Two male models exude timeless elegance in Alan David Custom suits, showcasing the perfect blend of craftsmanship and modern sophistication.
As the United States enters 2025, a cultural shift is sweeping the nation—a return to modern conservatism that blends tradition with contemporary sensibilities. Next week, Donald J. Trump is set to be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, with the House and Senate under Republican control. If you don’t think this political landscape affects menswear fashion, think again. From Capitol Hill to boardrooms across America, power dressing is making a decisive comeback.
For decades, the way we dress has mirrored societal changes. Historically, presidents have played a significant role in shaping men’s fashion. Here are five U.S. presidents whose style left a lasting impact:
- George Washington: Known for his military-inspired wardrobe, Washington’s tailored frock coats and breeches conveyed authority and unity in the early days of the Republic.
- Abraham Lincoln: His iconic stovepipe hat and frock coats set a dignified standard during a tumultuous time, symbolizing strength and resilience.
- John F. Kennedy: The “Camelot” president modernized men’s fashion by eschewing hats and favoring slim-cut suits, epitomizing youthful elegance.
- Ronald Reagan: Reagan’s well-tailored suits reflected his Hollywood roots and emphasized the importance of presentation in leadership.
- Donald J. Trump: The 45th and 47th President’s preference is his signature power suit style, characterized by sharp, tailored suits paired with bold, often red or blue ties, reflecting a commanding and authoritative presence.
The luxury menswear industry, particularly in the realm of bespoke suits, is poised for transformation in 2025, driven by sustainability, technology, and an unwavering commitment to exceptional customer service. As discerning consumers demand more environmentally conscious and ethically crafted garments, luxury suit brands are embracing innovations such as sustainable fabrics, circular production methods, and lab-grown materials. In tandem, technological advancements like smart textiles and augmented reality are revolutionizing both tailoring processes and the customer experience, enhancing personalization and precision in fit and style.
Amid these shifts, the importance of customer service and building strong client relationships remains paramount. Bespoke suit brands thrive on understanding the individual needs of their clientele, offering not just garments but an elevated experience that fosters loyalty and trust. As minimalism and timeless quality continue to define luxury menswear trends, brands that combine sustainable innovation with impeccable customer care will set the benchmark for success. This dual focus on craftsmanship and client-centric service ensures that the art of tailoring remains as relevant as ever in a rapidly changing world.
Why Alan David Custom is the Gold Standard
For over five generations, Alan David Custom has been synonymous with exceptional tailoring, impeccable customer service, and an unmatched dedication to helping men dress for success. Their bespoke suits are handcrafted to fit your body perfectly, ensuring a flawless combination of fit, style, and proportion. Alan David’s commitment to personalization extends to all shapes, sizes, and styles, making their suits the ultimate choice for any occasion—be it a business meeting or a wedding.
Their new showroom at 515 Madison Avenue in New York City offers an experience like no other. Here, you’ll witness the meticulous process of custom tailoring that leaves no detail overlooked. Whether you’re petite, tall, or anywhere in between, Alan David ensures you’ll feel empowered, polished, and entirely yourself.
A Global Return to Power Dressing
The resurgence of power dressing isn’t limited to politics. Across industries, professionals are rediscovering the importance of dressing for success. Since the introduction of casual Fridays in the 1990s, office attire has gradually relaxed to the point of sloppy, leading to a decline in the perception of professionalism. However, today’s leaders recognize that appearance matters. Dressing sharply signals confidence, competence, and respect for oneself and others.
In my opinion, there has never been a better time to embrace the philosophy of dressing for success. A tailored suit is more than just clothing; it’s a statement. It masters three critical elements: fit, style, and proportion. Once you experience a custom-fitted suit, you’ll understand how transformative it can be—not only for your appearance but also for how others perceive you.
Five Reasons to Wear a Suit or Tailored Ensemble to Work
- Command Respect: A sharp suit sets the tone for authority and professionalism.
- Boost Confidence: Wearing a tailored ensemble enhances your self-esteem and presence.
- Make a Strong First Impression: Whether meeting a client or giving a presentation, your attire speaks volumes.
- Foster Productivity: Dressing the part creates a mindset focused on achievement and excellence.
- Set Yourself Apart: In a world of casual attire, a suit distinguishes you as a leader.
Tailoring the Perfect Wedding Look
While much attention is given to brides and their gowns, the groom and groomsmen deserve equal care and consideration. Your wedding day is a celebration of love, and looking your best alongside your groomsmen creates memories that last forever. A well-tailored suit ensures you’re at your sharpest for this momentous occasion. From bespoke tuxedos to coordinating ensembles for your party, the investment in custom tailoring pays dividends in style and sentiment.
The Takeaway
The world is breaking barriers, and suits are no longer reserved for office hours. At Alan David, the philosophy is clear: every individual deserves to experience the confidence that comes with a perfectly tailored suit. Whether for work, weddings, or everyday elegance, Alan David Custom sets the standard for excellence in tailoring.
