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A History of Tailoring in Chicago

Writer: Richard Freemont
Richard Freemont
Aug 14
1 min read

Chicago's custom clothing tradition dates to the early 20th century, when the city was a major American manufacturing and commercial hub, supporting a class of tailors serving its business, legal and political establishment.

Built for a working city

Several of Chicago's oldest tailoring houses were founded in the 1920s and have operated continuously since, outfitting generations of the same professional families through genuine Midwestern winters.

Durability as a value

Chicago's tailoring tradition has historically emphasised durability and value alongside craftsmanship — suits built to be worn hard, not just for occasional formal events.

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