BALANI Custom Clothiers

As the founder and CEO of a private wine company specializing in and catering to a sophisticated national wine clientele, it’s imperative I look impeccable. The wines we source from private high-​end wineries in Napa and Sonoma are quite expensive and as such we have to be on our game in the apparel category when it comes to the many invitation only wine seminars we conduct. I had the privilege of working with Steve who is meticulous in his attention to detail, fabric knowledge and passion possessed for the art of bespoke suits. It was and continues to be an exceptional experience.
While there is now an app for everything, you still never get a second change to make a first impression. With Steve and Balani, a remarkable first impression is assured.

Only 4 stars for now but I suspect this will be a 5 star very shortly. I used to get my clothes tailored by a guy from Hong Kong. And then everything went business casual and I went one step further to retired casual (jeans and t-​shirts). Today I’m back in the city looking to make an impression and through my clothing stylist found Ricardo at Balani’s. Ricardo fitted me for my first tailored coat in years and sharp dressed man doesn’t begin to fully explain how this coat fits me. I’m awaiting my new overcoat and will be buying all of my future coats with Ricardo/Balani’s. But get this, Sonny the CEO and namesake of the firm personally reached out to me to insure everything fits, that I’m happy, and if I wished to comment on my experience. Full service doesn’t do this place justice. And while you are being fitted, you can toss back a couple of fingers of some good scotch as well…

Visited Cordt at Balani to get a custom suit made for my wedding. I can’t recommend him enough. His knowledge of mens clothing made the whole experience fun and easy. From choosing the fabric to the picking out the smallest details, Cordt helped guide me to the perfect suit (and a couple shirts). The fit and quality of the clothing is off the charts. And the customer service is unrivaled. I’ll definitely be back.

These guys are great! I worked with David Tinter and had an amazing experience getting my first fitted dress shirts, I can not stand getting dressed up but if you have shirts that are made to fit you then it’s almost enjoyable! Thanks Dave for all your help!

I have gotten a few custom suits and shirts here. They are on the pricey side but very high quality and good customer service.

Joanna and the whole team at Balani were phenomenal. I came in to get a suit and shirt for my wedding and they both came out looking and fitting great. It was nice to be able to rely on Joanna’s experience for what options fit my body type best and what fabrics to choose in order to achieve my (read: «my wife’s») ultimate vision for the day.

I have been a client at Balani for about a year and have ordered several suits. I work with Cordt and am extremely comfortable with his approach, orientation to detail, and advice on the finer points of making a suit fit correctly. I have been to other tailors in Chicago and elsewhere, but Cordt and Balani have won my loyalty. I frequently receive compliments on the suits I have ordered from Balani, and more importantly, I feel on top form when I wear one of their suits. I’ll definitely be back.

This is the second time I have used the services of Balani. The first time must have been the exception and not the norm as I gave them a 1 star. The second time last week was a much different experience and I would now recommended them to friends and co-​workers. The owner stopped in the appointment to make sure all was running smooth and after the first time it showed that he was hands on and cared for his customers and his staff.
I look forward to a long relationship with this firm.

I’ve been a Balani customer for several years now. Steve, my consultant, has been great to work with. And, the clothes are of great quality. I’m a tough fit and they always come through with great looking clothes. I’ve purchased suits and shirts so far. The regular sales and promotions are something to look forward to.

Awesome work by Cordt! Definitely recommend him if anyone is looking for great suit! Will come back for sure if I need one sometimes later down the road.

This place is awesome. Ever since my husband was introduced to the experience and the quality of their clothes, as well as Court’s fashion advice, nothing compares to this. It is not affordable at all, and everything you buy is custom so do expect to pay custom prices.

This is a top notch operation through and through. The manager Ricardo is phenomenal and will ensure you have a good experience. The administrative staff are great. I worked with Joanna and she was pleasant, helpful, and accommodating as well. Their whole team was responsive and committed.

Although I no longer work with Nick, Balani continues to deliver a top notch product. Nick moved on, and now I work with Elizabeth. She is one of a kind, and absolutely the perfect person to help build my wardrobe. Elizabeth is in high demand, but if you can get in with her it would be worth your time.

I highly recommend Joanna at Balani. I’ve tried other tailors and she is the only one that understood my style and what I wanted to accomplish.
The prices here are very competitive and glad my search for a go-​to tailor is over.

