THE MAN’S SHOP BY WALLY HARDIN
Frequently Asked Questions
ABOUT US
What is The Man’s Shop and how long have you been in business?
The Man’s Shop first opened its doors in the 1950s and has been serving the Arlington community from its current location on West Street since March 6, 1970. We are one of the longest-standing menswear boutiques in the area, built on a tradition of craftsmanship, honest service, and clothing that actually fits.
Who is Wally Hardin?
Wally Hardin joined The Man’s Shop in 1972 and purchased it in 2000. When you come in, you’re not walking into a chain or a franchise — you’re walking into a shop shaped by decades of personal relationships, deep product knowledge, and a genuine commitment to making men look and feel their best.
What do your clients say about you?
We currently average a 4.9 rating on Google Reviews. Look us up before you come in — we’re proud of what clients have to say.
VISITING US
Where are you located, and what are your hours?
We are located at 100 S. West Street in Arlington, Texas. Our hours are Monday through Saturday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Parking is available and any parking fees are waived for clients.
How do I schedule an appointment or get in touch?
You can schedule through our website or call us at (817) 265-1116. Walk-ins are welcome, though appointments are preferred — they allow us to set aside dedicated time and give you the level of service you deserve.
Do you offer virtual or remote consultations?
Yes — via Zoom, FaceTime, or Microsoft Teams, by appointment only. Call us or book through our website to schedule a time.
How long should I expect my first appointment to take?
Anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours, depending on what we’re preparing for. A straightforward need runs shorter; a full custom build or complete wardrobe refresh takes longer. Either way, we’ll use the time well.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Inspiration helps most — photos of looks you’re drawn to give us a direction to work from. If you’re looking to recreate a piece you already own and love the fit of, bring that garment. It gives us a concrete reference point. Beyond that, just come in. You don’t need to know anything about fabric or construction — that’s what we’re here for.
GENERAL
What do you carry?
Anything a man needs, we carry. Our selection spans formal and casual — suits, sport coats, dress shirts, custom shirts, trousers, jeans, polos, sweaters, vests, casual pants, outerwear, and accessories. Whether you’re building a boardroom wardrobe or refreshing your everyday look, we have options at every level of formality and can build most of it to your exact specifications.
Do you carry accessories?
Yes. We carry ties, pocket squares, belts, and other accessories. These are primarily ready-made selections, curated to pair well with the clothing we build.
Why don’t you list your products on your website?
Because what we do can’t be reduced to a product page. Our priority is fit, the relationship with our client, and making sure every piece looks the way it’s supposed to when it walks out the door — and that process starts with a conversation, not a shopping cart.
We’re also more convenient than most people expect. When you come in, you don’t need to know anything about fabric, fit, or style. We provide the guidance, which, for most clients, makes the experience easier than shopping anywhere else.
We’re also more convenient than most people expect. When you come in, you don’t need to know anything about fabric, fit, or style. We provide the guidance, which, for most clients, makes the experience easier than shopping anywhere else.
Do you offer gift cards?
Yes. We can also save a gift card to a client’s file if they’d like to set aside credit toward a future purchase for themselves. Ask us about it when you come in or give us a call.
SUITS & PRICING
How much does a suit cost?
We offer two paths, and the right one depends on what you’re looking for.
- Off-the-Rack — Our off-the-rack suits range from $1,200 to $1,500. These are finished garments that we fit and tailor to you after the sale. Tailoring is included in the price.
- Full Custom — Our full custom suits average around $2,600. Every detail —fabric, design, construction, and fit — is built around you from the ground up.
In both cases, consultations, fittings, and standard tailoring are included. There are no hidden add-ons.
What forms of payment do you accept, and is a deposit required?
We accept all major forms of payment. Full payment is required upfront at the time of order. We do not offer financing or payment plans.
Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?
For standard full custom orders, changes can be made within 24 hours of placing the order. After that, the order has entered production and no further changes are possible.
For rush or expedited orders, no changes can be made after placement. Rush production begins immediately.
For rush or expedited orders, no changes can be made after placement. Rush production begins immediately.
What’s the difference between off-the-rack, made-to-measure, and full custom?
Three distinct levels of garment construction:
- Off-the-Rack — A finished garment in standard sizes, tailored after purchase. There are limits to how much a pre-built garment can be adjusted, but paired with good tailoring, it produces a strong result and the fastest turnaround.
- Made-to-Measure — Built with adjustments to a base pattern, with a wider range of fabric options than off-the-rack. More refined than OTR, but not as comprehensive as full custom.
