Jun 13, 2013 >> #5MINUTESWITH: Crystal Walton, Brand Manager for Indochino Traveling Tailor
This year, Justin Timberlake brought back the suit and tie look, but he didn’t give us any tips on how to easily achieve that natty style. Enter Indochino. The Vancouver-based online company makes custom suit shopping affordable and easy. Ordering the suits is super-easy (the site walks you through the ten minute measuring process), but thanks to the Indochino Traveling Tailor pop-up shop returning to Chicago for 18 days starting this week the process is even easier. We spoke with Crystal Walton, brand manager for the pop-up, to get the inside scoop.
Q: What’s the biggest difference between a custom suit and one bought off the rack?
A: The fit. Off the rack suits were made to fit everyone and, as no body is identical, there is no way to achieve your best fit without additional alterations by a tailor. With custom suits, you start the process with your measurements allowing a tailor or company like Indochino to take your body type, wants and needs into consideration from the start. The end result is a significantly better fitting suit, and it’ll ultimately make you feel better when wearing it.
Q: What are some of the biggest misconceptions about getting custom clothes made?
A: Great question. The two biggest misconceptions about custom clothing are the price and the amount of effort. People often think that custom suiting is only for men that can afford to spend a significant amount of money. This is absolutely not true. Custom clothing is for anyone and we are seeing more brands taking great strides to ensure that custom clothing can be attainable for everyone. The second misconception is that custom clothing requires a large time commitment on the part of the consumer. Also not true. With the ability to now order custom clothing online you are able to build a custom wardrobe with minimal time and effort.
Q: So, with prices starting at around $300, how do you make your suits so affordable?
A: We cut out the middle man. Every aspect of your suit is handled internally. By doing this, in combination with not having a fleet of brick and mortar stores we need to support, we are able to keep our costs low and in turn keep your costs low.
Q: Most popular suit style right now?
A: Definitely modern. Lots of guys are opting for one-button, one vent suits in versatile colors such as charcoal, gray and blue.
Q: What are two or three suits perfect for summer?
A: Our Ultimate Summer Collection is full of beautiful, lightweight fabrics in amazing summer colors. My personal favorites are the Ultimate Slate Blue Cotton and Wool suit. It’s a great transitional piece in a versatile color. The Ultimate Rustic Herringbone suit is a unique color and a true show stopper that will give you year round wear; perfect for when you want to make an entrance. Lastly the Ultimate Gray Seersucker Suit is a must-have for any summer wedding and is great to wear as separates throughout the season.
Q: Some must-have accessories that go perfectly with Indochino suits?
A: Our patterned pocket squares are something that should be in every guys wardrobe; it’s amazing how they pull a suit together. I love textured ties like linen and wool as they are unexpected and add dimension to a look.
Q: What are you most excited about for the pop-up in Chicago?
A: I’m most excited about the fact that Chicago is the first city we have brought a Traveling Tailor back to and we are seeing record breaking appointments. Our first weekend is already booked solid. Its great to see that we have made an impression on the men of Chicago.
The Indochino Traveling Tailor sets up shop in Chicago June 13–30 at 7 N State St. Book an appointment online to receive a free custom shirt and gift set (valued at $160) with your suit purchase.