Redefining Words

[5.8.2008 | Seattle, Bellevue, Everett, Renton, Lynnwood]
Jeff Collins, Professional Haberdasher

I recently had the chance to 'redefine' a couple words. The Big Word project allows you to purchase a word & those who would like to look up the meaning of it are sent to your website. So now if you go to www.thebigwordproject.com to look up 'suit' or 'tie' you will be directed back here. You may want to go grab a word that defines your business as well. The cost? $1 per letter. http://www.thebigwordproject.com/search?word=suit http://www.thebigwordproject.com/search?word=tie

Fun & Cool Seattle Site

[5.6.2008 | Seattle and beyond]
Jeff Collins, Professional Haberdasher

I have recently been enjoying this website and thought you might as well http://www.natharbi.org. These folks have a lot of fun & style.

Seattle Examiner Has Asked Me To Write For Them

[5.1.2008 | Seattle and beyond]
Jeff Collins, Professional Haberdasher

Personal/Professional Appearance

[4.23.2008 | Seattle, Bellevue, Everett, Renton, Lynnwood]
Jeff Collins, Professional Haberdasher

It’s been said that every professional should have three phone numbers in their speed dial. Their: 1.) CPA 2.) Attorney 3.) Tailor It’s clear why the first two make the list but for some reason the third is not as obvious. People think their appearance is not nearly as important as who they are on the inside or what they feel they can do for their customers. Well that is true in the end, but let’s face facts; first impressions are made in an instant and once an impression is...

What Is It Like Working With A Haberdasher?

[4.10.2008 | Seattle and beyond]
Jeff Collins, Professional Haberdasher

Many people wonder what they can expect from a meeting with a haberdasher. My way of business is certainly different from the norm, completely different from having to go to the mall. If you can think of a clothing store flowing with the most stylish and elegant suits, sport coats, slacks, and shirts; then when you go to find your size you are surprised to see everything is a perfect fit for YOU. Not only that but it is styled with your preferences and created with functional details you never...

Ready-Made Shirts vs Custom Shirts

[4.3.2008 | Mercer Island, WA ]
Jeff Collins, Professional Haberdasher

I recently ran across a great blog about shirts:www.TailorInStyle.com. There was an article in there about ready-made shirt sizing & I couldn't help but reply to it. It reminded me of a question I responded to this time last year in my blog about The Perfect Shirt. Here is my response to Peter's blog at www.TailorInStyle.com "I’m really enjoying your website because you tell it like it is. Tailored shirts are your best bet for fit. However unless you know where to get them they can be difficult...

Rent A Tux or Buy A Tux/Suit?

[4.1.2008 | Mercer Island]
Jeff Collins, Professional Haberdasher

When you ask the groomsmen to be in your wedding it's assumed they will be renting tuxedos, usually at their own expense. While rental offers range from $50 to $150, I have personally found most rentals end up averaging $120 & can be as much as $200. Each tux is a different price and most brides & grooms gravitate to the nicer fabrics because they feel and look better, but also cost more. Some stores charge extra for shoes & accessories such as vests. That entry level deal is rarely the out the...

Photographer

[3.26.2008 | Bellevue Wa]
Jeff Collins, Professional Haberdasher

I get asked all the time who my photographer is. Well it's Rachele Valadez the owner of www.artisphotography.com. She did a wonderful job on my professional photos & I highly recommend her work. Thanks, Rachele. Jeff Collins, Professional Haberdasher

Professional Haberdasher vs. Tailor

[3.26.2008 | Kirkland, WA]
Jeff Collins, Professional Haberdasher

Recently I had an inquiry from a young gentleman who wanted my help making the suits he purchased from a local store fit properly. Based on the issues he relayed to me I was able to give him some suggestions on how the garments could be adjusted to fit his frame and get closer to the look he was attempting to achieve. Then I gave him the name & number of a master tailor. You see, he didn’t really need me at that point. He needed someone to fix his problems by adjusting ill-fitting clothing...

