Heritage Quality with a Custom Fit

ABOUT

In the early 1800s, a man named Beau Brummell pioneered the suit we know today by discarding the more frilly frocks of the time in favor of a simple coat with full-length pants. He was friends with influential people, and the trend started to spread. While we’ve certainly gone through many variations, it has remained a two-piece in roughly that style for 200 years. From Beau Brummel to Don Draper to James Bond, at Darby, we value that classic style and all of the variations that have helped it evolve into what it is today. Today, suits are marked by a trend towards slimmer silhouettes and more Italian-style, un-padded shoulders. However, we at Darby are all for a combination of modern and classic.

Something we recognized in the custom clothing market is that the customer’s opinion on the fit wasn’t often being taken into account. At Darby, we get to know and listen to every client to discuss and determine which fit is best for each individual. This is the precise reason why we craft custom garments. We don’t just churn out suits and jackets that all look the same - where’s the fun in that? 

For clients who aren't sure what style they want, not a problem! We are experts in figuring out the best style and fit for customers who would rather sit back and let us handle everything. At Darby we want you to feel like your best self every day. We want you to love getting dressed in the morning because you feel confident wearing any of the options in your closet. Let us show you how making custom garments can help you achieve those goals.

Get to Know Ali

FOUNDER

Ali has spent time traveling to Biella, Italy, where she was educated and trained in fabric and its construction by experts at fabric mills that have been in the industry for well over 300 years. These same mills create custom fabric for well-known brands such as Zegna, Canali, and Armani, just to name a few. This experience gives Ali a unique perspective and knowledge of what goes into making custom pieces and therefore, fully understanding the underlying basis behind investing in a custom wardrobe.

I started Darby as a way to have more freedom to design and focus on the details that make an exceptional garment.

ALI RYAN

A lifelong interest in the fashion industry led Ali to dive head first into the field, and she has since established an impressive 12 years of experience in the fashion and styling industry. An internship in fashion PR in London led to another fashion PR position in New York, where Ali became immersed in the sartorial side of fashion and how the industry functions. Upon moving back to the great city of Chicago, Ali joined the start-up clothing company, Trunk Club where her love of men’s style and designing custom garments was fully realized.

“

Every client is unique and I love designing custom pieces that reflect their personality and create a lasting impression.

“

“

Work with Ali

Darby creates custom clothing for every man from casual cotton chinos and a sport coat to formal tuxedos, from full wedding parties to a casual Saturday outfit and everything in-between. There is no project too big or too small. Ali will be sure to chat with you about your custom needs and then share her expert opinion on the best way to make your vision come to life. Take the first step in upping your style game and get in touch to schedule your appointment today!

Happening Lately

@darbydashery

CLOSE

We would love to chat with you regarding your wardrobe. If you would, please complete the contact form and we will be in touch with you to schedule an appointment to sit down and discuss your needs. We are also happy to answer any questions you may have about our process.

Inquire

alison.d.ryan@gmail.com

HOME

OUR STORY

PROCESS

INQUIRE

Darby is a custom men's clothier, founded by Ali Ryan, that is based in the heart of downtown Chicago serving clients all over the country. We believe in crafting exquisitely tailored pieces that fit your lifestyle and personality using the finest milled fabrics from England and Italy.

Our haberdashery is kept small to maintain our one-on-one relationships with clients and allows us to better facilitate our exceptional process by being as detailed and in touch as possible.

Heritage Quality with a Custom Fit 

In the early 1800s, a man named Beau Brummell pioneered the suit we know today by discarding the more frilly frocks of the time in favor of a simple coat with full-length pants. He was friends with influential people, and the trend started to spread. While we’ve certainly gone through many variations, it has remained a two-piece in roughly that style for 200 years. From Beau Brummel to Don Draper to James Bond, at Darby, we value that classic style and all of the variations that have helped it evolve into what it is today. Today, suits are marked by a trend towards slimmer silhouettes and more Italian-style, un-padded shoulders. However, we at Darby are all for a combination of modern and classic.

Something we recognized in the custom clothing market is that the customer’s opinion on the fit wasn’t often being taken into account. At Darby, we get to know and listen to every client to discuss and determine which fit is best for each individual. This is the precise reason why we craft custom garments. We don’t just churn out suits and jackets that all look the same - where’s the fun in that? 

For clients who aren't sure what style they want, not a problem! We are experts in figuring out the best style and fit for customers who would rather sit back and let us handle everything. At Darby we want you to feel like your best self every day. We want you to love getting dressed in the morning because you feel confident wearing any of the options in your closet. Let us show you how making custom garments can help you achieve those goals.

ABOUT

Ali Ryan

Get to Know Ali

A lifelong interest in the fashion industry led Ali to dive head first into the field, and she has since established an impressive 12 years of experience in the fashion and styling industry. An internship in fashion PR in London led to another fashion PR position in New York, where Ali became immersed in the sartorial side of fashion and how the industry functions. Upon moving back to the great city of Chicago, Ali joined the start-up clothing company, Trunk Club where her love of men’s style and designing custom garments was fully realized.

Ali has spent time traveling to Biella, Italy, where she was educated and trained in fabric and its construction by experts at fabric mills that have been in the industry for well over 300 years. These same mills create custom fabric for well-known brands such as Zegna, Canali, and Armani, just to name a few. This experience gives Ali a unique perspective and knowledge of what goes into making custom pieces and therefore, fully understanding the underlying basis behind investing in a custom wardrobe.

FOUNDER

I started Darby as a way to have more freedom to design and focus on the details that make an exceptional garment.

“

Every client is unique and I love designing custom pieces that reflect their personality and create a lasting impression.

“

“

Work with Ali

Darby creates custom clothing for every man from casual cotton chinos and a sport coat to formal tuxedos, from full wedding parties to a casual Saturday outfit and everything in-between. There is no project too big or too small. Ali will be sure to chat with you about your custom needs and then share her expert opinion on the best way to make your vision come to life. Take the first step in upping your style game and get in touch to schedule your appointment today!

HAPPENING LATELY

@darbydashery