Custom Men's Suit in Langley
Cardero Clothing started in 2015 to help men avoid the same mistakes I made when shopping for a custom suit in the Fraser Valley. For my wedding, I was given terrible advice and could not find suits in Abbotsford, Langley, Chilliwack or even Vancouver that fit my Groomsmen and me. We ended up renting and we all looked terrible in polyester half-tuxedos and cheap vests.
If I hadn't gone through that horrible process Cardero never would've begun and I still would be buying formal clothes that don't fit me. Although I still look at the photos and cringe, I am grateful that I went from a complete formal clothing amateur to an expert due to that experience.
Cardero has proudly provided custom men’s clothing in the Fraser Valley for over 10 years. During this time, we’ve gained a deep understanding of the professionals, individuals, expectations, and unique style preferences of the region. From keeping up with trends to our personal favourite—timeless styles that stand the test of time—we’re here to help you look your best for years to come.
Canadian Style - Vancouver to Toronto to Quebec
The way style works in Canada is pretty simple. Quebec is fashion-forward and very European with its fits and cuts. They enjoy the tapered looks and understand fit is crucial to looking good. Toronto moves more towards trends like super skinny, cropped pants and stylish patterns. Vancouver pulls a bit more like Toronto with being trends-focused but the more experienced generations understand timeless is classy. They prefer to invest in clothes that last a long time, knowing it saves them money in the long run.
Men's Style in the Fraser Valley - Langley to Abbotsford to Chilliwack
In the Fraser Valley, we lack options. Men in their 20's or 30's, will follow more style influencers and hop on trends with lower-quality garments. However, we have found they also skip the important step of having their garments further altered to properly fit their frame. This leads to clothing that lasts a few wears and never truly fits. They usually choose not to alter their clothing because they don't know how it should fit or they don't want to spend the extra money on clothes that don't last.
In our opinion, the guys who look the best and save the most money are those who follow the "timeless is classy" look. They invest in navy, charcoal, light-grey, olive, brown or bold blue suits, sport coats, blazers and dress pants. They aren't afraid of new colours but choose to add trendy colours in their tie, pocket square or shirt.
Their fit is important to them as well. Our clients understand their body shape doesn't fit a standard off-the-rack store and they are willing to spend a little bit more for garments that last. They are sick of re-buying the same garments over and over and choosing custom clothing allows them to stay out of department stores or malls and have a custom tailor in speed dial. We help our clients add new garments seamlessly by keeping their measurements, preferences and past purchases on file.
It can be as easy as a 15-minute appointment, email, phone call or text message to build their wardrobe and add new garments.
How Should a Professional Man Dress in the Fraser Valley
This varies by profession and style, but we guide men through this journey every single day. Here are the basic rules we go by:
What do you enjoy wearing?
Do you prefer to keep it neutral with navy and charcoal suits paired with white and light blue dress shirts? Or do you like having pops of patterns and colours?
What's your budget?
If you have a larger budget you can branch out into unique suits and sport coats. But if your budget is limited, you should be going for neutral suits. A navy or charcoal suit will match any dress shirt in your wardrobe. If you only own a plaid green suit, it will be obvious you only have one suit. If you go for a navy suit instead, it will stand out less and match with every dress shirt, tie and pocket square in your closet.
Who is your clientele?
If you are a wealth advisor with professional clients, opt for the suit and tie. If you are meeting with farmers, trades people or construction workers go for dark wash denim jeans paired with a crisp dress shirt and sport coat.
What is already in your closet?
If you are happy with the fit and condition of your dress shirts, we can help you find a suit that goes with many of them. There is no sense in spending money replacing something that doesn't need replacing.
Top Style Questions we Receive from Our Clients
What colour suit should I buy?
If it is your first suit, go with a navy or charcoal. As mentioned above it is extremely versatile. You can wear it to a business meeting, a wedding, a funeral or date night. If it is your wedding, I would still recommend these two colours but it is your special day, so buy a fabric you love and fits your wedding theme. You can check out this post here for more information on how to match the wedding party.
Where do I buy dress shoes in the Fraser Valley?
Payton and Buckle in Abbotsford and Chilliwack is our first choice. Again, we are all about high-quality materials that last. They have it. A second choice would be Shoes of Europe in Downtown Langley and Fort Langley.
How should a suit fit?
I wish more guys asked this before buying a suit anywhere. It should never be too tight when you are standing with your arms rested by your side. Everything should taper with your body lines, the pants shouldn't be baggy at your shoes, and your sleeves should not pass where your hand and wrist meet. We cover all of this in our fitting form for new clients.
Where can I have my clothes altered in Langley, Abbotsford or Chilliwack?
We are always searching for the best and after being gouged by many companies, here are the most honest and trustworthy we have found.
Langley - And Sew On
Langley - Westpark Cleaners
Abbotsford - Contact us and we are always finding new locations, but unfortunately we only know of two good ones at the moment who work out of their home.
Chilliwack - Sew with Amanda
Chilliwack - Sedreh Alterations
A note that when you purchase with us, we cover the cost of any alterations that may be needed when your garments arrive.
Should I dry clean my suit after every wear?
No. Proper wool fabrics need to rest after wear. We usually recommend a week but 48-72 hours is acceptable. This allows the fabric to wick away moisture and odors naturally fade as well. If you find there is a smell after a few days or you have stained a garment, take it in to be drycleaned right away. If you stained on the jacket, bring the pants in as well. Drycleaning one garment more than the other can cause discolouration.
Conclusion
When looking for a suit in Langley or Abbotsford, you can book into our meeting room for expert advice, high-quality garments and a proper fit. If you are looking for an option in Chilliwack, unfortunately at the time we write this there are no options. We have many clients meet us in our Abby meeting room and if alterations are needed we send them to Amanda or Sedreh in Chilliwack.
