Does Your Shirt Fit You Correctly?

Unless you are one of the rare folks who fit into off-the-rack clothing perfectly, it can be a pain to find a shirt that suits. Going custom will help you avoid the hassle of the hunt. If you must purchase store-bought shirt, here are some fit tips!

TIP #1 COLLAR - Enough space for a finger or two between you in the collar. 

The collar of a shirt should rest on the skin of your neck with enough space for you to easily slip one finger in between the fabric and your neck. If you can fit more, then it's too large. If you fit a finger in between the fabric and your neck without tugging, have a hard time buttoning the collar or just plain can't breath, it's too small.

**Try flipping the collar up before buttoning the top of button of the collar. **

TIP #2: SHOULDER - The seam of the shoulder should rest where your shoulder ends, letting the sleeve drape neatly while giving you the appropriate sleeve length. If the seam hangs over your shoulder, it's too large. If it is tight on your upper bicep, it is too small.

TIP #3: TORSO - The shirt should contour the shape of your midsection. If the shirt is billowy and you have the infamous "parachute back". If the buttons are pulling at all or you're having trouble moving, it's too small.

**The term "Slim Fit" is used liberally by brands to describe their fit styles. So, try a few different brands out to see which one fits you the best.**

TIP #4: SLEEVES - Unbuttoned, the sleeve should hit the top of the middle of the hand. When buttoned, the sleeves should reach to just past your wrist bone. Try your shirt on with a jacket. You should see between 1/4" to 1/2" of sleeve cuff peeking through the jacket.

**Don't lift your arms, like a zombie, to check sleeve length. It's highly doubtful you'll be walking around like that all day.**

TIP #5: SHIRT LENGTH - The shirt should reach to just past the middle of your trouser zipper. If the shirt grazes the top of your thigh, it is too long. If it is just past your waist and your stomach shows when you lift your arms even slightly, it's too short.

So, there you have it. Five simple tips for finding the perfect shirt for your shape and size. You might find that you'll have to compromise - it fits here, but not there. Lucky for you, we're available at info@9tailors.com to schedule a consultation and design a shirt that fits you perfectly, in every way.

Don't look like a pirate in your linen shirt

Linen may conjure up some pretty bad images, like billowy pirate shirts or those ads about vacationing in the Caribbean. Don't fret. Our new linen has been updated. Here are a few tips to stay dry and look cool:  

1) Go fitted. Like your favorite pair of jeans, the more you wear your linen shirt, the looser it will feel. So, stick to a slim fit and buy a custom one through 9tailors. 

3) Try a color other than white. There is something refreshing about a brightly colored linen shirt. It's unexpected. Color makes it more fun and less island-casual. This season try faded salmon, indigo, or burnt orange. Our linen options start at $180.00. 

3) Linen is not just for bumming around on the beach. While it's ultra-casual feel suggests beachwear, you can sport this look with brightly colored khakis or jeans. Whether you are on the go or in the city, you can pull off a polished look with linen. A plus? You don't have to worry about ironing. Wrinkles are inevitable. It's part of the charm of donning linen. 

4) Don't sport your linen shirt with a pair of matching linen pants! Case and point...

Get these looks and more. Contact a Style Consultant at info@9tailors.com or at 617.286.6135. 

Ho Ho Holiday Sale!

We love a good deal. That's why we're offering our clients 20% off all orders over $150.00. That's right. Most shirts, suits, pants and coats are all sale! Get geared up for the new year.

Contact us info@9tailors.com or at 617.286.6135.

Rules & Restrictions

• Discount applies to all products except: A Collection Suiting, Suit Separates, Shirting, non-9tailors accessories, or alterations fees. 
• Discounts cannot be applied towards gift cards. 
• Discount applies to single client's purchase of $150.00+. 
• Sale cannot be combined with past promotions, referral credits or discounts. 

Introducing our package services

It's time to make a statement with your wardrobe. We know that you want to stand out (in a good way) with your custom suit and well-fitted shirt. So, we're thrilled to announce three packages that will help you revamp your wardrobe for this fall and winter. 

