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If there’s one truth in men’s fashion it’s that every guy needs a proper fitting suit. One great option for finding said item is to visit a made-to-measure suit shop, like three-month old Beckett & Robb downtown.
The store, which launched in Salt Lake City in 2009, designs and produces quality menswear, including suiting and blazers, while also stocking a small selection of ready-made items like sporty outerwear pieces and Italian-made shoes. By sourcing fabric and clothing directly from Western European cloth mills and tailoring workshops—translation: no middlemen—co-founders and menswear specialists Jason Yeats and Derek Bleazard are able to pass on lower prices to shoppers than they’d find at similar boutiques.
The Denver location has the feel of a classic men’s club, with charcoal gray walls and wood shelves. Clients start the custom-suit process by talking to a consultant about their style and answering questions about color, budget, and fabric weight; the selection includes top-notch materials from Italy, England, and Scotland. Then, body measurements are taken (shoulder width, waist, inseam, etc.), and the gent tries on a sample jacket, vest, or pant to further refine the fit. Finally, he gets to decide on a host of style elements, like the type of lapel and lining, number of buttons, and whether he prefers single- or double-breasted. Four to five weeks later, his new suit arrives from the factory in Portugal, where the pattern was cut and the suit sewn.
B&R’s painless process puts the customer in the design driver’s seat, while schooling him in the finer points of what makes a quality suit (like a fused or glued lining versus a canvas one). In addition, the consultants are well-trained and can help guide even the most clueless man in suitable styles and fabric selections. The average custom two-piece suit costs around $1,200, but the price can range from $695 to $3,000. It’s definitely an investment, but think of it this way: An average off-the-rack suit costs at least $600, and then you need to add on for alterations. At B&R, you’re getting something made just for you.
Still need some insight for those upcoming summer and fall weddings? If you’re looking for attire for a not-so-formal, warm-weather affair, Yeats suggests a light gray three-piece suit paired with a dark tie. A tan linen suit is his recommendation for a casual outdoor wedding. Of course, if the happy couple is more traditional and it’s an indoor formal affair, one can always rely on the classic black tuxedo. Regardless of what you choose, you’ll leave B&R knowing you’ll be the second-best-dressed man at the wedding.
707 17th St., Suite 100, 303-339-0914
Follow fashion editor Georgia Benjou on Twitter at @gabenjou, Pinterest at /gabenjou, and Instagram at /gabenjou.