While there is no shortage of men’s clothing stores around town, the possibilities narrow quickly if you’re looking for high quality, custom tailored or bespoke clothes. Here’s a sample of some noteworthy custom and bespoke retailers.
Starting at the top
You thought we were kidding about head to toe, but if it’s a custom made hat you’re looking for, look no farther than The Hat Shop. While they have a wider variety of hats for women, the offer a fine selection of hats for men in many custom styles and colors.
The Hat Shop, 120 Thompson Street, 212-219-1445
Moving along the rest of the body
Michael Andrews Bespoke was launched in 2006 “with the vision of creating high-end and yet approachable menswear with a modern flare.” Among the custom items they offer are suits, shirts, tuxedos, sports coats and pants. As evidence of its quality, Michael Andrews has been named to “Best Of…” lists by New York magazine, Time-Out New York, Bloomberg Markets, AM New York and JW Marriott magazine.
Michael Andrews, 2 Great Jones Alley, 212-677-1755
Described with adjectives such as “whimsical, charming, hip, irreverent,” Lord Willy’s occupies a special place in the realm of bespoke clothing for men. Started by two Brits, Betty and Alex Wilcox, this Nolita Shop offers ready to wear, made to measure and fully bespoke suits.
Lord Willy’s, 225 Mott Street, 212-680-8888
If one stop shopping with a decided British flair is your goal, Turnbull & Asser, long known for its quality shirting, will also outfit you with suits, tuxedos, ties, pocket squares, socks, gloves and even umbrellas. Stepping into the 3-story New York flagship store on 57th Street instantly reminds you that this British establishment traces its history back more than 125 years.
Turnbull & Asser, 50 East 57th Street, 212-752-5700
Named among the 5 best tailors in New York by CBS New York, LS Men’s Clothing offers custom suits, dress shirts, pants, sports coats and tuxedos as well as a wide selection of ready to wear and special order items. Suits can be ready in as little as two to four weeks once the initial measurements are complete.
LS Men’s Clothing, 49 West 45th Street, 212-575-0933
Hand-sewn buttonholes, sleeve heads set by hand and detailed pick stitching are just a few of the marks of quality to be found on an Against Nature bespoke suit. Starting at $3,200 they are not inexpensive, but Against Nature says they set out to serve “connoisseurs, lovers of elegance and men of supreme genius.” Much of the work on their bespoke suits is done on premise.
Against Nature, 159 Christie Street, 212-228-4552
According to Forbes magazine, Duncan Quinn is a “funky tailor who seamlessly combines Savile Row skill with rock’n’roll sensibility.” Duncan Quinn started making bespoke suits in New York in 2003, now serving clients from all over the world. All bespoke suits are hand-cut, stitched and finished in their New York City workshop, based on a pattern made from a unique set of measurements and anatomical notations. Prices start at $2,500 for a bespoke suit, with plenty of options going to $7,000 or more.
Duncan Quinn, 70-80 Kenmare Street, 212-226-7030
All the way down to the toes
Why settle for an ordinary pair of socks if everything else is custom-made? At The Sock Man you can find socks of every kind and description. They may not exactly be bespoke, but they have something for every personality and every occasion.
The Sock Man, 27 Saint Marks Place, 212-529-0300
Oliver Moore Bootmakers has been in business since 1878. They clearly are expert at the art of fine quality custom shoes, as is evidenced by their, ahem, well-heeled customers including Charlie Sheen, Walter Cronkite, Paul Anka, Steve Wynn and many others.
Oliver Moore, 856 Lexington Avenue, 212-288-1525
