Wilfred's Tailor

[new obsession]

Justy dropped a few things off at Wilfred's, which, by the way, has apparently moved to 20 West 23rd Street (I was never at the old location). I must say, I am pleased compared to Peppino, whom I have used a few times in the past. Much nicer shop, not that I care much about that, but also a much nicer guy, which I do care about. He took the time to ask questions and help me decide what I wanted. I have a feeling the result will be better than Peppino, who took in the seat and legs of my suit trousers to the point that they went from slightly large to "I can't put a handkerchief in my back pocket" tight. (Which I has not requested by the way. I later had him fix them, but they are still the most snug trousers I own.)

Two things I liked there. 1) I felt more like I was at Chan again, and less like the dry cleaners (which is how I felt at Peppino). 2) The prices are posted inside the dressing room, so you can have your sticker shock before you have the work done, not as they are writing it up. [Plus he is around the corner from CEGO, so now I have no excuse but to stop in and finally get my shirt made when I pick these up.] [Hell, I think Mr. Ned is down there too, maybe I'll make it a trifecta.]

I noticed that he has several fabric bolts in the shop, and asked the woman working the cashier if they do much custom work, to which she replied, of course, "yes, a lot." When asked, she told me prices start as $1300. Has anyone tried them for this?

 

[grimslade]

What does Wilfred charge for, say, shortening the sleeves on a suit? I assume it's a cash-only operation?

TIA

 

[chorse123]

I haven't used Wilfred for custom work, only for alterations, and I've been happy with them. They've done a good job on my garments (and my wife's), and have refused to take on jobs they didn't think could be done right. And the atmosphere is very pleasant. The only catch, and the reason I'm using Cardelino on Broadway btwn 22nd and 23rd for most alterations, is the price. It's on the high end, and for simple alterations, it's not worth it to me.

 

[chorse123]

Originally Posted by grimslade

What does Wilfred charge for, say, shortening the sleeves on a suit? I assume it's a cash-only operation?

TIA


Wilfred takes cards. It's certainly not a hole in the wall. I think they quoted me $40 or $45 for lengthening sleeves - see note above.

 

[new obsession]

They take cards. Although they said the machine was out today. He charges $60 to take them up from the shoulder, according to my receipt. Not sure how this compares, as I have never had it done from the shoulder before. But I will say, that I was willing to leave them to forgo the extra cost given that the suit already had working holes, and the difference was going to be 1/2 inch, and he responded, "No problem, we just do it from the top, but we can leave it, I don't mind. If you like them longer we can leave it." Obviously, I do not like them longer. As a matter of fact, I am usually the guy tugging his shirt sleeves down.

 

[romafan]

I also like the atmospere @ Wilfred's. If you happen to visit when the primary fitter, Ramon, is on one of his long vacations you may even be fitted by Wilfred himself. Otherwise, to see Wilfred you have to make an appointment. They're also good about 'do-overs' (pants come back just a shade too long; jacket sleeve not-quite-right, etc.) - I'm not sure if this is a good thing or not, as I've had a fair # of them....

They take cards & deliver. If you're picking up, definitely call before heading over - in my experience things often take a few days longer than originally scheduled...

 

[Tomasso]

Originally Posted by new obsession

the suit already had working holes, and the difference was going to be 1/2 inch, Obviously, I do not like them longer.
You could always just peel the cuffs back a bit, like Mr. Niven

 

[new obsession]

They deliver? Don't tell me that, then I will never get down to see Carl.

 

[grimslade]

Having the sleeves taken up from the shoulder seems scary. Let us know how that turns out.

 

[Buster]

Originally Posted by romafan

They're also good about 'do-overs' (pants come back just a shade too long; jacket sleeve not-quite-right, etc.) - I'm not sure if this is a good thing or not, as I've had a fair # of them....
I had exactly the same problem with them: almost always I had to visit them several times for the same garment alteration: shortened one sleeve too much, left the legs too full, etc. The end result is always good, and they never try to persuade you that "that's the way it should be". But at their price point - one should expect more than that.

 

[new obsession]

Originally Posted by grimslade

Having the sleeves taken up from the shoulder seems scary. Let us know how that turns out.

I'm not too worried because I "didn't pay alot for that muffler" $185 cream cotton suit from CT sale. Also, I have heard legend of this being a fairly common practice. But I will let you know the outcome.

 

[grimslade]

Originally Posted by new obsession

I'm not too worried because I "didn't pay alot for that muffler" $185 cream cotton suit from CT sale. Also, I have heard legend of this being a fairly common practice. But I will let you know the outcome.

Well, what was the outcome? Or are you still waiting?

 

[edmorel]

I have two jackets currently at Wilfreds. Sleeve shortening on both with working button holes. $80 each jacket. I'll pick them up on Monday and report back with pics. BTW, no one has mentioned the young girl (18-20ish) that works the front (Wilfred's daughter??) with the beautiful, huge
hoo-hahs

 

[cchen]

I've used Wilfred in the past. I find the prices ridiculous. The work, so far, has held up and seems to be pretty high quality. That being said, I probably wouldn't use them again for my next suit just because of the ridiculous prices.

 

[grimslade]

Originally Posted by cchen

I've used Wilfred in the past. I find the prices ridiculous. The work, so far, has held up and seems to be pretty high quality. That being said, I probably wouldn't use them again for my next suit just because of the ridiculous prices.

So, where would you go? I've got a suit needs altering! And I don't want it mest up...