Every so often I’m contacted for an opportunity that I simply cannot pass up. This happened to me recently when the fine people from Chookhare & Sons reached out offering to take me through their clothing customization process. They’re a custom clothier that produces suits, shirts, tuxedos, and shoes perfectly designed to fit your shape and style.

I created this dress shirt just in time for Valentine’s Day and was extremely please with how it turned out. I want to walk you guys through the whole process and hopefully make you understand how paying a little bit extra for custom is a smart move for certain wardrobe pieces.

Step 1: The Consultation

One of the coolest parts about Chookhare’s service is that they come to you for the consultation. If you work at an office and have no time to leave, they’ll come meet you there. For me, since I work from home, they came and met me on my pool deck and we sat and chatted about the service and they measured me for their database.

What’s great about this is that it’s knowledgable people coming to you in your own space so you can feel comfortable. Even I, a guy who works full time in fashion, still get overwhelmed and intimidated at the tailor or certain suiting stores. I don’t know as much about it as I do other things, and that can be frustrating because you feel like you’re an imposter. By the stylists coming to me, I was able to be a lot more open about my curiosities and gaps in knowledge.

STEP 2: The Design

I knew that I wanted to do something a bit on the bolder side, but in hindsight I almost wish I would’ve kept it a bit more classic. I feel this way because the shirt fits SO well that I wish I would’ve thought ahead and got something that isn’t going to be so recognizable. When something is made custom, you get to pick EVERYTHING…I mean EVERYTHING. There are so many parts to a shirt or suit that you normally take for granted, so it’s awesome having the knowledgeable stylist there to walk you through different decisions that you were unsure about.

I wanted to go with a classic oxford style shirt because it’s able to worn casually or formally. If you’re someone who wears a dress shirt every single day, I would highly recommend making the investment in yourself to spend the extra money on something made exactly for your specs. It’s more comfortable because it’s made just for you, plus it’s going to last you a lot longer than something you bought for a bargain at your local fast fashion store.

Step 3: Why You Should Try Custom

Custom doesn’t just have to be for the CEO anymore. Brands like Chookhare are making it more affordable than ever to get yourself something that’s completely unique to you. I’m talking a consultation and full suit for $695. That’s an incredibly reasonable price.

Also, if you’re getting married, please don’t just go rent an ill-fitting tuxedo from the local shop where you got your prom night tux. Make an investment in yourself and get a custom tuxedo made for yourself so you can be looking your best for your bride. It doesn’t have to be anything flashy, but the fit and style will be totally perfect for you and will make you look your best on an extremely important day like your wedding.

If you’re getting your first custom suit or shirt made, I would recommend filling out your essentials category because these pieces are going to be higher quality than what you find at a normal clothing store. Consider a classic charcoal suit with a subtle plaid or a crisp white button up shirt. These are pieces that every guy needs, so you might as well make them the highest possible quality. Once you’ve covered all of your bases with the essentials you can start to shop for things that are a bit more outlandish, both in color and material.

The moral of today’s post is that you should be willing to invest in yourself with custom clothing. It’s going to make you carry yourself in a way that exudes positivity, which will then beget positive things in your life.

Be sure to check out Chookhare & Sons for yourself! It’s a perfect way to start taking your style more seriously or as a gift for the groom-t0-be or new graduate hitting the job market.

Questions? Comments? Find me on social media @parkeryorksmith or email me at parker@thelooksmith.com!