The Best Places For Bespoke Fashion In Chicago

By Staff in Arts & Entertainment on Oct 22, 2014 9:55PM

We know what you're thinking. "What do a bunch of people who write in their basements need with a custom-made suit?" First, we don't work from our basements. Second, just because we're bloggers doesn't mean we don't need a good suit for occasions ranging from the celebratory to the somber and everything in between.

We're huge fans of bespoke fashion here at Chicagoist; as Billy Gibbons once sang, "every girl's crazy for a sharp-dressed man." Whether you're looking to have a new suit made, have the waistlines and seams of an old one taken in or let out, or if you're looking for a perfect hat to make your ensemble pop, we've rounded up a few of our favorite places where you can wind up looking like a million bucks.

Sebastien Grey Clothiers
Oxxford Clothes are among the best suits in the world and handmade in Chicago, but they cost a fortune. If you want to look like you're wearing a $4,000 suit at a fraction of the price, check out this shop with multiple locations across Chicago. Whether you're looking for a two-piece suit, a three-piece, a simple sportcoat or slacks, Sebastien Grey will measure you and craft some beautiful clothes for you, stitched to last. —Chuck Sudo

Sebastien Grey Clothiers has locations at 70 W. Madison St., 1351 S. Michigan Ave. and 654 W. Diversey Pkwy.

Hats Plus
I love a good hat and believe you need at least three good ones as part of your wardrobe. This Six Corners institution is my first and often only choice for chapeaus. Whether I'm looking for newsboy caps, fedoras, Greek fisherman's hats, the staff is informative and attentive, and won't blow smoke up your ass and allow you to buy that terrible cowboy hat you've been eyeing for 30 minutes. They inventory thousands of hats in a variety of styles. The staff will measure your head in a pinch to get your size right. I've spent hours and the equivalent of a monthly mortgage payment over the years at Hats Plus. If you have an old hat that needs a touchup, cleaning or need the brim re-blocked, they can do that for you as well. I’ve taken hats to Hats Plus I thought were near death and they’ve either breathed new life into them or given them the proper burial they deserved. mdash;Chuck Sudo

Hats Plus is located at 4706 W. Irving Park Rd.

Silver Room
This Wicker Park jewelry shop has been open since 1997 and its longevity is no doubt a result of their wonderful uniqueness in spirit as well as their artfully handmade and customizable jewelry. Many Chicago jewelry artists are represented here along with some from other parts of the country. Each hand-crafted piece is one of a kind and with in-house designers and jewelry makers, the distinctiveness continues as customers are able to work with the in-house team to create individualized pieces. The majority of customized pieces are engagement and wedding rings, but the type of item they can create is diverse and runs the whole gamut of price ranges depending on materials and complexity. Pieces can be made using a bevy of metals—from alternative ones such as zirconium to more traditional ones like platinum. They are also able to set and include an array of different stones to make creations especially unique. Some of the most popular artists whose work is currently in the store include Chicago-area jewelry makers Susan Elizabeth, Clay and Chloe, Jesse Torres of Anidem, and Beth Clark. In addition to all of this, they also host art events, music, and have a solid juice bar. Silver Room is an incredibly unique shop for incredibly unique individuals and not to be missed when shopping along Milwaukee Avenue.
— Carrie McGath

The Silver Room is located at 1442 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Nikiforos Tailoring & Alterations
For nearly 50 years, master tailor Nick Nikiforos has been making custom made suits and altering previously made clothing for scores of Chicagoans. Nikiforos' alteration rates are reasonable (especially for downtown) and his shop handles alterations for men's and women's clothing. —Chuck Sudo

Nikiforos Tailoring & Alterations is located at 29 E. Madison St.

Duru's Custom Shirts & Suits

Duru's Custom Shirts & Suits
Much of what you need to know about this Loop-based tailor is in the testimonials. Cubs legend Ernie Banks, ABC 7 lead anchor Ron Magers, attorney and author Scott Turow and Congressman Mike Quigley have all had suits made here. Duru's can custom fit everything from formalwear and suits and offer a wide range of accessories like ppocket squares, cufflinks and tie clips to keep your shit square. —Chuck Sudo

Duru's Custom Shirts & Suits is located at 221 N. LaSalle St.