Master of style

Not only does Jin King Lee make custom suits for his successful clients, he shows them how to wear it, too. By Sarah Russell

Mr. Jin King Lee, owner of Lee’s Custom Tailoring in Indianapolis, understands that style is important, He’s been in the tailoring business for over forty-two years and has gained the title “Master Tailor,” in which only a handful of people in the world are given.

Lee’s customers might already be successful businessmen, politicians and pro-athletes, but the 55-year-old Maser Tailor gives them an extra edge. Lee educates the customer on how to wear a suit and what looks best, and he says that extra attention to detail is what pulls the whole look together. “Dress well, look healthy,” says Lee. Lee started out in the tailoring business in his native Korea. He did not have the choice to go to middle school or high school, so after finishing elementary school, Lee became an apprentice at a local tailoring shop. He then moved up, and even began instructing at a tailoring school. Lee was then given the prestigious title “Master Tailor.” According to Lee, there are only 25Master Tailors in the United States, and 300 in the world. In 1986, Lee, his wife and two sons emigrated to America, and Lee began working at an alteration shop in Indianapolis. Lee says that he didn’t have a preference as to where in America he and gis family would move. “I didn’t think Indianapolis, Chicago, Los Angeles, just U.S.A,” says Lee. After working at the alteration shop for about a year, Lee decided it was time to open up his own custom tailoring shop. He ways that in America the custom business is very small, and he couldn’t find a custom tailoring shop in America. Lee says that Americans want nice suits, and they need a tailor. “They needed me,” says Lee. Lee makes custom suits and other pieces of clothing for the Indianapolis Colts professional football team, Indiana Pacers pro-basketball team, as well as local politicians. He’s worked with former Pacers Reggie Miller and George McGinnis, as well as current player Mike Dunleavy. Former Indianapolis Bart Peterson is also a loyal customer of Lee. Lee is fairly fluent in English, But he and his customers might not always understand each other. Lee says that doesn’t affect his business. “I have a skill. Skill is like a language… everybody understands skill,” says Lee. Lee’s Custom Tailoring offers alterations, tuxedo rent, custom made suits, shirts and pants. Lee says the customer trusts him because he is honest. He says if he can do something he will say yes, and of he absolutely cannot do something he says no. But very rarely does Lee turn down something a customer wants. “what the customer wants, I have to do,” says Lee. Ronald Mencias, the 34-year-old Vice President of Merrill Lynch in Indianapolis, says that what sets Lee’s work apart is that he pays attention to detail, sense of style and choice of fabric. He also likes that Mr. Lee is involved from beginning to end. “ I rely on Jin a lot,” says Mencias. Mencias first came to Lee’s Custom tailoring in 2000 and has been a loyal customer ever since. He has 15 to 20 custom suits from Lee, and even had his tuxedo made for his wedding, which he says is his favorite piece. Mincias says he often gets compliments on his suits, and attributes it to Lee’s talent and passion for his work. Le also says what makes a big difference is that Lee’s suits fit his body correctly. “Fabric and fit is second to none,” says Mencias. Lee is aware that his customers want to create their own style, and he say that he gives the customer exactly what they want plus his experience and expertise. He also knows his younger customers are looking for more modern styles, so he works with both traditional and new trends. “You design, I can follow,” says Lee. But even Lee’s older customer base wants to keep up on the new trends, such as 77-year-old Richard Hanzel, chairman of the board for TVF,Inc. Lee is very good at styling and has made him like the more modern styles,” says Hanzel. Hazel says he first had a suit made by Lee seven years ago, and was so satisfied he kipt coming back. Hazel says that once you find a good tailor, it’s not a good idea to shop around. First customers come for simple alterations. But Lee educates them on their body type and what fits and looks best. Then they come back for custom made apparel and don’t want to buy from anyshere else. Hanzel likes that Lee is fashion to body type by “minimizing my defects and enhancing my assets”. He also says another attribute is Lee’s precision and perfection. Hanzel describes Lee as a “gentleman” and says that Lee is the tailor he will stay with. “He’s always friendly and always smiling, but hi’s strictly business,” says Hanzel. There are several steps in making a custom suit. First the customer comes in with a certain look and fabric in mind. Then Lee takes the measurements and makes a pattern. After the pattern is made, a “dummy” suit is created, The customer comes in for a fitting with the dummy suit, and then the final product is made. There are fittings after that, and certain alterations are made so the suit fits fits perfectly. Lee says his customers know the quality of his work is better than others, and that’s why people continue to come back. “I’m just a good tailor,” says Lee. Hanzel says that at Lee’s Custom Tailoring they are always courteous, work at a fair price, and always have time to meet the customer’s need. Even if I get a rip or lose a button, I stop by and get it fixed,” says Hanzel. Lee also has created a relationship with his customers. “It’s not only like a business, It’s like a family,” says Lee. Mencias agrees, and says Lee is not only his tailor, but he has become a good friend. After 23 years dressing the men and women of Indianapolis, Lee says he’s satisfied and does not plan on expanding. “quality is more important,” says Lee.