Frequently Asked Questions
What is ESQ?
ESQ is a bespoke clothing company based in Chicago, IL, specializing in handmade custom suits, shirts, tuxedos, overcoats, and men's wedding attire. As a bespoke tailor rather than an off-the-rack retailer, ESQ builds every garment from a hand-cut pattern specific to each client, using fabrics from Italian and English mills like Loro Piana, Scabal, and Dormeuil.
What is bespoke tailoring, and how is it different from made-to-measure or off-the-rack suits?
Bespoke means a garment is built from an individual pattern created for one client, rather than adjusted from an existing block pattern or bought pre-made. As a custom suit designer and bespoke menswear specialist, ESQ hand-sews each garment and cuts it to your specific pattern using one of the house silhouettes, so the fit and construction are personal to you rather than standardized.
How much does a bespoke suit cost?
Pricing for a bespoke suit at ESQ begins in the low thousands and varies based on fabric, detailing, and finishing. Exact pricing is confirmed during your consultation, since fabric selection and customization affect the final cost. Book a consultation for a precise quote.
How much do ESQ's custom shirts cost?
Custom shirt pricing starts at a set base rate and depends on fabric and detailing choices, similar to suits. A custom shirt maker on ESQ's team can walk you through fabric and fit options during your consultation to confirm exact pricing.
What fabrics and mills does ESQ work with?
ESQ sources fabric from established Italian and English mills, including Loro Piana, Scabal, and Dormeuil. As an experienced bespoke tailor, the team curates cloth selections for suits, shirts, tuxedos, and overcoats, and can guide you toward a fabric suited to the season, occasion, and how the finished garment will be worn.
How long does it take to complete a bespoke suit?
A bespoke suit typically takes about six weeks from your first fitting to your second fitting, when the completed garment is tried on and finalized. Timelines can vary depending on fabric availability and the complexity of the design, so your consultation will confirm an exact schedule for your order.
What does the bespoke process involve, from consultation to delivery?
The process starts with an initial consultation to discuss your lifestyle, style goals, and fabric selection. From there, you'll have a first fitting at the showroom for measurements and design decisions, followed by a second fitting about six weeks later to try on the completed garment. Once finalized, your garment is delivered with six months of complimentary steam care included.
Do I need an appointment, and can I book virtually or only in person?
Appointments are strongly recommended so a member of the team can give you full attention, but walk-ins are welcome during business hours at the Chicago showroom. Both virtual and in-person consultations are available -- virtual for clients who want to start the process remotely, and in-person at the Chicago showroom for those who prefer to select fabric and discuss fit in person. Book a consultation in advance to guarantee a time that works for you.
Where are ESQ's showrooms located?
ESQ's primary showroom is located at 180 N LaSalle St, Chicago, IL 60601 (312-757-8500). ESQ also has a second location in Winnetka, IL at 1085 Gage St for clients on the North Shore. Contact ESQ to confirm hours and book an appointment at either location.
Does ESQ make custom shirts too, or only suits?
ESQ is a custom suit and shirt company, so bespoke shirts are offered alongside bespoke suits. As a custom shirt maker, ESQ builds shirts to the same hand-sewn, individually patterned standard as its suiting, with fabric and detailing choices made during your consultation.
Does ESQ offer custom tuxedos and formalwear?
Yes. As a custom tuxedo designer and men's formalwear specialist, ESQ builds bespoke tuxedos for black-tie events, galas, and other formal occasions, following the same consultation and fitting process used for bespoke suits.
Does ESQ specialize in wedding attire?
Yes. ESQ offers a dedicated wedding suit service for grooms and groomsmen who want coordinated, custom-fitted attire for their wedding day. As a men's formalwear specialist, ESQ can help plan fittings around a wedding timeline so everything is ready well ahead of the event. Learn more about wedding suits.
Does ESQ sell ready-to-wear clothing in addition to bespoke?
Yes. Alongside its bespoke suits, shirts, and tuxedos, ESQ offers a ready-to-wear collection that includes shirts, essential tees, and ties and accessories for clients who want ESQ quality without a full bespoke commitment. Browse the collection.
Is any care or maintenance included after my garment is finished?
Yes. Every bespoke garment from ESQ includes six months of complimentary steam care after delivery, helping keep your suit, shirt, or tuxedo looking as sharp as the day it was finished.
How long has ESQ been in business, and who founded it?
ESQ was founded by Ge Wang, a Chicago attorney who, after struggling to find bespoke suiting that met his standards, studied tailoring traditions in Italy and England before launching ESQ. The company has been serving Chicago-area clients for 13 years, working with executives, entrepreneurs, professional athletes, and other clients who value craftsmanship in their clothing.
What is ESQ's return and refund policy?
Ready-to-wear items may be returned within 30 days of delivery if they are unworn, unwashed, undamaged, and have all original tags attached. Cuff links, gift cards, and any item marked sale or final sale are not eligible for return. See the full refund policy for details.
Can I return or exchange a bespoke garment?
No. Because bespoke suits, shirts, tuxedos, and other custom garments are built from an individual pattern specifically for you, they are not eligible for refunds or exchanges once completed.
How do I start a return?
Email contact@esqclothing.com with "RETURN LABEL NEEDED" and your order number in the subject line. The team will send a prepaid return label -- place the eligible item back in its original packaging (or similar packaging), attach the label, and drop the package at any UPS location.
Does ESQ offer gift cards, and how can I contact the team with other questions?
Yes, ESQ gift cards are available for purchase directly on the website. For any other questions not covered here, contact ESQ by email or phone, or reach the Chicago showroom directly at (312) 757-8500.