If you're just entering the work force and need a wardrobe starter-kit, we recommend the Kellet Package. 

If you already have a great suit, but need to dress smart for work or for play, chose the Bradbury Package. 

If you're work-ready and need to have a serious, professional wardrobe, we recommend the Phillips Package. 

We'll make it easy for you. Our Style Consultants will help you mix and match the pieces so that you'll be ready to roll this coming season! Email us at info@9tailors.com for a consultation. 

Some rules and restrictions: 

• Promotion applies to specified shirting and suiting pricing levels.
• Packages cannot be shared. 
• A la carte design options calculated at a 10% discount. 
• Full payment is required upon purchase.
• Does not apply to past purchases.
• If you return any of the promotion items, we will subtract your discount from your return credit. 
• Shipping and handling charges apply to all promoted items.
• Void where prohibited.

Meet Toby: "Choosing custom lets me have my ideas put into everything I order."

Meet Toby Snedecor, an inquisitive, playful 9tailors client who always has an open and curious mind when approaching his design appointments with us. This young French teacher loves to update his look and try new things, constantly changing it up, as we highly recommend everyone do from time to time.  Pictured above in a 9tailors suit, Toby opted for a shawl collar on his suit jacket, a subtle twist on tradition but otherwise quite a cool and collected style we don't see very often. Kudos, Toby! 

Name:
Toby Snedecor

Age:
32

Hometown:

Where the heart is.

Current Residence:

Somerville, MA

Occupation:
French Teacher

How long have you been a 9tailors client?

Two years

Why choose custom?

First and foremost, because of the fit. I'm not sure who off-the-rack clothes are meant to fit, but I know it's not me. Most of the name brand "slim-fit" shirts that are sized for my neck and shoulders have billows of excess fabric at my sides, and I'm not a very slim man. Custom clothing fits like a glove from day one, because it was literally made for you. It wears better, it feels better, and it looks better.

Secondly, choosing custom lets me have my ideas put into every thing I order. I can add in subtle accents and fresh details to old standards, choose interesting textures and fabrics for more unique pieces, and make each and every item an expression of my personal style.

What inspires your style? Why?
As a French teacher, I feel obligated to represent Francophone culture to my students, and the French have a particular reputation for being fashionable. Fortunately for my wallet, most American teenagers don't actually know what the cutting-edge Paris haute couture looks like, so I can get away with doing my own thing.

My style revolves around the classic, traditional foundations of menswear, to which I add dashes of the modern and the bold to make it my own. I'm building a repertoire of suits and blazers that have clean, flattering lines and unique touches of color and flair: a vibrant paisley lining in a charcoal gray jacket, some bright blue piping for a classic navy three-piece, or a bit of accent stitching on the buttonholes and boutonniere of a sport coat.

I draw inspiration from anywhere and everywhere I can find it: mens' style blogs, local menswear stores, 9tailors sample sales, people I see on the street, even individual pieces in a stranger's otherwise boring outfit. I only started paying attention to these things two or three years ago, and now I notice interesting fabrics and cuts everywhere. It's made walking through cities a more interesting experience.

What is your favorite piece from 9tailors?
As much as I love the dapper blue three-piece that was my first piece from 9tailors, I think this new suit might be taking the crown with its clean profile and flashy lining… but I'm also looking forward to the wedding suit you'll be making me this spring.

What would be your style advice to other men in your professional field?
My first piece of style advice to any man who asks is this: look at a picture from the fifties or sixties, find the guy in the picture who looks good, and get what he's wearing. That's the Cliff Notes version of timeless style. There's much more to it, obviously, but those classic looks are always a good starting point, especially in the academic world.

Teachers and professors are not renowned for their dapper attire, but that's actually an advantage to the educator who wants to raise his sartorial game. Unlike professions where a certain kind of suit and tie are expected, educators have an incredible amount of freedom in what they can choose to wear, and we can get away with color and fabric combinations that wouldn't fly in a "business formal" setting. 

