When you go in to get a custom suit or garment made, having a good idea of what you’re looking for will aid in the process. Our tailors can pre-select swatches that best fit your needs and have it prepared for your appointment. Fabric options are nearly endless, so knowing what you want ahead of time is highly recommended. We are happy to offer suggestions, but reference pictures are always helpful. We’re here to help bring YOUR vision to life!
Here are some of the most common fabric patterns used in suiting:
HERRINGBONE
The pattern is called herringbone because it resembles the skeleton of a herring fish. Herringbone-patterned fabric is usually wool, and is one of the most popular cloths used for suits and outerwear.
PINSTRIPE
Stripes are a classic choice that make look wearer look taller, thinner, and draws the eyes up to the face instead of the body shape. There are a variety of thicknesses, width, and colors. However, consult your tailor on which width and thickness is best for your body shape.
PLAID
As you can see in the photo above, there are several different kinds of plaid. They often get clumped under the one name, but they are very different from each other! Knowing the difference between them makes you a more educated consumer.
DONEGAL TWEED
While the weavers in County Donegal provide a number of different tweed fabrics, including herringbone and check patterns, the area is best known for a plain-weave cloth of differently-coloured warp and weft, with small pieces of yarn in various colours woven in at irregular intervals to produce a heathered effect.
SHARKSIN
Most sharkskin suits are usually made from mohair or wool and sometimes created with acetate or rayon. It’s a smooth fabric with a two-toned woven appearance, it has a soft texture that is very light and wrinkle free making it perfect for a suit.
NAILHEAD
For something more subtle, take a look at Nailhead fabrics. This pattern contain little dots upon a darker background, and when looking at them together, they resemble somewhat of a solid finish.
Quick fixes you can do at home right now.
-To prevent dark jeans from fading, add 1/2 cup of distilled vinegar during the last washing cycle. If they aren’t that dirty, just soak them in water and vinegar and hang dry. The smell will go away once they are completely dry.
-Did you spot some deodorant marks on your clothes just as you are heading out? Grab a pair of old pantyhose or a dryer sheet and gently rub the mark and voila!
-Rub candle wax or a bar of soap on stuck zippers to “grease” it and get it moving again.
-Loose button but no needle and thread? Apply clear nail polish over the existing threads to keep it in place. This also works for snags in panty hose or tights!
-Clean your patent leather shoes with Windex for a nice shine.
Get rid of static cling with a light douse of hairspray, or use a dryer sheet.
Mix water and lemon juice to put on garments right before you wash them to get rid of sweat stains.
For oil-based stains, pour some talcum or baby powder on top to soak up the spot.
What are some of your favorite clothing-saving tricks?
Last week we had the pleasure of attending the Professional Women’s Alliance conference here in Phoenix. After mingling with other attendees and hearing some incredibly inspiring women speak, our newest blog post focuses on professional workwear for women.
Although the “traditional” rules of dress for the office have become more relaxed over the past few years, women are faced with limited options when it comes to professional workwear. We have rounded up four garments that we consider key pieces to have in your closet-regardless of your profession.
1. Blazer
For important meetings with higher-ups or to make a great first impression, opt for this item. When you put on a great fitting blazer, you instantly send the message of “I mean business”.
What to look for:
-Slim notch lapel
-1 Button
-Classic colors: black, navy, or dark grey
What’s also nice about blazers is that you can mix and match it with dress pants, skirts, and even dresses to tone down the “stuffiness” that may be associated with them.
2. Classic Trousers
Choose a pair in a medium weight fabric that will provide comfort and last you for years. As for the silhouette, stick with a straight leg cut as it flatters practically every body shape. Tip: Make sure you get them hemmed at the right length. Decide ahead of time if you will mainly wear them with flats, heels, or a mid-rise shoe
3. Pencil Skirt
For warmer months or when you just want to feel a bit more feminine, a pencil skirt is definitely a workwear basic. It can easily take you from work day to night time dinner, so stocking up in basic colors will make outfit planning a breeze! Again, make sure you consult a tailor to determine what length is best for your height and body shape.
4. Shift dress
A truly classic silhouette, this dress now comes in a variety of style nuances that best suits your body shape-from sleeveless to ¾ sleeves, different necklines, etc. There are endless ways to wear it! Dress it up for an evening event, or keep it simple for a daytime office look.
Artful Tailoring provides custom clothing services for women. From suiting to evening dresses, we craft each piece according to your unique body shape. As an added bonus, a majority of our fabrics have stretch integrated into them, which is especially nice for women. This adds comfort and helps achieve a better shape over a curved physique.
We can incorporate your style throughout the entire garment! You pick your fabric, lining, buttons, and hidden details like the under collar and inside the sleeve placket. You’ll be walked through the entire process by our expert tailors, who can offer recommendations on color theory, styling details, fabric choice, and more.
You don’t have to compromise your personal taste in professional work wear. See how Artful Tailoring can turn your work wear woes into looking forward to getting ready each morning! Book your appointment today.
Artful Tailoring has your solution!
Let’s be honest…suit manufacturers don’t make suits to fit every body type. If you’re one of the lucky few who can try on an off the rack suit and it fits perfectly, congratulations! However, if you’re apart of the majority of the population who aren’t so lucky, we have rounded up a few common fit problems you may have seen with your existing wardrobe.
Tailors have the expertise to determine not only whats causing your issues, but also how to solve them.
Bagginess at the hem
The Lapel Gape
If you put on your jacket and notice the dreaded lapel gape, there are several reasons for this.
1. Low shoulder(s): Every person’s physique varies, especially the shoulders. For those with sloped shoulders, or if you have had a physical inquiry on one side, this could be what’s causing the gape. There is excess fabric and it is jutting out instead of laying flat on the body. This also contributes to bagginess at the front on your shirt. A custom suit or shirt can be adjusted for this in the pattern making process. If you have an off-the-rack suit, ask the tailor to add shoulder pads to help lift up the gape.
2. Large/oversized chest: This is very common in athletic body shapes. If your chest area is larger than the average man, you may encounter the gape. Letting out the chest area will aid in this, but a custom suit is highly encouraged to solve this problem.
3. Jacket is too tight: If you have a normal physique, but the jacket is tugging or pulling at the chest area, this means that the jacket is too slim. Oftentimes, a simple move of the front buttons can give you 1/4-1/2″, but each case varies. If more room is needed, letting out the jacket seams (if there is extra material inside) can help.
Shoulder Divot
Back Roll
“X” Shape
Wrinkles on the sleeve
You may not have paid much attention to the sleeves, but if you’re searching for a superior fitting suit, take a second look the next time you try one on. If your arm is in a resting position at your sides and you see severe wrinkling, the position of the sleeve needs to be adjusted. When sewing in the sleeves of a jacket, they are placed at a particular angle. Those that experience this can vary. Rotating sleeves can be very costly but under the proper care, the outcome is incredibly significant.
Both of our locations offer a full-service alterations shop! Check which one is closest to you below:
Biltmore Fashion Park
2502 E. Camelback Road Suite 105
Phoenix, AZ 85016
602-955-0919
Elliot Fountains Plaza
2950 N. Dobson Road Suite 8
Chandler, AZ 85224
480-857-3800
Think of the clothes in your closet…are there a few pieces that make you feel like you can take on the world when you wear them? If there are ones that don’t, consider going to see a tailor. Tailors can take an OK garment and turn it into a wardrobe staple that you’ll wear again and again!
Below are 4 simple and low-cost alterations that can be made to almost every garment. Give your wardrobe a refresh and stop in to Artful Tailoring!
