I would rather see my husband invest in a handful of tailor-made shirts than own dozens of ill-fitting, off-the-rack options that do nothing to flatter his broad shoulders or shapely arms. As an Image Consultant, I’ve learned one truth that never fails: fit is everything. Even the most expensive garment can look cheap if the fit isn’t perfect. Conversely, a modestly priced shirt can look luxurious when it has been tailored to the wearer.

As a woman, I visit my tailor often, bringing in off-the-rack pieces for subtle adjustments that sharpen my image. Tailoring is not about extravagance—it’s about refinement. It’s the difference between looking dressed and looking distinguished.

Excuses We Tell Ourselves to Avoid Tailoring

“It fits off the rack…”

Unless you are built like a male model, trust me—it doesn’t. There is always something a tailor can do to improve the fit, often in ways you don’t recognize until you see the transformation.

“I like my shirts baggy…”

That may feel comfortable, but baggy rarely looks sharp. Peerless etiquette reminds us that presentation matters, and tailoring ensures you look polished without sacrificing ease.

“Tailors are too expensive…”

If you’re on a tight budget, consider this: how many bargain shirts have you accumulated that don’t truly flatter you? Men who invest in tailoring often own fewer shirts, but they look sharper in every one. Start simple—take one of your bargain shirts to a tailor and request adjustments. It’s far less costly than going fully custom, yet the impact is immediate.

What Exactly Needs Fixing?

• Collars that don’t sit properly on the neck.

• Sleeves that are too short or too long.

• Gaping across the upper back.

• Excess room under the arms.

• Too much fabric in the back that needs taking in.

• Shirts that are too long, leaving excess fabric to tuck in.

Each of these small imperfections can be corrected, and together they transform a shirt from ordinary to exceptional.

The Peerless Etiquette Perspective

Tailoring is not vanity—it is respect. Respect for yourself, for the image you project, and for the people you encounter. Clothing that fits well communicates confidence, care, and refinement. Peerless etiquette is about elevating the everyday, and tailoring is one of the simplest, most effective ways to do so.