Most teachers will never have to wear anything more than a coat and tie to work, so putting in a bit of thought to build a flexible arsenal of blazers, shirts, and slacks will pay off handsomely in the long run. And so many options are in play! Herringbones and subtle plaids? No problem. Brown or green suits? No problem. Corduroys and tweeds? They're practically the hallmarks of professorial style. 

To the teacher who's just started building his professional wardrobe, look at those classics and choose the foundations of your collection with flexibility and longevity in mind. Don't get *too* crazy right off the bat. To the teacher who already has a solid base of classic ensembles, start thinking outside the box with colors and fabrics and cuts. Recently, I've been mulling over the idea of taking the classic business formal cut and combining it with a less-formal fabric, like a three-piece suit in a green herringbone or tweed.

Oh, and never button the bottom button of your jacket.

Couldn't agree with you more, Toby. Great tips!

Check out more pictures of Toby below, shot by our wonderful photographer, Channing Johnson. Visit out Facebook page here to see more of this photo shoot and others. And if you haven't "liked" our page yet, do it, yo. And then tell your friends.

Diggin' Toby's style? Have an event, an interview, a new job, a wedding, or do ya just need a new suit, shirt, or suit separate? We're more than obliged to help you design your custom garments for whatever occasion. Email a Style Consultant at info@9tailors.com and make an appointment today!

Shoot Details:

Location: The Arnold Arboretum
Shirt:  9tailors  
Pants: 9tailors
Sports Coat: 9tailors
Tie: TheTieBar
Sweater: H&M
Scarf: H&M

Hat: Smitty from Goorin Brothers
Suspenders: Geoffrey Beene

Blah Blazers No More! It's Sale Time!

Blazers have always been a wardrobe staple. In addition to that classic navy, modern gents can now wear colorful chalky mints, bright blues and heathery grays! Don't be afraid to up your game this spring. You can wear color! Replace your tired ol' jacket and get the modern blazer.

Good thing 9tailors is here to help!  Now through March we're offering a 20% discount on all of our spring blazers from summer-weight wools to linen. 

Contact us to make an appointment at info@9tailors.com or at 617.286.6135.

Some more info about how the discount works. 

• 20% on blazers in the cotton, linen tweed, B or C collection fabrics .
• All extras are NOT eligible for 20% discounts.
• The promotion is valid from March 1 to March 31st 2013 at 11:59PM EST.
• If you do not purchase the qualifying items when the promotion is in effect, the discount will not apply.
• Tax, shipping and handling charges apply to all promoted items.
• Cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions.
• Void where prohibited.

Welcome, Alycia and Elizabeth!

Courtesy of matthunterworld.com

Happy New Year, friends, clients, suit enthusiasts and custom aficionados alike! We usher in 2013 with a brighter outlook, a fresher take on today's fashion, and more exclusive style tips, trend watches, and custom tales just for you! We have also added some new Style Consultants to our growing team, Elizabeth and Alycia! If you haven't been by the studio in awhile, come by to meet them and design some custom threads!

Courtesy of putthison.com

Alycia will be contributing to the blog, too, so be sure to check in weekly to get the latest from us. A new year brings new trends and stories and we are here to keep you informed! And if you have any ideas you'd like us to tackle or need to schedule your next appointment, feel free to email us directly at info@9tailors.com.

To Pop or Not to Pop?

A major point of contention among fashion-savvy gents? The Popped Collar. As commonly seen on frat boys and preppies alike, this is oft done with a Polo shirt...usually a pink one. Some may argue this look is strictly for bro-dawgs who find it cool. Others contend it's a great look that only a certain kind of guy can wear. What do you think? Do you pop your collar? If so, when and why? If not, why wouldn't you/would you ever do it? Check out Esquire's amusing debate here between two bloggers with differing opinions.

