The Official-ish DC Thread

[TheSuitBurnsBetter]

Hey everyone! I'm new to Styleforum (but some of you may know me from Instagram) and was excited to find so many people on here from the greater-DC area. Yet, there doesn't seem to be a DC (and MD and VA, too, of course) thread, so here it is!

To get things started, I finally got a chance to check out Sid Mashburn in Georgetown for the first time (I know @smittycl is a fan). Beautiful store, really helpful staff, sadly didn't have many short-sized jackets. But I picked up a lightweight chambray dress shirt that's getting the sleeves shortened/narrowed and waist taken in (which they do for free). Also picked up this cotton/linen pocket square.

What have you folks around our nation's capital been into as of late? Been to any good stores or had a great made-to-measure experience? Have a hot tip on where you get your alterations done? Post em here!

 

[smittycl]

Excellent idea! I was toying with the same thing and am glad you started this!

I just commissioned an MTM three-piece with @EzraPaul in a Minnis Fresco I sourced here on B&S. Had another bolt of cloth from Fox Bros and it's currently with Steed. They visit DC regularly from the UK.

My fav menswear stores here are Sid Mashburn, Billy Reid, and Barbour in Georgetown. Paul Stuart and Sky Valet shoes in City Center. Ermenegildo Zegna and Paul Stuart outlets up in Clarksburg whenever I'm up that way.

I've gone to Geoffrey Lewis tailors for the past decade. They are experts and I've always been happy with their work. http://geoffreylewisltd.com/

Over to @lordsuperb who is an expert in all things DC...

 

[TheSuitBurnsBetter]

Excellent idea! I was toying with the same thing and am glad you started this!

I just commissioned an MTM three-piece with @EzraPaul in a Minnis Fresco I sourced here on B&S. Had another bolt of cloth from Fox Bros and it's currently with Steed. They visit DC regularly from the UK.

My fav menswear stores here are Sid Mashburn, Billy Reid, and Barbour in Georgetown. Paul Stuart and Sky Valet shoes in City Center. Ermenegildo Zegna and Paul Stuart outlets up in Clarksburg whenever I'm up that way.

I've gone to Geoffrey Lewis tailors for the past decade. They are experts and I've always been happy with their work. http://geoffreylewisltd.com/

Over to @lordsuperb who is an expert in all things DC...

Any idea what Ezra's turnaround time looks like for their MTM?

 

[smittycl]

Any idea what Ezra's turnaround time looks like for their MTM?

Around four weeks I think. I "@" him in my post. Very positive experience so far!

 

[EzraPaul]

Around four weeks I think. I "@" him in my post. Very positive experience so far!

Yes, consistently 4 weeks or less. In your case it'll be a hair longer since we had to ship the fabric to Italy. Excited to see your suit!

TheSuitBurnsBetter, you'll have to drop by again soon now that the weather is finally turning!

 

[TheSuitBurnsBetter]

Yes, consistently 4 weeks or less. In your case it'll be a hair longer since we had to ship the fabric to Italy. Excited to see your suit!

TheSuitBurnsBetter, you'll have to drop by again soon now that the weather is finally turning!

As soon as I sell this damn jacket, I'm there!

 

[TheSuitBurnsBetter]

Yes, consistently 4 weeks or less. In your case it'll be a hair longer since we had to ship the fabric to Italy. Excited to see your suit!

TheSuitBurnsBetter, you'll have to drop by again soon now that the weather is finally turning!

Out of curiosity, how many yards of fabric does one need to to make a 2-piece suit in roughly a 36S size?

 

[EzraPaul]

Out of curiosity, how many yards of fabric does one need to to make a 2-piece suit in roughly a 36S size?

About 3.25yds for standard solid. A little more for larger repeat patterns, db, and patch pockets (rarely done a suit).

 

[Ambulance Chaser]

The best thing about buying clothes in DC is . . . we're only four hours away from NYC.

I haven't bought clothes from a B&M in several years (all my recent purchases have been from NMWA/Epaulet/18 East/Mr. Porter), but I really like Sid Mashburn and his Italian x Southern Prep aesthetic. I met the man himself a few years ago when he had a pop-up in Union Market and was deciding whether to open a store here. He is a delightful person, just a good old boy from Mississippi who loves clothing.

I haven't done bespoke or MTM suits, so can't provide any insight there. I have bought a few dress shirts from traveling HK tailor W.W. Chan, which visits DC every few months and sets up shop in a local hotel. Shirts are nice and slim and vastly superior to what you can buy RTW.

For tailoring, I used to use Will Field, who is very good if you like his house look (severe waist suppression). He is pricey and not that fast to turn around work, and his shop is in upper Georgetown, far away from my apartment. I've heard that he requires appointments in advance as well. So I started going to Christopher Kim, who is also quite expensive, but finishes jobs faster and is much closer. I have been happy with his work thus far.

 

[TheSuitBurnsBetter]

The best thing about buying clothes in DC is . . . we're only four hours away from NYC.

I haven't bought clothes from a B&M in several years (all my recent purchases have been from NMWA/Epaulet/18 East/Mr. Porter), but I really like Sid Mashburn and his Italian x Southern Prep aesthetic. I met the man himself a few years ago when he had a pop-up in Union Market and was deciding whether to open a store here. He is a delightful person, just a good old boy from Mississippi who loves clothing.

