Sofio’s Custom Clothiers & Tailors

Sofios stole over $ 1200 from me.
They custom tailored me a full canvas suit (using a one-​time military discount since I was just leaving the Marines and wanted a top-​notch interview suit), lost it, and then failed to honor the refund I was promised even BEFORE they went out of business. They did not send the check and did not even notify me that they would likely be closing shop within a month. Michael Barone was very apologetic when the suit was lost (and I will say I went in for two fittings and it was a beautiful suit), promised me a full refund, and then cheated me.
I would hope someone from the company at some point makes an effort to contact me, but I have lost almost all hope since the email account they listed is inoperable. At least I’ve learned never to pay a small business in cash for any long-​term deliverables. A $ 1250 lesson.

Pointless to write a review since they’re out of business, but doing so only for others who may be in same situation.
Ordered a pair of custom trousers in July, had three fittings, was told they’d be ready in October. Received call October 10^th saying I could come pick them up. Arrived several hours later to find shop had been gutted and with sign on door saying it had gone out of business. In a matter of HOURS.
Attempted to communicate with them via the e-​mail listed on the closing notice, but of course have gotten no response three weeks later.
Am disputing the $ 318.00 charge (which is absurd for the sub-​par service I received even while they were still in operation), but not sure if bank will be able to get the money back since the shop doesn’t even exist anymore.

Let me start by saying that in July of 2015 I would have given Sofio’s 10 stars if possible. Now I am irate that I must give them even 1 star.
In July I custom ordered a suit… as I have done for years. But come 13 weeks later I had receive ZERO communication from any employee at Sofio’s. Then 3 weeks after the fitting was to occur I look at their website and all it says is: «SOFIOS is currently closed. Please direct all inquiries to
, and allow one to two days for a response. We are addressing all inquiries. Thank you and we apologize for the inconvenience. Updates will be sent through our email distribution list beginning 10÷5÷15.» WHAT!
GREAT! I dropped money on a suit and they can’t even inform me that they are no longer in business?!
BEST part is I have yet to be contacted… I have only received shady replies to my messages and no proactive contact.
So right now I am out money, have no suit, can’t get a reply from the company, AND am dealing with my bank. Awesome. So much for being the Best NoVA Tailor of 2015.

CLOSED — I’ve loved loved loved Sofio’s for years and recommended them highly to everyone including my mother, who also loved them. Regrettably, they have closed.

I have had 3 had high end Italian suits chopped and tailored here. I’ve been very happy with the service, from the initial fitting, through to the end result. If you have a nice suit, that you care about wearing for years to come — Even if you’re a guy who only wears suits for special events, its good to have that special suit or two which really «pop» — then it needs to be handled by a real professional like Sofio or one of his hand picked staff. These folks use only the highest quality threading and tailoring methods.
Prices on alterations are comparable with other high end stores, though I feel Sofio’s quality is higher for the same price. Custom suits also might seem a little pricey on first glance, but again when compared to other bespoken suit makers, Sofio’s offers a very competitive price for the quality you’ll receive.
Note: After reading some of the comments, I feel the need to explain something to possible customers.
First — Gents, there are different levels to suits. If you are just getting out of school and want a couple of suits that will fall apart and end up in the trash in a year or two… this is not the place for you. If you expect a one size fits all, mail to your home or worse some huge 3 for 1 sale. Then go to one of the mass produced, cookie cutter, low quality chain stores. There is nothing wrong with a cheap suit, esp for guys just entering the world of suits… however do remember that Like anything else in the world of quality, you do get what you pay for.
Secondly — Sofio’s is more of an Old world & personal style of Tailor. This adds a unique touch that you won’t find in regular clothing stores. Come in with some time on your hands, have a coffee or wine from Sofio’s custom bar. Talk with a stylist or tailors about color schemes, thread counts, different cuts and colors and how they work for your personal style, build or complexion. Get your shoes shined, browse the 100% silk imported Italian ties and most importantly, get ready to learn a thing or two about fashion. There is so much to learn and you will come away with a custom experience that you won’t forget!

