A.  General

1. What is Black Lapel?
   Black Lapel Custom Clothiers is an online company providing you with the ability to design your own luxury custom suits, shirts, blazers and pants.  Our mission is to provide all men with the access to quality custom designed clothing and the knowledge to wear it with style. 
   
   To ensure 100% customer satisfaction, we offer a Flawless Fit Promise and 100% FREE shipping via FedEx worldwide.
2. How Does Black Lapel work??
   1.    Design your luxury attire with a few simple clicks
   2.    Get measured in 15 minutes with the help of a friend
   3.    Enjoy your purchase within 4 weeks courtesy of our FREE world wide shipping
   
   It’s as simple as that!  Check out our page describing How It Works.
3. What if a custom suit or other product does not fit?
   We offer a Flawless Fit Promise, which means we’ll guarantee that your individually designed Black Lapel product will fit flawlessly and that you will be fully satisfied with our quality.
   
   Most fit issues can be adjusted by getting alterations done at a local tailor.  We provide up to $75 in alterations credit for custom made suits and up to $50 in alterations credit for all other custom made items.  If a product is deemed unalterable, we will remake it for you at no additional charge.  If you are unsatisfied with your product, we’ll provide you with a full refund.  
   
   To apply for alteration credits, remakes, or refunds please visit our Flawless Fit Promise section.
4. What if I need something remade?
   If your custom made clothing doesn’t fit you flawlessly and your local tailor determines that it cannot be altered to your satisfaction, we offer free remakes.   You can submit a remake request in our Alterations / Remakes section.
5. What is the Return Policy?
   If you are simply unhappy with your purchase and don’t believe alterations or remakes will help, you can return your unworn and undamaged clothing for a full refund within 30 days of receiving it.  See more details on our Return Policy.
6. Do I have to pay for shipping or any additional import taxes / tariffs?
   Black Lapel provides 100% FREE shipping worldwide via FedEx on all orders.  We have already covered any additional taxes / tariffs.  If for some reason you have been charged any additional taxes / tariffs, please Contact Us.

B.  Alterations, Remakes, Refunds

1. What if a custom suit or other product does not fit?
   We offer a Flawless Fit Promise, which means we’ll guarantee that your individually designed Black Lapel product will fit flawlessly and that you will be fully satisfied with our quality.
   
   Most fit issues can be adjusted by getting alterations done at a local tailor.  We provide up to $75 in alterations credit for custom made suits and up to $50 in alterations credit for all other custom made items.  If a product is deemed unalterable, we will remake it for you at no additional charge.  If you are unsatisfied with your product, we’ll provide you with a full refund.  
   
   To apply for alteration credits, remakes, or refunds please visit our Flawless Fit Promise section.
2. What if I need something remade?
   If your custom made clothing doesn’t fit you flawlessly and your local tailor determines that it cannot be altered to your satisfaction, we offer free remakes.   You can submit a remake request in our Alterations / Remakes section.
3. What is the Return Policy?
   If you are simply unhappy with your purchase and don’t believe alterations or remakes will help, you can return your unworn and undamaged clothing for a full refund within 30 days of receiving it.  See more details on our Return Policy.
4. How long does it take to receive my alterations credit?
   Your alterations credit will appear on your credit card statement within 14 days of the alterations credit approval date.
5. How long does it take to receive a remake?
   You will receive your remade product within 3 weeks of when your remake application is approved.  If you need rush delivery, please Contact Us.  Please note that if you do not return the original item within 30 days of the remake approval, you will be charged for the value of the remade item. 
6. How long does it take to receive a full refund?
   Full refunds will be issued to your account once the returned product has been received.  Please allow 14 days from the date we receive your return for the credit to appear on your credit card statement.
7. Where do I send in my original item(s) if I am obtaining a remake?
   Black Lapel Custom Clothiers
   ATTN: REMAKE
   475 Park Avenue South, 4th Floor
   New York, NY 10019
8. Where do I send in my original item(s) if I am obtaining a refund?
   Black Lapel Custom Clothiers
   ATTN: REFUND
   475 Park Avenue South, 4th Floor
   New York, NY 10019
9. Where should I go to get my custom suit or product altered?
   You can go to any local tailor to get your alterations done.  If you are in the New York City or Boston area and would like a recommendation, please email us at concierge@blacklapel.com.  Black Lapel covers up to $75 for custom suits and up to $50 for all other custom clothes. 
10. Where do I update my measurements once I get alterations done?
    Go to My Measurements to update your measurements.  Please note that you must update measurements on a product-specific basis.  For example, if you’ve been hitting the bench and your chest measurements increase, you will need to update the chest measurement for both Jackets and Shirts.  On the other hand, if you want longer shirt sleeves but like your jacket sleeve length just the way it is, you should only update your sleeve measurements for Shirts.

