How to Buy a (Good) Custom Suit Online

Virtual Appointments work and the WSJ agrees and interview us!

We've been successfully helping new and repeat clients style and design their custom clothing virtually and were asked to contribute to the WSJ's article, How to Buy a (Good) Custom Suit Online. Or, read a free version of the pdf here.

With a virtual appointment you can style and design your items just like an in-person appointment but from the convenience of home or office. Repeat clients can use existing measurements and have a virtual try-on session for adjustments, new clients need just a 15 minute follow up appointment for gloved and masked measurements.

“Video calls are definitely becoming some tailors’ trustiest tool.” ~ WSJ

Our Covid-19 Response

We’re excited to welcome you back! Safety is our priority and we’ve made the many changes below to keep everyone safe, including offering both new and repeat clients Virtual Fittings & Appointments, curbside pickup, and implementing the highest frequent cleaning standards in our showroom.

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Covid-19 Safety:

What we will do:

  • Our team will wear masks, use sanitizer regularly, and wear gloves when needed

  • We will require anyone entering the showroom to wear a mask (and offer disposable masks)

  • We’ve designated a team member to clean doors, handles, desks, and surfaces throughout the day and between appointments and fittings

  • Our fitting rooms and tape measures are completely cleaned after every use

  • Plexiglass partitions will be available for desk appointments

  • Espresso and scotch are now served in disposable cups, water has always been bottled and will continue to be

  • Curbside pickup will be available, just call us upon arrival

  • We will limit number total people allowed in our showroom (team members and/or clients)

What we need you to do:

  • Please wear a mask when entering our showroom (we will have disposables available)

  • Please limit guests to 2 max for each appointment, or contact us if an exception is absolutely required

  • Please be right on time to help us limit the number of people in the store, give a call if we need to make other accomodations, will will always try

We will continue watching, listening and learning, day by day, and will keep you posted as our situation evolves.


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Virtual Fittings & Appointments:

  1. Repeat Clients, OPEN Orders:If you have custom clothing ready for delivery, we will continue to offer shipping, virtual fittings, and curbside pickup upon request.

  2. Repeat Clients, NEW Orders: First, THANK YOU for your support!
    Book Online and request a video call. We can style your garments just like a regular appointment, including reviewing the fit of your latest items

  3. New Clients: First, THANK YOU for your support!
    Book Online and request a video call. We can style your garments just like a regular appointment, and arrange a time for masked and gloved measurements to be taken.

  4. Gift certificates are always available to buy online


Common Questions:

Q: Will my order be delayed?
A: Currently, orders are coming in faster than usual but your Designer will always be able to give an estimated delivery timeline.

Q: Is the showroom open? Are there any changes to your hours?
A: Chicago’s Phase 3 begins on June 3, 2020. Hours will stay the same and we will operate in full cooperation of Chicago’s Phase 3 regulations, including frequent cleaning, wearing of masks and gloves, and limiting the number of total people in the showroom at any time.

Q: What is being done to keep our employees safe?
A: Any employee is required to stay home and contact a doctor if they are not feeling well or feverish. All employees are also required to wear masks in the store at all times.

Q: What are you doing to give back during this time?
A: We have launched BeExxtra.com to sell and donate masks to in-need hospital and facilities. In April, we donated over 15,000 FDA and CDC registered masks to in-need facilities in Chicago. Buy and donate masks at www.beExxtra.com

Father's Day Gift Ideas & Grad Essentials: Elevate His Style

Elevate his style this Father’s Day with a unique experience at Nicholas Joseph. Here's our top Father's Day gift ideas in perfect time for summer:

The Custom Polo

Well fitted Custom Polo shirts in a wicking performance or vibrant pique fabrics, he gets to choose the fabric and styling options, including contrasting details. No need to pick between style and comfort, with custom he will always have both.  Custom polos from $188

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Custom Short Sleeve Shirt

He will breeze into summer with a Custom Short Sleeve Button Down Shirt. He gets to choose from a very wide variety of fabrics, prints and trims. Keep it classic or add a little flair, whatever you look for in a shirt let us help you design it. Custom short sleeve shirts from $119

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Upgrade His Accessories


Bold accessories to match his summer style.  Dad always needs a new belt, right? 

Italian Made Tie $110, Italian Made Pocket Square $65, Italian Made Custom Belts $225, Cufflinks $65, Socks $16 or 4/$55

Italian Made Tie $110, Italian Made Pocket Square $65, Italian Made Custom Belts $225, Cufflinks $65, Socks $16 or 4/$55

For the Graduate:

A Custom Suit - Help him step out into the world with confidence. Custom suits start at $895

A Custom Shirt - Get his toes wet to the custom clothing addiction. Custom shirts start at $119

Magnanni Shoes - Time for him to upgrade his converse? Styles start at $295

Gift Certificates in Any Amount

Gift certificates in any amount so he can customize his gift.  Purchase in-store, online or over the phone for the lucky recipient. Gift Certificates can be emailed or sent via mail. 

BUY A GIFT CERTIFICATE ONLINE

Now Offering Virtual Appointments for Custom Clothing

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With Virtual Appointments, we can style your garments just like a regular appointment!

For New Clients, Request Appointment

For existing clients who wish to place new orders, we appreciate your small business support!


