A Cut Above - Now Serving New York City

It's official. We're expanding to New York City!  If you're a 9tailors client who has recently relocated to NYC or a New Yorker who needs great fitting custom suits or dress shirts, we would be happy to assist you with all of your sartorial needs!

We are currently seeking the perfect spot for our showroom. But, don't fret. We will come visit you at your home or office if you live or work in New York City or the Burroughs (must be accessible via public transportation from Manhattan). This New York service is exclusively by appointment only. 

Bonus! When you a refer a friend, you and your friend will receive $50.00 to spend on any future purchase $100+. Refer your friends here. Everyone wins. 

Email us at info@9tailors.com or call 617.286.6135 for more details.  

Meet Nick: "Do What Makes You Most Comfortable"

Meet Nick Tafari, a sweet, laid-back, young gentleman with an individual style all his own. Seen here in a light gray wool-cashmere blend suit in a European cut, a color like this is perfect for daytime summer weddings! Read on to learn more about Nick and how he puts himself together.

Name: Nick Tafari
Age: 20
Hometown: Watch Hill, RI
Current Residence: Boston, MA
Occupation: Student

How long have you been a 9tailors client?

Since October 2011.

Why choose custom?

Buying a suit in Boston can be a pain, because a lot of places will try and put me in a boxy suit, in which I'd look terrible. I buy custom-made so that I can get a suit that forms well to my body, a suit that fits me just how I want it to fit.


As a side note I hate how the bulky, formless fit of suits and tailored clothing is called "American". That always bothers me a little bit, because there are plenty of Americans who steer away from this look. I feel like "American fit" tells us that Americans are supposed to disappear underneath the tent put over their shoulders. I think American designers and clothing stores are definitely showing us that you don't need to go to Europe or pretend to be European to wear fitted clothing. I really love the easygoing, comfortable, judgment-free aspect that American style seems to stand for.

What/who inspires your style? Why?
I just like simple, clean, clothes. I read GQ and scroll through some photography blogs to see what people have put together themselves. I am a Rhode Island surfer and for years I really dressed like it. Recently, I have been mixing the surfer aspect with what I enjoy wearing now and I think its a cool vibe.

What is your favorite piece from 9tailors?
I'd say my favorite piece is my brown windowpane suit. It has an old school, vintage look but fits me perfectly so it looks brand new. I don't have many chances to whip it out, but when I do I feel like a boss.

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

I am not really the type to give others advice about style, I guess I just say, "do what makes you most comfortable." I feel confident when I am wearing clothes that fit me well and express my personality. I wear some nautical jewelry because I love to remind myself of the ocean. It's really about myself and what makes me happiest, a little selfish I guess, but I might even go so far as to say, "don't listen to anyone that tells you how to dress." Every person is different and should be able to style themselves.

Well said, sir.


Take a peak at some other shots of Nick's photo shoot, courtesy of our wonderful photographer, Channing Johnson. Or, you can view more photos of Nick's shoot on our Facebook page here.

       

       

Looking for a new suit for those summer weddings? Email a style consultant at info@9tailors.com and design your custom, fitted suit today!

Get Groomed with 9tailors

photo from zimbio.com

Did you get engaged over the holiday season, like the celebrity couples above (Steven Tyler, Matthew  McConaughey or John Legend)? Congratulations!  Like many of these couples, we have no doubt that you have already started thinking about the wedding! The venue? The date? Luckily, for those located in New England, we have really awesome local resources like, Boston Bridal Lounge, Beantown Bride and Style Me Pretty Massachusetts to help you find the right vendors. 

What can the groom do while the bride is researching florists, fine China and planners? The savvy groom can get started on his own outfit, of course! 

Are you eclectic like Steven Tyler? Laid-back like Matthew McConaughey? Or, smooth and sophisticated like John Legend? No matter what your style, we can help you achieve the look that you're going for for your wedding. You don't have to just rent your tuxedo! There are many options. This whole week 9tailors will be featuring a few of our favorite weddings of 2011 to inspire you! 

Photo by Channing Johnson. 

Wedding FAQs:

1) How much is a custom designed suit and/or dress shirt? 
A custom suit starts at $490.50 and a custom dress shirt starts at $79. There are various fabric types and collections, which may increase the final price. There is a 15% discount of wedding parties of 3 or more.

