What to Expect During a Custom Suit Consultation at Tailor On Tap

If you’ve never ordered custom clothing before, you might be wondering what the process looks like. At Tailor On Tap, our goal is to make the experience approachable, collaborative, and enjoyable; from the first consultation to the final fitting. 

Here’s what you can expect when you visit our showroom. 

The Basics 

Our showroom is located at:  

8301 Greensboro Dr, Suite E 

Tysons, VA 

Hours: Monday–Friday | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM 

While we do welcome walk-ins, consultations are typically appointment-based. Scheduling an appointment allows our team to prepare fabrics and looks that align with your personal style and needs. 

One important note: we do not offer tailoring services for clothing that are not custom-made by Tailor On Tap. 

When you come in, we recommend wearing form-fitting clothing, as our stylists will take detailed measurements during your consultation. Plan on your style consultation taking at least one hour.

The Style Consultation 

When you arrive, one of our stylists will begin by getting to know you and your needs. Every custom garment starts with a conversation. 

We’ll ask questions such as: 

  • What are you looking to create? 

  • Is this for a specific event? 

  • What colors and styles do you usually gravitate toward? 

  • What pieces do you already have in your wardrobe? 

For example, we recently had a client come in looking for two custom suits for the Kentucky Derby. Because of the occasion, we focused on fabrics in pastel colors and vibrant spring tones, along with lightweight materials that breathe well for warm weather. 

Understanding the purpose of the garment helps guide the entire design process. 

Choosing Your Fabrics 

Once we understand what you’re looking for, we’ll walk you through our lookbooks and fabric collections. 

You’ll be able to explore different fabrics, patterns, and textures to find the perfect foundation for your garment. 

Once you’ve selected the fabric for each piece, we’ll move on to design customization. 

Designing the Details 

This is where the custom process really comes to life. Your stylist will guide you through a series of design choices that shape the final look of your suit. 

For a jacket, customization options may include: 

  • Single- or double-breasted style 

  • Front button configuration 

  • Full, half, or unstructured canvas construction 

  • Lapel style 

  • Lower pocket style 

  • Ticket pocket 

  • Back vent style 

  • Sleeve button style 

  • Accent stitching 

  • Functioning (working) sleeve buttonholes 

  • Pleated or flat-front trousers 

  • Button selections 

You can also personalize the inside of the garment with custom monograms, such as: 

  • Your initials 

  • A wedding date 

  • A meaningful message inside the jacket 

You’ll be able to select the font, placement, and thread color for the embroidery. 

These options vary depending on the type of garment you’re designing, but they give you an idea of how detailed the customization process can be. 

Measurements 

Once the design is finalized, your stylist will take both digital and physical measurements to ensure the most precise fit possible. 

Accuracy at this stage is essential to creating a garment that fits and moves naturally with your body. 

Ordering Your Garment 

After your measurements are taken, we’ll finalize the order and review your invoice with you. 

Once payment is completed, your garment moves into production. 

The Fitting 

Typically, your garment will be ready in about four weeks. 

When it arrives, we’ll invite you back to the showroom for a fitting appointment to ensure everything fits exactly as intended. 

If adjustments are needed, our tailor will make them and bring you back for a follow-up fitting. 

If you’re ordering multiple garments—such as two suits—we often recommend producing one first, perfecting the fit, and then applying those measurements to the remaining pieces. 

Working With Clients Outside Washington, DC 

If you don’t live in the Washington D.C. area, we still work with clients across the country. 

We regularly complete consultations through: 

  • Digital measurements 

  • Phone or video consultations 

  • In some cases, sending a member of our team to you 

Custom clothing is not limited by location. 

The Possibilities Are Endless 

At Tailor On Tap, the custom process is about more than simply ordering a suit, it’s about designing a garment that reflects your personal style and fits you perfectly. 

From fabric selection to the smallest finishing details, every piece is created with intention. 

Because when clothing is truly custom, the possibilities are endless. 

Ali McLarenTailor On Tapcustom suit, Suit fitting, Custom Clothes, Menswear, Women's FashionComment