Suit Lining 2013

Have you ever wondered why your suit has lining? Suit lining affects the overall comfort of the suit jacket. Lining also allows the jacket to breathe and allow moisture to pass through. Most importantly, it allows the jacket to move with the body. At 9tailors, we offer numerous lining options to make the appearance of your jacket even more unique and custom. Stay fashion forward in 2013 with some of our new lining options below.

Like what you see? So do we! The combinations are endless! Dreaming about a new suit, sports coat or blazer with a funky inside? Email a Style Consultant at info@9tailors.com and see what linings and pipings will suit your style best!

Phone Fail - But we're back!

If you have been trying to reach us for the last two days and couldn't, we do apologize! We have been experiencing some technical difficulties with our phone. Google Phone Fail.

Anyway, we have a brand spanking new number. So, please call us at: 617.286.6135. Or, you can email us at customerservice@9tailors.com.

Fashion as History: The Tie

Ever wonder why formal dress for men involves a knotted piece of silk hanging from their neck like an expensive noose? Well in an attempt to explain all things sartorial another Google search followed. It seems, as most of mens' traditionally formal pieces, to have originated in the military. This knotted piece of fabric used to adorn the neck was clearly very striking. Since then it has evolved and taken root in the acceptable attire for men. The more detailed version goes something like this...

The modern day tie is a descendant from the cravat. This made its debut around 1630 on the necks of Croatian mercenaries during the Thirty Years' War. Croatian poet Ivan Gundulic is shown below in the first known painting to picture a cravat in 1622. The French admired the look and began to do it themselves. Stiff collars and copious amounts of ruffles were replaced with sleeker, free flowing cravats made of anything from muslin, to fine linen, to lace.

The Cravat

The look made its way to England after Charles II made his way back to the isles after exile and imported the look. It continually evolved as the years went on until we have the tie of today. There are many different types of neck wear now such as the bowtie, the tie, the ascott, the bolo tie (the official necktie of Arizona).

The Ascott

The Bolo Tie

The tie has been criticized as a restrictive element of formal dress that serves no actual purpose and can actually become a safety hazard. But more often than not it is simply worn unquestioningly. Some companies have abolished formal attire in the workplace and the result has been something of a never ending casual Friday where employees have been emboldened to wear flip flops and Hawaiian shirts to work. Some companies, such as IKEA, have actually abolished the use of neckties for their workers.

What are your thoughts on the use of ties? An antiquated formality? An addition that serves to improve the work of those who wear it? A ridiculous tradition that serves no purpose in today's offices? Let us know what you wear to work.

Have a killer tie? Bring it in so we can construct the perfect shirt to show it off. Hate ties? Make an appointment and we can create a shirt so exciting it doesn't need anything extra. Email us at info@9tailors.com to make an appointment or learn more about what we do!

Steal This Style: The Bostonian

Usually Thursday's post is dedicated to recognizing one particular male and his achievements in dress. Today, we honor the entire city of Boston for its traditionally preppy ensembles and give a few tips on how to achieve this scholarly look. Home of the greatest sports teams, resting place of founding fathers, and packed with more college students than any other city, Boston has a lot to offer. Here's how to capture the essence of Boston through your clothes. Dress shirts under sweater vests, polos with chinos, striped cardigans, argyle sweaters, navy blue blazers, Nantucket red shorts, and washed khakis are all staples in New England. Here are a few examples off the runway.

Now take the above and make it your own.

Classic without becoming boring; Mix up traditional pieces by clashing patterns and bold colors. Go ahead, pair your red plaid shirt with a faintly checked pant in a neutral color. Add a timeless trench to combat the ever changing weather. Take the extra step in personalizing your apparel. Make an appointment with a style consultant who can help you design a blazer specifically made for you. Picky about fit? Your style consultant will take over 15 measurements to ensure your blazer fits like a glove. Have a vision for your buttons? We would be more than happy to source out your ideal buttons. Email info@9tailors.com with your questions!

How To: Equip your closet for Spring

Lauren Antos, Mens style extraordinaire, outlines 6 key pieces for revamped spring ensembles.

6 Key pieces to add for Spring:

1. Utility or Members Only Jacket.

Easy going enough for everyday wear, but can also be dressed up for a truly versatile piece.

2. Linen. Monochromatic white ensembles, pants, and shirts.

This trend is easily transcends the runway to everyday wear.

Below, some of the most recognizable style icons demonstrate their take on monochromatic attire.

3. Gingham and Plaid.

Best summer shirting print, keeps your look fun and fresh.

4. Great Spring shoes; sneakers, sandals, and oxfords.

Please, please, leave the tennis shoes for the gym. Try on of these options instead!

5. Light weight sweater.

For those not-quite-summer nights.

6. Relaxed casual suit in white,light blue, grey or seersucker.

Suits can be playful without looking clownish.

Let 9tailors know if you have any questions about your spring wardrobe, or if you need a more hands on approach, feel free to e-mail Lauren.

