What is your return policy?
You can return an item for any reason within seven days of receiving it. If there has been an error on our part in the listing or shipping you will receive a full refund plus your return shipping costs if we ask you to return the item to us. In order to receive credit for a returned item you must contact us before sending it back.
Do you combine shipping?
We are always happy to combine shipping to get you the best available deal. There are some standard rules:
We do not usually combine suits or sport coats for shipping but ship each in their own Flat Rate Box. This is because these items fit well in a Flat Rate Box and it is easy on them. If you order three or more such items or are ordering from outside the U.S. combined shipping saves you significant money and we are happy to do it.
If you are buying multiple shirts and/or ties you will receive a $4.00 Shipping Rebate for each item after the first.
Many situations require a custom shipping quote so do not hesitate to contact us if you have a large order.
When can I expect my order to ship?
We generally ship within 48 hours of payment and most of the time less than 24 hours after payment. Please let us know before you bid if you have any special shipping requests.
How much is the Shipping and Handling Charge?
We charge up to $1.50 for shipping and handling. This pays for supplies and getting to the post office with a tiny bit left over for labor.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we ship worldwide. Please let us know before you bid if you have any special shipping requests.
How do you describe/grade condition?
Most of the items we sell are described as being “Used; very good. No visible damage or stains.” These items show normal signs of use and would not be mistaken for new by the wearer but have no issues that affect wearablity.
If an item is said to be “Used; excellent”, then it looks and feels ‘nearly new’ or ‘like new’. These items have that ‘crisp’ feeling about them that we associate with new clothes.
Items that are listed as “Used; good” or “Used; poor” have an issue that will be visible to others when worn. This issue will be described in the listing.
Note that clothes are complicated and we do miss problems sometimes. If you have any questions or concerns when you receive your item please contact us immediately.
Remember that any garment you purchase that is not new, as in “never worn”, is going to show at least some small signs of use. If you are paticularly fastidious about a certain point of condition feel free to contact us for detailed information about the item(s) that interests you.
If we sometimes over-describe an issue it is because we would rather make a big deal out of it now rather than you having to do so when you receive your item.
How do you handle your items?
After being added to the inventory each garment is hung and steamed (with obvious exceptions like nylon and leather). Steaming removes wrinkles, reduces or even eliminates odors, and kills any bugs or eggs that may be in the cloth. Steaming also allows for examining the item for any stains or damage.
Many items arrive needing repairs and these are sent to a tailor. Common repairs are torn suit linings, moth holes, and loose or missing buttons. If an item has an issue that for some reason we have not had repaired this will be noted in the description.
Items that come to us stained are washed or dry cleaned as needed. If a stain remains afterward this is noted in the description.
After being photographed items are laid in a pile until they are listed. Afterward they are either hung or folded for storage until sold. All items are shipped carefully wrapped and folded. However, by the time your item reaches you it will probably not look as wrinkle-free as it did in our pictures due to handling.
Why don’t you wash or dry clean all of your items?
Washing and dry cleaning shorten the life of garments. This is why we prefer to steam items to remove wrinkles for photographing. Many items come to us having just been cleaned and many buyers prefer to clean or press their items after receiving them regardless.
Where can I get more information on men's clothes?
Books
These first two are must-haves if you are ready to get serious about your wardrobe. There are many other books out there and I will be adding more to this list as I read.
Roetzel, Bernhard, Gentleman’s Guide to Grooming and Style, Cologne, Germany, 1999; reprinted in English and most recently issued by Barnes & Noble.
Get this book first! It is lavishly illustrated and is a great visual reference as you read the other books which often have no photos at all. Roetzel covers everything you need to know and a few things you don’t. The process of making a bespoke suit is beautifully covered in a photo essay.
Smith, Russell, Men’s style; the thinking man’s guide to dress, New York: St. Martin’s Press, 2007
Get this book second! A comprehensive book and fun read. Smith is opinionated and tells it well. We use it as a companion to the Roetzel book as it covers the same areas but with different bits of history and information as well as different opinions on certain points.
Amies, Hardy, ABC of Men’s Fashion, New York: Abrams, 2007
This is a reprint of a book published in 1964 so the information is dated. However, it is a fascinating historical document about what was considered fashionable and correct 40-plus years ago.
Antongiavanni, Nicholas, The Suit; A Machiavellian Approach to Men's Style, New York: Collins, 2006
This is definitely an 'Advanced Class' book. Few other will finish it. Antongiavanni (a pseudonymn) goes into great detail about the different styles of suit and what sorts flatter which sorts of men's figures. His pseudo-Machiavellian language will also make this tough going for some. There is a great deal of good information here if you have the patience to tease it out.
Flusser, Alan, Dressing the Man; Mastering the Art of Permanent Fashion, New York: Harper Collins Publishers, 2001
Flusser focuses on pairing different pieces, colors, and patterns with each other and with different heights, complexions, shapes, hair colors, & etc. This approach makes an excellent companion to the Roetzel book.
Lenius, Oscar, A Well-Dressed Gentleman’s Pocket Guide, London: Carlton Publishing Group, 2006
Rather like Russell Smith’s book in what it covers although Lenius differs in his opinions from Smith on some points. We refer to it for its unique charts and illustrations.
Peres, Daniel, et al, DETAILS Men's Style Manual, New York: Gotham Books, 2007
The style guide for the under-30 set. There is good basic information here but it is uneven and often incomplete. The editors of DETAILS clearly believe that their audience has a very short attention span which keeps them from going far with any point. If you are over 30 this book gives you an interesting look at some of what is considered "in" and appropriate today. Not a book for the man who is serious about dressing well.
Websites
As with books, there are many great sites that I haven’t had the chance to check out so be sure to explore.
Ask Andy About Clothes
This website is probably the most comprehensive. Read the tutorials for in-depth knowledge on how men’s clothes are made. The discussion groups are varied and well-attended. Any question you have has probably been answered here and if it hasn’t then ask and someone will know the answer (or, more likely, several people will have slightly difference answers and a discussion will ensue).
The Sartroialist
This is one of the most widely-read men's fashion blogs and a great place to get ideas.
Style Forum
Style Forum is the most visited of the men's clothing forums on the Internet. Like Ask Andy About Clothes, which ranks second in traffic, it is a must visit site with lively discussions of all aspects of dressing well.
Other forums focusing on men's clothing that you may want to peruse are The Fedora Lounge, Film Noir Buff, and The London Lounge. All feature lively discussions but draw far fewer visitors than either of the two already mentioned.
YouTube – Yes, YouTube. Search “Savile Row” or “Bespoke” on this video sharing website and you will find many informational videos about how men’s clothes are made and the people and firms that make them. For instance, how can thousands of stitches be put into the breast of a suit coat in a reasonable amount of time? Watch here to see how quickly a trained tailor can work.
Like you we are always learning and our customers are often our best teachers. If you have questions, comments, or corrections please contact us.
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