Featured Vendor: Chelsea Menswear & Tuxedos
There is something noticeably different about a popular men’s clothier in Wyandotte, Michigan. Perhaps it is their robust stock of suits and accessories. It may even be the high level of service provided to customers. Actually, it involves all of this and much more. These are just a few reasons men have been visiting Chelsea Menswear & Tuxedos for generations.
What is Chelsea Menswear & Tuxedos?
Chelsea Menswear & Tuxedos has been an independent family-owned and operated menswear retailer since 1943. This men’s shop, with its iconic metal storefront, is located minutes from the Detroit River waterfront on Biddle Avenue between Oak and Elm Street.
In an interview with Detroit Wedding Day, Evan Riddell, the store manager, shared advice and insights for men shopping for timeless men’s fashions, from classic men’s wedding styles to casual wear.
“I’m fourth-generation in-law. I married my boss’ daughter,” Riddell joked. “I kind of lucked out. I got a great deal on a suit.”
What Does Chelsea Menswear & Tuxedos Provide?
The store has been known for inventorying timeless quality men’s suits and casual wear. After months of not attending social events, many men look forward to a day where they can step out and show their dandy threads.
This is most noticeable for men who are preparing for their wedding day.
“We designed the shop as kind of your own little men’s department store, whether you come in looking for a suit for your wedding or a new sports jacket and trouser combo for work.”
Chelsea Menswear & Tuxedos carries many respected brands, including stylish formal and business wardrobes from Jack Victor, Paul Betenly, and Hart Schaffner Marx to more casual styles from Peter Millar, Tommy Bahama, Johnnie-O, and others.
They also carry many garments men need to look their best, whether walking down the aisle at a wedding or meeting up with friends at a local hot spot. With an array of suits, sports coats, slacks, shirts, ties, shoes, and accessories, their primary goal is to have men look and feel good in their clothes while enjoying the buying experience.
It’s not uncommon for the store’s team to help grooms and groomsmen enjoy their wedding fashion shopping by making it a fun, memorable experience. The staff creates a relaxing, comfortable vibe by offering the groom and groomsmen light snacks, an occasional cold beer, a glass of wine, or something a bit stronger. This personal attention helps the men be at ease during fitting sessions and creates a high level of personal service not seen at many other men’s stores.
“We’ve gotten really well known for carrying unapologetically good products, whether that’s casual clothing or denim. We have products built to wear well, ” Riddell said.
When visiting the store, customers might notice that the coordinated curated styles work well together, unlike some cookie-cutter large corporate-owned stores.
He continued, “If you go into the mall, you’re getting what will sell there. With us, it’s a little different. It’s much more our own personal taste.”
What’s Hot Now?
Trends come and go but having apparel that can withstand short-term fads is a wise investment. Riddell shared that there have been some recurring fashion trends over the past few years. Even so, selecting quality pieces can help extend the suit’s longevity.
During the months of shutdown and smaller wedding sizes, Riddell saw more men be a little more liberal with their spending.
“Since things have reopened, there’s been a huge demand. The wedding business is through the roof”, said Riddell.
Undoubtedly, the business surge is a welcomed relief. Additionally, Riddell has noticed a trend among men shopping for wedding suits.
“The most notable thing I have seen over the spring and summer was everybody was looking for bright khaki suits – a lot of taupe and sand. “
He shared that many of the clients who selected the Khaki suits were less likely to wear ties, socks, or lace-up shoes. This trending style is popular with many grooms who have a destination or non-formal wedding ceremony.
For those looking for something between the sockless Khaki style and a formal black tie, a conservative pairing of sports jacket and trousers might be perfect.
Whereas some free-spirited loafer-wearing grooms might love the casual style, others might gravitate to wearing the standard classics.
“I’m fond of the old standbys, your grays, and navies. I’m really happy to see guys are still looking forward to wearing something that maybe their grandfather wore with maybe a little more updated fit and unique details.”
Chelsea’s off-the-rack suits typically range from $400 to $1000, and made-to-measure suits are a few hundred more.
“I want you to be excited to wear that suit every time. I want something that’s always going to look cool…. I find that my guys lately have been looking for something that if they’re going to buy a nice suit, it’s an investment. So, I’m steering them toward a more classic look that will always be timeless.”
Riddell has noticed recently that some of their younger clients have been requesting vested suits. The resurgence of some styles may be due to the popularity of television programs like Peaky Blinders, which glamorize men’s period fashion.
“I’ve had guys coming in with photos for winter referencing Peaky Blinders a lot. They want these really textured heavy suits. I’ve had to tell guys hey, slow down. This is like an overcoat! We’re not in England in the early 1900s”, he stated as he chuckled.
“They’re looking for something that still gives them that air of old-world formality.”
