Meet Eric Washington | Custom Menswear Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Eric Washington and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Eric, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Since I was young, I was drawn to the world of men’s style. I naturally gravitated to becoming a tailor and owning my own bespoke tailoring house.

What should our readers know about your business?
Please tell us more about your business. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about?

Washington Apparel Company is a collective of amazing people dedicated to creating the highest quality menswear (suits, shirts, outerwear), delivering unparalleled customer service, and upholding our ethical responsibilities. We believe the way we do business is what makes us different. So, we are challenging industry norms by creating quality merchandise with more options for customization at an unbeatable price for value. We are a consumer-led company on a mission to help people feel better, look better, and be better.

Each item (to include those on our website) is made-to-order (on demand). We are super proud of our partnership with industry leading international textile manufacturers such as Dormeiul, Fox Brothers, Samsung which allow us to produce premium garments at a range of price points. We also have a first-class 15 point made-to-measure and bespoke (custom) garment process for a better fit, the first time.

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How did you get to where you are today business-wise?

Since a child, I have always been infatuated with conservative men’s style and the sartorial lifestyle. I began my journey as a Master Cutter (pattern maker) during an overseas assignment to S. Korea in 2008. I desperately needed to switch up my look so I commissioned a few suits from a tailor there. In 2015, after learning of the Ateliers in England, and Naples, I had an epiphany to build a business that cares equally about the client relationship, sales environment, and the garment quality. I began looking for a Master Tailor to apprentice as a Cutter. I met legendary Master Tailor Lee Marsh of Savile Row and the rest is history.

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What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way?

As an active-duty Soldier of 19 years, an entrepreneur, and community leader, the largest hurdles I’ve faced are the scarcity of subject matter experts (Master Cutters, Master Tailors, etc.) for mentorship.

One piece of advice I’d give an aspiring entrepreneur is something I picked up in the Army. “Mission First, Safety Always.” Find a problem, create a solution, plan a path, and execute. No plan is perfect and no amount of preparation will remove the obstacles of business ownership. The success comes from the ebbs and flows.

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What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

I sincerely hope that sharing my story will inspire current and future generations to aspire for more. Success is on the road of perseverance and just over the hill of discomfort.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m originally from Fort Worth, TX however now my mother and sisters live in Arlington. Some places I love to visit when I am home are:

Visit the AT&T and Globe Life Park Stadiums (especially if I can catch a game)

Texas Live! is a very cool place to catch the game or just meet some cool sports fans.

Studio Movie Grill in Arlington Highlands is a must for a quiet evening movie and grub.

The Perfect Escape and Breakout Games are pretty cool clue based escape rooms… take friends.

The Arlington Improv is another great time.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
In order to lead we must learn to follow. I undoubtedly owe my knowledge to Master Tailor Maison Lee Marsh of Saville Row who taught me everything I know about bespoke tailoring. I would 100% not be successful without my close friends, family, and clients that have supported me from day 1 in the launch of my own private Atelier.

Website: https://washingtonapparel.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/washingtonapparel

Facebook: www.facebook.com/washingtonapparel

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfAEgwlDWN2lbHZVgtb8h9g