Alton Lane: Clothing made Custom
Walking in the building approaching the second floor off of a side street of the Downtown Mall in Charlottesville, VA, I was nervous, anticipating what the Alton Lane experience would be like. I was shocked by the tucked away and yet exquisite foyer in which there’s a button you push to open the door. I felt as if I was the president, a well-to-do member of some elite club, or about to enter a 1920’s speakeasy—one straight out of a Fitzgerald story.
As the door swung shut, I was happily greeted by Benjamin who was already aware of who I was. I had made an appointment, but it was still impressive how the experience was so personal. We began to talk about Alton Lane, a company founded by two gentlemen who are both natives of Virginia. That alone had me hooked being a Virginian myself. You may be wondering who Alton Lane is, or what Alton Lane is, as I was when I first heard this name. They are a menswear company that is entirely custom. From the material, collar, and fit, each item is custom and tailored to you.
They have a 3D body scanner which they couple with hand measuring. From the great and knowledgeable conversation, to the great spread of alcohol for you to drink your way through while you look through fabric samples (or coffee or water for the non-drinking readers), to the approved third party inventory they sell, everything is tailored to men who have a passion for being well-dressed.
Coming from a background with fabric and sewing, from a seamstress great-grandmother to my own sewing endeavors, I was excited to see the quality of work at Alton Lane, from the body scanner to the hand measurements. I was anxiously awaiting my shirt! I had won a contest Alton Lane had put on to win an entirely free custom shirt. I joked with Benjamin that I was grateful I am typically unlucky with contests, because that unluckiness ultimately paid off when my stroke of luck landed me a free Alton Lane experience. Alton Lane is a brand unlike no other. They have 13 show rooms and a headquarters in Richmond, VA. The employees make you feel as if you have known them for a while, and their comfortability with clothing was impeccable. They even took the time to fit me into a suit in case I decide to buy one in the future. Their samples are not buyable, but they are samples that have been made to show you the basics of how an item will be fit, and they range in all sizes.
Alton Lane seems to cater to all men in any body shape. I was impressed that they had samples for men like me who aren’t model-thin, adding to the experience of luxury for any guy who walks into their business. Once back and awaiting my shirt, I received a handwritten note from the Charlottesville showroom in which they thanked me for coming in, wished me luck, and even remembered that I was going to visit Duck Donuts! I was told would be ready in 4 to 6 weeks, and they delivered early.
When I finally received notice that my custom shirt had arrived, I booked my appointment and then was off to the Charlottesville location for the fitting. Walking in a second time was much less intimidating. Now having met Benjamin and Vincent before, it really was like walking in to talk with old friends. They pulled my shirt and after a quick once over I was trying it on. It fit seamlessly and I was so pleased with the fit, the feel, and the overall quality, I couldn’t stop looking at myself in the mirror.
After a great conversation filled with references for future desserts and hearing more about their lives and the regular days of working in Alton Lane, I started planning to save for future pieces from Alton Lane. If you are in the market for some custom menswear, or womenswear (I was filled in they have done some women’s blazers by tweaking the pattern), I highly suggest you at least stop in to check out their closest location to you.
Not only the perk of a custom garment, but the attention to detail and relationship you can build with their employees will create an amazing experience. Give them a try—I know for sure I will be back!
Previously posted in the Spring/Summer 2017 Sonder Magazine issue.
