Flexibility in Tailored Suits: An Entrepreneur's Journey to the Perfect Suit

A Suit that Grows with You: The Story of Custom Tailoring for a Dynamic Mortgage Advisor

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In the financial advisory world, where first impressions and professionalism are key, clothing plays a crucial role. This is the story of an entrepreneur/mortgage advisor of Moroccan origin, owner of a consultancy firm, in search of the perfect work suit.

A suit that not only reflects his professional status but also moves with his dynamic lifestyle, allowing him to focus on his core business.

Taking a more conscious look at all aspects of the suit - fit, construction, fabric, and style - ensures clothing of better quality. This is how we assist our clients, turning a custom suit into a tool that helps them feel good and radiate their authentic story. The result is more value for your money, a more sustainable investment, and ultimate personal branding.

The First Impression: A Scientifically Supported Added Value

An important aspect of professional clothing, especially for entrepreneurs and advisors, is the impact it has on the perception of clients and associates. A tailor-made suit in a classic color like blue is not only associated with professionalism but can also enhance clients' trust.

According to studies in the psychology of clothing and color perception, such as those published in the Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management, the color blue can evoke feelings of reliability, stability, and competence. This is crucial in a professional setting where first impressions can have a lasting impact on business relationships and reputation.

The Power of Blue: How a Custom-Made Suit Exudes Confidence and Professionalism

Wearing a well-fitted suit, especially in a professional color like blue, can indeed positively influence professional presence and clients' and associates' confidence. This is supported by various scientific studies:

  • Suits, compared to other clothing, contribute to a stronger professional image for both men and women, regardless of age or body type (Thurston, Lennon, & Clayton, 1990).

  • The color and design of a business suit can significantly impact a company's overall appearance and employees' emotions, which in turn can improve work efficiency (Bian, Ni, & Zong, 2018).

  • Employees generally feel more authoritative, trustworthy, and competent when wearing formal business attire, contributing to a positive perception by clients and associates (Peluchette & Karl, 2007).

  • Minor adjustments in clothing, like wearing a custom-made suit, can significantly enhance a person's perception of attributes such as trust and success (Howlett, Pine, Orakçıoğlu, & Fletcher, 2013).

In summary, wearing a well-fitted, professional suit, especially in a color like blue, can positively affect professional presence and clients' and associates' confidence, which can be crucial for an entrepreneur's reputation and success.

The Challenge: A Changing Body

This client, with regular weight fluctuations due to his sports regime, experiences significant changes in his muscle mass, especially noticeable in the shoulders, biceps, and chest. This required a custom solution that provides comfort in all stages of his physical condition.

It's important to consider which way someone fluctuates in size during measurements. If someone is heavier during the measurement, standard methods can be used. If the person is lighter at the first fitting, adjustments and discussions on the best tailoring choices are needed to improve the suit's fit.

However, if someone is lighter at the time of measurement, extra consideration is needed. It's important to discuss where they expect weight changes or muscle growth.

Areas that often need extra attention are the shoulders, chest, back, biceps, waist, and forearms in the upper body. The challenge is that these measurements are all interconnected. If the shoulder gets wider, the chest and back follow, and so on. For the lower body, it's the buttocks, thighs, calves, and increasingly larger shoe sizes.

Additionally, knowing the cause of weight gain or loss is important. Examples include sports, new diets, medication, future surgeries, etc. It's crucial to have a thorough conversation, discuss all measurements, and explain the consequences of choices. Based on this, we will create your pattern and then the clothing.

Therefore, a bespoke suit is always made with extra room in the seams, allowing much more flexibility to adjust sizes during the process.

The Suit: A Paragon of Flexibility and Style

Full Canvas Construction: The choice of a full canvas construction with a loose inner lining was essential for a smooth fit and wearing comfort. This type of construction offers the necessary flexibility and molds to the body, ideal for someone whose body shape changes.

The model of this suit is classic so that it can be worn for years to come. However, it incorporates several tricks and hidden gems.

The Jacket:

Slanted pockets create a slimmer-looking waist, contributing to a streamlined silhouette, essential for a professional appearance.

Rolling lapels with pick stitching, along with the front panels, add subtle elegance, while the working handmade buttonholes give a classic flair.

The jacket is designed to adjust to fluctuations in muscle mass, particularly around the shoulders, biceps, and chest, with extra room in the fabric seams on the inside.

The Pants:

Side adjusters provide a seamless and adjustable fit, essential for someone with fluctuating weight.

The slant cut at the bottom of the trouser leg enhances a slim appearance and ensures a neat fall over the shoes.

The Fabric and Appearance

The fabric for this bespoke suit is from Fox Brothers / Collection: Fox Flannel / Color: Plain French Navy / Metric Weight: 370/400G / Imperial Weight: 13/14OZ / Fabric code: CL2-18.

Flannel is an excellent choice for an entrepreneur's suit due to its unique combination of elegance, comfort, and durability. The soft texture and higher weight of the fabric ensure a smooth fall that smoothes lines and emphasizes a structured silhouette. Flannel is known for its warmth, making it ideal for colder climates or seasons.

In terms of durability, the weight of 370/400g indicates a robust fabric that can withstand regular wear while maintaining its shape and appearance, which is crucial for an entrepreneur who needs to consistently look well-groomed.

The navy blue color of the flannel is a classic choice that exudes authority, trust, and professionalism. It is versatile and considered a foundation for building a business wardrobe.

Combined with a brown paisley lining and brown horn buttons, it adds a layer of sophistication and subtle contrast. This combination suggests a balance between tradition and individuality, indicating that the wearer values classic styles but also places importance on personal expression.

The brown tones in the lining and buttons create a harmonious connection with the navy blue fabric, giving a grounded yet luxurious appearance. This can evoke feelings of reliability and a solid personality, qualities often desired in business environments.

Conclusion: A Suit for Every Stage of Professional Life

This bespoke suit, carefully designed and crafted, is more than just a garment. It is a partner in our client's professional journey, adapting to his changing body and supporting him at every stage of his life. This suit symbolizes his dedication, professionalism, and personal style.

At De Oost Bespoke Tailoring, we understand that each suit tells a unique story.

Your story and style are our inspirations for creating suits that not only reflect your personality but also support your professional ambitions.