C.  Measurements

1. Do I need to get my measurements taken at a tailor?
   Black Lapel’s measurement videos are incredibly easy-to-follow and designed specifically for self-measurement – i.e., taking your measurements with the help of a friend or significant other.  We find that our customers spend on average about 15 minutes to complete the measurements process.
2. I am either uncomfortable with following the videos to take measurements or I’d rather not bother a friend to help out.  What should I do?
   The Black Lapel self-measurement system is designed for home use and produces consistently outstanding results. If for whatever reason you still feel uncomfortable asking a friend to take your measurements, you can print our Measurements Form and bring it to a local tailor to have them take down your measurements for you.  Please remind the tailor to review the form carefully and measure according to our process.  Please also be aware some tailors may charge you up to $20 to take down your measurements.
3. How are my submitted measurements used to make my custom clothing?
   The measurements you submit are a set of base body measurements.  We take your submitted measurements and then derive a set of item-specific measurements based on the fit option you choose.  These measurements are then submitted to a master tailor who, based on his decades of professional tailoring experience, may adjust certain final measurements according to your height, weight, and body type.
4. I have an odd / unique build or body type that causes many off-the-rack clothes to fit poorly on me.  Will this be a problem for Black Lapel?
   NO!  Unlike off-the-rack clothing which is designed to fit an “average” build, the beauty of custom clothing is that it is designed and made to fit just you.
5. Will your suits work for me if I am a much bigger guy or a much smaller guy?  Can Black Lapel clothing be made for children?
   Yes and yes!  As long as you provide us with measurements, we can make custom clothing for any man or child regardless of size, shape, or age.  We’ll have no problem making you something uniquely stylish and comfortable.  We would also be happy to provide personal style advice if you have questions designing your outfit.  Just contact us at concierge@blacklapel.com.
6. Can Black Lapel create clothing for women?
   Sorry to disappoint, ladies, but not at this time.  However, we are looking into the possibility of introducing custom made clothing for women in the future.  If you belong to the fairer sex and are interested in seeing a Black Lapel women’s line one day, please email us at concierge@blacklapel.com and we’ll add you to our waiting list.
7. Can I have multiple measurement profiles for the same product type?  
   As of now, you can only have one measurement profile per product.  For example, you can only have one set of measurements for suits, one for shirts, one for blazers, etc.  If you would like to have multiple measurement profiles for the same product and for some reason can’t accomplish the fit you desire with our fit customization option, you can create a new user name and profile.   
8. Can I use my measurements from another online custom tailoring company?  
   Yes you can.  However, we recommend a quick double check if you have reason to believe your measurements have changed or if you have made "corrections" to your measurements with the other company in order to achieve a better fit.    

D.  Customization Options

1. Does Black Lapel charge extra for any customization options?
   Aside from customization options that involve adding another garment (i.e., add-on vest or extra pair of pants), all Black Lapel customization options are completely FREE of charge.  In fact, we encourage you to embrace your individuality and reflect your own style in your design.  Start here and build your custom designed wardrobe now!
2. Can you offer any customization options that aren’t currently listed?
   If you would like additional customization options that are not listed, please email us directly at concierge@blacklapel.com.  In most cases, we will be able to accommodate your request.  You are always welcome to check with us before placing your order so we can confirm whether or not it is feasible.  Remember to check our Advanced Customization options during the customization process too!
3. Are Working Cuffs (functional suit cuff buttonholes) available for first-time customers?
   Yes, Working Cuffs are available for all customers.  However, please note that altering jacket sleeves with Working Cuffs is more difficult than Standard Cuffs, so some tailors may charge more for such alterations.
4. Where is the monogramming located?
   Monogramming for suits and blazers is located on the inside of the jacket above the left pocket.  The monogramming text is a ¼ inch tall.  For shirts, you can pick the location of your monogramming (left or right cuff, left or right rib or chest pocket).
5. What if I want an inner lining color for a suit or blazer that isn’t available?
   All currently available inner lining colors are shown during the customization process.  We will expand our inner lining color selection and offer unique and limited edition patterns in the future.

