From Brooklyn to Bethesda, Beyond Measure Custom CCO Matthew Plotner found his calling and love of tailoring during his years as an opera singer, citing the confidence on stage that came from a perfectly fitting suit and hopes to bring that same feeling to his clients. “When something is made for you and only you, it's a feeling unlike any other,” said Plotner who was previously at the helm of Ralph Lauren’s Made to Measure program. Beyond Measure Custom is committed to using the most premium natural textiles -- sourced from England, Italy, Australia, Japan and Switzerland -- in all of their garments to ensure maximum comfort and longevity. The entire process from start to finish is fully custom with each client able to develop their own personal palette of fabric, lining, and buttons.
Christopher Schafer Clothier is located inside a historical 1800s era building originally made for copper smiths and wagon builders, they provide a wide range of custom clothing from suits and jackets to shirting and neckwear. Schafer, born and raised in Baltimore, learned to design in the world class shops of London. Schafer’s approach is to help his clients develop an interchangeable, daily wardrobe of clothing made of the highest quality fabric; he is breaking away from the norms of a traditional tailoring practice to foster a more welcoming environment for those both new to and familiar with the bespoke world alike.
Hand picked fabric programs are the specialty at Commonwealth Proper, where clients are offered a curated selection ranging from deadstock vintage to luxury from industry staples like Prada and Loro Piana. These fabrics create an intentional fitting experience, says owner Craig Artheur Von Schroder, where each client's vision is accentuated through the lens of the brand. Speaking to their emphasis on sourcing they’re one of the few luxury brands in partnership with Swiss fabric maker Schoeller Textiles who offer specialty technical fabrics typically used in the outdoor space. With its waterproofing, windproofing and reinforced construction what results is a garment that can be worn repeatedly without worry.
Milo Andres specializes in catering to every individual's personal style, each suit is a unique creation made for its wearer to look and feel their best. In a made to measure suit you’re getting the knowledge and skill of a bespoke atelier at a fraction of a cost, but with the same opportunity to choose your ideal fabric, pocket, and fitting details. Milo Andres hopes to soon evolve offering specialty service client visits across the country in hot-spots like Miami, New York, and Los Angeles.
The Gentleman's Guide
1| Beyond Measure Custom
A custom bespoke couture clothing company, with made to measure as well as casual wear available. To set an appointment go to beyondmeasurecustom.com or visit their showroom at 8001 Woodmont Avenue in Bethesda.
2|Christopher Schafer Clothier
In operation for 13 years this fall, providing a distinct blend of the traditional euro look paired with the comfort of american suiting. Visit them in person at 1794 Columbia Rd NW in D.C, 2112 Aliceanna St. in Baltimore, or online at christopherschafer.com
3|Commonwealth Proper
An atypical bespoke business, they offer everything custom from traditional suits all the way to jeans, jackets and shirting. Visit them in Georgetown at 1355 Wisconsin Ave, NW Suite 200 or online at commonwealthproper.com
4| Milo Andres
Operating in the DMV since 2016, providing high quality made to measure suiting to Potomac, the nation’s capital and beyond. To book a fitting visit them in person at 11810 Grand Park Ave # 500 in Rockville or online at miloandres.com