- Full Custom — Built entirely around you. We account for posture, body proportions, and individual measurements to control exactly how the garment drapes on your frame. This is not bespoke — it is a made-to-order garment built to your exact specifications.
We’ll help you determine which option fits your timeline, budget, and needs.
Can I see fabric samples before committing to an order?
Yes — and we encourage it. We carry over 3,000 fabric options for suits, sport coats, outerwear, trousers, and other clothing, and over 1,500 shirting cloths.
All samples are available to browse in person. Come in and we’ll walk you through the options.
All samples are available to browse in person. Come in and we’ll walk you through the options.
How far in advance should I come in before my event?
- Full Custom — Our custom program takes 6 to 8 weeks. We recommend having your full ensemble ready at least one month before the event, which means starting the process 3 to 4 months out.
- Off-the-Rack — Standard turnaround with tailoring is about two weeks. Rush options are available based on current availability.
- Weddings — We want to see you at least three months before your wedding date.
Do you offer rush or expedited options?
Yes, with distinctions by service type.
- Full Custom Rush — Many vendors offer expedited production at 10 days to two weeks. Additional cost applies. No changes to garment options can be made on rush orders — production begins immediately upon placement.
- Off-the-Rack & Alteration Rush — Same-day and 2 to 4 day options are available based on current availability. Rush fees apply.
Call or come in with your deadline and we’ll tell you honestly what’s possible.
Do you work with clients who have never bought a custom garment before?
Absolutely — and many of our best client relationships started exactly there. You don’t need any prior experience. We’ll walk you through every option and let the result speak for itself. Off-the-rack can only be tailored so much — once someone experiences the difference, it’s difficult to go back.
What does the fit process look like?
It starts with a conversation. The first thing we want to understand is your timeline, because it determines which path is actually available to you. We would love to do full custom for every client — but we’d rather be honest about what’s realistic than overpromise. If your timeline is tight, off-the-rack with tailoring is often the smarter choice and still produces a great result.
When full custom is the right path, we start with fabric selection, then design details — lapel style, buttons, lining, pockets, and any other customizations. Measurements come last, once the vision for the garment is fully set. The fabric and design choices inform how the suit needs to be built and how it should fit. Most clients finish in two appointments, though the average is closer to three. If a fit detail you want is going to compromise comfort or the overall look, we’ll tell you. Our job is to make sure you feel your best in what you’re investing in.
When full custom is the right path, we start with fabric selection, then design details — lapel style, buttons, lining, pockets, and any other customizations. Measurements come last, once the vision for the garment is fully set. The fabric and design choices inform how the suit needs to be built and how it should fit. Most clients finish in two appointments, though the average is closer to three. If a fit detail you want is going to compromise comfort or the overall look, we’ll tell you. Our job is to make sure you feel your best in what you’re investing in.
What if the garment comes back and something doesn’t fit right?
We make it right. Nobody leaves in a garment that doesn’t look the way it should. If a piece comes back and the fit isn’t where it needs to be, we’ll alter it. If it needs to be remade, we’ll do what’s best for the client.
One important clarification: every full custom garment is built to the measurements taken at the time of order. If a client’s body changes significantly between order and delivery, we document the difference by re-measuring at the first fitting. Alterations required because of a change in the client’s measurements — rather than an error in the garment — are billed at standard alteration rates.
One important clarification: every full custom garment is built to the measurements taken at the time of order. If a client’s body changes significantly between order and delivery, we document the difference by re-measuring at the first fitting. Alterations required because of a change in the client’s measurements — rather than an error in the garment — are billed at standard alteration rates.
What is your policy on full custom pieces if I am unhappy with the result?
Full custom garments are made-to-order and non-refundable. Every detail — fabric, design, and construction — is selected and approved by the client before the order is placed.
If you are unhappy with the fit, we will alter it until it is right at no additional charge.
If your concern is with a choice you made — a fabric, a design detail, a color — refunds are not available. This is why we take the time we do at the front end: to make sure you are confident in every decision before anything is submitted.
If you are unhappy with the fit, we will alter it until it is right at no additional charge.
If your concern is with a choice you made — a fabric, a design detail, a color — refunds are not available. This is why we take the time we do at the front end: to make sure you are confident in every decision before anything is submitted.
What if my size changes after a suit has been made?
If you’re still in the fitting process, we can adjust as we go. If you bring a suit in later — six months or several years down the line — we’ll tailor it at standard alteration rates. A well-made garment has room to be reworked, and a suit you love is worth keeping in your wardrobe. The enjoyment of a well-made suit far outlasts the brief financial imposition of buying one.
