Whether you're walking into a major big-box retailer or diligently researching online for a reputable custom tailor, the process of buying a suit can sometimes be a bit intimidating at first. With all the options available in the clothing marketplace today, narrowing down exactly what you want in terms of personal style and what you need when it comes to functionality isn't always a streamlined process. As daunting as all of this can be, it's not necessarily a bad thing. As a customer, it's always better to be prepared a little too much than it is to go into the suit-buying process with blinders on.

            Here at Enzo Custom, the fitting process goes above and beyond what you would expect from your typical off-the-rack experience. While it's certainly not as quick as getting fitted in a department store, our clothiers ensure that the additional measurements going into the end product are well worth the extra time.

            Experiences will vary, but most retail chains end up only doing the bare minimum when it comes to measurements. Although many of their suits and tuxedos are manufactured to fit a broad range of individual body dimensions, this doesn't mean that their suits will meet those same dimensions with any precision. Even if they're able to tighten the shoulders or adjust the length of the trousers quite easily, the end result won't be close enough to your specific dimensions in order to give you that bespoke or made-to-measure fit you've been looking for.

            Before we delve into our fitting process, it's always a good idea to do some preliminary research on your own in terms of what you're exactly seeking out when it comes to formal wear. Not only is your personal style going to be different from someone else's but also each type of suit might have different applications, even if some of those overlap. For example, while two-piece suits are a safe bet for everyday office attire, three-piece and double-breasted suits might be a better fit for special occasions the majority of the time. Getting into more style specifics, you might prefer a slimmer fit in lieu of broader lapels or jetted pockets as opposed to flap ones. If you're set on ordering a tuxedo, you might prefer a vest to a cummerbund or vice versa. No matter what your formal wear preferences end up being, Enzo Custom is here to guide you through the process.

--The Free Consultation, At Your Convenience--

            As a courtesy to our customers, Enzo Custom's free consultation can be done either physically in one of our showrooms or virtually online via videoconference. This is the initial step at which one of our clothiers will go over various aspects of what sort of garments we offer, the estimated timeline of when your suit or tuxedo will be ready, and the expected cost when it's all said and done. All of these factors will vary from person to person depending on what they need from us, and the consultation is the opportune time to ask any and all questions you may have about the entire process.

            With a virtual meeting in lieu of an in-person one, depending on where you're located in relation to our physical showrooms, this has the potential to save you a lot of time. Consultations take about 30 minutes, so if you're on a tight schedule, you can work the initial appointment in without needing to set aside extra time for commuting or planning too far ahead. As Enzo Custom offers several different suit styles and materials, our clothier during the virtual conference will be able to get a better sense of what exactly you will need for your next formal ensemble.

            If you choose to have your free consultation in person at one of our showrooms, the process will essentially be the same, with the exception of having a more hands-on approach. Seeing the materials for your prospective suit is one thing, but being able to hold fabric samples in your hand can give you a better idea of how the finished product will feel when you're wearing it. Whether virtual or in-store, we'll ensure that the consultation is as comprehensive as it can be.

--The Measuring Process--

            Once the virtual or in-store consultation is completed, our clothier will then schedule a private fitting appointment at one of our showrooms. In order to ensure a true custom fit, our clothier will take up to 31 different measurements. While that might seem like a lot, it's the best way to accurately get the finished product fitting as closely and comfortably as possible to your individual body dimensions.

            After your measurements are taken, the design process then begins. Our clothier will walk you through in more detail what was covered in the free consultation, including style, suit color, fabric, and any special considerations you might need to keep in mind.

            When choosing a fabric, wool is usually the gold standard as far as formal wear goes, but linen is also another popular option for when you need something a little lighter during the summer months. Depending on your individual specifications, thread count may be something you'll need to take into consideration when you weigh different aspects of what you want in the finished product. Balancing style, comfort, longevity, and fit isn't always an easy task, but our clothiers are more than willing to walk you through each facet of the customization process. In total, measurements and working out the design of your new formal ensemble should take about an hour. While the free consultation can always be done virtually, orders and measurements for new clients must be done in one of our stores. While other manufacturers allow their customers to simply plug in their dimensions online, it's still not quite as accurate as having them done in person. By getting all of your measurements done in one of our showrooms, this ensures that you'll notice and appreciate the Enzo Custom difference once your formal wear is ready to be picked up.

--The Final Fitting--

            After your measurements have been taken and you've settled on the design of your formal wear, the order will be placed. Once it arrives, our clothiers will have you come back to our showroom for a private appointment in order to make sure that everything fits to your liking. Going through one final fitting ensures that we can make any last-minute adjustments if necessary. While the initial measurements are always taken with the utmost care and precision, there are times when a sleeve might be a smidge too long or the waist needs to be adjusted. Even with accurate measurements, a suit might have a different feel to it depending on how you wear it and the type of shirt you have underneath it. Think of the final fitting as a quality control measure to go over the finer details of your formal ensemble one last time, as this will save you from making any immediate alterations after you head out the door.

--Existing Customers--

            Once you've gone through the Enzo Custom experience the first time, the process will be a bit more streamlined when you decide to buy formal wear from us again. As we will already have your measurements on file, ordering again doesn't require an in-store meeting. Any shopping you need to do can be done virtually without the need to repeat the measuring process. While you'll still need to come into one of our showrooms for the final fitting of the finished product, designing a new ensemble to your personal specifications can be done from the comfort and privacy of your own home.

--Endless Possibilities--

            Although we specialize in suits and tuxedos, there's always more to formal wear than just jackets and trousers. With decades of combined experience, our clothiers can guide you in the right direction when it comes to other items you may need, such as dress shirts, ties, pocket squares, vests, and the types of colors and patterns that will end up looking the best for your own personal sense of style. All of these extra considerations can be touched upon in the virtual consultation to give you a better picture of what your finished formal ensemble will be.

            There are a couple other things to keep in mind once your virtual or in-person consultation is completed. As you're preparing to arrive at one of our showrooms for the fitting process, wearing the proper shoes will allow our clothiers to take more accurate measurements of the trouser length. Dress shoes that you would normally wear with a suit or a pair of slacks will ensure that the finished product drapes correctly without the need for any significant adjustments in the future. If you're looking to purchase a tuxedo from us, we'd recommend wearing the exact shoe you plan on pairing with the finished product, as tuxedo pants are generally worn slightly higher than suit trousers and patent-leather shoes normally worn with a tuxedo tend to have a lower profile than other dress shoes worn in contexts outside of black-tie affairs.

            The same logic should be applied to dress shirts as well. Wearing a dress shirt you intend to wear with your finished ensemble is especially important during the final fitting, as you'll be able to determine how well the suit jacket fits over it, and if there are any issues, our clothiers can make adjustments accordingly.

            With virtual consultations available at your convenience, shopping with us is easier than it's ever been. Whether you're looking to expand your existing wardrobe or just starting to get your feet wet in the realm of formal attire, Enzo Custom has all of your bases covered.