Tailor in Philadelphia needed

[ChuckE]

I am looking for a top tailor in Phila. I just bought some suits and, with a 46L suit and 34 waist, I'll need some alterations and the pants recut.

I did buy separates from Brooks Brothers in the past; are they the best quality suit you can purchase as separates? Should that not be a factor since a recut of pants is about $80?

Also, I just bought these suits from Bernini's in King of Prussia that started a 70% off sale as they move to another location. What are your thoughts on Bernini suits? shirts? How does thier quality compate to other brands. The Salesman thought their quality was less than Canali and better than Hugo Boss. I also bought a Canali and a Hugo Boss sport coat there.

Chuck

 

[Renault78law]

Dr. Bresch has very nice things to say about his tailor in Philly, Centofanti.

 

[jekv12]

I believe Centofanti is actually in Ardmore, a suburb, but about half-way between the city proper and the mall in King of Prussia where these articles were purchased.

Does Centofanti do alterations? Or just bespoke? I believe Dr. Bresch also has some tailors that do "outside" alterations.

I am looking for a good tailor for alterations, too, and am thinking about pressing upon the good graces of Nordstrom (same mall as Bernini) or Nordstrom Rack (just across the road).

 

[Horace]

I am looking for a top tailor in Phila.  I just bought some suits and, with a 46L suit and 34 waist, I'll need some alterations and the pants recut.  

I did buy separates from Brooks Brothers in the past; are they the best quality suit you can purchase as separates?  Should that not be a factor since a recut of pants is about $80?

Also, I just bought these suits from Bernini's in King of Prussia that started a 70% off sale as they move to another location.  What are your thoughts on Bernini suits?  shirts?  How does thier quality compate to other brands.  The Salesman thought their quality was less than Canali and better than Hugo Boss.  I also bought a Canali and a Hugo Boss sport coat there.

Chuck

Actually, I wanted to know if there were any Prep or College shops left in Philly? Any AmerTrad establishments left, patronized by the old guard?

 

[jekv12]

Actually, I wanted to know if there were any Prep or College shops left in Philly? Any AmerTrad establishments left, patronized by the old guard?

Wow, that's a tough one. Men's retail in Philadelphia has converged a quite a bit over the years. Jacob Reed closed over ten years ago - maybe more like fifteen - with many of the tailors going to Boyd's. Scott and Hunsicker closed before that. I am hard pressed to come up with a Prep shop in the city itself; the remaining men's clothing stores, outside of the single-brand shops (Brooks, et al) carry a range but tend to emphasize more contemporary designs .

There might be some shops out on the Main Line, though I can't think of any at the moment. The Tiger Shop in Wayne might qualify, though the last time I looked into their window, it looked as if they too made concessions.

 

[shoreman1782]

I would've mentioned the Tiger Shop as well, that's near my hometown, though you're right; it's more golf-y than Amer Trad. I really can't think of any place, though there's got to be something among Gladwyne, Ardmore, Haverford, Bryn Mawr and Wayne. Downtown, I dunno, Boyd's is pretty much the place to go. There is a Brooks in Philly, and I've heard good things about Wayne Edwards, but I've never been there. As for tailors, I'm pretty useless, as I didn't have much tailored before I left for college.

 

[philosophe]

I believe that David Bresch recommended Rich Chae (Walnut and 15th). I've had good luck with Peter and Sue Jung of Sue's Custom Dressmaking and Tailoring in Chestnut Hill (215 247 5372). Peter did a great job on the shoulders of an Armani jacket.

Hope this helps.

 

[jekv12]

I really can't think of any place, though there's got to be something among Gladwyne, Ardmore, Haverford, Bryn Mawr and Wayne. Downtown, I dunno, Boyd's is pretty much the place to go. There is a Brooks in Philly, and I've heard good things about Wayne Edwards, but I've never been there.

Right, Boyd's would have some things that fit the description, but they certainly emphasize the Italians. I don't think there's anything at Wayne Edwards that would fit the Prep/American traditional description. I'll be out and about the next two days and will keep my eyes open, but frankly last time I went through Byrn Mawr, I don't think I saw any men's clothing shops.

 

[cuffthis]

I use a tailor in my hometown of Wilmington, DE (45 minutes from Philly).

Muki at Brandywine Tailors on Concord Pike is a pleasant Turkish gentleman who will do EXACTLY what you tell him to.

I was unclear on some instructions early on in our relationship and I ended up with functional buttonholes on my suit coat as requested, but they were not "kissing", as wanted (but not requested).

I now leave him DETAILED, SPECIFIC directions what I want and he delivers.

And his pricing is fair.

 

[Steve B.]

Sadly I'm told Wayne Edwards has closed its doors...

I have some ideas on the American trad, but I haven't been there and they're mostly in the suburbs near King of Prussia.

 

[brescd01]

Actually, Wayne Edwards has re-opened. Rich Chae is good but you have to work out the communication kinks. Centofanti is hors concours, and he is only 20 minutes by car from downtown Philadelphia (that is closer than many parts of Philadelphia proper). He is the only one I can really recommend without reservation. So far as prep, there is a branch of Cambridge Clothiers here and they have a tailor, or had a tailor a few years ago when I stopped in.

 

[Shirtmaven]

I grew up in Wynnewood. My family still owns the Army & Navy store on 13th and Chestnut street.

The state of tailored clothing in Phila is quite sad. At one point more men's clothing was made in Phila. then any where else in the USA. I don't think there is a single men's suit factory left. Please correct me if I am wrong.
H.Freeman
Pincus Brothers-Maxwell
Seitcheck
D'alonzo-Lancaster
After six
all closed
Come on someone else can help me here.

 

[brescd01]

I know Carl is addressing something separate from men's retail, but the retail scene is also impoverished. Ironically, between Centofanti and the d'Avenza boutique (actually, a boutique that carries a lot of d'Avenza, the owner declined a franchise offer with the company) and the shirt maker Carl recommended in the Northeast, I have done very well in Philadelphia.

Centofanti has charged me: 1500 for a CMT jacket, 2600 for a suit, 1900 for a DB jacket, and 550 for a pair of moleskin pants. At these prices, he appears to be a better deal than any of the famous NYC tailors. I can't help thinking that there are tailors in other cities with similar prices. When I went to an unknown tailor in Philadelphia I have heard some good things about, he offered the same price as Centofanti for a CMT jacket. I have heard of a Boston tailor that works out of his home, I wonder what he charges. Field's tailors in DC have been lauded repeatedly, I wonder what they charge and how they are. I am also very curious about tailors in the lesser European cities like Edinburgh, Dublin, Lyon, Bordeaux, etc...

 

[Toggery]

American Traditional:

Englunds - Malvern, PA
Hassis Men's Shop - Newtown Sqare, PA


Tailor/Custom Handmade:

Ventresca's - Doylestown, PA

 

[demo5]

Fields in Washington is very good, but they are also quite expensive. I believe their suits start ardound what Centofanti charges David and continue up from there. I've only had alterations done there (also expensive), but I they were extremely good.