Men’s Custom Clothier Unbuttoning New Business

By Andrew Gorosko

In an increasingly “off the rack,” world, visitors to Latham Thomas can still enjoy the meticulous and highly personalized service of a custom clothier while “racking up” on a handsome billiards table that is a focal point at the heart of one of Newtown’s newest businesses.

Latham Thomas, a men’s haberdashery, recently opened its doors at the main entrance to Rocky Glen Mill at 75 Glen Road in Sandy Hook.

Pursuing a dream of selling custom-made garments to a discerning clientele, Bill Kneisel, a Newtowner, has furnished his business space within the massive masonry building in the style of an English men’s club from a bygone era. He terms the masculine decor “a throwback to the classic old English haberdashery,” where finely tailored, top quality clothing and individualized service are the standard.

The firm sells custom-made suits and shirts, neckties and shoes as well as offering tailoring.

“I had a vision of an old English haberdashery,” Mr Kneisel said, pointing to the handsome dark woodwork that adorns his high-ceilinged showroom. In addition to the billiards table the showroom has a widescreen television that displays sports programs.

There is no other men’s custom clothing showroom like Latham Thomas in northern Fairfield County, according to Mr Kneisel.

The company is well-suited to Rocky Glen Mill, a 19th Century industrial building that was renovated for multiple commercial tenants. The facility was formerly the headquarters of Fabric Fire Hose, a company engaged in manufacturing that line primarily for public safety applications and fire departments.

Latham Thomas opened in early March focusing on the upper end of the men’s custom clothing business — what Mr Kneisel calls, “The niche of the niche.”

Approximately three-quarters of the company’s custom-made men’s suits range in price from $799 to $1,500, with the remainder extending upward from that amount. Custom-made shirts range from $109 to $325. 

“We’re a custom shop. [Every piece] is made to order,” Mr Kneisel said. In keeping with its exclusive atmosphere, the firm’s business is conducted on an appointment-only basis.

“The bench tailor has been replaced by modern technology,” he said. Suits made for the firm’s customers are manufactured in the United States and China and tailored to perfection on the premises, he said. “It’s a quality-driven, service-driven business,” he said.

The three primary steps in producing a suit are procuring its fabric, manufacturing the garment, and then perfecting its fit, he said.

“A suit is nothing but a series of numbers in the right places,” Mr Kneisel said of the various measurements required to produce a suit.

Mr Kneisel explained that he gained significant experience in his field working in the men’s custom clothing business in the New York metropolitan area for the past 16 years. He said he opened the Latham Thomas shop at Rocky Glen Mill because he wanted to have a shop closer to home.

Latham Thomas procures for its customers the best product available for the price, Mr Kneisel said.

His clientele range from doctors, lawyers, professionals, to business owners with an eye for quality and style, who primarily range in age from 35 to 65. The clothier can, however, tailor or design for any age or size.

A typical customer may buy two suits and six shirts when visiting the business, he said.

“I make their lives a lot easier,” Mr Kneisel said, explaining the service-oriented nature of his business. “I’m a very well trained and very experienced professional in the trade,” he said.

Mr Kneisel said he expects that a large majority of his business at Rocky Glen Mill will come from men working in New York City, southern Fairfield County, and Westchester County. He said he hopes to develop a following of local clientele from fellow Newtowners and new friends from surrounding towns.

He makes house calls, and in the near future Latham Thomas plans to begin posting showroom hours.

“There’s obviously a demand for this type of product and service,” Mr Kneisel said. “It’s upscale, quality, custom-made and an extremely convenient way to get fantastic clothing!”

To arrange an appointment at Latham Thomas, call 426-3344.