2) How long does the whole process take?
We recommend starting no later than 2 months before the big day. While we can turn suits faster than that, we would prefer 2 months to produce the suit around and make any last minute alterations or adjustments.

3) Should I bring my fiance with me to the appointment?
Yes! We definitely recommend bringing your significant other or a responsible member of the wedding party with you. This is particularly important if your fiance has very specific vision of what she or he wants!

4) What should I bring with me to the appointment?
If you bring a swatch of her dress, bridesmaid dresses or table linen, that all helps us to pair colors to together! We also recommend bringing the shoes or any other accessory that you might be wearing to the wedding as well.

5) I am planning to lose/gain weight before the wedding. Will my suit and dress shirt fit? 
If you are planning to lose or gain weight, we will take your measurements during the first fitting. However, we will likely perform the alterations 1 month before the wedding or until you feel like your weight has stabilized.

Have other questions about dressing your groom this wedding season? Let us know at weddings@9tailors.com.

It's Back: Sample Sale!

We're cleaning out our closet in Boston and our loss is your gain.  We need to unload tons of blazers, pants, shirts, and even a few skirts to make some more room.  To make things move we're pricing our clothes to rival Walmart's prices, with the quality you have come to expect from 9tailors.

Some of our samples

Give you wallet a much need break from that holiday spending with prices that are Ramen-budget friendly. 

Shirts: 30.00

Jackets: 45.00

Pants: 35.00

Skirts: 35.00

Vests: 30.00

Ties: 15.00

The sale starts January 21st and runs through February 5th.  Make an appointment now, before all the good stuff is gone! Email customerservice@9tailors.com to setup an appointment. As always you will be guided through the forest of samples by a Style Consultant who will help you find flattering pieces that fit you properly. Due to the popularity of our sales appointments are necessary.

**Please note that the sample sale is going on for our Boston location**

All items are sold as they are.  If alterations are necessary you are more than welcome to take it to your second favorite tailor or have us handle the alterations at cost. See you at the sale!

Stocking Stuffers According to Chris

What do men really want? Chris makes it easy with his top 9 stocking stuffers for men this season (#5 is great for women too!). Not only does he choose affordable gifts but you will get to enjoy the new and improved look of the men in your life.

What are 9 stocking stuffers for men this holiday season?

Help your father, grandfather, husband, boyfriend, friend, etc. look better this season with some simple, inexpensive accessories. It’s the small things that can go a long way.

1. Dress shoe laces - Check out the options below to step up your shoes.

2. Pocket squares by yours truly

3. Neckties- look for ties that are 3” wide at their widest point, wool is a nice fabric for the winter - Field Two Tone is my personal favorite

4. Silk knot cufflinks – perfect for your 9tailors convertible cuff shirts and your jacket’s functioning boutonniere -

5. 9tailors gift card - No photo necessary. Check out Chris' look for the possible outcome!

6. True no show socks- I’ve tried them all and these are the best.

7. Dress socks- for when it's cold.

8. Contact me at chris@dressedbycc.com to set up a Closet Rehab

9. A monogrammed engine turned belt buckle from J. Press in Cambridge. It’s something you can pass down to your son.

Have some ideas of your own? We would love to hear your take on helping people look their best!
If you need a style consultant to walk you through the process of revamping your wardrobe just send us an email at info@9tailors.com and we would be more than happy to help you look your best!

Travel Alert: New York

Your favorite 9tailors style consultants will be in New York December 1&2. Get a jump start on your inevitable New Years resolutions of being a better you. Baby steps, gentlemen.

Go ahead and email info@9tailors.com to set up an appointment for the new you. We can meet at your office, your apartment, the park- wherever is convenient for you. Don't forget to spread the love and collect the savings with our refer a friend program.

Meet Matt: There's an algorithm for that.

Meet our client of two years, Matt. With a full sleeve of a colored double helix and Twins logo tattooed on his right arm, Matt isn't what comes to mind when you talk about PhD candidates in Chemical Engineering. His edgy style challenges the traditions of academia with a fresh take on classic ideas. He is a master at pulling together separates such as the vest-pant combo above.

When he isn't in the lab Matt is busy with wedding planning. We helped him design a great tux for his wedding this winter, although we can't say much more as it is a surprise reserved for the wedding day.