They shipped the suit, without my vest and shirt, to my wedding. It arrived just before the rehearsal, at which point I realized only half the order had been fulfilled. The shipment was sent as bill-​to-​receiver… and I spent the night before my wedding completing the outfit.
When I returned home, I went in to Sofio’s and met with Sofio and his staff. They explained that the delay had been caused by labor and factory issues. After my final fitting they gave me some free merchandise to show that they were sorry. I think they were remorseful, but I still think everyone should know about their current labor and factory issues before placing an order.
The quality is great, but plan for a 10 – 14 week delay, not the stated 6 – 8 weeks… I placed my order in mid-​June and it still has not been completely fulfilled.

I’ve been going to Sofio’s since 2011. The new office is definitely a better layout and even more comfortable than the previous McLean location. I have a difficult body type (tall and very wide shoulders) which makes it almost impossible for normal «off the rack» suits and shirts. Despite this, from my first suit with Sofio, he was able to make an awesome custom suit from the first shot, with no alternations necessary. I loved it and have been back for several more suits and shirts, and extra long-​ties.
Since the move to the new location, I have been working with Michael, who is very attentive to details, resulting in the same great suits as Sofio. Michael provides a great blend of discussing interests and ideas, but also providing advice to ensure your suit will look the best it can.
If you are looking for excellent service, style consultations, a comfortable setting (including drinks while you wait), Sofio’s is definitely the place. It’s not cheap or quick, but a great deal for the exceptional quality.

FANTASTIC experience!!! The staff were very friendly, professional, talented, and knowledgeable. Samantha, Michael, Gegi, and even the shoe shine guy are good people. But most of all the suit I got made was flawless. Gegi is incredibly talented and has great taste. I will be back for my next suit soon. Yes, I think the price and the long drive are worth it.

I have a difficult body shape to fit into pants (small waist, large butt) and I have tried dozens of tailors and paid an incredible amount of money having my clothes ruined. After years of frustration and bouncing around to tailors, I was recommended to Sofio’s and gave it a try.
Honestly, I’m ecstatic. I have pants now that fit incredibly well, and there aren’t a crazy amount of darts or extra seams to make the pants look ridiculous. The first two pairs were still a bit big in the waist, but after the second fitting they were perfect. Now, all of my pants have been perfect the first time I pick them up (I’ve had 6 – 8 tailored at this point, just a few weeks after my initial visit).
I’m thrilled about the service I get there, and especially the prices — I was paying much more than what Sofio’s charges and I’ve had new pants ruined beyond repair.
My only issue is the time it takes clothes to get tailored. The great thing is that they’re busy. The bad thing is that they’re busy. My last batch of clothes took 3 weeks to get back, so if you’re not in a rush for clothes to be fixed, I whole-​heartedly recommend Sofio’s. If you’re in a rush, maybe they can make exceptions if you tell them ahead of time.

I needed to get measurements done for a bridesmaid dress my friend was ordering (for me, she’s the bride) out in Michigan. I called this place in Tysons Corner and asked if they did complimentary measurements. I also mentioned that I am in need of a place to have alterations done on MY wedding dress in a few months (I wanted them to know that they could also get business out of me). The receptionist was so lovely on the phone and she told me to swing by that afternoon. I came in, and I honestly didn’t realize how fancy this store was when I picked it out online. It’s where I imagine women in manhattan’s upper east side go to have all their dresses made. I went to the back anyway, because that still didn’t take away from the fact that I was told I’d get free measurements done today. The seamstress came in, and before she could start, a woman (who I can only assume is the owner?) came in abruptly and just stood there in the doorway waiting for me to stop talking. She looked me up and down, and said «we charge for our measurements here», as though she assumed by my clothing that I MUST be expecting this for free. Now i’m no upper east side manhattanite, but I get by just fine and it’s definitely not their place to judge me on my off day, wearing jeans and a sweatshirt and no makeup. I asked her how much the measurements were, and told her the receptionist had told me they were complimentary. She said «They’re $ 20, and she was wrong. She’s new.» She was so pompous in the way she spoke to me — I was clearly beneath her. I could have paid $ 20 for the measurements, but I definitely wasnt going to give her a penny of my money. I went elsewhere in tysons, found a great alteration shop, and i’ll be taking my wedding dress there and all my bridesmaids to have their dresses altered.