If you’ve never had a suit custom-fitted for you, now is the time to experience the transformation. Visit their showroom, and discover how Alan David Custom redefines what it means to dress for success. To book your complimentary fitting, contact their team today and step into a world where fit, style, and proportion reign supreme.
Here’s a breakdown of the differences between bespoke suits, custom suits, and made-to-measure suits for your readers:
Bespoke Suits
- Definition: A bespoke suit is entirely hand-crafted and made from scratch, tailored to the individual’s specific measurements, preferences, and style.
- Process: The process involves multiple fittings with a master tailor, who creates a pattern unique to the wearer’s body. Fabrics, cuts, and details (such as lapel width, pocket styles, etc.) are all chosen by the client, ensuring a fully personalized piece.
- Fit & Quality: The fit is highly precise and unique to the wearer, often offering the most luxurious, high-quality construction. The suit is crafted from start to finish with no pre-existing pattern.
- Price Range: Bespoke suits are typically the most expensive due to the time, craftsmanship, and personalized nature of the work.
Custom Suits
- Definition: A custom suit is a tailored piece made from an existing pattern, but with modifications to suit the client’s measurements, preferences, and style.
- Process: While custom suits offer a greater degree of personalization compared to ready-to-wear suits, the tailoring process uses a standard pattern that is adjusted. Clients select fabrics, details, and a range of options, but the overall structure and fit are based on a pre-existing design.
- Fit & Quality: The fit is better than off-the-rack, but not as individualized as bespoke. The quality can vary depending on the tailor and the specific details chosen.
- Price Range: Custom suits are more affordable than bespoke, but still higher than made-to-measure or ready-to-wear suits.
Made-to-Measure Suits
- Definition: A made-to-measure suit starts with a pre-existing pattern that is adjusted to the client’s measurements for a better fit.
- Process: Measurements are taken and slight adjustments are made to the pattern to ensure the suit fits better than off-the-rack options. However, there is less personalization involved in terms of design and construction compared to custom or bespoke options.
- Fit & Quality: The fit is a significant improvement over ready-to-wear suits, but not as finely tailored as bespoke or custom options. The quality is generally consistent but more standardized than bespoke suits.
- Price Range: Made-to-measure suits are typically the most affordable of the three options, offering a balance between price and fit.
I’m excited to share an exclusive interview with Alan David Custom founder Alan Horowitz, where he opens up about his family’s rich tailoring legacy and the innovative practices that have set his business apart for generations. This conversation offers a unique glimpse into the artistry and dedication behind bespoke tailoring.
Here are three key highlights from the interview:
- The Legacy of Alan David Custom: Discover how a fourth-generation heritage evolved into one of the leading names in bespoke suits, maintaining craftsmanship and personalization through decades of change.
- Innovation Meets Tradition: Learn why Alan believes in-person tailoring continues to thrive, even in an age of AI and emerging technologies, and how his team ensures every suit is a perfect fit.
- The Personal Touch: Explore how Alan’s commitment to client satisfaction drives his business, from “throwaway garments” to meeting customers’ needs—even at unconventional hours!
In my opinion, Alan’s insights offer a rare combination of tradition, modern business acumen, and an unwavering dedication to quality and service. I hope you’ll find his story as inspiring and compelling as I did.
Joseph DeAcetis: How and why did you launch Alan David Custom? What inspired you to create a business focused on custom-tailored suits for all shapes and sizes?
Alan David: I am a fourth-generation retailer. My daughter is fifth. After casualization set in, the family business was on the verge of going out of business. I was the only young person left in the business, and it’s all that I knew. I realized I could either have no job or keep the family business afloat, so I launched Alan David. At the time, it was Alan David Menswear, which eventually became Alan David Custom.
When casualization came, people started wearing fewer suits to the office. It went from casual Fridays to casual Summers, and then people stopped wearing suits altogether. But they began spending more on the suits they did buy. So, it made sense to shrink the off-the-rack inventory and concentrate on the made-to-order/made-to-measure part of the business.
Joseph DeAcetis: Has AI and other emerging technologies influenced or enhanced your tailoring process? How do you integrate these innovations into the traditional art of custom suit-making?
Alan David: No, AI has not changed my process at all. One day, you’ll be able to take an iPhone picture of a customer, and it will capture all the measurements. The suit will go off to a factory and come back in three days. But until we get there, we rely on traditional, in-person custom suit-making.
As more things move digital, customers seem to crave the personal touch. About a century ago, there was no mass production or off-the-rack clothing; everyone had a tailor. While AI might help with marketing strategies, it hasn’t impacted the art of custom suit-making yet.
Joseph DeAcetis: Can you walk us through a typical week in your business? What are the key activities you focus on, from client consultations to production?