Name: Matthew D. Stuber
Age: 27
Hometown: Minneapolis, MN
Currently Residing In: Cambridge, MA
Occupation: Graduate Student (PhD Chemical Engineering)

How long have you been a 9tailors client?

2 years

Why choose custom?

It's obvious that you have to have a cereal-box body to look good in off-the-shelf clothing. I've always been in need of either a custom clothing designer or a REALLY good tailor. Even my trusty Club Monaco has begun to sell "Classic Fit" clothing, which is a fancy way of saying clothing that costs them less to manufacture and will make you look homeless. Going custom is the only way to guarantee my satisfaction.

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

Leave your cross-trainers at home and learn to tie a tie. Just because the dress code is business casual doesn't mean you can't step it up and look like a professional. That suit you bought for $50 for "special occasions" makes you look like a 12 year old playing dress-up in daddy's clothes. Where are your hands?

How would you describe your style?
Edgy modern twist on 1920's classic (leave out the pleats and 3-button coats). My more casual days are punk prep.

What/who inspires your style?
-My grandmother and her traditional values of formal attire and "dressing for success"
-James Bond (specifically Daniel Craig)
-Mercedes AMG: classic luxury with an edgy twist hiding shear madness.
-The idea of being the only person who gets dressed in the morning and possibly being commended for it.

What is your favorite piece from 9tailors?

My most heavily worn pieces would include my purple check/white collar shirt and grey vest. Although I haven't worn it yet, I am quite fond of my winter tuxedo.

As any chemist knows, the devil is in the details. Matt's mastery of commanding the smallest components of his ensembles shows. Check out those metal buttons on the pants and vest.

Another detail, that does not go unnoticed, is the contrast fabric on the besoms. This is the same fabric that the pants are made from helping tie the two separates together without having to fully match.

Shoot Details:
Location: Beacon Hill
Suit: 9tailors
Shirt: 9tailors
Tie: His Own
Tie Clip: Tsai Clip

Step-up your look with a vest this season. Works great to dress up jeans and a button-down or to add something interesting to a standard two piece suit.

Email a style consultant at info@9tailors.com to design a custom vest today.

Fashion as History: The Nehru Jacket

The beauty of custom suiting is having the ability to design nearly whatever your imagination can create. Aside from the personally designed suits we have four choices for lapel styles. The classic notched, the formal shawl, the black tie peaked, and the Nehru.

The last option often confuses or amuses. So, I wanted to provide a little more information on the origins and appropriate settings for this non-Western style.

First brought to the limelight during the reign of Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India. The jacket essentially blends the achkan and Western style suit jacket.

Wearing the Nehru style jacket was a way for politicians to seem progressive without abandoning their traditional dress completely. This endeared them not only to the more conservative crowd but also the more liberal groups through the power of dress.

In the Western world it has been linked to a Mod fashion statement, most notably seen in the 60's, or the contemporary portrayal of the era (Dr. Evil).

Need to make a statement at your next business meeting? Make an appointment with a style consultant at info@9tailors.com.

Calling All Chicago Brides & Grooms

Our 9tailors Wedding Style Consultants will be in Chicago the first week of November to meet with brides and grooms.

During your appointment, you'll meet one-on-one with a Wedding Style Consultant, who will provide advice on how to outfit the groom and his wedding party in our custom tuxedos, suits or dress shirts. The Style Consultant will answer all of your questions and navigate all the choices so that your groom will look his most dashing and stylish on the day of the wedding.

There is no obligation to purchase anything at the appointment. Appointments are always free of charge.

9tailors wedding parties of 3 or more will receive a 15% discount towards their custom outfits.

Our real client, Bryan, in his midnight blue tuxedo above. Photo Credit: Channing Johnson.

Available Dates: November 1, 2 and 4 (November 3 is currently booked)
Available Times: 11:00AM to 8:00PM
Appointment Location: Affinia Chicago

Check out our portfolio on StyleMePretty (we're a featured vendor!).

Want to learn more? E-mail us at weddings@9tailors.com.

Who Wants A Free Shirt?

You do? Go ahead and like us on Facebook.