I worked with Steve and I feel bad it has taken this long for me to make a review. I got married this past April and do not like to dress like everyone else. Aside from that I am 6 4 175 with a 17 inch neck and ³⁴⁄₃₅ arms but 29 inch waist with broad shoulders and a very narrow torso to put it modest.
I already had my tuxedo jacket purchased. However, I must say it took almost a year to find it and had I known about Balani sooner I would have had them make it!!! My jacket was silk and satin Ivory with a round shawl and one button. It is very unique. I had looked online at Anto shirts in California as I did not want just a normal white shirt for my tux. I wanted a Grey/​Silver tux shirt in Satin or Silk with French cuffs and French Collars to accent my white mother of pearl cufflink and stud set.
Anyways it seemed as though having Anto make my shirt from California and hoping it came out alright was my only option after looking for a shirt close to what I wanted. I stumbled onto a review of Balani after reading reviews written on Anto as I was trying to see if anyone posted a price range for me to see what it was going to cost.
A review on there was from a big spender who was from Texas and said that he used to go to Anto but after stumbling upon Balani he would only ever buy another item for dress clothes from there. Actually he claimed to be apprehensive to write the post as he did not want anyone to know about this diamond in the rough.
So I set up an appointment with Balani and hoped this post I read was correct. It was more than that!
The staff was so nice and patient helping my wife and I find their store coming from the North Shore. Steve was the exact opposite of what I expected. I was waiting to come in and be greeted by an older gentleman with very formal taste and not be able to make my request understandable. Steve had me bring in my Tux as well as a suit that fit me best. After seeing my Tux and a few shirts of mine as well as suits he knew my taste in a second.
He knew exactly what i wanted as far as my shirt went. I explained to him i about the cuffs, color, material and before I could even finish he brought in the exact swatch in the material and color I was thinking of. He helped me choose the perfect shoes, tie, and pants as well. His taste was exactly like mine and it turned our PERFECT!!!
I will never ever buy dress clothes elsewhere. They had their own version of the Tom Ford James Bond Dark Blue Tux which is going to be one of my next purchases and I just cannot say enough about their service.
Typical groom I left it to the last minute to pick up my shirt which Steve had custom initials, wedding date, and fit absolutely perfect. It was like he read my mind. I have gotten so many comments on the shirt it isn’t even funny. I know why the post I read was apprehensive to let the news out about this place. i was running late day before my wedding and Steve was waiting there for me after hours shirt in hand laughing as he knew I was in a rush. I would not have gotten the shirt if it were not for their impeccable customer service.
Steve is awesome to work with if you are a younger man especially. He was young like me and tall and lean and had the same taste as me in many ways. He showed me a bunch of shirts we could do in the colors I liked later on down the line in the satin material my Tux shirt was made in. He is the man. I would not want to work with anyone else. And I am sure I am far from their biggest spender but they treated me as if I was their only customer the whole way thru.
As I said I will never shop for dress apparel anywhere else again. Balani only from here on out. If I see something I want and it is in a department store I will be having them make it. I have a love for some designers but I think Balani will out do them any day of the week putting their own spin on things.
Thanks Steve!!!
Sincerely,
Daniel Warren

I found Balani about 6 years ago after spending several weeks trying to find shirts to fit my build (18″ neck and 33−34″ waist). Everything I found looked like a circus tent on me.
Suits? Even worse. 46″ chest means 38−40″ waist. Alterations cost several hundred dollars.
My experience with Balani in 6 years had been great. I’ve had dozens of shirts made, several suits and a tux. Problems with something they made? They’ll fix it. Impressed by Nordstrom’s customer service policies? They stink compared to Balani’s. Sonny’s policy is to do right for the customer. Period.
I’ve worked with Steve for years. He makes the experience so much fun and is always sensitive to your needs and what’s in style. When I wear my Balani clothes, I feel special and look great.
My advice, especially for anyone who struggles buying off the rack? Go. Don’t fear custom prices. The clothes are custom and so are the prices. You can’t go wrong.

Anyone who is getting married, looking for a new suit, or even just new shirts should DEFINITELY come to Balani. I most recently came here for a custom 3-​piece suit for my wedding and was thrilled with the results. I’m 6’7″ and have never had anything fit so nicely and after seeing pictures from my wedding the difference in custom is clear.
My consultant is Elizabeth, who has been so helpful throughout the entire process. She helped pick out colors that worked, suggested fabrics, and gave ideas on what linings would look good. I had several alterations after the suit came in to get it perfect and she was always helpful and never once got frustrated. She wanted to make sure I was completely satisfied with the purchase. She was also very cognizant of my wedding date and made sure to expedite changes when needed. On top of that, Balani threw in a free shirt as a «wedding gift»!
Prior to this I had actually come in once for 5 dress shirts and another time for just a vest. At the time I couldn’t afford a complete new suit, but Elizabeth still took the time to help me and make me feel comfortable. I really appreciated her attitude even though it was likely a small purchase at the time.
I don’t think I’ll be able to go back to off the rack suits after this.

Its kind of weird to write a review about a men clothing place lol, but my bf and I always shop at this place lol
I like it too because I can find many thing to dress him (he always need feminine help in mixing and matching clothes)

Came to Balani looking to have a custom tux made for my wedding. William was my main point of contact, and was a complete pleasure to work with throughout the whole process.
My first visit was to meet with William and go over the details of the vision for my custom tuxedo. We went over my vision for the garment, and he provided his professional opinion and worked with me to help create a garment that I could look great in for my wedding. My second and third visits, a few weeks after the first visit, were to go over the fitting of the garment. From start to finish, I’d estimate the turnaround time to be two months. I’m incredibly happy with my custom tuxedo, and I recommend Balani to all my friends with regards to getting suit or shirts tailored.
William was absolutely great to work with, and if you come into Balani, ask for WIlliam and be rest assured that you will come out of Balani with shirt or suit that you can feel proud and satisfied to wear. William will help you look your best with your custom garment.

Ten years ago, I was in search of a custom made suit. I saw an ad in GQ Magazine for Balani Custom Clothiers and figured I’d take a chance. I spoke with Sonny and we met a week later. Needless to say I was incredibly pleased with my suit. The hardest part was all the fabrics and styles to choose from! Sonny was great though and gave me wonderful suggestions.
Since that time, I have seen Sonny for suits, sport jackets, slacks, dress shirts, sport shirts and two beautiful vicuña overcoats.
I have always been completely pleased with the quality of every single piece. The craftsmanship and variety of fabrics is amazing. I must say I truly enjoy going to work every day wearing Balani.
When you look good, you feel good!
Thanks Sonny!!! You know I’m a customer for life!