Courtesy of preppytimes.com

Courtesy of ivygateblog.com

Courtesy of gloveslap.com

Honestly, we at 9tailors maintain you should never pop the collar of your dress shirt. And it still looks lame on a polo shirt, brah! What is this multiple-layered, up-turned collar thing? Is that serious? Joking or not, please stop it. Do yourself a favor---save your integrity from ridicule and nix the collar poppage. 

That said, a few clients have recently gotten sports coats with contrasting fabric on the underside of their lapel. It looks quite edgy when popped yet subtle and demure when left untouched. 

So, we're somewhat okay with you popping your jacket collars, within reason. James Dean sported a popped collar in his most iconic movie role. Are you a Rebel Without a Cause? An upturned collar can look pretty fresh with the right shirt. As we always recommend, if you're comfortable with a look and feel confident that you can pull it off, go for it. If it feels forced, it will look that way on you.

Rebel Without A Cause

9tailors offers an array of collar styles for your shirts and lapel choices for your jackets! Email us at info@9tailors.com to make an appointment and design yourself some custom pieces!

Spring 2012 Trend: Bright and Bold

Spring is fast approaching-some may even consider the season already upon us as the wintry months turned out um…not so wintry (by new England standards). Regardless, as temperatures rise, it’s time to think about brightening up your wardrobe.

Vibrant maritime and royal blues as well as marigold yellows dotted the runways debuting Spring 2012 menswear collections. Read: bright colors are in! However, doing bright right is immensely important. You don't want to blind people with too much dazzle, nor do you want to mute down a vibrant hue and take away its luster. Never fear, we have some helpful tips for you! We've selected a 9tailors checked favorite below. 

Checked patterns are very versatile and you can wear them both casually or in a professional setting, when done correctly.  For a more casual look, if your shirt has a louder color like yellow, simply accentuate it with complimentary, downplayed colors in your other garments to make the shirt stand out more.



Need a more formal look for the office? Try toning down a brighter, checked pattern with a solid dark suit, like navy blue. Go a step further and venture out of your comfort zone, play up the preppy with a lighter color for your accessories, like baby blue for a pocket square or tie.





Still unsure how to approach a new spring look? Set up an appointment at info@9tailors.com and we'll gladly ease you into the brighter side of things.

Love is in the Air: Let 9tailors Bring You Some Luck!

Getting down on one knee and asking for forever is considered one of life's most important decisions, for good reason.  Planning to spend the rest of your life with one person requires a lot of thought.  Once you decide, yes, this is the person, then you have to figure out how to ask.

There are a lot of statistics floating around the web concerning proposals but the dominating theory, based on a survey done by The Knot, is somewhere in the neighborhood of 1 in 4 women were not satisfied with the way their partner asked for their hand in marriage.

We're not advocating renting out the Sydney Opera House and playing a symphony you composed for her but, do tailor (pun intended) the experience to your partner.

Show us how it's done, Raj!  One of our clients proposed to his girlfriend, Ms. Luck, over the holidays looking oh so dapper in his 9tailors suit and shirt. 

  

The newly engaged couple radiates pure joy after the proposal.  Great job with the ring, Sir.

While we would like to think the 9tailors suit and shirt were lucky, it was probably Kim herself.  Congrats Raj and Kim on your recent engagement!

Need the perfect outfit to make sure your dressed impeccably on that special day? Let us help you out.  Email info@9tailors.com to set up an appointment with a style consultant today.  We specialize in taking care of clothing related jitters. Happy Valentine's Day!

9tailors Launches Shirt of the Month Club

We love gifts that last. We also love receiving unexpected packages at our door (or mail room) because it feels like the holidays all over again! This year make the holidays last 4, 6 or 12 months longer by purchasing your friend or loved one the 9tailors Shirt of the Month Club.

Once you decide to purchase the membership, we will send out a questionnaire. (If you are purchasing it for yourself, that's awesome! If you are purchasing it for your friend or loved one, we'll send the questionnaire out to them.) Then, we'll get the ball rolling.

