My Black Lapel Review: A Custom Suit That Fit Perfectly

Ordering a custom suit online usually feels like a gamble. You send off your measurements, wait a few weeks, and hope the final product isn’t another expensive disappointment.

That was exactly my mindset when I placed my order with Black Lapel. The good news? They proved me wrong.

I’ll cut to the chase: the jacket fit perfectly on the first try. No alterations. No awkward pulling at the shoulders. No sagging in the chest. For an online custom suit, that’s almost unheard of.

But the fit was only part of what impressed me. From the 10-minute online ordering process to picking up my suit in New York and meeting the team in person, the whole experience felt smooth, professional, and confidence-building.

Ordering Online: Simple and Straightforward

You can complete the entire Black Lapel ordering process online without ever stepping foot in a showroom.

Here’s how it worked for me:

• I chose the Premium Charcoal Grey Sharkskin Suit
• Created an account
• Answered their fit questionnaire
• Uploaded a couple of photos

The whole thing took about 10 minutes. That’s it. From there, they built my custom pattern and got to work.

For most guys, Black Lapel will ship the finished suit directly to your home. In my case, I was going to be in New York for a wedding, so I scheduled a pickup at their showroom.

Buyer Tip: Don’t overthink the questionnaire. Just answer honestly and submit clear photos. Accuracy here is what makes the final fit so good.

The Showroom: My Bonus Experience

While you don’t need to visit a showroom, I had the chance to go to Black Lapel’s NYC location — and it added a lot to the experience.

I met with Frank, who walked me through the trousers first. He explained how they should drape on the body and why small details like the break matter. It was eye-opening, and I learned I’d been wearing dress pants wrong for years.

Then came the jacket. Normally, this is where online “custom” brands struggle. But when I slipped it on, it just worked. Shoulders, chest, sleeves — all perfect. No pinning or chalking required.

Frank and his colleague Corey also took the time to answer all my styling questions — everything from fabrics to cuts (slim vs. modern vs. draped) and how each affects the final look.

Buyer Tip: If you’re near a showroom, go. You’ll get expert advice you can’t get from a website. But if you’re not, don’t worry — they’ll ship the suit straight to your door.

Fit: The Make-or-Break Test

Here’s how mine turned out:

• Jacket: Perfect fit on the first try. No alterations. That alone makes Black Lapel stand out.
• Trousers: Needed a small tweak, which Frank explained was normal for custom suiting.

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 Guidance

What I really appreciated was how much time Frank and Corey spent teaching, not just fitting. We discussed:

• Why super-slim cuts date quickly
• How drape can actually make you look sharper
• What fabrics work best depending on season and versatility

I left the showroom with a suit I loved and a much better understanding of how to shop for my next one.

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 that actually fits
• You like the option of showroom guidance but don’t want it to be required
• You’re okay waiting a few weeks for a custom-made product

It’s not for you if:

• You need a suit immediately
• You’re only shopping for the cheapest option
• You don’t want to bother with measurements or photos

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 exactly what I wanted: a modern, tailored suit that fit on the first try.

Most “custom” suit brands overpromise and underdeliver. Black Lapel didn’t. My jacket was flawless, the trousers needed just a minor tweak, and the entire process — from 10 minutes online to walking out of the showroom — felt professional and premium.

Whether you order fully online or take advantage of a showroom visit, Black Lapel is one of the rare custom suit brands that actually delivers on its promise.

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.