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How
Do I Get Started
Here
are the steps we recommend to start
building custom clothing with us.
1.
Read the FAQ
pages posted on this website first.
Call us or e-mail to schedule your
first appointment at our comfortable
showroom.
2.
When you arrive,we begin by selecting
fabric. The process begins
with an interview to determine the
types of fabric you'll be shown.
We have 4 different fabric lines
for our custom shirts, each with
between 280-550 fabrics, as well
as especially fine materials from
Europe's best cotton mills. Similarly,
in suit fabrics, we have many thousands
from the world's best woolen mills
and distributors, including Zegna,
Loro Piana, Scabal, Cerruti, Barberis,
and many others. Everyone's needs
and pocketbooks vary, so we try
and identify what resources will
satisfy the best (In sales, it's
called qualifying the customer).
One
of the things that we
can't do over the web is give you
a chance to feel and see up close
the wide range of fabric selections
that comprise the most critical
decision that you will need to make.
I am frustrated by the efforts I
see to try and sell the finest fabrics
in the world using substandard graphic
renderings on the web.
3.
On your first visit, we need to
take your
measurements. One of the
way's you can help us do a better
job the first time is to bring
along garments that you like,
or that have been comfortable (if
you have any). We'll remind you
of this when you make your appointment.
When ordering suits, we'll usually
take several digital images, to
form a collage that is used by our
pattern makers, so they can visualize
you better than just by following
numbers.
4.
The last step is to design your
garment, based on the material you've
selected, and what we've learned
about your body in the measurement
process. We will always try and
counsel you in regards to the image
that is appropriate for what you
will be doing in our clothes.
5.
A 50% deposit is made on the order.
We will call you to schedule the
appropriate fittings (shirts don't
require this step). A first time
customer will typically require
1-2 fittings for suits. The entire
process will usually take 4-6 weeks
to complete from the time the order
is placed.  |
What
If I Live Far Away
Top
Shelf maintains customers all
over the United States. Once we
build a relationship with our
clients, we try hard to develop
ways to continue building clothes
that are shipped out when they
are complete. However, this doesn't
work for everyone. Some people
will always need to have fittings
to achieve the right fit.
If
we can't deal with you personally,
we may be able to recommend you
to someone in your part of the
world that you can interview and
try out yourself. We have peers
who exist in most other major
cities. Many belong to national
organizations like the Custom
Tailors and Designers Association,
and are thorough professionals.
Many are unique individuals, each
with a personal vision of what
to create for his clients. Most
of us have grown up in a business
model that's relationship based.
The model relies on face to face
interaction, as well as physical
contact as the tailor measures
and fits his customers. A good
tailor gets to know his customers
inside and out, fitting not just
the body, but the head as well.
No Internet transaction can replace
the experience of developing a
relationship of trust and understanding.
Some tasks just can't be relegated
to the click of a mouse. Custom
tailored clothing is much more
than just filling out a form with
people's sizes. It is a highly
personalized act of creation.
Drop
us an e-mail.
We'll be glad to help if we can.
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