Do we still want to dress up, If so where is the best place to go out and get a new suit?

What’s the future look like for those of us that like to be well-dressed?

 Do you want to know how people will deal with this Coronavirus crossroads?

 One of Philadelphia’s ‘best dressed,” and a Wayne Edwards customer for decades, recently told me about his desire to stay home and wear comfortable clothing

Does this statement capture the majority of our clients’ sentiment?

We definitely are at a crossroads. The two issues that are first and foremost are why dress up, and if you want to dress up, where is the best place to go shopping?

The virtual and e-commerce worlds don’t work well for purchasing tailored garments

 Too many unanswered questions, fit issues, and risk. Is this the right size, does it fit properly, is this a good color for me?

What are our options?

We are then left with the department store, the bigger independent, the national menswear chain, and the more intimate custom clothier.

What was once seen as a benefit enjoyed only by the department stores and the larger independents, now is seen as a detriment. People don't want larger, they want smaller-. guys want privacy.

We all know that buying a tailored garment is a very personal experience.

Trying on a suit or jacket, having your measurements taken, and discussing the intended use of your garment are all private matters. The intimate relationship that one has with their clothier is now more important than ever. Knowledge, trust, and experience become driving factors.

Comfort is king, isn’t it?

Absolutely, and that can be achieved in any custom-made garment.

Fred Astaire, who was a Savile Road customer, used to try on his custom-made clothing and dance around the shop making sure the suit was comfortable FYI One of our clients is a ballroom dancer and he does the same. The beautiful thing about custom-made garments is that they are extremely comfortable.

 Can status be determined in your professional life with stay-at-home casual attire?

That’s a definite “maybe.” For those of you that are at the top and want to be seen as being in a position as “not caring” it’s possible.

For the vast majority of us that want to represent themselves as thoughtful and consummate professionals, dressing well still matters.

If you are out there competing for business and realize that first impressions matter, being well-dressed will always be important.

As fashion icon Joseph Abboud recently said in an interview on CNBC. “The future looks bright for the smaller, more creative independent.” That’s where the creative juices are still flowing and people can shop and feel secure.

 What are your thoughts on this situation?