Meet our Client, Santi of The Bad Rabbits

We love interacting with our clients past the initial consultation. It's important to us to build relationships with the gentlemen we work with. It's great that you get the suit you're looking for but we want you to walk out with an experience. One of our goals is to not only make you feel excited about your wardrobe but feel great about working with us. We have a 100% satisfaction guarantee policy that extends to our customer service in addition to your garments. 

Allow me to present you with one of our clients, a member of the Bad Rabbits, Santi. 

Meet Santi, a slick guitarist with a classic, clean sense of style. When we met Santi, we discussed his fashion and fit preferences to assess how best to integrate his individual taste into his 9tailors items. The result? We based the design off the svelte suits of Don Draper, and edged up the classic slim fit with a new pant pocket style and the jacket's velvet bottom lapel. Seen above, this guy pulls off "gentleman" flawlessly.

Age: 30

Hometown: Philadelphia, PA

Current residence: New York, NY 

Occupation: Musician

How long have you been a 9tailors client? 

"Five months."

Why choose custom?

"I wanted to sit with 9tailors and design something based on my own specific style and incorporate my ideas, as well as use their knowledge and expertise to help guide me and spark ideas for the custom suit I ordered."

What/who inspires your style? Why? 

"Classic, classy and well fitting. I like to find garments that fit your own unique body form and highlight the strong attributes you have. You don't want to bite someone else's style because they are not you and things don't fit on them the same as you."

What is your favorite piece from 9tailors? 

"My custom suit jacket is my favorite piece. The velvet lapels add a great touch and make it a unique jacket. The fit is great and the material just works with the whole thing." 

How difficult is it to find garments that targets your specific needs and style?

"I find it difficult to get something that is specifically you, simply because garments aren't designed with your own style in mind. You may find a lot of things out there that you like, but nothing that is specific to you." 

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

"Define your style, embrace it and stay inspired."

We couldn't agree more! 

Check out the pictures below, courtesy of one of Boston's best photographers, Channing Johnson.

Spurred to create your own custom duds? Want to be featured on our blog and facebook? Contact us at info@9tailors.com. 

10 Looks We LOVE to See on Men

Valentine's Day is just at the end of this week and the pressure is building. If you don't have a date yet, there's still time to impress that special someone you have your eye on. We have put together a list of items that we love to see gentlemen in. We can't help but do a double take.

Sweater With a Quarter Zipper

It's not something the average guy thinks to get but it gives a polished, mature look. It says, "I'm grown-up and my mother doesn't dress me" - Alex, Style Consultant and Studio Manager

Vineyard Vines, source: bloomingdales

A Well Fitted Button Down With Jeans

It's comfortable and approachable. You're put together without going overboard. - Karly, Style Consultant

Etro, source: nordstrom

Blazer
A blazer just makes just about anything sophisticated.

Look 1: Pair a blazer with a button down and jeans gives the wearer a cool and collected look. It's a man who means business but still knows how to relax and not take everything too seriously. How does your heart not throb while looking at Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto? Aside from them being them, their looks are effortless. 

Chris Pine & Zachary Quinto, source: gq

Look 2: Throwing the blazer on over the jean jacket not only makes everything seem more put together but also gives the blazer an air of edge. It says, you care about how you look but you don't need to follow all of the rules. You decide what looks good on you, not the fashion spreads. The accessories don't hurt either, the pocket square keeps the sophistication of the blazer, balancing the formal look with the uber casual look. 

source: istreetfashion

Patterns
A man who wears patterns just says "fun".

Look 1: Plaid. Who doesn't love a man in plaid? The pattern exudes masculinity without carrying an ax around in the woods with a full beard. Cultural influences has lead us to believe a man in plaid knows how to take care of himself and his environment.

Ryan Gosling, source: totalfilmmag

Look 2: Mixing Patterns. A man who has taken the time to coordinate patterns into his wardrobe pays attention to details. It is bold and difficult to do but extremely attractive when it is well done. It says, not only do you like to have fun, but you know how to fun without going crazy or getting into trouble. 

source: seat14a

Vests With a Button Down

Not many men wear vests so it's always something special to see one. It's dressing nicely without going too formal and looking strictly business. It's gives an air of comfort and makes the wearer look distinguished. 

Joseph Gordon-Levitt, source:gq

Crew Neck Sweaters

After all of the plunging v-necks men have been wearing of the past few years, it's nice to return to the classic crew neck sweater. It can be dressed up with a button down underneath it or kept casual with jeans or corduroys. It's a staple in a man's closet (or it should) and nice to see someone so at ease. As much as we love men taking more care in what they wear and paying attention to suit details and pocket squares, they need to have a complimenting casual closet, too. A man who dresses up all the time can come off as being stuffy. A well balanced closet is always best. 

source: new york times

Leather
Leather is another look that speaks to masculinity, jackets, bags and shoes. A leather jacket gives a man a 'bad boy' look automatically. Enough said. 