I met Sofio as part of a Transition Readiness Seminar (mid-​Sep 2013); which is a course designed to assist military members preparing to re-​enter the competitive civilian job-​market. Until that point, I did not have to concern myself the proper suit for a work place, or what tie was appropriate for what color shirt, or if my choice apparel projected the correct image based on the day’s events. Little did I know…
During a break, after another information filled session of resumes preparation; in comes a very professionally attired gentlemen. He introduced himself as Sofio Barone and proceeded to give us a little of his background, education, and how he started his professional life. He then continued by educating us on the basics of suits, shirts, clothing etiquettes, and the fine nuances of the corporate dress attire in an easy-​going, humorous fashion everyone comfortable with. He was very thorough and happy to answer every question in regard to suits, shirts, ties, shoes, belts, styles, colors, material, and matching all of it. I learned a lot.
Fast forward 9 months; I finally reached the fated day in anticipation of a job interview (mid-​Jun 2014).
I made an appointment to get fitted for a suit at Sofio’s Custom Clothier store-​front in Tysons Corner (Leesburg Pike). The store was easy to find and Sofio made the experience of getting fitted for a suit a very enjoyable process. First he asked about me, what type of job I would be interviewing for, my personal preferences in style and color, and if I thought I would have more than one interview for the same company (as that would require a different look). He expertly explained every detail of men’s fashions and the appropriate style for wear in a professional or relaxed environment. He answered all of my questions and always provided additional context. Sofio will take the time to sit down with you and provide a multitude of options — from style, matching materials, to colors and even complimenting accessories, such as proper folding & placement of pocket-​handkerchiefs, the right type of watches for a respective occasion and more. Throughout the process, Sofio will offer his recommendation and provide professional guidance to assist you with the selection based on work environment and personal preference. He will get you into the right suit, yet still give you a myriad of options to come up with a personal look that is crisp and elegant.
I own other suits, but quickly discovered there is a world of difference in look, fit, and feel when I wear a bespoke suit from Sofio’s Custom Clothiers as compared to other quality suits. No matter the professional setting… be it a board room, a high level conference, or official function.
In a professional setting, you want the confidence that the audience pays attention to the material presented, rather than being distracted by an ill-​fitting suit or some inconsequential details about your wear that nobody can articulate. A custom made suit from Sofio’s will ensure a professional look in any situation!
Sofio Barone is a true artist, able to blend my personality with custom made suits and perfectly tailored shirts. He pays attention to the meticulous details that sets one apart. Sofio is a genuine, honest, and sincere expert in his profession, who is not afraid to share his knowledge even if I had felt a bespoke suit was right for me.
His unpretentious approach is refreshing and has earned my trust and confidence. Within his store at Tysons’ Corner, he surrounded himself with employees of like mind that I feel confident of placing myself in their care.
I highly recommend Sofio’s Custom Clothier!

As a recent military retiree, I met Sofio when he volunteered his time to brief a room of about hundred of us on ‘Dressing for Success’. With his expert advice on the topics that were basically absent from my lexicon for the last 25 years, I felt more than prepared to enter this new journey into civilian business attire.
While I’ve not yet had him make me one of his amazingly brilliant (and best price for the quality in the city) tailored suits, I took him several other suits (either 7 or 9) for major alterations and custom tailoring. Here is another lane in which Sophio and his masterful tailors can take your look to a new level of style and professionalism.
From the moment you walk into his shop (I frequent the one in Tysons), you are greeted by the most welcoming people you will meet in this business. From the staff running the shop, to the tailors and the advisors, you will not find a more relaxing environment, knowledgeable stylists, and expert tailors. I basically placed myself in their hands and they did the rest. That I could also have a scotch, espresso, and a shoe shine at the same time only amplifies this experience.
Having lived in Italy for several years myself, and a wife from the family of a master tailor, I like to think I know I bit more than the average former soldier in this lane. I can state emphatically that Sofio and his team are beyond all expectations, especially in a city full of stores that want to hit a high mark, here is one that does so every time.
Thanks to the team.

Services I’ve hired them for: suit alterations (major reconstruction to the jacket and pants), denim hemming, and taking in the waist and seat to a pair of shorts. Wow, I really should just buy clothes that fit me from the start, but I always get compliments on the fit of the garments I’ve had altered here. +1 for Sofio’s!
Absolutely superb service, in both the consultation and actual alterations. It does cost a bit more than usual place but I notice that the cheap vendors usually suffer from a language barrier, and I personally feel more comfortable when I’m able to communicate my garment’s issues thoroughly. At Sofio’s, I tell them the issues and how I want the garment to make me look, and I’ve always been satisfied with their recommendations and the end product.
If you’ve got an expensive garment, I highly recommend coming here for your alterations. And come soon – the turnaround time seems to vary between two to three weeks. But it’s worth it.