We love our clients. That's why we will pick one fan and provide a shirt at every one's favorite price, FREE. We will randomly pick from our fans and provide the lucky winner with a $100 store credit. Go wild designing a custom shirt that shows off your personality- and figure.

Check out some of the new fabrics you can choose from! Go bold with a patterned shirt or get creative by mixing and matching patterns as contrast. Check out some past examples here, and here, and here.

Here's one for the stripe lovers.

Prefer checks? This one's for you.

And the fresh ideas continue!

So, get involved for your chance at a free custom shirt! Winner will be randomly chosen at the end of the month, just in time for the holidays! P.S. it could make a great gift!

Don't want to wait? Set up an appointment with a style consultant today at info@9tailors.com.

Rules and Restrictions:

• Cannot be redeemed for cash
• If cost of shirt exceeds $100.00 client will need to pay the difference
• Store credit is transferable
• Cannot be combined with other promotions or discounts
• Participants must "Like" the 9tailors Facebook page by October 31, 2011. 
• Winner will be chosen at random October 31, 2011 at 12:00PM. 

Travel Alert: New York

9tailors will be making a trip to New York City September 30 and October 1! For the Boston defectors or the NY natives we will be bringing tailored perfection to the bustling isle of Manhattan.

Get while the gettin's good and make your appointment today. A 9tailors style consultant will meet you at your office to help you design some dapper duds.

On the 30th appointment times are available from 2pm to 7pm. On the 1st appointments are available from 10am to 7pm.

Go ahead and sent us an email to secure your slot at info@9tailors.com. See you in NY!

Fashion as History: All the King's Men are Unbuttoned

Ever wonder why men don't button the bottom button on their suits? Well, get ready for another history lesson, or at least an exploration of legends.

The norm is to have the top button of a suit done while the second, or top and bottom if it is a three button, undone. Where did this begin? As all things sartorial are a mixture of history and myth here is the most popular, and entertaining, of the explanations.

Here are two examples of the norm buttoning techniques from two of the best dressed men in The States.

Rumor has it that King Edward VII was the pioneer of the unbuttoned suit. Perhaps because of the decadent lifestyle led by a King, he grew rather round- to be kind. Round enough to where the buttons on his jacket would pull tight when buttoned. It even got to the point where the bottom button, at the fullest point of his protruding belly, could not be buttoned at all.

His loyal followers, the aristocracy of society, began to emulate the King in order to avoid offense. As this was the upper crust of the community the style trickled through the classes and over time became the accepted norm.

Alternatives to this colorful story may be that it is simply more comfortable, quicker, and flattering to keep the last button undone on a two button jacket, even more so on a three button.

Avoid this:

Getting too large to button your jacket all the way? Simply want a more flattering suit? Go ahead and email us for an appointment with a style consultant today at info@9tailors.com.

Get This: Always Prepared, Minimergency Kits for Men

Well Gentlemen, it's time you are as prepared as your female counterparts. I'm not talking about carrying around your world in a man-purse, but simply being ready for anything: any spill, any stench, any rip, any hang nail.

The myriad of disasters covered by this kit may make one think they will now be lugging around a suitcase sized emergency package. This is not the case. The Minimergency Kit for Him is for the man on the go. It's sleek design makes it acceptable for even the most lackadaisical in their preparations while the stamped handlebar moustache makes a masculine statement.

The pocket size case holds everything from blistex to nail clippers, to stain removers to a needle and thread. Are you ready to be more prepared? Get yourself a kit here from See Jane Work.

Need to prepare your wardrobe for any occasion? We have style consultants for that! Email us at info@9tailors.com to set up an appointment.

Labor Day Hours

Just wanted to send a shout-out to all of our clients that we will be open on Labor Day! Have the day off? Feel free to stop by our studio and design some fall threads.

You can also make an appointment by emailing info@9tailors.com. See you Monday!

tweed, Tweed, TWEED

Well gentlemen, here you have it. Tweeds in every shade and weave. Request after request, we now have what you all seem to be craving. With fall lurking just around the corner here are some chunkier fabrics to usher in that cozy feeling that autumn brings.

Here are a few options that were just introduced to our ever growing collection of suiting fabrics. And, of course, we will have suede options available for elbow patches.

Done in a warmer brown with hints of red this is a unique option for a full suit or blazer.

