A LOOK AT HOW REAL GUYS ARE WEARING TAILORED CLOTHING

by Stephen Garner Oct 27, 2016

After taking a look into the current state of the tailored clothing market from a business standpoint, we wanted to see how this translated into the real world. So, on a crisp fall afternoon, we set out to Bryant Park to observe what the everyday guy was wearing. What we saw was an overwhelming amount of navy blue suits, but we did find some interesting pieces on our search.

Here we speak to 11 men about where they purchase tailored clothing, how often they do so, and what message they try to convey when they dress up.

Justin

Age: 27
Occupation: Commercial real estate.
Who made the suit/sport coat you are wearing? A J. Crew Ludlow suit.
How often do you purchase tailored clothing? I’m on hold right now, I think I have all that I need at the moment. But I usually buy tailored clothing every six months.
What are you looking to purchase next? I’d love to get another suit, probably in a lighter shade of blue.
What message are you trying to convey to the world with your look? Confidence. I always feel a little more put together in a suit.

Tom

Age: 28
Occupation: Media entrepreneur.
Who made the suit/sport coat you are wearing? Mr. Buck for The Gent Shop in Oklahoma City.
Where did you purchase it? I found this in a vintage store where I do most of my shopping.
How often do you purchase tailored clothing? I buy something new every month, but it’s mostly sport coats.
What are you looking to purchase next? I’m looking for a great solid navy suit.
What message are you trying to convey to the world with your look? I want to look like I know what I’m doing, sophisticated but not too polished.

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Jeremy

Age: 29
Occupation: I work at Enzo Custom clothing.
Who made the sport coat you are wearing? Suitsupply.
How often do you purchase tailored clothing? I purchase something tailored about every couple of months.
What are you looking to purchase next? I want to get two more navy suits, you can never have enough.
What message are you trying to convey to the world with your look? I like to mix my pieces. I like to express that tailored clothing can be casual, too.

Rishi

Age: 28
Occupation: Consultant
Who made the suit/sport coat you are wearing? This is a Hugo Boss suit.
Where did you purchase it? Saks Fifth Avenue.
How often do you purchase tailored clothing? I purchase tailored probably every three to four months.
What are you looking to purchase next? Another Hugo Boss suit, either dark blue or gray. It’s my favorite brand, and works for me.
What message are you trying to convey to the world with your look? Professional. A suit is a must for me.

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Bill

Age: 47
Occupation: I work at the New York Public Library.
Who made the suit/sport coat you are wearing? J. Crew.
How often do you purchase tailored clothing? Well, I just bought this jacket, but I don’t purchase tailored clothing that much. So I would say occasionally.
What are you looking to purchase next? Nothing right now.
What message are you trying to convey to the world with your look? Looking professional…and I hope that I look stylish.

Teemh

Age: 42
Occupation: Manager
Who made the suit/sport coat you are wearing? Polo Ralph Lauren.
Where did you purchase it? I bought this particular suit online.
How often do you purchase tailored clothing? About twice a year.
What are you looking to purchase next? I think I have enough suits at the moment. But I do need dress shirts.
What message are you trying to convey to the world with your look? Easiness. Tailored clothing doesn’t have to be complicated.

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Jason

Age: 31
Occupation: Air Force
Who made the suit/sport coat you are wearing? I actually got this custom made for me from a tailor called Mr. Kim.
Where did you purchase it? His shop is in Korea.
How often do you purchase tailored clothing? A couple of times a year.
What are you looking to purchase next? A brown tweed suit.
What message are you trying to convey to the world with your look? Confident and Professional.

Alejandro

Age: 31
Occupation: Venture Capital
Who made the suit/sport coat you are wearing? Barutti
Where did you purchase it? I bought this suit in London six years ago, and it still looks fresh.
How often do you purchase tailored clothing? I don’t very often, I use what I have. I live in California, no one wears suits there.
What are you looking to purchase next? I do need to buy a tuxedo.
What message are you trying to convey to the world with your look? Professional, but not too stuffy. I want to look like I can manage your money, but have cocktails with you as well.

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Devin

Age: 24
Occupation: I’m a personal shopper at Brooks Brothers.
Who made the suit/sport coat you are wearing? Brooks Brothers
How often do you purchase tailored clothing? A lot. It’s very easy to buy it when you work around the product on a daily basis.
What are you looking to purchase next? I’m looking for a wool charcoal suit next.
What message are you trying to convey to the world with your look? My style is always clean cut. Wearing tailored clothing makes you look confident and professional. I always want to make a great impression.

Joshua

Age: 42
Occupation: Commercial Real Estate
Who made the suit/sport coat you are wearing? Eidos Napoli
Where did you purchase it? I bought this at Carson Street before they closed.
How often do you purchase tailored clothing? I buy dress shirts every month. But sport coats and suits I buy every couple of months.
What are you looking to purchase next? A blue suit.
What message are you trying to convey to the world with your look? Tailored and conservative.

Michael

Age: 27
Occupation: Sales
Who made the suit/sport coat you are wearing? Tommy Hilfiger
Where did you purchase it? I bought this one at Macy’s.
How often do you purchase tailored clothing? Not that often, maybe once a year.
What are you looking to purchase next? I definitely need more suits.
What message are you trying to convey to the world with your look? To be honest, I wear suits so I don’t look like a complete idiot when I’m in a professional setting.

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Photos by Stephen Garner; Words by Michael Macko.