Multiple factors go into becoming a successful professional. The obvious ones, like hard work and networking, are cited often, and most of us know how to set ourselves on a path toward these elements of success. But are we missing part of the package?
Like it or not, image is a major contributing factor to success. Sanjay Daswani understands this, and he’s built a thriving business around that very concept. His company, The Tailored Man, offers custom clothing for clients who want to look the part. Daswani puts the same care and dedication into his customers as he does into his custom suits and shirts.
“The Tailored Man is a family-owned and -operated business that believes our clients are our most valuable asset,” Daswani told WashingtonExec. “Our objective is to diligently scope, create and craft to perfection custom suits and shirts to fit our clients’ unique needs.”
The Tysons Corner located Tailored Man competes with some of the best clothing lines in the world. However, Daswani and his team of tailors are absolutely committed to excellence. With the area being home to some of the best companies and organizations in Federal IT, it makes sense that its professionals would best dressed as well.
“Our location in a prime area is also key,” says Daswani, on operating a business next to Tysons Galleria. “Being next to all the luxury brands gives us a competitive edge where clients can compare prices and walk right out to us for any custom work. The overall growth of the surrounding area keeps giving us easier access to numerous clients.”
People often say to dress for the job you want to have. It’s a nice idea, but most people can’t yet afford to dress for a job a couple of rungs up the corporate ladder.
But according to Daswani, high-quality custom clothing is more affordable than you think.
“Price is one of the biggest misconceptions people have about custom suits and shirts,” he says. “People often think that custom suiting is only for men who can afford to spend a significant amount of money. At The Tailored Man, we can offer you a better value for your money than some of the high-end stores and brands.”
Another misconception, perpetuated by the endless racks of clothing in Tysons and elsewhere, is that one can simply walk into a store and purchase a suit that will make him feel and look like a million bucks.
“People think off-the-rack fit can suffice,” says Daswani. “But seasonal trends may not be the best fit for all body types. Rather than be compromised with mass-produced proportions, a client can avail the perfection of a custom fit for a stand out look they can carry with style and comfort.”
When it comes down to it, though, the people who need to look the best are generally also the busiest. Not a problem, according to Daswani.
“Styles are always changing; clients get consumed from store to store trying to find what’s new and what fits,” he says. “They finally end up with pieces which never work out all the time. Working with custom clothiers will help reduce the time wasted running around and update your look and make you look more trendy.”
We asked Daswani for an insider’s guide to buying a custom suit. Here are his no-fail steps to getting what you want from a custom tailor.
1. Consider what you need from the suit: the flexibility of wearing it for multiple occasions or dictated by a specific occasion to narrow in on the styles and color palette.
2. Fit: The most important part about a suit is its fit. Look out and ask yourself how the jacket feels & fits at your shoulders and chest, and the length is appropriate.
3. Think about customization: Options include anything from lapel style and widths to vents at the back of the jacket to slack style. Think of options you would like on your suits such as and not limited to working button holes on sleeves and fancy lining.
4. Experiment: Will you be game to have something made that is different from what you normally go for and step out of your comfort zone? Try different patterns of suits and shirts while considering what will suit your body type and personality.
Daswani and his company also try to carry their work ethic into other areas of their lives, such as being actively involved in charity work.
“We believe in giving back to the community to foster goodwill and empathy for all.”
Whether it’s donating to charitable causes or providing clients with personalized service, being a successful tailor and business owner often requires a great deal of giving to others. However, getting – in the form of client feedback – is always welcomed, too.
“We measure our success when a client calls or emails to let us know the compliments he/she has received and when people are able to say this is a Tailored Man suit or jacket,” Daswani says. “Each of these success stories we cherish in creating a recognizable brand in custom clothing.”