First Customer Service is excellent. Speed is not bad. Communication is Ok. They do miss stuff in conversation but they will fix it.
The suits/​coats are pretty good, but you are given a set of limited choices compared to other tailors in the similar price range.
so the rates are high with limited choices but customer service is good!

Bottom line: If you want a great experience with building a high-​quality, well-​fitting wardrobe, then Sofio’s is the place to go.
My first experience with Sofio’s was in early 2012 when I purchased my first «real» suit along with three custom-​made shirts and three quality ties in preparation for my eventual retirement from the Air Force. Sofio’s provides an outstanding offer for active duty military personnel by reducing the price of your first suit by 50%. I challenge you to find any other clothier who will make that kind of offer. During my first visit, Sofio himself spent at least two hours with me (from what I can remember) getting to know me and helping me choose the right suit, shirts, and ties so that I could eventually make a good first impression on job interviews. I was extremely pleased with the end product and couldn’t wait to to wear it to my first interview.
Fast forward to March 2014 when I finally was able to wear the suit to my first interview. The good news is I got the job! Wearing the custom-​made suit definitely gave me an extra feeling of confidence.
Today I stopped in at Sofio’s to actually have one of my shirt’s altered and to trade in one of my ties that I just noticed was extra long. Needless to say, my experience was top-​notch again. Sofio greeted me like a good friend and made sure I was taken care of by his staff. The new shop looks great, is very spacious, and inviting. Ms. Vicki helped me with choosing a couple of new ties and with having my shirt properly pinned by Ali (sorry if I misspelled your name). Ms. Vicki is a lovely person who is very customer focused. Thanks Vicki!
You won’t go wrong shopping at Sofio’s. If you want a clothier who will get it right, look no further.

I’m a petite woman, and I needed a good tailor who actually knew how to make a women’s suit. It’s always been my dream to have a properly made suit — I’ve never found a suit that really fit me, and the fabric for women’s off-​the-​rack suits always seems to be poor quality or just badly designed. I’m in my 20s, and I don’t want to wear a suit designed for a 60 year old.
Long story short: Sofio’s is an outstanding bespoke tailor, especially for women’s tailor made suits. I would absolutely recommend him to anyone who wants to build a new wardrobe or add to an existing one. Wonderful personal touches, great quality, and fitted just to you.
I googled to find every single bespoke tailor I could in the DC metro area, and Sofio’s is the only one who had a clear section on their website devoted to women’s bespoke suits and promising adaptive tailoring. I set up an appointment with Sofio, and the experience was everything I hoped. Sofio has an entire book of suit options, which you can mix and match to find the perfect one. Saw a suit or dress or shirt in a magazine which you loved? They can tailor the overall idea, with changes to match your body type and ensure it flatters you. Sofio’s also has a very extensive selection of fabrics, ranging from the flamboyant and bright to the dark and conservative.
Here’s the main rule for working with Sofio: you need to have a basic idea of what you want to walk away with (in my case, 3 dark suits and 4 light shirts), and you need to know what (in general) you can be adaptable about. For me, I knew the suits had to be 1) conservative and 2) dark. Otherwise, I was flexible. I also had a basic idea of what kind of suits I liked the look of, which was useful but not necessary.
Sofio sometimes rambles, but pay attention to what he’s saying. He’s good at pointing out specific things about your body type or color which can help guide your choices. Just remember: you can say no… Just make sure you seriously consider what he suggests.
For example, Sofio pointed out that my pockets seriously messed up my pants line. He wanted to get rid of them completely, but I require at least a pocket for my SmarTrip card. We figured out a great compromise, with offset beveled pockets (I never knew what those were before Sofio explained them to me!), and they look fantastic. Exactly what I always needed, apparently.
I ended up with three wonderful suits (the shirts will arrive shortly). I’ve never felt more comfortable, professional, and confident in a suit. Sofio’s is highly recommended.

Excellent service and attention by both Michael and Sophio. Couldn’t be happier with their expert opinions and assistance.
Great selection of custom shirts!