Chris Hemsworth, source: itsmusicfashionlife

Bow Ties

It's an accessory not every man will venture into. Learning how to tie a bow tie can be frustrating. Learning how to pair it with your everyday wardrobe instead of just wearing it for formal occasions can be daunting. Finding the fun patterns is fun but then matching that up with a shirt you already own instead of buying a new one, that can be just as confusing. However, when a man learns how to wear and tie a bow tie, you know he's a grown-up and not afraid of challenges. *Clip-on ties don't count. 

Pharrell Williams wearing a bow tie and a leather jacket, an irresistible combination. source: papermag

If these looks don't work for you - a good rule of them is to have an approachable put together look. 

Thinking about getting a suit for a special occasion? Contact a style consultant at info@9tailors.com. 

High-Waisted Pants and Pleats? Trends from the 1950s for Spring 2014

source: wikia

Fashion trends always repeat themselves. We've seen double breasted suits come and go and are here again along with camouflage prints in different colors and scales. Mad Men's series premiere in 2007 launched a huge rival for men and women's fashion, more so for the men. Pocket squares slowly crept back into mainstream fashion after hipsters and street savvy fashionistas took hold, leading it full circle to public television with Cameron on Modern Family. Spike Jonze's latest film, Her, is set in the not so distant future where the men are dressed in high-waisted pants but without the pleats from the 50's. Apparently, Spike Jonze hit the nail on its head. 

Missoni/Joaquin Pheonix in 'Her'/Bottega Veneta/Chris Pratt in 'Her'
source: pinterest/vulture/pinterest/vulture

Designers sent models down the runway for their Spring 2014 collections reminiscent of the 1950s casual wear, much like Spike Jonez's costumes in his movie. I'm glad the trend for men's pants are back on the rise (har-har, I apologize for the pun, kind of) and have graciously moved past the low-riding pants from the 90's, just don't go for the pleats unless your legs really need the extra space. Even Spike Jonze didn't incorporate them in his high-waisted comeback. 

Little Bonus: Spike Jonez explains why he put his men in high-waisted pants. Take an extra read below. 

http://www.vulture.com/2013/12/her-movie-high-waisted-pants-spike-jonze.html

Interested in getting pants that fit your lower half properly? Want to brush up your look with a little bit of class and add a touch of dapper? Contact a style consultant at info@9tailors.com

The Suit Essential

Rental suits are awful. You pay money to borrow something that you will wear for a few hours without any guarantee you will find the suit you’re looking for or that it will fit your unique body shape. One of our clients has pointed out; “the worst part is having to return it the next day while nursing a hang over”. Thankfully, 9tailors is giving away a custom tuxedo for the holiday season, up to a $550 value!

To enter, Like us on Facebook and Intsagram. Leave a comment on our pages when you’re done. We will be choosing the winner on 11/30/2013.

Although not every man needs a tuxedo, every man does need to own a suit. It is a staple that says, “I am a grown adult”. If you haven’t already seen the time-lapse transformation video of Jim Wolf, a homeless veteran, on YouTube or Gawker, you must.  Not only does a suit give you confidence, it gives off smart impression. You never know when an opportunity may arise. I cannot tell you how many times someone has called 9tailors in a panic seeking out a suit for an interview the next day. Our guest bartender for our Bourbon Tasting Event, Brother Cleve, has 8 suits. He wears them for everything and explains it best,

“I own 8 suits, including a tuxedo, a seersucker, a sharkskin and a Nehru/Mandarin styled suit I had tailored in a shop in Singapore’s Little India neighborhood (a shop with a Desi owner and a Chinese tailor).

People react differently when you show up at an event, be it a musical one or a cocktail party, wearing a suit. You stand out from the casual crowd, and maybe it gives a certain presence in a room. I favor hats as well, often of the porkpie variety – I always loved that style when I was young and looking at photos of jazz artists from, say, the 1950s. In the 90s when we were out at night wearing suits and drinking cocktails in stemmed glassware – things that had fallen out of favor over the 20 years beforehand – it was a statement. We weren’t salesmen who were still out after a long day working; we were revivalists just trying to bring back the ‘good life’.