Do you offer measurement services, and is there a fee?
Yes. Typically used by clients coordinating with rental services or wedding parties.
We offer two options:
We offer two options:
- $100 — We take all base measurements: neck, yoke, chest, sleeves, belly, waist, seat, and inseam. Valid for six weeks.
- $150 — We complete an outside measurement form on your behalf. The higher fee reflects the time required to learn and execute someone else’s system.
Both are standalone services, not applied toward a future purchase.
We stand behind the accuracy of our measurements. However, we are not liable for how an outside vendor interprets or executes them. If a garment made elsewhere doesn’t fit, that responsibility lies with that vendor. We’re happy to help with alterations if needed.
CUSTOM SHIRTS
Do you offer custom shirts?
Yes. Custom shirts average between $250 and $650 depending on cloth. We have over 1,500 shirting fabrics available to browse in person — from classic dress cloths to patterns, textures, and specialty weaves. The process is the same as our suiting: fabric first, then details, then measurements.
ALTERATIONS
Do you do alterations?
Yes — on pieces we’ve sold and on garments purchased elsewhere. We call the latter outside alterations. We’ll work on any piece not purchased at The Man’s Shop, with one exception: we do not alter wedding dresses.
How long do alterations take?
Standard turnaround is a week and a half to two weeks, whether the piece came from us or elsewhere. For tighter deadlines, same-day and 2 to 4 day rush options are available based on current availability. Rush fees apply. Call or come in with your deadline and we’ll tell you what’s possible.
CARE & LONGEVITY
How should I care for and store a custom suit?
Dry clean as needed — not after every wear. Over-cleaning shortens fabric life. Between wears, hang in a breathable garment bag. Be mindful of insects — moths are attracted to natural fibers and can ruin a garment quickly. Cedar blocks or lavender sachets in your closet are simple, effective deterrents.
How long should a well-made suit last?
Decades, with proper care. A well-constructed suit is not a disposable purchase. With the right maintenance, occasional tailoring as your body changes, and proper storage, it can be part of your wardrobe for the rest of your life.
GROUPS & CORPORATE DRESS
Do you work with wedding parties or groups needing coordinated looks?
Yes. For weddings, we recommend coming in at least three months before the date to give us the time needed to do the process right for everyone involved.
Do you work with businesses or organizations on corporate dress?
Yes. We work with companies and organizations building consistent, professional looks for their teams — uniform standards, dress code refreshes, or outfitting key staff. Reach out or come in and we’ll set up a conversation.
RETURNS & STORE POLICY
What is your return policy?
- Within 30 days — Items returned in new, unworn condition are eligible for a full refund at the original purchase price.
- Between 31 and 45 days — Items returned in new condition are eligible for store credit in the full amount of the original purchase.
- After 45 days — We are unable to accept returns.
- Full Custom Pieces — Non-refundable. If you are unhappy with the fit, we will alter it until it is right at no additional charge. See the Suits & Pricing section for the full policy.
Items must be returned in new, unaltered condition. If you have a concern, come in and speak with us directly — we’d rather make it right than leave a client unhappy.
CUSTOM LADIES’ CLOTHING
Do you offer custom clothing for women?
Yes. We offer custom jackets, skirts, pants, and shirts for women through the same made-to-order process as our men’s clothing. Our female clients typically come in shopping for themselves — for a specific event, a professional wardrobe, or simply clothing that actually fits.
What does the process look like for women’s custom clothing?
It mirrors our men’s full custom experience: conversation about timeline and occasion, then fabric selection, then design details, then measurements. We ask the same questions we’d ask any client. The goal is always the same — a garment that looks like it was made for you, because it was.
What is the pricing for women’s custom pieces?
Priced similarly to our men’s range, averaging around $2,600 depending on the garment, fabric, and construction. Consultations and fittings are included. Come in and we’ll walk you through what to expect for your specific pieces.
Still have questions? Come in and let’s talk.
100 S. West Street, Arlington, TX | Mon–Sat 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | (817) 265-1116
The Man’s Shop by Wally Hardin
100 S. West Street, Arlington, TX | Mon–Sat 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | (817) 265-1116
The Man’s Shop by Wally Hardin
Throwback!
Here’s a look back at when the Shop was nearly a decade old … or is this video really that old? Take a look to find out and make sure to visit our YouTube page for more videos and menswear tips!