The clothes make the man, but the man makes the clothes. Get fitted from head to toe at these custom-design clothing shops. And then treat yourself to the one wardrobe item that should be in every guy's closet.

Hats
Victor Osborne 160 Orchard St.; (212) 677-6254
Yes, you can rock a fedora without being an old-timey newspaper reporter -- you're just in desperate need of a precise fitting. In Victor Osborne's headwear boutique, your noggin will be measured and styled in a wearable (and flattering) all-occasion hat. Though custom designs start at $250, it's way worth it for their handcrafted felt or straw looks -- all made in the store's back-room workshop.

Keep reading for more of the Big Apple's best custom shops.

Ties
Alan David 16 E. 40th St.; 212-227-4040
You don't have to noose your neck every morning with the boring striped ties you've grown used to -- at Alan David's boutique, you can select from hundreds of styles and decide your own length and knot style, including fat, skinny, extra long, or extra short (starting at $130). As far as fabrics go, his workshop offers 500 textures and prints perfect for the office or date night. They'll even brand your fully lined tie with a bit of bling -- each tie comes with a gold medallion attached and engraved with your initials. You'll be like a work-appropriate Mr. T!


Pants
LS Men's Clothing 49 W. 45th St.; (212) 575-0933
For more than 30 years, the tailors at this NYC landmark have been getting in people's pants. Starting at $210, inseam masters combine fancy-schmancy fabrics and top-notch service to design the trousers of your dreams. They'll not only make minor alterations depending on your taste, including longer pockets, unfinished bottoms, and a choice of waistband width, but they also alter their styles according to the trend -- in case you're worried about coming out and looking like your grandfather.


Shirts
Mark Christopher 140 E. 13th St.; (212) 686-9190
Hop into this Chelsea shop and be fitted for one Mark Christopher's renowned dress shirts. You'll find hundreds of different styles that you can mix and match to create a one-of-kind look. They'll even emulate high-end designer looks according to your shape and size, but without the hefty price tag. Shirts range from $145 to $300 and include collar, cuff, and pocket styles to your liking. Plus, if you don't see exactly what you're looking for, simply call up the shop and they'll get you what you want. May we suggest a replication of this?



Shoes
E. Vogel 19 Howard St.; (212) 925-2460
Though you're not spending your days in four-inch heels, Asylum understands your work-shoe dilemma. The narrow width, thin sole and tight pinching sensation around your toes is no longer an issue with E. Vogel's custom-made beauties. And we're not just talking your simple black leather shoes -- this Soho boutique has materials and colors ranging from lizard skin to classic French brown leather. Think of it as an investment. While the first step is to get a mold of your foot made-racking up your initial pair to $1,300, subsequent pairs only hit roughly $850, a worthwhile investment for lifelong comfort.