For clients with deadlines for orders already placed, we can ship, perform a virtual fitting, and arrange for in-showroom fittings at a later date. If you absolutely must come in for a fitting, please contact us to arrange as our showroom hours are being limited to practice social distancing. Appointments on the books will be contacted individually.
  VIEW ALL SHIRT FABRICS VIEW SPRING SPORT COAT FABRICS 1 VIEW SPRING SPORT COAT FABRICS 2

Father's Day Gift Ideas & Summer Essentials: Elevate His Style

Elevate his style this Father’s Day with a unique experience at Nicholas Joseph. Here's our top Father's Day gift ideas in perfect time for summer:

The Custom Polo

Well fitted Custom Polo shirts in a wicking performance or vibrant pique fabrics, he gets to choose the fabric and styling options, including contrasting details. No need to pick between style and comfort, with custom he will always have both.  Custom polos from $165

2018-custom-polos2.jpg

Custom Short Sleeve Shirt

He will breeze into summer with a Custom Short Sleeve Button Down Shirt. He gets to choose from a very wide variety of fabrics, prints and trims. Keep it classic or add a little flair, whatever you look for in a shirt let us help you design it. Custom short sleeve shirts from $119

2018-short-sleeve-shirts.jpg

Upgrade His Accessories


Bold accessories to match his summer style.  Dad always needs a new belt, right?  Additionally, our clients have also been raving about the new Saxx underwear line, save 15% on 4 or more pairs.

Italian Made Tie $110, Italian Made Pocket Square $65, Italian Made Custom Belts $225, Cufflinks $65, Socks $16 or 4/$55, Saxx Underwear $35 or 4/$119

Italian Made Tie $110, Italian Made Pocket Square $65, Italian Made Custom Belts $225, Cufflinks $65, Socks $16 or 4/$55, Saxx Underwear $35 or 4/$119

Gift Certificates in Any Amount

Gift certificates in any amount so he can customize his gift.  Purchase in-store, online or over the phone for the lucky recipient. Gift Certificates can be emailed or sent via mail. 

BUY A GIFT CERTIFICATE ONLINE

Six Essential Suits for Every Suit Wearing Man

There are 6 essential suits that every suit wearing man should have in their rotation to maintain versatility and be best dressed for all situations.  Our gallery features Zegna fabrics, woven from superfine wools in one of the most highly recognized mills in Italy.
 

  1. A Solid Navy Suit - Sport this to your next interview with a crisp white shirt and solid tie or stand out with a bright patterned open collared shirt for your summer weddings. Who said you can’t be better dressed than the groom?
  2. A Solid Charcoal Suit - The same function as a navy suit. Wear to work, going out on the weekends or even to an event that requires a black suit with a dark enough color. Ready for a twist? Have one of our designers help pick a tone on tone texture for something to set you apart.
  3. The Tuxedo - How many times have you rented a tuxedo? At that point, it is worth it to get one that is custom made to you that you will only wear a few times a year for your formal events! Katie, Jodi, or Rodney can help pick out a classic solid black or make a statement with a midnight texture.
  4. A Navy or Charcoal Plaid - The key here is to go with a pattern that will go from day to night. Make yourself memorable without making a statement. We recommend a subtle pattern that will pair well with a fun shirt!
  5. Navy or Charcoal Conversation Pattern - Have you ever seen a suit that looked solid from afar and then you noticed the attention to detail when up close? Make this garment one that people will talk about.
  6. A Seasonal or Statement Suit - The sky is the limit here! Pick a bright blue bamboo to make a move with a new texture or a grey windowpane. Our new summer patterns and fabrics will accomplish this look for you.

Ready to take your next steps to deepen your wardrobe?

Request an appointment with your designer

Fall & Winter Men's Wardrobe Checklist

Do you have all your Fall & Winter menswear wardrobe essentials?   Here is a basic checklist to ensure you're ready to Live Dapper during the colder months.  Add or subtract items for a custom fit wardrobe for your lifestyle.

  • 1 Overcoat in grey or navy, add a second custom camel overcoat for variety
  • 2 Suits: 1 flannel & 1 bright slate (the new “it” color), try a custom three piece suit in thick chalk stripe and wear the vest with jeans for a warmer, dressed up look
  • 2 Sport Coats: 1 textured solid in a blue, grey, or charcoal & 1 subtle pattern like a glenplaid or herringbone
  • 5 Dress shirts, 10 if needed the full work week:  white, blue, lavender and 2 fun patterns (try a dot, paisley, or chambray this season), try all custom shirts to ensure a consistent fit
  • 3 Trousers: blue, grey, and tan plus 2 flannel pairs in any color
  • 1 Long sleeve polo, perfect for casual Fridays or weekends, and can easily be worn with a sport coat
  • A cardigan, v-neck, or shawl lapel sweater, try the latter for a more updated look
  • 2 belts, one black, one brown; Try a custom belt for fun in suede or a with a contrast stitch
  • 5 patterned socks in subtle colors, too bold is too last year
  • 5 ties in smaller patterns to make matching easy: 1 of each base color- 2 blue, purple, green,  and red, try wool for an updated look
  • Pocket squares: 2 white, 1 blue, and 2 fun prints, be sure they match your suits and sport coats