When selecting a custom tailor, asking targeted questions ensures you get quality craftsmanship, proper fit, and value for your investment in bespoke clothing. These questions help Tampa Bay professionals like executives and attorneys evaluate expertise before committing to suits, shirts, or sport coats.
Questions About Experience and Process
Start by gauging the tailor’s background and workflow to confirm they understand your professional needs.
How many years have you specialized in custom tailoring for business professionals?
Walk me through your measurement and fitting process from initial consult to final delivery.
Do you handle all alterations in-house, or outsource to third-party shops?
Fabric and Quality Assurance Questions
Verify material standards and construction details critical for durable, high-end garments.
What fabric mills do you source from, and can I see swatches from those collections?
Are garments fully canvassed or fused, and what thread count do you use for Custom Shirts?
What guarantees do you offer for fit adjustments after the first wear?
Service and Logistics Questions
For mobile services like Tom James in Tampa Bay, clarify convenience and timelines.
Do you offer on-site office or home visits in the 813, 863, 727, 352, 941 area codes (Tampa, St Petersburg Sarasota, Lakeland)?
What is your typical turnaround time from order to delivery?
How do you accommodate rush orders for events like board meetings or weddings?
Questions About Personalization
Ensure the tailor can customize to your body type, style, and career demands.
Can you accommodate specific style details like ticket pockets, functional buttonholes, or French cuffs?
How do you adjust patterns for unique body proportions or posture issues?
Do you provide wardrobe coordination advice for my existing closet?
Cost and Value Questions
Understand pricing transparency to align with your budget for custom suits Tampa Bay.
What factors determine the final price for a full bespoke suit?
Are there package deals for multiple garments like suits plus dress shirts?
What payment terms and expectations apply for custom orders?
Contact Erik Peterson at Tom James Company (727-916-7848) to ask these questions during a complimentary Tampa Bay consultation.
Answers from Erik Peterson at Tom James Company
Here are detailed responses to the key questions from the “What Questions to Ask Your Custom Tailor” blog post, drawn directly from Erik Peterson’s 30+ years of experience as a Tom James clothier serving Tampa Bay.
Experience and Process
Erik brings over 30 years as a wardrobe consultant and shareholder, specializing in custom suits for Tampa Bay professionals from Tampa to St. Petersburg. His process starts with a complimentary on-site consult taking 30+ measurements and photos to create a personalized pattern, followed by fabric selection, fittings, and delivery— all at your office or home.
Fabric and Quality
Tom James sources luxury fabrics from world-class mills like Holland & Sherry, with in-house manufacturing at facilities including Oxxford Clothing (Chicago) and our own Chilean mills for premium wool. Garments feature high-quality construction with free first time alterations built-in; I stand behind fit and wear with adjustments over the long term.
Service and Logistics
Yes, Erik offers fully mobile on-site visits throughout the 813, 941, 727, 352 and 863 area codes (Tampa, Sarasota, Lakeland, Bradenton, St Petersburg) and beyond—no store trips needed. Turnaround is typically 6-8 weeks, with rush options for events; all alterations handled in-house by Tom James experts.
Personalization
Absolutely—custom details like ticket pockets, functional buttonholes, french cuffs, and posture adjustments are standard. Erik provides full wardrobe coordination, reviewing your existing closet to build cohesive looks for business, casual, or formal occasions.
Cost and Value
Pricing depends on fabric (e.g., $1,000-$3,000+ for suits), style, and quantity, with packages for multiples offering savings. Flexible payments; custom nature means no returns but alterations to ensure the perfect fit.
Contact Erik Today 727-916-7848