It seems there are always questions that need to be answered. We created this section to provide you with answers to some of the common queries in the custom clothing business. If you have other more specific questions please
Contact Us.
Q: What measuring tools are available?
A: There are a number of measuring system on the market or under development today; Perkins Tailoring Instruments, Clothing Science, Sartorial Instruments & Technology, [TC]², as well as Try-On garments for retailers with stores, and the old fashioned tape measure. Some are manual instrument systems, some are computer technology driven, and others involve a combination of manual measurements and computer analysis and pattern creation. The most prevalent system today, used in conjunction with progressive clothing manufacturers is the Perkins Tailoring Instruments system. (To learn more or order your own tools
click here.)
Q: Do all clothing manufacturers use measuring tools?
A: While the most progressive manufacturers, particularly those who utilize modern CAD systems for pattern creation and cutting, recognize and encourage measuring systems like Perkins Tailoring Instruments, there are Old-World tailoring houses that rely on old-fashioned traditional methods of measuring. For such Old-World tailoring houses three essential components of good measuring are a tape measure, a good eye, and a digital camera.
Q: What's the advantage of a measuring system?
A: There are many advantages to using a measuring system. Among them are a consistent method of taking measurements, a convenient method of communicating those measurements to your manufacturer, the opportunity for you and your manufacturer to quantify and deal in specifics numerical language, all means to an end result of better fit, fewer alterations and more profitability.
Q: How do I choose a vendor for my tailored clothes?
A: First, consider what it is you want to be known for in the clothing business. Is it price? Do you want to be the low-end provider of custom clothing or hang your reputation on being the high-end leader? You will ultimately live or die by what your vendor delivers to you, and that you ultimately must deliver to your customer. Remember that all clothes are not created equal. Some are inherently better quality than others. Be sure that the clothes you sell and deliver measure up to what you want to be known for providing.
Consider your choice of styling options including the variety of details. This is a custom business and your clients will want to specify details. Does the vendor offer all you want to offer your clients? Do they make what you want to sell? Do they make the quality you want to be known for? Is their fit consistent and properly proportioned?
Are the order forms user-friendly? Are the people on the other end of the telephone supportive and courteous? Are you just another dealer or are you given the time you deserve?
Beyond styling options, model details, and quality construction, fabric selection plays a role in your choice of tailoring vendors. Do you want to rely on your vendor's fabric selection or create your own selection from the array of fine fabric suppliers available today? It is often a matter of just how much control you want to have over your business and how much you want to leave in someone else's hands.
Price, styling options, true quality construction, fit and fabric selections are all primary considerations. Lastly, but certainly not least, is what we call style. You must evaluate a maker based on the ability to create and deliver a true sense of style in their garments. Absent this essential ingredient, what are you really selling?
Q: How do I choose a vendor to make my custom shirts?
A:
There are a number of factors to consider in your choice of shirt vendors. Some factors are relatively black and white while others involve a more gut-level comfortableness. Among the criteria are imported vs. domestic. Domestically made shirts can often be delivered more quickly, while imported shirts may offer more styling options or intricate detailing. As long as you compare apples to apples, fabric to fabric, price is an important criteria on which to evaluate a shirt vendor. So also is fabric selection. Consider the total number of swatches available at any one time in the line, how often new swatches are added to update the line, as well as the variety in selection, price points, colorations and fabrications. Styling options and the availability to make what you and your customers want is another important consideration. Look at the details like the selection of monograms, monogram colors, as well as the swatch presentation. Will you be working from a showroom or traveling to see your customers? How portable are the swatch presentations? Are the order forms easy to fill out? Do you like the people you'll be working with? Do they take the time to answer your questions and help you grow your business? Don't let the cost of the cloth line deter you. A line worth carrying is worth investing in. Consider these options and invest wisely.
Q: How do I choose a necktie and accessories supplier?
A:
The choice of any good vendor or supplier must be made by rating a supplier based upon a number of criteria, with price being just one of many criteria. When it comes to neckties and accessories don't fall victim to buying ties based on price alone. Instead, make sure that the quality of your neckties and accessories is in keeping with the overall quality of your tailored clothing, etc. Nothing ruins the look of great clothing like cheap accessories. Likewise, one of the easiest ways to ruin your reputation in the business is to sell accessories inconsistent with your tailored clothing. Evaluate quality based on superior fabrics, hand construction, dynamic colorations and elegant styling to name just a few. Request our white paper on quality neckwear.
Q: Do I need labels for my clothing?
A:
Besides excellent fit and great taste in style, there is nothing that will set your custom clothing apart like your own designer labels. There is nothing so sharp and professional looking as your very own label representing your business in all the products you sell and deliver. TAILORSOURCE has made clothing labels affordable. You really only need two sizes of labels; one small label that can be used for both neckties and custom shirts, and a clothing label specifically sized to look great inside your tailored suits, sport jackets, and topcoats. Just e-mail us your logo or artwork and we'll get the ball rolling on your very own labels.