Steal This Style: Matthew Gray Gubler

Keeping with the theme this week Matthew Gray Gubler has a style that makes traveling easy. He seems to have mastered the disheveled look, without looking too grungy. The loose ties and clashing patterns are all part of his charm. This model turned actor, he is better known as Dr. Reid from the show Criminal Minds where his on screen style isn't a far cry from his off screen threads. This photo of his off screen style, posted on his twitter, is slightly more quirky. Mismatched socks, an easy going leather jacket, worn in cords, and a t-shirt in a neutral color complete this look. His look as a relaxed feel, which is perfect for travel. Comfort is crucial. As Dr. Reid he is a bit nerdier, also formal. An imperfectly tied tie with a cardigan and jack purcells make for a less polished Joseph Gordon-Levitte vibe. Layering is also the best technique for getting the most out of the pieces you pack. When traveling, like Gubler above in Japan, bring one piece of outterwear. Bring your favorite leather jacket (assuming weather doesn't demand something more substantial) and pair it with your favorite jeans on a casual trip. Get yourself a versatile topcoat for those business trips. The bowtie is the perfect accessory for a formal, yet conservative, event when you refuse to be another penguin in the crowd. Blue is also an option for black tie events that demand traditional attire. Email info@9tailors.com if you need some help nailing down your style!

Top 5 Mix Masters

Never have the following five bored us with their wardrobes. Yet the excitement of their choices many times came at the price of unappealing ensembles that made us question their judgment. Yet, perhaps with trial and error, these five men have perfected mixing patterns and now are great examples of how to pull off an eye-catching outfit.

David Arquette

In the past he has worn some of the most outlandish ensembles on the red carpet, or anywhere for that matter. But ,thankfully, he has finally gotten a grasp on how to stay eccentric without making others' eyes bleed.

Ed Westwick

Gossip Girl star has a knack for playing with color and patterns. He is consistently dressed to the nines- but never overdoes it. He piles on the patterns but keeps it in check by sticking with one color theme at a time.

Andre Benjamin

Perhaps better known as Andre 3000 from Outkast, Andre has an extremely distinct style. His affinity for vintage English inspired apparel makes choosing him as a master of mixing patterns an obvious choice. If the duke of Windsor were your style icon, plaid on plaid suits would fill your closet as well.

David Beckham

As one of the most fashionable men on the planet Beckham has a firm grip on his style. His version of clashing patters is realized through texture. In stark contrast to how Andre 3000 opts to be bold, Beckham has a subtle argyle textured sweater in a neutral tone over a blue plaid button down and a tie in a similar tint. His mix creates an outfit that walks the line between formal and casual.

Kayne West

Kayne West is notorious for his love of fashion. His interest is apparent in everything he wears. Well thought out choices create ensembles complete with complementary accessories. Above, his plaid and checked shirt picks up the red from his checkered scarf that completes the outfit nicely.

Labor Day Holiday Hours

Image by Enrique Florendo

Labor Day Holiday Hours:

Saturday: 12:30PM - 5:00PM
Monday: CLOSED

Have a good weekend everyone!

Save the Date: 9tailors in New York

That's right. We'll be in New York September 16th through September 18. Get fitted for your custom jackets and pants.

Suit separates start at $110.00.

Location: Club Quarters
Date: 9/16 to 9/18
Time: 12:00PM to 7:00PM

By appointment only. Please RSVP by e-mailing info@9tailors.com.

Sneak Peak: Photo Shoot Photos

We just received the first batch of our photos from Wednesday's shoot. Fast turnaround time, right? Thanks to our photographer, Ryuji, from Beaupix Studios, are in order.

Here's a sneak peak. We don't want to give away everything!

We're offering contrast lining in our suits.

We also offer contrast lining and stitching on our shirts.

Come to our FAMED event on Wednesday, September 1 to see what else our model was wearing! Click here to find out more. Psst. It's free admission!

You still have time to participate in our suit beta test. 50% discount ends August 31. E-mail us at info@9tailors.com.

9tailors at FAMED

Kick off Boston Fashion Week by joining us at FAMED (Fashion, Art, Music, Enoteca and Design) at Via Matta.

Be the first to preview our fall custom customs and dress shirts.

Enjoy a complimentary cocktail, passed bites, and indulge your fashion-side by getting measured for custom suits/shirts.

Here are the details:
Wednesday, September 1
8:00PM to 12:00AM
79 Park Plaza in Boston

Oh, did we mention that this is a FREE event?

We're also proud to partner with the following talented individuals.

Art
Joanna Ciampa, an artist that loves color. She paints, photographs, and even does interior design. Find out more about Joanna at here

Music
Music is mixed and compiled by Enrique Florendo. Hear his "summer mix" here.

Enoteca
Via Matta has some specially designed drinks and bites for us to enjoy. More info on Via Matta.

Design
Montage will be showing well designed furniture.

Originally conceived to introduce the finest in contemporary furniture from Europe to the Boston design community, Montage's list of furniture manufacturers reads like a who's who of the design world: Acerbis, Alias, B&B Italia, Cassina, DeSede, Fiam Italia, Matteo Grassi and Poltrona Frau are but a few of the prestigious companies Montage is proud to partner with in New England. More info on Montage.

Also on display, Ducati superbikes.

For more information, e-mail us at info@9tailors.com.

See you at FAMED!

Big News!

Over the past several months, 9tailors and the Liberty Hotel, one of the most luxurious and fashion forward hotels in Boston, have been working closely on a uniform project. Yes. A uniform project. They were looking for pretty, sexy and professional. This is what we designed together....

We had a quick photo shoot today with some of the girls. Here is a behind the scenes look at today's shoot.

Photographer, Randy Gross, does some test shots.

Lu Lu and Carly, both real employees of the Liberty Hotel, in their uniforms

Elizabeth and Renee take a minute to pose

More on the uniforms later...

Interested in trying our women's suits? We'll be launching our women's suiting beta test soon. Contact us at info@9tailors.com.