By Wayne Valdez
Brother Cleve in 1981, post-punk days

I’m happy to see the return of the classic look of the well-tailored suit, presented not as retro but as a contemporary. To me it says, “I’m an adult” to the world. We live in a society where everything has become depressingly casual, where people think nothing about going out to the store in their pajamas, or to a top restaurant in a t-shirt and shorts. Our goal in our band Combustible Edison, back in the 90s, was to bring back a return to the ‘fabulousness’… we were ex-punk rockers wearing suits (from the thrift shop, for sure) and drinking cocktails and playing lounge music. It had a certain irony to it, but we ended up influencing people in Hollywood and on Madison Ave, which helped bands these days photographed wearing them, including my current band, The Singhs.

source: carthrottle
Still from Macklemore and Ryan Lewis' "Thrift Shop" music video featuring Wanz 

My least favorite trend, for a couple of decades now, is the continued use of brand names on clothes – I really don’t care what store you bought that t-shirt at and I don’t need to see everyone as a walking advertisement for mass market stores at shopping centers. It’s a fake status symbol that means nothing. It’s all part of the dumbing down of society. We’ve been reduced to being walking billboards, and paying to be so!”

You do not need 8 suits in your wardrobe, but you can absolutely build up to it. Start off with grey suit and a navy blazer.  President Obama sticks with the basics, "You'll see I wear only gray or blue suits", he tells Vanity Fair. They are the most versatile to swing for every occasion and you automatically look like a sophisticated gentleman who knows what they're doing. The darker the grey suit is, the more formal it is.

source: penelopesoasis
A simple navy blazer completely transform an outfit

source: redcarpet-fashionawards

If you haven't started your adult wardrobe and need a suit, now is the perfect time! For the month of November, Movember, we are having a 20% off suits and separates promotion. Don't wait until the night before your big interview or your own wedding (it's happened, 1 week is the closest phone call we've gotten so far, 1 day for a guest of a wedding) to get your suit. 

Interested in starting off your suit collection? Need to add that essential navy blazer? Want to take advantage of our 20% off November promotion? Contact us at info@9tailors.com

Movember, Have You Started?

source: neatorama.com

No Shave November_, Movember, for beards or for moustaches. Pick which ever suits your fancy, either way; November has officially been taken over by facial hair and for a good cause or two. Both have a slightly different set of rules, goals and causes in mind, either way; you cannot shave.

Movember is all about the moustache. You must start off with a clean face. So if you haven’t shaved yet, shave now, you’re a day late. The purpose is to raise funds for men’s health. Women had October and now the Men have November. Men’s health includes raising funds for prostate cancer, testicular cancer and supporting mental health. You can of course do this independently but to help fight the good fight, go to http://us.movemeber.com to registrar and learn more. Moustaches only, no beards allowed. 

Nick Offerman has also offered his services to mademan.com to create an instructional video on how to grow a moustache for Movember.

No Shave November is all about the beards and growing as much hair as you can. Men who participate in No Shave November tend to keep their beards at least through December as well. They use the time in November to grow the beard and December to trim or style it. The purpose of No Shave November is a more independently driven fundraiser by each participant. If you choose to raise funds in the No Shave November route, you must find your own charity rather than registrar like the Movember movement, depending on what charity you choose. 

Take a look at The World Beard Championships for some inspiration for mustaches and beards alike. 

source: world beard championships

source: mirror.co.uk

Besides, facial hair can be a great accessory to suits if you're not ready to try out the pocket square or tie bar. It will always be a classic look and there's just something about a man with facial hair in a suit that has the perfect balance of sophistication and rugged masculinity.

source: artofmanliness.com
Clark Gable

source: journalfen.net
Freddie Mercury

source: makefive.com

"Stay Classy" - Ron Burgundy

Want to design a suit that matches the style of your 'stache? Contact a style consultant at customerservice@9tailors.com

Meet Stuart and Kate!

 

What are your names? 
Stuart Terrett and Kate Gasaway 

When and where was the big day? 
14 April 2013, Savannah, GA 

How was the weather?
Overcast; 60s; held indoors 

Why did you decide to go with 9tailors on your own custom design? 
I wanted something that would actually fit, and I wanted something that is harder to find off the shelf. Knowing that picking something and having it altered would be as much work as simply having it made, and being able to get a matching jacket and have a suit afterwards tipped the equation. 

Describe your 9tailors experience and items. 
It was great - I spent 45 minutes picking out fabrics and getting measured. Then I was done! Kate spent 8 hours trudging from bridal shop to bridal shop trying on dresses with clips holding them together. I definitely had the better deal. 

What was the best part of your wedding day? 
The best part of the wedding weekend was before the wedding day when I got to hang out with the members of the wedding party. They're what made the whole experience fun. 

What is your advice to other wedding couples thinking about designing custom suits or shirts? 
Do it. It's easy, they'll fit perfectly, and the math is pretty simple - getting something off the rack and having it altered is just as expensive and won't be as good. 

Choose your favorite photo and tell us why.
Probably the one of me picking her up. It was fun.

