Plano · Est. 1972
A suit foractual heat
Most summer suits are winter suits in a lighter weight. That is not the same thing.
A women’s summer suit made to measure at The Man’s Shop in Arlington. Unlined or part-lined construction does more for comfort than cloth weight alone. Linen, wool-linen and tropical wool each behave differently in Texas heat, and the choice depends on how much creasing you will tolerate.
What matters
Worth knowing
- Lining first
- Removing or reducing the lining takes more heat out of a jacket than dropping a cloth weight does.
- Linen
- Coolest, creases freely, looks better slightly rumpled. Accept that or choose something else.
- Wool-linen
- Most of the coolness with much less creasing. The sensible middle for most customers.
- Tropical wool
- Around 7.5 ounces, open weave. Least obviously summery and works across a longer season.
- Color
- Stone, cream and pale gray. Navy works and absorbs noticeable heat in direct sun.
The process
Two visits, not five
- First appointment
- About an hour. Cloth, measurements, and a conversation about how you actually wear the garment.
- Build
- Four to six weeks. Nothing is rushed and nothing is sent overseas without us knowing where it is.
- Collection
- Twenty minutes. Anything needing adjustment goes to Enrique, who works on site.
- Alterations
- Included on what we make. There is no separate bill at collection.
- Afterwards
- Your pattern stays on file, so the next order is a phone call.
Common questions
Women’s tailoring, answered
Will a linen suit look creased all day?
Yes, and that is the nature of linen rather than a fault. If that bothers you, a wool-linen blend gives most of the coolness with far less creasing, and it is what most customers choose once they have seen both.
Does removing the lining really help?
More than a lighter cloth does. The lining traps heat across the back, and taking it out is the single most effective change for a jacket worn in Texas summer.
How far is Plano from the shop?
About forty miles. Most Plano customers make one trip to get the pattern right and then order by phone afterwards.
Where are you and what are your hours?
100 S. West Street in downtown Arlington, parking beside the building. Monday to Saturday, ten until five, closed Sundays.
Plano to Arlington
Book with Patrick or Austin
One hour to measure. Four to six weeks to build.
Book with PatrickBook with Austin
100 S. West Street, Arlington, Texas 76010
Mon–Sat 10am–5pm · Closed Sunday
(817) 265-1116