For a cooler option, try the one above with grey undertones as opposed to the warmer option below.

This options has brown undertones and a chunkier weave without the geometric patterns of a herringbone.

The swatch above has a herringbone pattern with warm brown tones. Great for separates or a full suit if you are feeling extra bold.

Hungry for a piece of tweed? Send us an email at info@9tailors.com to set up an appointment or simply get more information.

Style Me Pretty: Check out the handsome groom

Some of our friends over at Style Me Pretty were kind enough to think of us for wardrobe help when doing a Sweet Summer Inspiration styled shoot. Check out some of the photos below. You can check out the full spread here.

This is a great look for summer. Rolled up pants and sneakers with a blazer make a fresh style choice for any New Englander.

Photos Courtesy of Hello Love Photography

How to Care for Your 9tailors Items

While we are constantly stressing the importance of a good fitting pair of slacks and tailored shirts, once you have these flattering garments in your possession it is your duty to keep them looking sharp.

A common misconception about shirts is that dry cleaning is the best route for maintaining cleanliness and shape of your clothing. False!

The chemicals used during the dry cleaning process are very harsh on the finely woven fibers of your shirts. Regular dry cleaning will actually break down the integrity of your shirts sooner than good old fashioned laundering. Most dry-cleaners will offer laundering services and it would behoove you to opt out of chemicals in favor of a gentler cleaning agent. Not to mention the savings of the switch.

Now, if you care for your shirts at home just wash and hang dry. Avoid the dryer if possible.

As for suits, these are much more sensitive. While it would be best to avoid cleaning them at all, that may lead to a long lonely life as you stench may ward off potential companions. Just to refresh your memory never, and I mean never, put a suit in a washing machine. Unless of course you have this suit in which case feel free to shower with it on.

Dry cleaning a few times a year would be the best action to take with your suits. As dry cleaning is very harsh on your clothing it is in your interest to avoid dry cleaning but spot cleaning and brushing are highly recommended. Follow up with a professional steam pressing to get a crisp look.

Make sure to hang your suits after each wear by following the crease in each pant and draping them over a hanger. Hangers are also important because the wrong types, such as wire hangers, can permanently warp your clothing. By keeping your suits properly stored they will have a chance to air out before you wear them again.

If you are looking for suits or shirts to care for feel free to email us at info@9tailors.com to get a style consultant of your very own who can help you design a new look.

Calling All Foodies!

Well, it's that time of year again. Time to eat our way through the hundreds of fabulous restaurants around the city for Restaurant Week- summer style.

Go ahead and double your fun by coupling your 9tailors fitting with a delicious steak from Ruth's Chris or some of the best curly fries in the city, not to mention some of the most interesting cocktails, from Scholars Boston Bistro, both right across the street from the studio in Downtown Crossing.

photo courtesy of Aleksandersson

Email us at info@9tailors.com to set up an appointment to design your dress shirts and suits with a 9tailors style consultant.

9tailors Resident Patriot: Designing Suits for Sergio Brown

Never a dull moment in the 9tailors studio and this weekend was no different. Not only was the studio abuzz with sample sale appointments we also had the pleasure of designing a three piece suit for a newly signed Patriots player. Officially added to the 53 man roster on October 23, 2010, Sergio Brown made some time, despite the grueling training, to come into the studio and design a suit for some upcoming events.

Guided by his personal style consultant, Sergio sifted through hundreds of fabrics before making his decision. After choosing the fabric and style options he was measured to ensure a proper fit.

Stay tuned for the finished product!

Need a style consultant yourself? Email us at info@9tailors.com to set up an appointment.

Studio Updates: August

Just wanted to write up a quick reminder about all the events and activities going on at 9tailors!

First, we still have a khaki promotion going on until the end of the month. Get yourself out of that droopy, sagging, pair of parachute pants and into a finely tailored pair. You should be showing off your assets in every pair of pants you wear.

Second, if summer has officially drained your bank account we have a solution for that too. The eagerly anticipated sample sale is here! Making killer threads available to everyone regardless of the size of their bank account has always been a goal of 9tailors. This sample sale is just another way we wanted to remind you we care.

Go ahead and shoot me an email at kathryn@9tailors.com to set up your sample sale appointments today! Hurry, we're running out of time.