5 /5 Todd Grodin: "Theres literally nothing here that fits me!" I said to my son as I returned another jacket to the rack in a "Lacys" sounding store mens section. The only person that heard me was my son. No one offered us help. We were browsing for a full forty-five minutes. Hours later at the Palisades Mall, while picking at the stitching, he remarked: "and these suits are so cheaply made." (He works at an upscale Italian clothier and has developed a discerning taste in how clothes are made.)
After three more mens fashion stores including Joseph and his "bank" I snapped my fingers and said: Ive got it! Let me take you where you will find quality suits and what you need will be customized to fit you.
~~~ FirstClass Formal Wear ~~~
Walking in we were immediately welcomed by Russ and his assistant Rob. Russ quickly determined what we wanted for the wedding we needed suits for in two weeks time.
In a matter of minutes, Russ had pinned and marked my sons suit. He even gave extra room for the former Marine and current x-fitters thighs and then skillfully tapered his suits legs to create the popularly trendy look of a slim leg ending at the dress shoes.
As I had already purchased suits from Russ before, and had been outfitted by Russ over thirty-three years ago with my first prom tuxedo, Russ helped me pick out his finest Italian-designed suits. Then, his attention to detail helped me with the daunting challenge of fitting my jacket. I had a nine-inch drop from my chest to waist. This obstacle, and how not to have it puck between my shoulders was adroitly avoided with Russs custom tailoring skills.
He is amazing.
Russ has been in operation for thirty-four years. In that time he has outfitted thousands of satisfied customers. Not only has helped them but his memory for his clients needs is unparalleled and it lends to a truly rare business experience these days.
FirstClass Formal Wear has the old school charm of a quality mens wear shop and his tailoring also effortlessly extends to womens tailoring. If it requires a needle and thread, Russ is amazing at it.
After we were fit, my son with his tailored suit, and my two suits, I said how I wished the dress shirt were more fitted. In minutes the charcoal single-threaded trimmed shirt was out of the package, on me, and Russ made it absolutely designed for me. Being mindful of the multitude of pins I eased out of the now athletically-tailored shirt and Russ assured me he had my cell number and "Ill contact you when its ready."
Within three days he told me when my suits would be ready, and my sons suit was coming back from the cleaners.
From the moment I walked into his store, FirstClass Formal Wear, to the time I put my new suits on, to the inspection that ensured I looked my best, Russ, and his assistant Rob were unyielding in their pursuit for the finest treatment of their clients.
I recommend FirstClass Formal Wear wholeheartedly and without reservation. You will be catered to and spoiled as you enter the store.
Discerning retail shoppers will find this gold mine of a business nestled in Monticello.
If you miss the old-school feeling of a fine clothier and want to walk out feeling like you were Taron Egerton just outfitted to star in the movie The Kingsman, then put your trust in Russ LaSpina at FirstClass Formal Wear.