E.  Quality

1. Why are these “luxury” custom made suits so affordable – what’s the catch?
   No catch!  We are able to offer premium fabrics, designer details and expert construction at the prices we do because of the following:
   

   - No brick and mortar stores
   - No middle men
   - No designer label markups

2. Should I be concerned about the construction quality of these suits?
   Ready-to-wear apparel made in China is often stigmatized as being of “inferior quality”.  However, we specifically chose to base our production in Shanghai due to its internationally recognized tradition of expert custom tailoring.  Our team of tailors is led by several master tailors each with decades of custom tailoring experience.
3. What are the conditions under which these suits are made?
   We have ensured that our products are made under safe, worker-friendly conditions and that our team of tailors is fairly compensated.
4. How are Black Lapel suits constructed?
   The standard Black Lapel suit utilizes a half canvas construction.  Black Lapel can also make full canvas suits for an additional charge.  Email us at concierge@blacklapel.com for more information.
5. What type of fabric is used to make Black Lapel suits?
   All of our suiting fabrics are made from 100% pure Australian merino wool, known for the fineness, length and durability of its fibers.  At this time, we offer Super 110s, Super 130s, and Super 150s.  We’ve had independent labs test our wools to ensure both content and fineness (super number).
6. What kind of inner lining is used for the suits, blazers, and pants?
   We use 100% Bemberg, imported from Japan, for the inner lining for suits, blazers and pants.  Bemberg is a patented high quality synthetic fiber (also called cupramonium rayon) that feels like silk but is stronger, more durable and just as breathable.  For this reason, Bemberg is the preferred inner lining (vs. silk or any form of polyester) for the highest quality suiting.
7. What type of fabric is used to make Black Lapel shirts?
   We use 100% cotton.
8. How can I be sure that the quality of suits ordered is consistent each time?
   We keep an individual file of all our customers.  Every time a product is made, it goes through multiple check points to ensure that customization details and desired fit are correctly interpreted.  By keeping your measurements updated after any necessary alterations, we’ll be able to help you build and create a perfectly fitted wardrobe.
9. Are these laser-cutting machines I keep reading about all that important?  Does Black Lapel use such machinery?
   While laser cutting fabrics using individual computer-stored boards certainly offers some advantages (mostly on time and cost savings for the manufacturer), we at Black Lapel believe that making a suit by hand offers advantages laser cutting cannot match.  Our master tailors have decades of custom tailoring experience at deciphering the best fit for a particular body type and measurement profile that computer code cannot quite match in terms of the finesse and knowledge required.  Your suit goes through multiple stages of inspection during the manufacturing process for both quality and precision in fit by these very same master tailors.  In addition, we believe there is a certain sartorial authenticity to a hand cut suit.  We think that each stroke of the chalk and each snip of the scissors are the movements of an artisan building a masterpiece for you to wear and for the world to behold.

F.  Style and Fit

1. What type of “cut” does Black Lapel use for its suits?
   Black Lapel uses a modern Italian cut for its suits.  Our suits are more tailored than suits you would buy off the rack – that means a closer fitting chest, more waist suppression, higher armholes, and natural tapering in the pants for a more flattering fit.
2. How does Black Lapel clothing fit?
   Black Lapel leans towards a more “Italian cut”, meaning a slimmer, closer-cut fit.  While slimmer, the fits are generally made proportional to one’s specific body type, so comfort and mobility are not sacrificed for appearance.
3. What is the difference between Tailored and Slim fit?
   A Tailored fit suit is moderately slim while a Slim fit suit is very slim (but NOT skinny fit).  Unless you have experience with very true slim fitting clothes, we recommend starting with a Tailored fit, as that fit is more likely to be similar to the “slim fitting” suits you find in certain ready-to-wear brands.
4. Which fit will look best on me?
   The first thing to do is to be honest with yourself.  You have to know your body type and what you’ll be comfortable AND confident in.  For lean, average, or muscular gentlemen, we recommend a Tailored or Slim fit.  For larger gentlemen, we recommend a Standard or Tailored fit.
5. Can Black Lapel give me some advice on what to buy and what customization options to choose?
   Absolutely.  We would be happy to go over your personal style preferences to help you build your perfect custom wardrobe.  Just drop us a note at concierge@blacklapel.com and we’ll take good care of you.

G.  Group Orders and Weddings

1. Does Black Lapel do group orders?
   Yes, Black Lapel is more than happy to do group orders for any reason – whether it’s for a wedding, some other special event, or if a bunch of your friends just want to order suits at the same time.  Discounts for group orders are available as long as products are being shipped to the same location.  Contact us at concierge@blacklapel.com for more details.
2. How long is the shipping for Wedding / Group orders?
   Depending on the quantity of suits in a particular bulk order, these can take up to 4-5 weeks for delivery once everyone’s measurements and customization selections are submitted.  If time is of the essence, let us know and we will do our best to expedite your order.