Indochino has been one of the single most important influences in the business of made-to-measure suiting. The company was a first mover when it created the first truly viable online customized clothing model, a market that continues to expand everyday.
While ubiquitous today, when Indochino launched in 2007 the idea of actually spending real money for a custom suit bought over the internet and manufactured somewhere in China was at best, iffy. But Indochino focused on a core message of customization at a fair price, speed, and the potential ease of reorders, allowing a customer to expand his custom clothing wardrobe. A website that acts design and retail home base backed up by their innovative Traveling Tailor pop-up shops has kept Indichino at the front of the online custom suit pack.
This suit was actually selected during a 2013 Traveling Tailor event in Washington, D.C. It is the Premium Gray Three-Piece Suit in Reda fabric, which was a special run and not always available. The super 140 weight is just right for a three-season suit and the classic cut and color is appropriate for almost any situation. We opted for two-button, notch lapel, side vents, working sleeve buttons, ticket pocket, and no cuffs on the trousers.
The quality of construction and design as quit impressive and frankly better than expected, given the business model. As with all Indochino products, it arrived in purpose-designed packing, slickly branded, and ready to wear. Except that it wasn’t. Even though measurements were taken in person by an Indochino staffer, the suit coat and vest were both too tight. To their credit, the company unquestioningly held to their satisfaction guarantee, fixed the issue, and quickly replaced both pieces, updating the online profile as well.
While certainly frustrating, such a situation is also to be expected with this kind of business model. It’s part of the price when removing ongoing personal attention from a very personal craft. In the end, mattered was how the problem was resolved, in this case very well.
The goal for this suit was to be the one go-to suit that works for most situations. We feel the effort was a success; it’s a great suit of cloths that fits well, has comfortably slim cut that works dressed up with a tie or toned down with an open collar. The trouser break is slight, so depending on the shoes chosen the look can be ankle flash mod or meeting-ready sober.
While having a big suit wardrobe may work for CEOs, lawyers, and other boardroom dwellers, the fact is that most men do not need more than two or three.
Wanting more is another thing, and a desire that Indochino is more than happy to satisfy.
Suit: Indochino
Shirt: Thomas Pink
Tie: Andrew’s Ties
Pochet: Alan Flusser
Shoes: Paul Evans
There is something interesting happening with the notch in the right lapel. Is that it doesn’t match the left one an optical illusion?
Hi James, thanks very much for your comment – interesting observation. The imbalance is an optical illusion as the jacket’s proportions are all in order. I, however, have an unconscious habit of dropping my right shoulder a bit when standing.
I’d like to say it’s due to a war wound or sports injury, but it’s simply a natural proclivity against which I occasionally fight. And lose.
I suspect that is the cause for the lack of alignment in the picture; as well as the angle at which it was taken.
Hey, it looks very very nice! 🙂 Best Regards
Seems pretty versatile … I like it!
Pretty looks,, but the best part of the event was the opportunity to see all of the Indochino products in person in one place at one time.
http://www.apparelshopusa.com/
For real, thats a one good suit.