*All photos courtesy of Callie Beale Photography

What do you think of the tailcoat and the vest with a peaked lapel? Have an idea of what you want but can't find it anywhere? Come talk to us and we will try to replicate the style you are going for. Email a Style Consultant at info@9tailors.com

Oscars Tuxedoes: The Breakdown

Busy season is hitting us full tilt. In preparation for our beloved wedding couples, we are scouring the interwebs for inspirations, trends, looks, and new ideas. As we have already begun working with so many couples who fancy the classic tuxedo, we figured we'd do a little bloggy on it. 

Basic staples of a tuxedo to note:

• Darker fabric like black or midnight navy, or even a white dinner jacket
• Satin accoutrements: lapel, pockets, stripe down the pant leg, and satin covered buttons
• White Tuxedo Shirt with bib front, wing tip collar (or a crisp white dress shirt)
• Cummer bund or vest
• Tailcoat or rear-grazing jacket 
• Single Button jacket with four sleeve buttons
• Vent and Lapels differ with designers, era, body type, etc, but the most common and most classic options are a shawl lapel and no vent. 

Those of you looking to tux it up: we've compiled some looks from the star-studded red carpet at this year's Oscars. From the conventional to the updated to the wacky to the inventive, see our photos below for more inspiration on how to individualize your tuxedo look. To see a list of the best dressed actors at the 2013 Oscars, click here

Courtesy of nydailynews.com

CLOONEY: Straight up classy with swagger for days. 

• Notched Satin Lapel, fabric collar 
• Tuxedo shirt with Hidden Fly Front

HESLOV: Continued with the classic tux.

• Tuxedo studs in the shirt
• No satin on the lapel or collar
• Midnight Blue!

AFFLECK: He may have been gypped on a Best Director nom, but still took home a well-deserved Oscar.

• Peaked Satin Lapel, fabric collar
• Vest and Cummer Bund!

NICHOLSON: the OG

• Red Bow Tie
• Full satin shawl lapel
• The shades, the shades, you gotta have 'dem shades

getty.images

DANIEL DAY-LEWIS: Best Actor, what a performance as Lincoln. We love this bright hue of a darker blue!

• Shawl Lapel
• Tuxedo shirt

EDDIE REDMAYNE

• Classic black bow ties
• Peaked Lapel
• Velvet Loafers!

BRADLEY COOPER

• Sheen in the fabric, very evening wear appropriate
• Peaked lapel
• Vest

HUGH JACKMAN

• Double breasted
• Shawl Lapel

Courtesy of blog.zap2it.com

QUENTIN TARANTINO:

• Check the leather tie! Not recommended for the wedding ceremony but maybe the after-party?

Courtesy of abc.com

MARK ANDREWS

• Flaunt that Scottish heritage! Kilts are always appropriate with a tuxedo. Mark's jacket also has some grommets on the pocket besom for added flair. 
• Highly advise socks to match your kilt!
• Patent Leather Boots

Courtesy of http://cdn.sheknows.com

JAMIE FOXX

• Nowadays, you can liven up your tuxedo with a different hue. Mr. Foxx does it well with grey.

GQ says:

No Black Tie
The biggest trend in black tie? No black at all. Designers brought their color wheels to eveningwear this season in a big way, painting tuxedo and dinner jackets in rich midnight navy, jewel tones, and even khaki, as seen at Valentino. The other big news for formal was summer-ready eveningwear that harbors all the old-world glamour guys want in a tuxedo, but is lightweight enough to not leave you in a puddle at the end of the night.

Read More here

Courtesy of justjared.com

ROBERT DOWNEY JR.

We usually applaud Iron Man for his impeccable taste, but we don't love the monochromatic look with a tuxedo. Try breaking up your colors for your wedding day.

SAMUEL L. JACKSON

Nick Fury looks DOPE in the velvet jacket and contrast lapel trim. When you typically play a badass, you must dress the part. Velvet is very Spring! Did you know we carry it in the 9tailors studio? Read here. 

Courtesy of popsugar.com.au

JOSEPH GORDON LEVITT

• We swoon for JGL, not only because he seems to be in only awesome movies, but his fashion choices are always a hit. This is a very subtle design option that we are seeing more and more. 

Courtesy of movies.yahoo.com

CHRISTOPHER PLUMMER

• Continuing with the subtle velvet additions, see how last year's Best Actor Winner sported a full velvet collar. 

So, there you have it. The tuxedo, in all its traditional glory, as well as Hollywood's embellishments, is the classiest suit you can own. Obviously, we will guide you along the most conventional sartorial rules (we love The Black Tie Guide). However, it's your wedding and you can do what you want! Inspired? Email a Style Consultant at info@9tailors.com to book your consultation.