I’m not a Major League ballplayer, or the CEO of a large corporation, so frankly the idea of owning a custom-made suit never really occurred to me when I first brought Joe Scafidi my beloved vintage sport coat to be re-lined. We got to talking in his cozy, well-appointed shop, and my eye began to wander over the bolts of pinstriped, herringbone and solid cloths. I asked, and he told me about the properties of the wool and cashmere and silk fabrics, and that their suits are made in America, not shipped overseas. Long story short, he made a beautiful cashmere and silk sport coat with the exact lapel width, functioning sleeve buttons (I got to pick them myself!), vents, pockets, etc. All of my choosing. When I wanted the sleeves ¼ inch shorter to show a bit more sleeve, he replied in his Italian accent, “No problem – I want you to be happy with it.” And I am (although “thrilled” might be a more accurate word). I’ll definitely be back for more.
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