The Suit You Don’t Know: Surprising Facts & Forgotten Origins of Custom Menswear

Let’s face it — we live in one of the most fashion-aware regions in the country. From LA’s high-fashion district to OC’s yacht-club cool, there’s no shortage of style. But when it comes to custom suits, most people still only scratch the surface.

We know they fit better. We know they look great.
But did you know custom suits have roots in military codes, require less dry cleaning than you think, and were once banned in California?

Let’s dig into the refreshing, surprising, and straight-up fun facts about custom suits — with a distinctly SoCal twist.

The First Suits Were… Military Uniforms?

Believe it or not, the origins of the modern suit trace back to military regalia in the 17th and 18th centuries. Soldiers and aristocrats wore form-fitted jackets with clean silhouettes — not for fashion, but for function. These tailored cuts allowed better movement and helped distinguish rank.

Fast forward to OC’s Newport Harbor or LA’s Veterans Affairs events, and the echoes of those military lines still exist — especially in structured shoulders, crisp lapels, and regimented button rows.

Fun Fact: The tradition of placing the bottom button unbuttoned? It came from Edward VII, who was too large to button his jacket and made it fashionable to leave it undone. The trend stuck.

Suits Don’t Need as Much Dry Cleaning as You Think

One of the biggest misconceptions we hear in LA and OC is:

“If I get a nice suit, I’ll have to dry clean it all the time.”

False — and harmful.

High-quality suits — especially custom ones — should rarely be dry cleaned. The harsh chemicals can wear down the fabric, shrink canvas interiors, and destroy shape.

Here’s a better system:

• Steam your suit regularly to refresh it and remove odors.

• Brush it after every few wears with a horsehair brush to get rid of dust and lint.

• Spot clean gently with a damp cloth.

• Dry clean only 1–2 times a year, unless there's a spill emergency.

It’s a lower-maintenance lifestyle than most people realize — especially in climate-controlled buildings from Irvine to Beverly Hills.

Custom Suits Were Once Banned in California (Sort Of)

In the early 1940s, during WWII, the U.S. enacted fabric rationing under the War Production Board. Suits with extra fabric — like cuffs, pleats, and shoulder pads — were deemed excessive.

California, always a fashion-forward rebel, was hit with what became known as “The Zoot Suit Ban.” The elaborate, oversized style favored in LA’s Mexican-American and Black communities was viewed as unpatriotic, and wearing custom-tailored suits became controversial — even dangerous.

Today, that rebellious spirit lives on in SoCal’s tailoring. Whether it's a bold lining, exaggerated peak lapel, or a jacket length that defies tradition — custom suits in OC and LA still push style boundaries, just with a modern edge.

The Best Custom Suits Are Designed for Sitting (Not Just Standing)

Here’s something people don’t talk about: Off-the-rack suits are made to look good on hangers or standing mannequins.

But how do most professionals in SoCal actually spend their time?

• Driving on the 405

• Sitting in meetings in Culver City or Newport

• Grabbing coffee at a laptop in Playa Vista

Custom tailoring considers real-world posture. We design suits to drape cleanly while seated, curve naturally around the waist, and eliminate gapping at the chest when you lean forward. Even the pitch of the sleeves can be adjusted so they look sharp while you're at a keyboard — not just walking into a room.

Suits Have Always Been Symbols — Now, They’re Storytellers

Historically, suits were tools of conformity. Everyone wore them to blend in.
But in LA and OC’s modern world of personal branding, custom suits are now tools of expression.

Today’s clients don’t want cookie-cutter cuts — they want:

• A suit that matches the interior of their vintage Porsche

• A lining that honors their heritage or family crest

• Stitching in Lakers gold or Angels red

• QR code-embroidered labels that link to their music, portfolio, or digital business card

Yes — we can literally embed a QR code inside your custom suit now. It’s that personal.

OC & LA Clients Are Leading the "Multi-Use Suit" Movement

In the past, a suit was for weddings, job interviews, and funerals. Now? People want versatility — and SoCal is driving that demand.

We’ve been tailoring suits that do it all:

• Detachable collars for dressing up or down

• Convertible trousers with hidden drawstrings and elastic waists for stretch

• Hybrid blazers that look like a suit, feel like athleisure

These innovations let people wear suits for:

• A wedding in Laguna Beach

• A pitch deck in West LA

• A date night in Silver Lake

• Even travel to tech conferences in SF or Vegas

One jacket. Multiple lives. Total confidence.

Final Thought: You’re Not Buying a Suit. You’re Commissioning a Tool.

A true custom suit is part personal brand, part everyday armor, part conversation starter. In Orange County and Los Angeles — where image, innovation, and individuality matter — a custom suit isn’t a splurge. It’s a strategy.

And when it’s made by TruTailor, it’s not just any strategy — it’s yours.