My Tailor

I went to the tailor today, to pick up some dry cleaning. They were kind enough to allow me to ask a few questions and snap a few shots shots of the shop (Mr. Lee was a bit leery of having his photo on the Internet...understandable). So, without further ado, a quick profile of the tailor I am lucky to have as mine:
The shop is called "Chris Fine Tailoring", but for the past 15 years it has been owned and operated by the kindly Mr. and Mrs. Lee. Originally from South Korea, the Lee's purchased this shop shortly after arriving in America. Prior to that, Mr. Lee had more than 40 years experience making custom suits and menswear in Korea. You've all seen his work here on the blog...I always knew he was good. Quick, reasonably priced, and perfectly finished, the work done here is the real thing.

The shop is tiny, and always hot from the steam of the pressing machines. Both walls of this narrow space are lined with clothes...the left in progress and the right finished goods. Note the Styrofoam drop ceiling, old tile floor, and old steam pressing machinery. Now that's what a tailor shop ought to look like, if you ask me.

The counter top is strewn with the detritus of the trade...chalk, safety pins, curved rulers, an iron, scissors...you name it. Perfect!

The dressing room is a little wood panelled booth with a curtain across the front, right in the middle of the shop. Again, perfect!

The window is adorned charmingly with a a pair of dusty mannequins in out-moded dress.

If you live in the general area of Boston, this is where you need to bring your alterations. The work done here has been perfect every time. I have never once had to ask for something to be re-done. And this guy has shortened jackets, tapered pants, and repaired metal zippers for me. He's an old master, the practitioner of a dying art.

Mrs. Lee does most of the talking. She writes your slip on a carbon copy pad, you take the pink copy. But you don't need to keep it, because she remembers you and what you came to pick up every time. That kind of customer service is also a dying art.

So, in a few days when Christmas is in the rear view mirror, take that item of clothing that fits wrong to the Lee's. If you find a suit made of beautiful wool at the thrift, but it needs some work, take it to the Lee's. Hell, if you just need a sweater dry-cleaned, take it to the Lee's. They really know their trade.

Chris Fine Tailoring

1169 Broadway

Somerville, MA, 02144

617.776.4849