My Black Lapel Review: A Custom Suit That Fit Perfectly

Ordering a custom suit online usually feels like a gamble. You send in your details, wait a few weeks, and cross your fingers that it won’t show up boxy, baggy, or totally off.

That was my mindset when I ordered from Black Lapel. And they proved me wrong.

The jacket fit perfectly on the first try. No alterations. No pulling at the shoulders. No weird chest collapse or sleeve issues. For an online custom suit, that’s rare.

But the real surprise was how smooth and accurate the online process felt.

Ordering Online: Simple, Fast, and Surprisingly Precise

Everything can be done online in about 10 minutes. No tape measure, no showroom, no stylist.

Here’s exactly what I did:

First, I picked the suit that I wanted.

Then, I completed the detailed fit questionnaire right on the product page.

After that was completed, I added the suit to my Cart.

Next, Black Lapel prompted me to generate my measurements through another short questionnaire.

They also give you the option to upload photos to help the algorithm. I skipped this part because I was in a rush. It didn’t hurt my final fit, but next time I’d absolutely take the extra few minutes and upload them.

That’s really all there is to it. The system uses your answers (and photos, if you add them) to generate your custom pattern.

Buyer Tip

Don’t overthink the questionnaire. Answer honestly and take clear photos. The accuracy of this step is what makes the finished fit so strong.

Fit: The Big Test

Here’s how mine turned out:

• Jacket: Perfect fit on the first try. No alterations needed, which immediately puts Black Lapel ahead of most online custom suit brands.
• Trousers: Needed a small tweak, which is normal for custom suiting and easy to get done locally.

If you’ve ever ordered a suit online, you know the jacket is the hardest part to get right. Black Lapel nailed it.

Style and Fabric Notes

Since the entire process was online, I relied heavily on their descriptions and product guidance. A few things stood out:

• Their modern cut looks clean without going overly slim
• The fabric images were accurate to what arrived
• The style notes helped me decide between slim, modern, and draped silhouettes

I felt confident ordering without in-person guidance because the online instructions were straightforward and not overcomplicated.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Jacket fit perfectly on the first try
• Online process is fast and stress-free (10 minutes, tops)
• Knowledgeable staff if you do visit a showroom
• Premium fabrics and style guidance

Cons

• 4-6 week wait (normal for custom, but worth noting)
• Showroom access limited to select cities
• Price isn’t bargain-level (but the quality matches)

Who Black Lapel Is For (and Not For)

It’s for you if:

• You want a modern custom suit without going into a store
• You’re fine with a short online questionnaire and photo upload
• You want a tailored fit without the usual alteration headaches

It’s not for you if:

• You need a suit this week
• You’re looking for the cheapest option on the market
• You don’t want to take photos for sizing

Pro Tip: Wear a Great Undershirt

Quick plug — I always wear an UnderFit undershirt (my own brand) under my suits.

Here’s why:

• It keeps you cooler and more comfortable — especially if you’re wearing your suit for hours
• It prevents sweat from showing through your shirt (critical if you’re dancing or under lights)
• It protects your shirts and suit, so they last longer

I designed these undershirts to solve all those problems — they’re soft, breathable, stay tucked, and stay invisible under a dress shirt.

If you’re investing in a great suit, pair it with a proper undershirt. You’ll feel the difference.

The Perfect Crew Neck by UnderFit

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Final Verdict: Worth It

Black Lapel delivered what most online custom suit companies don’t: a suit that actually fit right on the first try.

The online process was fast, the instructions were clear, and the final product matched the photos and descriptions. The jacket was flawless and the trousers only needed a quick tweak.

If you’re looking for a true custom suit you can order from your laptop, Black Lapel is one of the few brands I can confidently recommend.

For me, it’s an easy five-star review.

About Leigh McKenzie

Leigh is the owner of UnderFit, a premium men's undershirt brand based in Philadelphia, PA. You can follow Leigh on LinkedIn and Twitter.