The adage, “dress better to feel better,” is more than mere fashion advice. The link between appearance and self-confidence is undeniable—and when we are confident, we naturally feel better and perform better.
St. George entrepreneur and clothier, Vance Rowley, describes what it was like to wear custom-fitted clothing for the first time: “From the moment I slipped on that suit and shirt—that was cut to my exact body—I knew custom suits were for me.”
At that point in time, Vance was living in Thailand, which is known for a thriving fashion industry and world-class tailors; he was serving a voluntary two-year mission for his church. His command of the local language and culture developed during that time, coupled with his lifelong desire to start his own clothing business, ultimately led to the genesis of Chic Gents, a custom clothing company serving clients from Las Vegas to Salt Lake City.
Vance and business partner, Greg Christensen, launched Chic Gents in 2018, initially traveling to meet clients in the comfort of their own homes. They discussed designs, took measurements, delivered suits and performed final fittings. By April 2021, they opened their ideal storefront in Green Gate Village on 76 West Tabernacle—and their business continues to grow.
Greg entered the clothing business after 15 years in the semi-conductor industry and another entrepreneurial endeavor. Having lived in Salt Lake and St. George, he has a keen understanding of client needs based on lifestyle and even the climate where they live.
“In St. George, you might not want to wear a suit year-round,” Greg explains, offering that linen fabrics and lighter dress shirts are preferred in the southwest, whereas heavier weighted wools are better suited for northern winters.
Whether dressing for work, a wedding, a night out on the town or church, Chic Gents aims to provide clients the perfectly fitted suit, paired with exceptional quality and service. Believing that each person’s suit buying experience should be “unique and personal,” their process begins with a dedicated appointment time to capture more than 30 measurements and gather other details, such as the type of shoes you wear, the colors and styles you prefer—and even where you carry your cell phone to identify the right pocket placement and style!
Fabrics made specifically for suiting are sourced from top mills in Europe, Australia and Asia, which allows Vance and Greg to offer a vast range of options, more than 2,000 in fact, to help their clients find the “quality and perfection” that meet their personal creativity. Selections include linens, wools, silks or cottons to fit seasonal and style preferences for traditional or trendy looks.
Once design details and measurements are established, the fabrics are ordered and shipped to Thailand, where each suit is 100% hand-cut and sewn. In a final fitting, a Chic Gents associate will check for any needed adjustments to ensure the fit is exact and the client is satisfied.
“We make it how you want it, and we can accommodate every trend,” says Vance, adding their handmade suits come with the quality to last a lifetime if cared for properly.
Beyond suits, Chic Gents makes custom shirts, sport coats, pants, vests and casual wear. For men’s fashion that delivers quality, style and confidence, make an appointment with Chic Gents in store or online at chic-gents.com.