I needed a wardrobe refresh, specifically a couple of new suits. I don’t usually find suits off the rack that fit me as well as I’d like, so I decided to check out Sofio’s for a custom-​made one. I called to make an appointment and was scheduled on Saturday for a consultation and measurements.
Sofio’s is located in a small office park in McLean. It’s easy to miss since there’s no visible signage from the street that announces, «Here it is!» and the office park looks to be more typically the home to legal offices and doctors rather than a tailor. Anyway, once located, it wasn’t hard to get to on my two subsequent trips for fitting and pickup.
I met with Melissa, Clothing Designer & Image Consultant, who was impressive in her knowledge of men’s fashion and suit tailoring (which was necessary since I’m clueless in those areas). I was shown an array of fabrics of differing quality levels in various styles and colors. I was given explanations of styles, features, and variations on suit construction that best suited (no pun intended) my needs. I picked out a couple of suits and a few shirts, was measured, and after almost two hours, I was out the door. Needless to say, I felt it was a thorough consultation. About six weeks later, I met again with Melissa for my fitting. A few adjustments were required, but my suits would be ready in a couple of weeks. As promised, I picked up my suits and shirts a couple of weeks later. I’ve worn them since and have been very pleased with the appearance, fit, comfort, and workmanship. Just as importantly, the gf thinks I look good in them!
In the end, my experience with Sofio’s was extremely positive. Granted, it was a process that certainly wasn’t «instant gratification». Custom-​made suits take time, so if you need one immediately, this is not for you. Of note… at the time of my purchase, Sofio’s was offering a military discount for a select make of custom suit. So, if you’re military, make sure you inquire about that. I was treated like a valued customer. I received excellent service and an excellent product. If I need another suit, Sofio’s will be my first stop.

I have no experience with their alteration capability. I’ve had several suits (10) in my lifetime altered from off the rack, NONE ever met my expectations so I gave up.
I had a few suits (2) made for me in Korea from scratch. I loved them (I have extraordinarily long arms, and thicker thighs, combined with smaller waist and shorter torso, not a good combo). I met one of Sofio’s consultants and she evaluated my suits and gave me great advice on what to wear with them. This led me to try them for getting two more suits made from scratch.
I expected great service from a custom clothing shop like this and Sofio’s absolutely delivered! Their studio was very inviting… the minute I walked in I was offered a good tea, espresso, coffee, beer or even better scotch! I didn’t wait long before I was helped by a woman who gave me a tour of the whole studio. She then introduced me to Sofio who, is a very nice and caring gentleman. He talked me through their whole process and the methodology they use for making a suit.
I had hundreds of fabrics to choose from and many options for cut of suit. You can pick what you want but they are very good at picking what looks best on you in both cut and fabric type and color. I loved their selection of ties (hundreds I’m guessing) all arranged by color. They LITERALLY have a tie to match any suit. And Sofio helps all their customers coordinate the accessories. I also has some custome shirts made (long arms, skinny long neck. I think I’m most impressed by the attention to detail of everyone in the shop.
This was not cheap (especially compared to what I got in Korea) however the grade 4 suit turned out excellent. Excellent enough I have ordered two more suits and I’m far from rich, but see this as an investment. If they know what you are going to use the suit for and you let them help you pick what looks best for you, you will be pleased.

I’m late with this update, but still wanted to write a follow-​up to my original review: Following my original review, I was contacted by the Sofio’s and offered the opportunity to return and have my items fixed. I went back and this time was fitted by Sofio himself. I’m glad I chose to bring a few additional items because what a difference it made — Sofio was careful, informative, and best of all, attentive! He made sure to look at each garment in relation to how it fit me. All of the items I had brought this second time around came back perfectly done, including the pants from the original review.
So why only 4 and not 5 starts, you ask? Like one of the other reviewers mentioned, the tailoring job should not be a function of who greets me at the door/​who does my fitting. It should be well done regardless. I think about whether it was my original experience or this return visit which are the true representation of Sofio’s. Had I not written the not-​so-​flattering review, and were to go back, would I still get the attentive service or would I be left with ill-​fitting garments once again? I have more clothes I need altered and I worry about taking them back to Sofio’s — if I could be guaranteed to receive the second-​time-​around service, I would go back in a heart beat. But what if my experience is more like my first visit? I would be infinitely disappointed, once again…