Alan David: The key focus of my week is marketing—it’s the most important thing I do. The culture I’ve created is that we’ll do anything to make a customer happy. If a customer isn’t satisfied, we’ll recut, refund, or both.
I’ve met clients in the middle of the night and done fittings across the U.S. Whatever needs to be done, we do it. Our expertise lies in over 100 years of measuring and tailoring. It all starts with the fit of the garment and ensuring customer satisfaction.
Joseph DeAcetis: Where do you source the fabric for your suits, and how do you ensure the highest quality and sustainability in your materials?
Alan David: Experience. With over a hundred years in the business, we know which fabrics last the longest and hold up the best. We source most of our fabrics from Italy and England. Italian fabrics offer a slicker, younger look, while English fabrics are heavier, drape better, and have a beautiful finish.
Joseph DeAcetis: Who is your core demographic and psychographic? What types of clients are you attracting, and how do their needs influence your designs and services?
Alan David: We have two main types of clients: successful businesspeople and wedding clients. Businesspeople wear suits or tailored sports coats multiple times a week, while wedding clients include grooms, groomsmen, and wedding guests.
Weddings are significant. In 22 years of business, we’ve never missed a wedding date. That’s something I’m most proud of.
Joseph DeAcetis: What makes the Alan David business model unique compared to other custom tailors? Are there specific aspects of your process that set you apart in the industry?
Alan David: Number one, our heritage. We’re a five-generation business with deep expertise.
Another unique aspect is the throwaway garment we make for every new client. This preliminary garment lets customers try on and make adjustments before cutting the final fabric. It ensures confidence and satisfaction. Finally, we deliver—clients know their needs will always be met.
Joseph DeAcetis: Do you cater to wedding parties, specifically groomsmen? If so, how do you manage large group orders while maintaining personalization for each client?
Alan David: Tons of wedding parties and groomsmen! We have a special area for groups, complete with refreshments and a large table. We assign two or three staff members to ensure every client receives personalized attention, elevating the experience.
Joseph DeAcetis: What special services or bespoke options do you offer that help elevate the custom suit experience at Alan David Custom?
Alan David: The throwaway garment and quick turnaround time are key. We also ensure real tailors—not salespeople—take measurements. This expertise is critical in delivering a perfect custom garment.
Joseph DeAcetis: In your opinion, what is the significance of “dressing for success”? How can tailored suits contribute to corporate ascension and boost self-confidence?
Alan David: Dressing for success is about perception. Before a client speaks, their appearance makes an impression. During the casualization trend, professionals dressed like they were at a barbecue. Those days are over, and dressing well has made a comeback.
Joseph DeAcetis: For someone unfamiliar with custom tailoring, can you describe in layman’s terms what the fitting process looks like at your showroom? What can a first-time client expect?
Alan David: First, we sit down and show them fabrics in their price range. Once we choose a fabric, we explore styling options—single or double-breasted, pleats or no pleats, working buttonholes, etc.
Then, we measure them. A real tailor takes multiple measurements and photographs their posture to ensure the perfect fit. We create a throwaway garment for them to try on within two and a half weeks. This process guarantees accuracy before we cut the final fabric, ensuring confidence and satisfaction.
About the Author
Joseph DeAcetis is an influential force in the fashion world, known for his cutting-edge approach to styling, art direction, and fashion journalism. As one of the foremost voices in the industry, he has built a reputation for not only documenting fashion history but also driving conversations around its present and future. With a deep focus on emerging trends like AI in fashion, influencer marketing, celebrity partnerships, and sustainable practices, Joseph is constantly at the forefront of reporting on the innovations that are reshaping the global fashion industry.
As a stylist and creative director, Joseph has worked with global icons like Elon Musk, Justin Bieber, Richard Branson, Katy Perry, Tom Brady, and A$AP Rocky, blending his unique vision of style with cultural relevance. But his influence extends beyond the lens—his award-winning columns for prestigious publications such as Esquire, People Magazine, Robb Report, and Playboy offer insightful commentary on the evolving relationship between fashion, technology, and culture. As a Creative Fashion Director at Forbes Media, Joseph explored the intersection of style and innovation, championing how digital transformations and sustainable business strategies are empowering fashion brands to scale globally and adapt to new consumer demands.
Joseph’s latest ventures are centered around POTRO, the pioneering Latinx menswear brand he founded and leads as President, where he blends heritage craftsmanship with modern design to create fashion that speaks to the future of menswear.
In addition to his creative work, Joseph is the Editor-in-Chief at StyleLujo.com, a celebrated online publication that has earned acclaim for its organic, groundbreaking features on celebrity culture and fashion. StyleLujo.com is known for its distinctive voice, offering fresh perspectives on fashion’s most influential trends, while spotlighting the intersection of style and contemporary culture.
Always forward-thinking, Joseph DeAcetis is a leading voice guiding fashion into an exciting new era, where technology, sustainability, and culture converge to redefine style for the next generation
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