Gentlemen

[1.23.2008 | Granite Falls]
Chuck Weinberg

Gentlemen, Often we take flack for under-performing in the clothes category. As I look around, much of this is well deserved, but some is not. Whether you are the extremely picky guy looking for the exact right piece or you have no clue what to wear and you need someone to just to tell you straight out, "wear these pieces together", Jeff is your man. I am a picky sort and Jeff has it dialed in. The garments fit precisely and he will tell you, "once you wear a custom fitted suit or shirt,...

Reweaving

[1.23.2008 | Seattle]
Jeff Collins, Professional Haberdasher

Every once in a while my clients snag a garment & call me to ask if it has met it's end. In most cases it can be saved. The answer isn't a good tailor, it's a good reweaver. Reweavers are very hard to find as their craft is a dying art. I have used a couple reweavers in my 10 years of business and the one I recommend is Phyllis Brown of the Alterations and Reweaving Center in North Seattle. You can find her info at http://www.reweave.com or 206.632.8791. She's been at it for 27 years so...

What Junebug Weddings Says About Us

[1.3.2008 | Seattle]
Junebug Weddings

A man in a perfectly tailored suit is a sight to see- sophisticated, confident and oh-so-handsome, which is just the way he ought to feel on his wedding day. Knowing where to start to find that perfectly tailored suit isn't always easy, but Seattle area grooms have a secret weapon in getting it right. He is haberdasher and men's wear expert Jeff Collins of MyHaberdasher.com, and he knows his stuff! I recently had the pleasure of meeting Jeff and learning about his unique services, which I think...

In The Running For Best Blog

[11.15.2007 | Mill Creek ]
Jeff Collins, Professional Haberdasher

Haberdashing Profile

[11.12.2007 | Mercer Island]
Jeff Collins, Professional Haberdasher

TO MARRY OR NOT TO MARRY?..

[11.12.2007 | Mercer Island]
Sophia McDonald

There's a fascinating story about professional matchmaking in the New York Times Magazine this week. What I found particularly interesting was the way that the matchmakers discussed in the piece profile their clients and make a match. It's a lot like the way that top sales people and customer intelligence specialists operate. As the piece shows, there are numerous problems that prevent people from finding an appropriate mate. One is that they are not exposed to enough potential spouses. (Their...

Which Coat Should I Wear?

[11.12.2007 | Albany, NY]
Cary Cahill

Jeff, I've got a question. Aside from my incredibly fashionable New York Yankees baseball jacket, I haven't bought a single piece of outerwear since college. It's finally starting to cool off around here, and I'm realizing that it's about time I replaced some of the old stuff hanging in the closet. I work in a shirt-and-tie office, but occasionally wear a suit to meet with clients. I also want to look professional, but relaxed, when I'm not on the clock. What would you suggest as essentials for...

Wedding Planning Resource

[10.10.2007 | Seattle Washington]
Jeff Collins, Professional Haberdasher

I recently ran across a beautiful website for helping you plan your perfect wedding. It is http://www.junebugweddings.com. They have everything you need to create your perfect day!

Thanks to Jeff Collins!

[10.8.2007 | Rochester, New York]
Ben Murphy, TheFatherLife.com

Just wanted to let folks know that Jeff has teamed up with us as the Fashion Contributor for THE FATHER LIFE .com. Jeff's first contribution can be read at: http://thefatherlife.com/articles/2007/23/ Jeff has been great to work with and has great advice! -Ben Murphy, Founder/CEO, TheFatherLife.com

Location, Location, Location

[10.5.2007 | Detroit]
Matt Schoenfeld

Mr. Haberdasher, I live in Detroit and would like to be provided with a service like yours. Do you work around here? Thanks! Matt S.

Trends In Professional Dress

[9.17.2007 | Kirkland Washington]
Jeff Collins

We’ve all seen those nostalgic pictures of the big city in its infant stages: cars and carriages sharing the dirt roads through town, women in big dresses carrying a parasol and nearly every man in suit & wearing a hat. Getting dressed for business was easy back then. Being properly attired meant you were in a suit. For hundreds of years wearing a suit has always been a display of strength, power and importance. In the business world it’s meant to say, “I’m confident, competent and professional.”...