The beauty of our shirt of the month club is that we'll send you hand-selected, seasonally relevant options in your color or style preferences the month before. Just let us know, which one you like. Then, we'll make it in your size and deliver it right to your door.

Please note that there are no returns or exchanges on any item, except in the case that we screw up (e.g., incorrect size, incorrect fabric, etc.).

Interested? Call us at 877.513.1898 or e-mail us at info@9tailors.com.

Shirt of the Month Club Guidelines: 

• Free shipping except Hawaii and Alaska (ask for pricing if you live in these states) 
• No exchanges or returns. Remakes are allows only if we do not make it in the correct size or fabric. 
• No substitutes 
• A la carte add-ons (e.g., contrast materials, special buttons) are available for full-price
• Allow for 4-5 weeks for delivery  

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.

The Traveling Continues- New York

More good news for those of you not in the Boston area aching for a 9tailors custom suit- we will be in New York on Thursday, May 26th. Get in before we're all booked up! Refer a friend here and get yourself and your buddy $25 off your next purchase. Email info@9tailors.com to make an appointment.

We've Officially Moved!

We are leaving our beloved little studio for new digs. Starting Friday, January 14, we will be at our new studio location.

The studio's new address is:

9tailors
24 School Street
Suite 500
Boston, MA 02108

Our neighbors? Borders in Downtown Crossing, Omni Parker Hotel and Ruth's Chris Steak House (yum!) at the Old City Hall.

How do you get to our new studio?

Government Center (Green Line)
Downtown Crossing (Red Line)
Park Street (Red Line)

Is there street parking?

There is not a lot of street parking in the area. However, there are several area parking lots. Click here for a list of parking lots in the area.

See you in our new showroom soon!

New Site In the Works

Our new site layout has gone live! We've provided you with more information and more images. We'll be launching new functionality, new fabrics and designs over the next few months. Stay tuned...

Also, if you have feedback, let us know at info@9tailors.com.

It's the Suit + 1....

That's right. When you buy 1 suit (two or three pieces), you may either select a free shirt, or a second pair of trousers or a skirt at a 50% discount.

Here are the Suit +1 details:

• 1 Suit (two or three pieces)
  
• 1 free shirt equal to or less than $100.00
• OR, second pair of trousers or a skirt at a 50% discount
  
• 1 gift card (if you are giving this to a friend or family member) and free shipping on the gift card
  
• Free shipping on all items
• Free design advice and fit consultation

Here are the rules and restrictions.

The "Suit +1" Deal includes 1 suit with at least two pieces, 1 custom dress shirt valued at $100, or 1 pair of trouser or 1 skirt at 50% off. There is free shipping on the items and free design and fit consultation. This package does not include a la carte design features, such as monogramming, special buttons, contrast/accent fabrics, or other custom design options, etc. The Shirt +1 must be purchased and redeemed in person at the 9tailors Studio or through a 9tailors Customer Service Representative ONLY. In order to qualify for this promotion, full payment must be made at the time of purchase. The Suit +1 must be purchased before December 31, 2010 at 11:59 PM EDT. Shirts may be redeemed separately or together. Gift cards cannot be redeemed for cash. Gift cards may not be returned or refunded. Suit +1 may not be combined with the Holiday Package. 9tailors's standard return policy and other rules and restrictions may apply.

It's a gingham rainbow

What's new for spring? Gingham in muted pastels and candy colors, of course!

Gingham in Mint

Gingham in Black

Gingham in Lemon

Micro Gingham in Purple

Micro Gingham in Berry

Micro Gingham in Taupe

Micro Gingham in Sky

Micro Gingham in Red

We Heart Your Shirts - Spring Forward

9tailors clients must have spring on their minds. Despite the snow/rain out there this morning, here are some that remind me that warm weather is only around the corner.

Gingham in Navy with a Yellow Accent


Candy Stripes in Violet with a Plum Accent

Pique in White with a Black & Blue Floral Accent

Our Most Popular Fabric - Stripe Herringbone in Lavender

It's time to update your wardrobe. Get your spring inspired custom dress shirts now.