Riddell and the team ensure that their customers are getting the fashion they want while also making wise purchases. Although he shared that every business wants to move its inventory, he doesn’t dump slower-moving stock just to make a sale.
Riddell shared that he wants to present clothing that will represent the clients well, making sure not to compromise the gentlemen’s distinguished style.
“I definitely don’t want them to be looking at their wedding photos five years from now, saying, ‘Geez, why did I go with that trendy thing instead of something that I still like?”
Ways how Riddell helps achieve a timeless look is to recommend that customers use more muted patterns and subtle accents. Moreover, the details in designs, colors, and textures all photograph well. More importantly, grooms and groomsmen can proudly wear the fashions today and in the future since the items will likely still be in style.
“I think there’s a big hunger for getting dressed up. Many might think, ‘I’ve been thinking about my wedding, and maybe it’s been pushed back a year or two, but I want to go all in. I want to do the three-piece suit, the French cuffs, and the tie bar.’ This is definitely a guy who wants to make sure that everything’s perfect. He’s not really leaving anything on the table. He wants to make this event special by making sure that he is going out of his way to show respect for the occasion.”
Professional Personal Service
Of course, some customers want a bit more pizazz. However, Riddell believes the suit should not overpower the one wearing it.
Riddell stated, “I’ve always believed that you should be louder than your clothes. We have the loud stuff for those guys. A piece here or there can really make your wardrobe a little more fun, but we’re not going to let you look like a fool.”
He continued, “I like to offer a lot of personal service. Each of our guys who work here comes from their own background in menswear. I want to ensure that people are comfortable with how they’re dressed. That they feel like themselves in their clothes.”
Rental vs. Purchase Options
Chelsea Menswear & Tuxedos offers rental services for those who don’t have a need or desire to make a suit purchase. However, in many cases, after evaluating the pros and cons, many clients recognize the convenience and affordability of owning the suit.
“We do a great rental business, but I have been doing a lot more selling suits for grooms and groomsmen as a package. They need a good suit that they can use over and over again.”
He shared that their store has tuxedos and suits available for rent; however, in many cases, the benefits of purchasing a suit far exceed the temporary rental purchase.
“The cost between rentals and purchasing something and having it tailored to you gets so close that it is almost a no-brainer. A suit should last five or ten years. It should be reliable and always look good.”
For those who decide to purchase a suit is a better idea than renting, don’t buy the suit with just one specific occasion in mind. Instead, select one that serves multiple uses.
“If you get bored with it, you can change your shirt and a tie; it looks like a whole new outfit. You’re going to be better dressed than most guys.”
If, however, customers want to rent instead of purchasing a suit, the store has tuxedos, dinner jackets, and a limited number of suits available. There are, of course, certain limitations to renting suits versus purchasing. The most obvious is that you have to make arrangements to rent it. Secondly, the tailor can only make so many modifications to the suit because it will need to be used by the next customer.
Unexpected Extras
Customers who visit the store might be surprised to learn that in addition to clothing, Chelsea Menswear & Tuxedos also carries a line of men’s personal care products such as shaving gear, shaving creams, beard oils, colognes, and other smell-goods from brands like Jack Black and Fulton & Roark. These unexpected extras are great for personal use, but they are good groomsmen’s gifts as well.
In fact, the store has multiple unique gift ideas that are great gift bag stuffers.
“One of our big hits that is great for groomsmen is a Secrid wallet RFID blocking piece made in Holland that holds up forever. As soon as you play with it, you want one. As soon as you show somebody, they want one. Guys love them!” Riddell stated.
Another product brand popular with groomsmen is Retro 51. Retro 51 makes rollerball, ballpoint, and fountain pens in a multitude of finishes and prints and are very popular gifts and collector’s items. They write exceedingly well too!
“Guys start picking them up, and they don’t want to quit writing with them. Generally, they get them for all their buddies.”
In addition to these gift items, they carry a rotating inventory of surprises such as home-goods items, blankets, globes, and other niceties.
“We carry things that catch the eye that maybe you didn’t know you wanted. We like to keep people coming in and seeing what’s new. There’s always something unusual in here.”
Things to Remember
In closing, Riddell shared two pieces of wise advice for grooms and those who may be planning to attend a wedding or special occasion.
“If you get a wedding invitation, you should probably go try your suit on. You should find out how that thing fits rather than wait the week of the wedding and say, ‘oh, what happened?'”
Likewise, he also strongly recommends not waiting until the last minute to find a cut-to-fit suit for weddings and special occasions. In the case of weddings, the anxiety may already be running a little high, so anything that grooms can do to minimize it should be considered. So, coordinate a time to have your groomsmen fit a few months before the wedding date.
Scheduling this extra time helps to assure that items will be in stock in time for the big day.
