors suit if you own one as well. We'll post your photo on our Facebook page. The photo with the most "likes" will win! Oh, did we mention that women and men are eligible to win?!

First, follow us on Facebook here. Second, send your photo by Monday, December 19 to kathryn@9tailors.com.

We'll post the photos up as we receive them. Voting closes on Friday, December 30. We'll announce a winner in time for the new year!

P.S. We're also scouting for client-models for our spring photo shoot!

Here are the rules and restrictions: 

1. Please, one like per person. The person with the most "likes" wins.  
2. Contestants and voters must be a follow us on Facebook 
3. Contestants' photos must be sent to kathryn@9tailors.com no later than December 19, 2011. 
4. Photos must show the contestant wearing his or her 9tailors garment (shirt and/or suit separate) 
5. Voting closes on 11:59 EST on December 30, 2011. Winner will be announced on January 1, 2012.  
6. Winner will receive a 9tailors shirt valued at $100. 

Questions or comments should be sent to kathryn@9tailors.com.

Shirt of the Week!

The creativity never stops at the studio. This shirt is the first of its kind to roll through the studio. The talented designer loved it so much he decided to do it again- the possibilities are endless. Shake up your button-downs with some exciting additions like contrast buttons or accent fabrics- anything is possible.

Don't have shirt envy, make your own! Email a style consultant today to set up an appointment at info@9tailors.com.

Shirt of the Week!

Versatility is one of the greatest assets when designing a new article of clothing. The best pieces can go from day to night or from formal to casual. One of our clients in Brooklyn designed the shirt below. He used some of the new fabrics we recently added to our growing collection for the accents. Check out his creation!

He used a grey broadcloth for the shirt and a purple plaid for the accent color. The final touch- navy buttons. This is a great day to night shirt. Wear it with a purple tie and a navy suit for the office then chuck the tie and swap the slacks for jeans to create an evening look great for grabbing dinner and drinks.

Don't want to break the bank? The shirt above came to the grand total of 104.00!

Looking for an all-purpose shirt? Set up an appointment with a style consultant at info@9tailors.com!

Meet Etienne: Never overlook the small details...

Here is Etienne, yet another stylish 9tailors client. He has a penchant for bowties- that he ties himself, prints with prints, and lots of color. Despite staying up late studying the law at one of the most prestigious law schools in the world, Etienne is never too busy to keep his shirts crisp and shoes shined. It's in the details, gentlemen.

Etienne has accomplished what few men do; he artfully balances class with color. And, when done right, as Etienne masterfully demonstrates in his photos, a dash of color can elevate your look. Check out the way he pairs a subtle red check suit with brightly colored ties and pocket squares.

Name: Etienne Toussaint
Age: 26
Hometown: Bronx, NY
Current Residence: Cambridge, MA
Occupation: Law Student

How long have you been a 9tailors client?
1 year.
Why choose custom?
The fit is better, the style is unique, and the quality is lasting.
How would you describe your style?
My style is sophisticated and classy with a dash of modern swag and dynamic color combinations.
What/who inspires your style?
Don Draper from "Mad Men"; Sean Connery as James Bond; George Clooney
What is your favorite piece from 9tailors?
A slate gray 2 button suit with purple lining.
What would be your style advice to other men?
Wear clothing that fits and keep the colors simple. Also, never overlook the small details that matter - shine your shoes and iron your button-up shirts.

Here are some more photos of Etienne showing off his modern swag through the lens of fantastic photographer Channing Johnson...

Photo Shoot Details: 

Location: Liberty Hotel

Suit: 9tailors

Shirt: 9tailors

Pocket Square: Salmagundi

Want a plaid suit for fall? Email us at info@9tailors.com to set up an appointment with a style consultant who can help you achieve the look you're after.

Meet Micah: Dress like you give a damn...

Micah in his 9tailors tweed suit. Photo by Channing Johnson.

Meet one of our stylish clients, Micah Whitson. He's the proprietor and designer of a fantastic print shop, Old Try that specializes in southern themes and motifs here in Massachusetts. One of our favorite prints? One that exclaims, "Hotty Toddy Gosh Almighty!" He's also the one who designed our profile picture above.

Micah never ceases to amaze his us with his taste, classic with a modern and quirky twist.  Micah is also trendsetter among his fellow colleagues. He started "Formal Fridays," where he'll wear a suit to work on Fridays (he hasn't missed a Friday since he started it several years ago). In a world where casual Fridays rule, we love that he is setting himself apart from the rest.

Read more about Micah and how he styles his own 9tailors tweed suit below.

Name: Micah Whitson
Age: 30 
Hometown: Athens, AL 
Current Residence: Arlington, MA
Occupation: Proprietor, designer of Old Try
How long have you been a 9tailors client?
2 years and a half
Why choose custom?
Small, married male seeks suits with impeccable fit, fabric and finish. 
How would you describe your style? 
I like clothes that hug. Ankles that pop. Cuffs that show. And anything in a plaid. 
What/who inspires your style? 
Brits. Southerners. JFK. Andre 3000 and assorted other dapper fellows. 
What is your favorite piece from 9tailors?

Grey vest with blue polka dots. 

What would be your style advice to other men?
Morning gents. You're grown men. Dress like you give a damn. 


Sounds like good advice...


Here are some other amazing shots of Micah. All photos taken by super talented photographer, Channing Johnson.

Shoot Details:
Location: Beacon Hill
Suit: 9tailors
Shirt: 9tailors 
Pocket Square: Salmagundi
Tie: Knit tie
Tie Clip: Tsai Clip

Want a tweed suit or blazer for fall? Make an appointment by e-mailing us at info@9tailors.com.

Spread Good Style

Friends don't let friends dress badly. Shirts cut so wide they could double as maternity clothes, arms that accentuate how built you aren't, and collars that call up mental images of Saturday Night Fever. This need not be you- or the ones you love.

We understand that off the rack sizes of small, medium, and large just aren't diverse enough to get a great fit, so make an appointment with a style consultant. She will walk you through every aspect of the shirt and suit building process.

Love your shirts? Great, now spread good style! Everyone wants to look their best, usually with minimal effort. After we get your measurements (and hopefully your friends) and finalize the ultimate fit, it could be as simple as an email to get another shirt made. No malls, no dressing rooms, no frustrating sales people. Just consistently perfect shirts made just for you.

Of course no good deed goes unnoticed. So, for helping out your friends we would like to give each of you $25 dollars towards your next purchase! Refer your friend here.

Now here is an example of how your friend will react after receiving their shirts. Shirts they only have upon your recommendation.
First- pure ecstasy. They didn't even know shirts could fit that well, be so flattering, and so comfortable!

Next- gripped by undying gratitude they embrace the man that got them to 9tailors. If you and your friends are a little more restrained than these Bostonians it may just be a handshake.

So stop by, give us a call, or send us an email at info@9tailors.com to get the ball rolling!