In various social circles, my reputation as the ‘fashion guy’ precedes me. From casual outings downtown to celebrating promotions, and even adventurous hikes, my wardrobe consistently shines. However, one area where I’ve historically faltered is in donning suits.
It’s not entirely my fault—times have evolved. The classic Mad Men-style suit is no longer a workplace staple, and the accessibility of bespoke clothiers has waned. While I acknowledge my role in avoiding suit shopping, a mix of indifference and lack of motivation led to rushed department store trips before significant events. Tailoring? Forget about it.
Recently moving to Europe and eyeing a new job has served as the catalyst to confront my suit-related apathy. My research led me to Proper Cloth, a remote suitmaker that appeared to be the perfect partner in exploring stylish yet affordable suits.
What Is Proper Cloth?
Founded in 2008 by Seph Skerritt, Proper Cloth began as a humble shirt brand but has expanded its offerings to encompass a wide range of men’s apparel. From outerwear to ties, the New York City-based brand now provides everything a man might need for polished occasions—except shoes.
What sets Proper Cloth apart from competitors like Suitsupply and Bonobos is its rich customization service, allowing customers to tailor suits, tuxedos, and sport coats to their exact specifications. Whether opting for off-the-rack items like polos and sweaters or crafting a personalized suit, the flexibility is immense.
Customers can choose from various sizing methods, including at-home solutions or visiting showrooms in cities like New York, Washington D.C., or Chicago. Once ordered, garments are crafted in Vietnam and typically arrive within 17 to 22 days. Proper Cloth offers a ‘perfect fit guarantee’ that compensates for tailoring adjustments, ensuring confidence with each order.
Things to Consider Before Buying
We’ve all experienced a last-minute rush for a suit before a significant event, and Proper Cloth’s prompt turnaround is commendable. However, given the customization involved, it’s wise to allow yourself a generous lead time—up to 2.5 months is advisable for a proper fit, especially accounting for resizing.
My Hands-On Review
Customization
As someone currently job hunting in fashion, I needed a suit that would stand out yet maintain an air of professionalism. The Drago S130s Solaro Bedford Suit emerged as the perfect option for Madrid’s hot summers, featuring a flapped ticket pocket design and lightweight fabric.
To tailor the suit to my preferences, I made several specific modifications, including:
- A half-canvassed interior for balance between structure and breathability.
- Adjustable side bands in lieu of traditional belt loops.
- No pleats for a streamlined look.
- Light brown horn buttons for a distinctive touch.
- Monogramming of my initials inside the pocket.
I appreciated that most modifications occurred without additional fees—a rarity in the made-to-measure suiting world. Larger upgrades were available for reasonable charges, ensuring a sense of value during customization.
Sizing
Proper Cloth offers flexible sizing options, allowing for ease even from afar. While showrooms can provide invaluable assistance, I opted for personalized sizing through a local tailor in Madrid to ensure precision.
- Standard jacket size adjustments.
- Trial of standard-size jackets sent to my home.
- Submitting an existing jacket for measurement.
- Completing a detailed ‘Smart Sizes’ questionnaire.
- Inputting my measurements directly, whether accurate or estimative.
After selecting size #3, I opted for local help in taking my measurements, ensuring a high level of accuracy. Just four weeks later, my suit arrived, neatly packaged in a well-branded garment bag.
The trousers exceeded my expectations, with a tapered fit that allowed for comfort while maintaining style. However, the jacket wasn’t quite what I envisioned—it felt slightly restrictive around the midsection. Nevertheless, Proper Cloth’s responsive customer service quickly handled resizing, demonstrating effective communication and commitment to quality assurance.
Fit
Even though achieving the perfect fit required a couple of attempts, my experience with Proper Cloth was overwhelmingly positive. The jacket offered a polished look without compromising on comfort; I truly appreciated how the pants complemented my body type with elegance.
Quality
The Drago S130s Solaro Bedford Suit competes with high-quality suits costing significantly more, starting at nearly $1100. When considering quality, the investment is justified.
Proper Cloth is proud of its transparency, showcasing fabric sourcing details for each suit. The Drago fabric itself is known for its durability and was specifically designed to withstand the heat—an ideal choice for my Mediterranean backdrop.
Proper Cloth adopts high standards of craftsmanship, as evidenced by sturdy stitching, secure buttons, and a dimension tag in each piece for future reference. Although I noticed a few loose threads, they were easy to trim and did not detract from the overall quality.
Overall, my experience with Proper Cloth has indicated that with their dedicated customer service and attention to detail, they offer an excellent balance of style and comfort for those needing a tailored look without the hassle.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
From the reviews available, customers consistently praise Proper Cloth for their turnaround time and the satisfaction of the ‘perfect fit guarantee.’ Beyond this, the extensive customization options—covering lapel styles, pant pleats, button choices, and more—receive notable mention.
Some users also expressed a concern regarding the fabric’s finish being shinier than expected, indicating that being able to preview materials would be advantageous, especially when investing a significant sum.
What I Like
- The opportunity for extensive customization made the ordering process feel personal.
- Most tweaks did not result in added costs—a pleasant surprise.
- The ease of online ordering was particularly valuable from abroad.
- Customer service was responsive and effective throughout the resizing process.
- The pants fit flawlessly at first try, an achievement for my body type.
- Having my suit dimensions tagged inside is a practical addition for future adjustments.
- The lightweight fabric truly enhances comfort in warm climates.
What I Don’t Like
- Loose threads on the jacket at arrival were not expected.
- The need for a deposit for fabric swatch books can be an inconvenience for customers abroad.
- The initial fit of the jacket required adjustment, though Proper Cloth resolved it efficiently.
Who Is Proper Cloth For?
Proper Cloth caters to those who value tailored details without complexity. If you’re weary of ill-fitting retail clothing, they harness meticulous craftsmanship and straightforward customization. For anyone seeking a quality suit without the headaches, Proper Cloth should be on your radar.
The Verdict
If you’re looking for a suit that offers customization and thoughtful design, Proper Cloth stands out as a worthwhile investment. Despite initial fit issues with the jacket, the company’s support team showcased genuine care, ensuring a satisfying outcome.
With a transparent approach to fabric sourcing and attention to detail, they balance quality and comfort impressively. Proper Cloth continues to be a promising option for anyone seeking a bespoke look that strikes the right note between style and practicality.