Common Sense

[9.10.2007 | San Francisco, CA; Columbus, OH]
Jeff Hill

I've known Jeff for a couple of months now. As a consultant, I am expected to give presentations and carry myself appropriately to all levels of management. Jeff has been able to recommend some great ideas that are very common sensical in my very busy travelling life-style. I find him to be a straight shooter and basically tell it like it is.

Interview With A Haberdasher

[9.10.2007 | Bellevue WA]
Jeff Collins

I was recently interviewed for a blog by Amy Hedin of People Performance Solutions www.peopleperfsol.com Amy: What is the most rewarding aspect of your role as a personal haberdasher? Jeff: I believe the most rewarding part of anyone’s career is when you help a person who lacks knowledge by educating them; when you embrace the role as teacher or consultant. In my business that comes when a person who does not know how to dress well is taught the basics of creating a wardrobe and then adds...

Good site

[8.22.2007 | Seattle]
Sunny

Hi Jeff. Thank you for explaining how to choose ties by color and pattern of the shirt. What a great insight under 2 mins.

Referring Travel Agent

[8.15.2007 | Bainbridge Island, wa]
Christian Andersen

Jeff is the man when it comes to stylish clothing for men. I really should be buying more from him. He outfitted me with a wonderful suit for my wedding vow renewal with my wife and I have since used it for many business meetings and events. It has held up so well and I literally get compliments on it EVERYTIME I wear it.

Another Testimonial

[7.18.2007 | Northgate Wells Fargo]
Kevin Smith

I think most professional men would find a haberdasher's value in the quality of the clothes and the look and feel of a custom fit. In addition, there is a tremendous convenience in having a clothier come to you, rather than dealing with the hassles of the mall. All this is true. Jeff Collins has served my business clothing needs for six years now. He offers more selection than the mall and his knowledge of the industry assures a custom fit every time. The extra value I've gained from working...

Shirt Longevity

[6.13.2007 | Issaquah ]
Allen Indman

How long should a shirt last because I usually have to toss mine after a year. Sometimes it's the collar shrinking sometimes it's the cuffs wearing out next to my watch. -A

Thank You

[6.13.2007 | Bothell]
Charles E. Moore, Jr.

I own a small window cleaning business. I have known Jeff Collins for some years. In that time Jeff has helped me find garment solutions for my business. While I don't get to wear much formal attire, Jeff takes time to find quality logoed shirts that give my company a professional look. Since time and great service are what I want and need, Jeff Collins at www.MyHaberdasher.com fits my life-style! Charles E. Moore Jr. www.acewindowcleaning.com

Everyone Should Have A Haberdasher

[6.7.2007 | Bismark]
Spirit Thompson

I also buy custom suits from a local guy and wouldn't have it any other way. You Haberdashers are great! Keep up the good work.

Suits

[5.25.2007 | Mercer Island]
Don Callahan

Jeff, I'm kinda curious how many suits a haberdasher like yourself has.

The Perfect Shirt

[4.9.2007 | Seattle]
Jack Adams

Jeff, I'm always in search of the perfect shirt. When I find one that isn't too big in the middle it seems like I can't find it when I go back. Are styles always changing or something? Cool website, by the way.

Timeline

[3.27.2007 | Seattle]
Dave Hillman

Jeff, I was just wondering how long it takes to get things. Appointment, make the clothes, get them, etc. Thank you, Dave H.

Dry Cleaning Frequency

[3.19.2007 | Bellevue WA]
Mark Sloan

Jeff, I know you probably get this question all the time but how often should I have my suits dry cleaned? Great Website! Thank you, Mark

Extra Fabric Behind My Collar

[2.23.2007 | Seattle Washington]
Jake Sercue

Everytime I buy a suit or sport coat at the store there is extra fabric bunched up between my shoulder blades. Is there anyway to avoid that?