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A Local Style Consultant Will Find You the Perfect Fit

Custom menswear doesn’t have to cost a fortune

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Since losing a fair amount of weight last year, I’ve become more conscious than ever of how my clothes fit. When I was heavier, a little extra room was welcome, even necessary, but now that I’ve slimmed down, proper fit can mean the difference between looking well dressed or sloppy. This is particularly true of dress shirts, probably the biggest staple of my wardrobe. When buying off the rack I only get to choose neck size and sleeve length – and maybe a general cut, like slim fit. But even those can be a bit generous in the shoulders or midriff, looking blousy when I tuck them in. Of course, the solution is to get shirts custom-made, but since I don’t manage a hedge fund, the cost is rather prohibitive.

This sartorial dilemma is the foundation of J. Hilburn’s business: the direct sales company deals in custom menswear at value prices. The business model is much like Mary Kay or Pampered Chef: independent “style consultants” deal directly with customers and order from the manufacturer. The lack of bricks-and-mortar stores or a huge workforce makes for low overhead, and thus, low prices. With bespoke dress shirts starting as low as $79, you might be suspicious of the quality, but J. Hilburn purchases fabrics from some of the same Italian mills as the big names, earning a nod from Esquire magazine for “Best Dress Shirt” in its Spring Style Awards.

I met with Danyca Penick, the local style consultant, at her Hope Artiste Village Studio in Pawtucket for a custom fitting. By taking an extensive series of measurements that went well beyond the simple neck size/sleeve length, Danyca was able to ensure a more exacting fit, and I was even able to choose from a variety of cuts like classic, slim and European. Next, I got to choose my fabric from a huge variety of swatches ranging from the elegantly understated to the loud and flashy. I tend to fall somewhere in between, leaning toward the more flamboyant, so I went with a lavender herringbone pattern. Then it was on to customizing the details – and who knew there were so many? With 14 collar styles, nine variations on the cuff (not including short sleeve), four styles of pocket (or no pocket at all) and multiple options for both the placket (the part on the front where the buttons are) and back pleats. I was amazed at how many nuances I never even thought about while buying off the rack. Furthermore, you can add extras like contrasting fabric on the collar or cuffs, contrasting thread for accents and monogramming in three different fonts. And all this at a price comparable to high-end ready to wear.

When my shirt arrived four weeks later it fit beautifully – and Danyca pointed out that we could have customized it further. We both agreed, for example, that next time a slimmer sleeve is in order. Meanwhile, J. Hilburn continues to add to its portfolio, offering pants, accessories, knits, sweaters, outerwear and full suits, all tailor made for you. Now I can find a perfect fit without the headache of managing a hedge fund. Check out her website to schedule your own custom consultation or call 338-4010. 

Style, Clothes, J. Hilburn, Custom Fitting, Menswear, Shirts, Affordable Clothing, Danyca Penick, Style Consultant, Hope Artiste Village, Custom Clothing, Apparel, shopping, menswear, Providence-Monthly, John Taraborelli

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