Blog Archives - Page 11 of 11 - BALANI Custom Clothiers

The Collection Section

November 3, 2009 Sonny Balani Blog, The Balani Buzz No comments

With November underway we find ourselves exceptionally busy: complaining about how cold it’s going to be, remembering how cold it was last year, and talking about how cold it’s not going to be next summer. But even with all that going on, we’ve managed to find some time to upgrade our website.
New copy. A new blog. And a new and improved (is that an oxymoron?) Collection Section. Paying particular attention to the collection, it’s an interactive style guide where you can learn about some of the different design elements of our garments. And as a disclaimer, while some options are available under only certain categories, you can make them on almost every garment.

So check it out. Click away. It sure beats talking about the weather…

Double B’s

October 6, 2009 Sonny Balani Blog, The Style File No comments

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Who knew recycling was fashionable? When we think of fashion, we think of “newness” or styles we’ve never seen before, but that’s generally not the case. Designers simply put a twist on something old and call it new. Consider this month’s topic: The Double Breasted suit.

Sold in nearly equal numbers to the single-breasted suit prior to World War II, it’s virtually disappeared from the rack. That is until it started popping up again in the likes of GQ and other fashion magazines. So what makes this suit style remarkable the second time around?

First and foremost, consider the shoulder structure. The classic DB, ever the epitome of masculinity, had heavily padded shoulders that broaden the chest and emphasized a V-cut torso. It was also cut rather boxier. Today, you’ll notice far less structure to a shoulder, yet it still maintains a masculine look.

How? The notches of the lapel are placed higher on the jacket and it’s much more fitted through the waist. By creating a longer line from the shoulder to the waist, it emphasizes the V-cut look, albeit through different means. Remember, clothing is all about proportion. So before you design your perfect DB, keep these subtle cues in mind.

316 Club

October 6, 2009 Sonny Balani Blog, The Balani Buzz No comments

This month’s buzz is actually about someone other than us. Pretty selfless, right? We thought so. Check out our neighbor in the Financial District who is changing the way men take care of themselves: The 316 Club. And by check them out, I mean swing by for cocktails on Thursday, Oct 15th from 4-7 PM.
Here is what to expect:

– Ketel One Martinis –
– Complimentary Shaves and Shoe Shines –
– Appetizers, Raffle, and Great Music –
– And a Trunk Show from Yours Truly –

Wool & Cashmere

October 6, 2009 Sonny Balani Blog, The Gentleman's Guide No comments

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Fall is here. Winter is approaching. We know it’s time to start thinking about how to keep warm. Short of bourbon or those nifty hand warmers, we tend to rely on bundling up our bulky coat to get us to work warm. We all know wool keeps us warm, but do you know why?

Start off by thinking of a sheep. What comes to mind? Fluffy. Curly. These are precisely the characteristics that make wool warm. An individual wool fiber, when inspected closely, exhibits crimps which result in the fiber curling. These crimped fibers, when spun into yarn, are bulkier than they would be than if they were simply straight. There is much dead air between the crimped fibers when made into yarn, and it is the air that provides the insulation.

Cashmere on the other hand, is a much finer fabric. And yes it’s more expensive, but there is a reason behind it. The best cashmere comes from remote locations with inclement weather, thus it has better insulating properties than other fibers. The other advantage is that even though it’s warmer, the fabric weighs less. So if you’re sick of the bulk, consider cashmere for your next topcoat.

Swimming with Sharks

September 1, 2009 Sonny Balani Blog, The Gentleman's Guide No comments

sharkskin brad pitt No, this isn’t a discovery channel special. I’m talking about the dapper professional who wants to step outside of his generic wardrobe. Solid and pinstriped suits? We all have them. So dive in and try something new for fall: The Sharkskin suit.

Technically speaking, a Sharkskin is a worsted wool (meaning that the yarn is tightly twisted, making it more durable) in a twill or basket weave (probably the weave of your solid suit) woven with two different colored threads. But really, what is a Sharkskin?

Think of a solid suit in your closet. Now, think of that same fabric with intrigue. That intrigue I’m referring to is the two-tone effect, the trademark of a Sharkskin. By weaving together the two different yarns, the resulting appearance is a dangerously handsome fabric that has serious depth.

Keep it subtle by finding a fabric with less contrast between the threads. If you want the perfect fall suit, albeit slightly more casual: think chocolate brown with a lighter brown. Perhaps you want to be that stand-out professional: think dark navy with a light blue. Or maybe you’re the gentleman wanting that classic Sharkskin: don’t think…but know it’s a great white with black that creates the quintessential grey suit.

Check Yourself

September 1, 2009 Sonny Balani Blog, The Style File No comments

Open your closet door. White. Blue. Blue and white stripes. Sound familiar? For a fresh fall look try some checks on your shirts for size. Fancy checks. Windowpanes. Tattersalls. I don’t care what, so long as you try. If you want, start slow. Opt for a white ground with a blue pattern.

As you gain confidence, step it up with lavender, a multi color check, or a burnt orange for fall. By keeping a white ground, you’re maintaining a sense of conservatism while concurrently expanding you’re horizons. Or if you’re a bit more dashing, ditch the white and go with some color. Now that’s something to fall for.