I haven't done bespoke or MTM suits, so can't provide any insight there. I have bought a few dress shirts from traveling HK tailor W.W. Chan, which visits DC every few months and sets up shop in a local hotel. Shirts are nice and slim and vastly superior to what you can buy RTW.

For tailoring, I used to use Will Field, who is very good if you like his house look (severe waist suppression). He is pricey and not that fast to turn around work, and his shop is in upper Georgetown, far away from my apartment. I've heard that he requires appointments in advance as well. So I started going to Christopher Kim, who is also quite expensive, but finishes jobs faster and is much closer. I have been happy with his work thus far.

There will be no mention of that other city on this thread, dammit!

Smashburn may be the first time 7 or 8 years that I've gotten a shirt from a B&M (I've been getting nearly all of mine from eHaberdasher for a while). But I'd been drinking most of the afternoon and was feeling profligate.

For my alterations I go to Ihsan Dura at Linea Pitti near Dupont. The shop is full of unfortunate looking rental tuxes but his work is superb and extremely quick.

 

[smittycl]

The best thing about buying clothes in DC is . . . we're only four hours away from NYC.

I haven't bought clothes from a B&M in several years (all my recent purchases have been from NMWA/Epaulet/18 East/Mr. Porter), but I really like Sid Mashburn and his Italian x Southern Prep aesthetic. I met the man himself a few years ago when he had a pop-up in Union Market and was deciding whether to open a store here. He is a delightful person, just a good old boy from Mississippi who loves clothing.

I haven't done bespoke or MTM suits, so can't provide any insight there. I have bought a few dress shirts from traveling HK tailor W.W. Chan, which visits DC every few months and sets up shop in a local hotel. Shirts are nice and slim and vastly superior to what you can buy RTW.

For tailoring, I used to use Will Field, who is very good if you like his house look (severe waist suppression). He is pricey and not that fast to turn around work, and his shop is in upper Georgetown, far away from my apartment. I've heard that he requires appointments in advance as well. So I started going to Christopher Kim, who is also quite expensive, but finishes jobs faster and is much closer. I have been happy with his work thus far.

I agree that NYC is the place to go. DC pales in comparison unfortunately. Kim does good work.

 

[Ambulance Chaser]

Hmm . . . I had no idea Sky Valet was moving to City Center. Anyone know why? I'm not in the market for shoes, but the relocation will make it much easier for me to drop off and pick up resoling jobs.

 

[lordsuperb]

Excellent idea! I was toying with the same thing and am glad you started this!

I just commissioned an MTM three-piece with @EzraPaul in a Minnis Fresco I sourced here on B&S. Had another bolt of cloth from Fox Bros and it's currently with Steed. They visit DC regularly from the UK.

My fav menswear stores here are Sid Mashburn, Billy Reid, and Barbour in Georgetown. Paul Stuart and Sky Valet shoes in City Center. Ermenegildo Zegna and Paul Stuart outlets up in Clarksburg whenever I'm up that way.

I've gone to Geoffrey Lewis tailors for the past decade. They are experts and I've always been happy with their work. http://geoffreylewisltd.com/

Over to @lordsuperb who is an expert in all things DC...

The best thing about buying clothes in DC is . . . we're only four hours away from NYC.

I haven't bought clothes from a B&M in several years (all my recent purchases have been from NMWA/Epaulet/18 East/Mr. Porter), but I really like Sid Mashburn and his Italian x Southern Prep aesthetic. I met the man himself a few years ago when he had a pop-up in Union Market and was deciding whether to open a store here. He is a delightful person, just a good old boy from Mississippi who loves clothing.

I haven't done bespoke or MTM suits, so can't provide any insight there. I have bought a few dress shirts from traveling HK tailor W.W. Chan, which visits DC every few months and sets up shop in a local hotel. Shirts are nice and slim and vastly superior to what you can buy RTW.

For tailoring, I used to use Will Field, who is very good if you like his house look (severe waist suppression). He is pricey and not that fast to turn around work, and his shop is in upper Georgetown, far away from my apartment. I've heard that he requires appointments in advance as well. So I started going to Christopher Kim, who is also quite expensive, but finishes jobs faster and is much closer. I have been happy with his work thus far.

I agree with Ambulance Chaser. I have spurned DC B&M stores and focus my efforts on NYC. Does this thread have to be about Brick and Mortar stores? Can we talk about restaurant, bars, and live music venues as well?

 

[EzraPaul]

I've been keeping it on the dl, but I'm opening a new store at the end of April and I'd be happy to host another meetup in May or June, after the dust settles? It'd be fun to put faces to names (or handles). Straw poll of those that'd be interested?

 

[Ambulance Chaser]

I agree with Ambulance Chaser. I have spurned DC B&M stores and focus my efforts on NYC. Does this thread have to be about Brick and Mortar stores? Can we talk about restaurant, bars, and live music venues as well?

I vote for a more expansive thread. I’m interested in restaurant and cocktail bar recs.

I've been keeping it on the dl, but I'm opening a new store at the end of April and I'd be happy to host another meetup in May or June, after the dust settles? It'd be fun to put faces to names (or handles). Straw poll of those that'd be interested?

I’m interested.