Custom Clothiers: Astor & Black

The Great Recession had many effects on our world from job loss to altering our political landscape. In the world of men’s clothing, it caused a return to classic and often somber styles of suits and workwear. Some companies pushed back from Casual Fridays to reinstate more formal dress codes, hoping for an image of stability and professionalism. I for one, applaud the return to the classic styles of the early twentieth century. The three-piece suit, the peak lapel and even the tie bar are among the elements of classic that have been resurrected in recent years. Even with signs of a rebounding economy, it is clear that many of these elements are here to stay with the addition of more colorful elements like bold shirt colors and bright scarves.

Still, it seems like a generation has lost touch with the subtleties and nuances of more formal clothing. As the Baby Boomers sought to shed their ties and suits for denim in the boardroom, later generations lacked the bridge to the correct way to wear suits and ties. As American men rediscover the beauty and elegance of dressing up, the wider availability of custom clothiers has been a great aid to helping men put together a great wardrobe.

One of the largest of this new breed of custom clothiers is Columbus, Ohio based Astor & Black. Founded in 2004, Astor & Black offers a variety of fabrics for their suits, shirts and jackets. What sets them apart from many of their competitors are their full-service offerings, allowing you to purchase ties, shoes, luggage and casual off-the-rack clothing to compliment your wardrobe.

Astor & Black uses this full-service line of offerings to offer great versatility in their casual clothing. They offer some great packages that mix custom sportcoats and shirts with designer denim and casual footwear. Even if you are uninterested in their specific selections, they make great inspiration for your wardrobe.

            Of course, their suit offerings are top-notch. With any custom clothing option, the vast number of options can be a bit overwhelming to a novice. My advice would be to flip through photos of suits you like for some research. Not just magazines like GQ or Esquire, but the business trade magazines to get an idea of what is being worn by men in your field. Make certain your clothier is experienced and knowledgeable on modern menswear. I’d love to see any photos you have of your custom suits and would love to hear about your experience at any of Chicago’s clothiers.

Astor & Black

http://www.astorandblack.com

426 W. Elm Street

Chicago, IL 60610

(216) 409-6700