The Repair and Service of Men’s Clothing
My Allen-Edmonds shoes are wonderful, but last week I noticed a small hole starting in the sole of my right shoe. Two days later, The Wall Street Journal published an article about companies that service, mend, and repair the men’s clothes that they sell. Titled “Secret Service for Men’s Clothes,” Ray A. Smith offered some information that was really helpful and really timely.
Let’s face it, guys. We generally aren’t into shopping and don’t enjoy wasting time and money when our old clothes are just fine. Further, menswear styles change less frequently and some items (especially shoes) are investments meant to last for one’s entire career. But sometimes the special people in our lives say otherwise, the drycleaner just can’t get that spot out, or (in my case) it rains and your sock get soaked from that hole. Thankfully, some upscale menswear stores offer repair service.
What services are common? Certainly cobbler services for shoes and boots, but many companies will replace shirt collars, repair torn jacket linings, repair torn pockets, and replace missing buttons and damaged zippers. Even some tears can be fair game! While slightly beyond clothing and shoes, some briefcase companies will repair broken handles.
Cost? It ranges from free (the article mentions True Religion jeans, minor repairs at Paul Stuart and Kiton, and button replacement at Brooks Brothers to up to $150.00 at Allen-Edmonds for their “Prestige Package.” (For the record, my new Allen-Edmonds soles were $125 plus tax.)
Time? It ranges from at least five days for ripped pockets or broken zippers at Paul Stuart to at 6-8 weeks for putting a new sole on boots at LL Bean. (My Allen-Edmonds repair may take up to two weeks.)
One important note: Companies don’t always advertise that they offer repair services. Ask. You’re out nothing for asking, and what you learn could save you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars.