Indochino Traveling Tailor
We visit the Vancouver-based custom suit supplier’s recent pop-up in Chicago
The confidence a well-fitted suit can provide in any business or social setting is arguably worth every penny invested in this wardrobe staple. Indochino‘s modestly priced custom suits have been a terrific option for men over the years, and recently the Vancouver-based brand brought their online approach to the streets of Chicago to help men find an affordable option in person. Dubbed, the Traveling Tailor, the temporary shop took over a vacant storefront in the heart of Chicago’s downtown business and shopping district, the Loop.
Curious to see how their online boutique manifested in full physical form, we visited the brightly lit pop-up, where we had a fitting with one of their suiting specialists. Racks of suits and shirts were segmented by cut and style—premium, exclusives or essentials. The tailor asked about where and how we would wear our suit—be it to the office or out on the town—in order to make relevant style suggestions. After accruing all appropriate measurements, we tried on a sample suit while all of our information was added into Indochino’s custom iPhone app, which connected directly to our previously arranged personal account. After just 15 minutes the process was complete, and we were free to browse the additional menswear duds—including a personalized shirt with initials embroidered on the cuff.
As for the suit, we wanted to check out the online ordering process, since that’s how most customers access Indochino. The site makes it easy to see all of your options, from different fabrics and patterns to cuts, lapels, coat closures, vents, buttons, linings and more. Erring on the tried and true, we went with a classic Essential Navy suit. Landing at just $449, the versatile ensemble would work for a range of occasions, whether going to a gala or a wedding. After just around four weeks, the gorgeous, perfectly fitted light blue shirt and custom suit arrived wrinkle-free on a broad cardboard hanger to keep everything in place.
If the Traveling Tailor isn’t scheduled to visit your town (the pop-up has previously hit New York, Calgary and San Jose among others) entering your measurements into the online system is nearly as easy as our in-person visit. We recommend having a friend or a local tailor take the measurements for you, just to be safe. And once your stats are in the system, ordering additional suits from Indochino is super easy. Plus, if alterations are needed, Indochino gives you a $75 credit to visit a tailor.
As a direct merchant, Indochino keeps costs down with suits ranging from $429 to $749 and shirts from $79 to $169. Visit their website for more information on their custom suiting and Traveling Tailor program.
Images courtesy of Indochino
