Michael Frackowiak | Bespoke Tailor
I was introduced to Michael via a friend, who told me all about the concept behind his suits. Being in the fashion industry, we have that connection. If you find Michael on Instagram, you will see just how amazing his style and creations are, men really can achieve another level in a bespoke suit. But there’s much more to Michael’s story and when you hear the why behind the bespoke service, I think you’ll agree with me, this is a something that can change lives. But how did it all come about?
How would you describe your occupation and what does it involve?
People would call me a bespoke tailor, but I’m much more than that. I’m a style advisor - an image consultant. After leaving my career as an engineer, I wondered how can I help other people? I wanted to help men look smart and confident and I’m now doing this by making them look great in a suit.
I will make you look good, I’m confident in that. The question is, how comfortable are you in your suit? Why are you uncomfortable – because generally men go into the wrong shop, purchase quickly and buy the wrong type of clothing. Generally, off the rail suits are never a great fit and most men have never experienced a great fitting one. Some guys even think, ‘a suit isn’t for me’, but if you have a perfectly fitted one specifically for your shape, it will change your outlook completely. You will look and feel amazing and start getting the kind of compliments that make your day.
There’s a common misconception that suits are for bankers, office workers and salesmen, but they can change how you feel. If you want to look different and progress, suits are incredibly empowering for this.
2. How would you describe your style and are you known for a particular look?
I was a fully qualified engineer from 2007-2012, with a Masters in Engineering. Since I was a teenager, I had always wanted to have a job that would allow me to wear a suit to work so I could look sharp. So, when I was an engineer, I would wear a shirt and bow tie to work! It didn’t matter that I was in a filthy environment and it eventually became my signature. Customers would actually start asking for the ‘engineer in the bow tie’!
3. Do you inject your own style through your designs?
It was during 2014-2015 that I left engineering to move to tailoring. I was self-employed then took the jump to start working on suits and I first started by making just pocket squares and accessories. Then I started making suits. I always wore bow ties and I’ve carried on wearing them and now I love big oversized ties, which you will see.
4. Do you have different styles for work and home life?
I used to be strict with what I wore and only wear chinos but I’m now more relaxed, but I usually wear a pocket square. I am always smartly dressed though. You will see the pocket squares in the images on social media.
5. How do you coach your clients to find what works for them?
As a man, you really should have more than one suit – two or three. That way you can mix and match shirts.
When I take on a new client, I encourage them to go through their wardrobe with me, ditch what doesn’t suit them and make space for what they actually want and like. The aim is to have a smaller choice and to ditch the rubbish. It’s a whole experience for the client.
I also created the Bespoke Shirt Club, which is a monthly subscription for made to measure shirts. The concept is to transform life. If you commit to change to clothes that fit properly, that will last, then it is for you. It is a lifestyle change and is a choice when you join the Bespoke Shirt Club. You are measured once and then a shirt is delivered to you each month to meet your style and your body requirements.
We all come in different shapes and sizes, so I will only create beautiful pieces to flatter your shape and hide areas you want hidden. We all have them. You can’t accept being uncomfortable three meetings into the day, knowing you have to get through the rest of it! The last thing you want to be doing is adjusting your suit all day!
I will ask new clients to do some homework because it is a process of finding ideas, likes and dislikes but it is never a quick shop. If a client is unsure, my job is to make them look good and I will always make sure I deliver.
6. Give us some advice to live by?
My advice is this: if you do buy a suit in a shop, take it to a tailor. Why? Suits off the rail will rarely fit 100% so it won’t look good. A tailor will make it fit properly. If you feel good you will look good. Get to the point where you walk past a mirror and smile because you know you look good!
If you are thinking, ‘how can I stand out?’. My advice to you is, wear smarter clothes – you’ll start walking differently, with your chest out and you’re more confident.
Get in touch with Michael
Instagram: @michael_frackowiak
LinkedIn: Michael Frackowiak
Bespoke Shirt Club: www.bespokeshirt.club