How to Take Care of Your Suit 2012-01-25

So Fresh and So Clean, Clean

One of the most common questions we are asked at BALANI is how to properly care for a suit.   Your suits from BALANI are an investment, and for this particular investment, longevity is key.  Sure, wear and tear is inevitable, but there are things you can do to help prevent your one-year old suit from looking like it was purchased during the Clinton administration.

First, only dry-clean your suit between 2-4 times a year. Yes, you read that correctly. The chemicals used in dry cleaning can substantially damage your suit as well as shorten its normal lifespan. Instead, have your suits machine steam-pressed regularly by your dry cleaner; which is a 500 degree blast of steam killing all bacteria, removing all odors and releasing all wrinkles. If you’re prone to spilling, have your dry-cleaner spot clean rather than have them dry-clean the entire suit.

Next, hang your suits on a proper suit hanger and scatter cedar blocks throughout your closet to prevent moths from getting into your clothes. Moths eat through fabrics, leaving large holes in your suits. Fortunately, the oil found in cedar is a natural repellent, and will kill off those pesky moths with destructive motives.

Lastly, for the gentlemen who are very particular, invest in a quality made suit brush.  Why bother?   Simply put, brushing your suit after each wear can extend its lifespan by a decade. Made from either synthetic fibers or natural animal hair, brushing removes built-up dust and food particles that can get lodged in your suit causing the wool to break down.

Simply by dry-cleaning less, brushing your suit more, and incorporating cedar blocks into your closet, you will drastically increase the lifespan of your wardrobe. Because let’s face it, no one wants to see their investment go up in flames or get eaten by moths. So be sure to protect your BALANI suits in order to get the maximum return: a lifetime of looking good.

J.W. Marriott Magazine 2012-01-17

One of the Top 6 Custom Clothiers in the World

Tailored to Perfection

by Carlos Rubin - J.W. Marriott Magazine

Off the rack?  No thanks. Made to measure? Only if you're in a hurry. For the truly perfect men's shirt, connoisseurs know that bespoke - a 100 percent personalized product- is the only way to go. Here's six top tailors in six top cities.

Chicago

The Man to Know Sonny Balani at Balani Custom Clothiers

Credentials This family-owned business-Sonny's father Peter trained in London and Milan- has kept the men of Chicago looking sharp for fifty years.

Cost From$125, no minimum order

The Edge Service included cocktails from a fully-stocked bar on premises.

INFO balanicustom.com

How to Get the Perfect Shave 2011-12-14

Now that Movember is finally over, say goodbye to the creepy Zach Galifianakis facial hair and say hello to a razor and shaving cream. Before you groan in protest, keep in mind that a survey conducted by Schick concluded that 76% of women prefer their man to have a clean-shaven face.

Getting the perfect shave requires the right tools, preparation, and technique. To avoid the classic shaving pitfalls, i.e., razor burn and those pesky ingrown hairs, simply, incorporate the following steps into your daily routine.

Step 1: Shaving Tools and Products

Using a quality razor blade is fundamental for getting a close, clean shave. Whether you prefer 3 blades or 6, make sure that you replace your razor with a fresh one every 2-3 weeks.

Shaving cream is as essential as the razor you use. Make sure your shaving cream has a glycerin base, e.g., Truefiit & Hill 1805 Tub. The glycerin base will help trap moisture and hydrate your skin as you shave.

Step 2: Preparation

Preparation is key. In order to open the pores on your face and soften the hair follicles, always shave after a shower or apply a hot, damp towel to your skin prior to shaving. To avoid nicks and cuts, apply a dime size amount of pre-shaving oil to your face and massage thoroughly into your facial hair.

After you have applied the pre-shaving oil, use a stiff badger-hair brush to apply the shaving cream to your face in a circular motion. This helps retain water and preps the beard by raising the hairs on your face.

Step 3: Shaving Techniques

A razor should always be drawn in the same direction as stubble growth. This is referred to as shaving with the grain of the hair. By doing so, you help prevent ingrown hairs and skin irritation. It is also important that you keep the razor well rinsed, so that the blade doesn’t get clogged.

Start shaving by your sideburns and then work down toward your chin and neck. Make sure your free hand is holding the skin taut while you shave. For the more prominent parts of your face, i.e., chin and jawbone, be sure to use the middle part of the blade.

Once you finish shaving, apply cold water to your skin to close the pores. Finish by lightly patting on an alcohol-free aftershave, e.g., Truefitt & Hill 1805 After Shave splash, to sooth the skin.

By completing these 3 simple steps, you will be sure to get the best and cleanest shave possible. Step up your shaving game, and come to BALANI for Truefitt & Hill’s collection of shaving products and accessories!

Nick Saule 2011-11-23

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Top Five Things You Should Never Wear with a Suit 2011-11-22

While there are a lot of ways to add style and personality to your business attire, there are just some things a man should never wear with a suit. Below are the top five fashion faux pas when it comes to donning a stellar wardrobe. And be sure to post your own items that should never come near your suits on our Facebook page.

5.) Ski jacket. We cringe when a man takes great care to choose the fine fabric, thread color, silk jacket lining, and tie pattern, only to throw on his old coat over it to head into the wintery weather. Guys, the last thing you put on going out the door is the first thing people will notice, and you’re most likely to meet someone new when out and about. Don’t cover up your impeccable sense of style with a coat that doesn’t match what’s underneath

4.) Gym shoes. This should go without saying, but think again when throwing on a pair of sneakers with slacks and a sports coat. They’re made for exactly what their name implies: the gym. If you don’t want to scuff up your dress shoes during the commute, invest in weather-proofing techniques or a nice pair of stylish black boots. And if there’s still some confusion on proper shoe care, check out how to keep your shoes kickin’.

3.) Baseball cap. The go-to baseball cap may work for casual Sunday sports viewing, but leave it with your jeans and t-shirts when dressing for work or going anywhere other than a sports bar. If you crave something fashionable to compliment your suit, go with a more stylish hat like the fedora or invest in a nice pair of sunglasses.

2.) Casual jewelry. Men should tread lightly when it comes to wearing jewelry with a suit. Your best bet is to aim for elegant simplicity: a nice watch and stunning pair of cufflinks. Anything that involves wood, beads, hemp or plastic shouldn’t come anywhere near your suits. If you want to add a little color or character to a neutral suit, look to bold or patterned pocket squares, ties, shirts and vests.

1.) White socks with dress shoes. If your sock drawer contents haven’t changed since college, it’s time to do some shopping. While socks stay invisible much of the time, they can provide a wonderful compliment to the fabrics in your clothing. Flashing a little color or pattern when sitting down shows you’re serious about your style.