Billy Reid Custom — Local services in New York

For perspective, this review represents about 2.5 years of experience with the NYC Knot Standard (KS) organization. I was introduced to the company through a mutual friend of the company CEO, so despite my negative experience this likely represents “special treatment”. I also have experience with 2 other made-to-measure companies (who have become my go-to after these experiences).

One star for a cool setting to be fit for a suit, drinks, food, etc. The rest was unacceptable.

I used KS to provide myself and my 7 groomsmen with suits. After the fitting experience, the rest was quite the disaster. While we ended up with good fitting suits, sizing, delivery, and alteration were huge headaches. To save the details, it resulted in (or contributed to) the “style consultant” (Zach) being terminated. I was given $1,000 toward a new suit as compensation for the headache and trouble surrounding my wedding. This was a good move by KS in my opinion.

When I went to use this $1,000 I was (let myself be) talked into putting some more money towards a high-end garment – a 2-piece suit made from Loro Piana 170s wool/silk which at KS sells for $2,200. This was my next mistake. Suit came way too tight (common theme with this company). I allowed them to let it out a bit (rather than re-make it). In addition to stretching the limits of the fabric (i.e. it could no longer be let out when I put on a few pounds a year later), the fabric started pilling about 1 year after delivery (image attached). I do not wear suits frequently so this represented about 8 wears, and I babied this thing with hanging and storage. KS response…? Can’t do anything about it but will give 50% off another suit. Totally unacceptable for a $2,200 suit that was worn 8 times. “Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice…”.

I’m done with them. They are totally not unique and there are countless companies that are out there that provide superior product, superior service, and at a lower cost. High end fabric that is poorly constructed into a suit that doesn’t fit properly isn’t worth the hanger on which it is hung.

My issues with KS can be summed up as follows: “Style consultants” are not tailors. They don’t measure or cut fabric, and are only an intermediary between the customer and the tailor The KS team seems to not understand the difference between “well-fitting” and “tight”. Their suits come too tight, are let out to fit, and then have no reserve fabric to be let out any further once needed in the future. Their routine response to a problem is to convince you to buy more by giving a discount on a future purchase, rather than fix the problem they created or stand by the construction of their product(s). In my case they then upsell to a nicer fabric and get you to put in more money. There exist NUMEROUS companies in this space that provide superior product, superior service, and at a lower cost. For that price, can go to Martin Greenfield for the full experience. The tailors who travel into NYC from Hong Kong or Saville Row are also...

If you are like me, completely new to full-custom fittings for Tuxedos and Suits, then I can tell you my first experience was amazing and I highly recommend the Knot Standard.

I worked with Kendall Michaelis from beginning to end. Not only is she super personable and knowledgeable of all facets of your Tux/Suit down to the fabric and fitting, but she was very accommodating.

Let me clarify, so during my first appointment, I was looking for a blue Tuxedo for my upcoming wedding. We started going over all the details from fabric to inside jacket design all the way down to the buttons. She is amazingly experienced and helped me find a lightweight Tux so I won't melt away in the hot, Florida sun. Once we added up all the bells and whistles, I was a little overwhelmed from with the price; which (at first) threw me off and was worried I would have to go else where. We all know, when it comes to a wedding, the Bride takes precedence, so the groom's tux budget is not nearly in the same ballpark - price wise.

I explained my situation and budget with Kendall who was able to find me a quality tuxedo that still feels and looks just as good as the one from origination. I also want to give high compliments to Sarah who works in their NYC-Bloomingdale's location. Sarah helped me with my 2nd fitting and was extraordinary with her sense of detail.

Which (I want to point out) I noticed some complaints from other customers about receiving their tux/suit not fitting properly or long lead times. From someone who never has been fitted on such a professional level before, I couldn't disagree more with those upset customers. This is why there are multiple fittings, everyone's body type is different and can't expect a perfect fit with one fitting. And yes it could take time to receive your garments in finished form, but keep in mind, this is completely customized. All good things take time and given my budget and time frame to the fine people at the Knot Standard, not only did they deliver on time, work with my around my budget, but produced an awesome Tuxedo. I want to wear this bad boy...

So let me start off by saying I was skeptical of the custom suit space. A lot of times you see direct to consumer options claim to make a custom suit, but while the service is "good" the quality of the product is not; it feels very fast fashion if you will.

That all changed when I came to Knot Standard, and specifically worked with Thomas Milstead and Katie Smith. Let me tell you, it was simply a game changer. I trusted them to make me several custom suits. 1) a Tuxedo for my wedding 2) a double-breasted suit for my rehearsal dinner 3) a separate tuxedo for my upcoming "wedding season". Each garment was carefully constructed to match my EXACT specifications that I wanted. It was a luxury experience where the product absolutely matched the service! The end result? Well, I had the greatest wedding thanks to Knot Standard and I have some great pieces to work with no matter what future occasion comes my way.

Now, let's close with the real purpose of what made all this special. Thomas and Katie were fundamentally INCREDIBLE in helping me in this process. Every step of the way they helped me select premium sourced materials, put together distinctive patterns, and produce the most custom fit suit. They truly made this experience and I can't thank them enough!

For anyone looking for a custom suit that caters to every unique contour your body has, please consider looking at Knot Standard and specifically ask for the dynamic duo between...