Since the age of 10, Michael Jerwick, owner of Slabotsky’s Fine Menswear and Tailoring, could look at a man walking into the store, know what size he wore and be able to put together an entire outfit in his mind’s eye before saying hello. He learned how to fit suits soon after. Growing up in the store allowed him to learn all of this at a young age.
Michael has been the owner of Slabotsky’s for almost two years now, taking over after his father suddenly passed away. Before him, his grandfather and great-grandfather also ran the shop, which was founded in 1908. After taking over the company, Michael moved the store to The River Market.
Michael enjoys guiding customers on what to wear to weddings, sharing advice to help them look great and feel confident for the occasion. Michael said that tuxedos, the classic elegant look, are still on trend for wedding parties. Black suits are becoming a thing of the past, and a lot of people are moving toward brown, navy, and earth tones. One of Michael’s favorite ways to play with color and boldness is with pocket squares and ties. Those accents can add a lot to a basic look and still be in a guy’s comfort zone. The modern groom and groomsmen are focusing on color right from the beginning. “Typically, the groom’s party is the last stop, so we’re usually trying to pick colors that complement florals and bridesmaids’ dresses,” said Michael. “But we’ve noticed a big uptick in accessories as of late. Suspenders are becoming big, as are lapel pins. And of course, fun ties.” Slabotsky’s outfits the entire wedding party, including the fathers and ushers.
Nothing intimidates Slabotsky’s team either. His largest wedding party needed 28 suits to be made, and the process was seamless. What would seem chaotic to an outsider, his staff has handled with grace. They have six tailors, four people who can do fittings, and 11 floor employees who can handle high volume.
During the consultation appointment, the team and bride and groom-to-be go through the logistics. Some questions Michael asks to fully grasp their vision include: What are your color schemes? Describe your florals. What are the bridesmaids wearing? Where is the venue? These are important to really lay everything out on the table. Recently, the team helped a couple who was doing a beach wedding, but they were doubtful about the stereotypical theme. The bride wanted a big contrast, so instead of tan linen suits, she wanted black tuxedos. “We try to explain to brides and grooms that matching isn’t always best, especially grooms’ ties compared to the bridesmaid dresses. Having tonal contrasts or even a completely different color is always better than an exact match,” Michael said. “The exact match looks staged and prom-like, a well-orchestrated contrast of different shades and tones can tie everything together beautifully.”
Michael recommends that for a black tie or a black tie-optional event, always wear a tuxedo, and be as loud and fun as you want with it, unless the bride and groom request black. If the tuxedo is black, keep the neckwear black, and accessorize with suspenders, brooches, scarves, and more. A beach wedding is for something lightweight and flowy. Good fabrics include linen, cotton, and summer wools. Colors for beach weddings don’t have to just be neutrals, play with sage greens, light blues, and subtle plaids.
For cocktail attire, Michael encourages men to pick a fun suit with patterns, or consider an interesting sport coat and pants. Some other general pointers he stated were to never wear light shoes with a dark suit, and don’t wear a stark white shirt with a dark suit, unless it’s black. “Bow ties are for a tuxedo only and long ties are always for a suit,” said Michael. “Please do not wear sneakers with your tuxedo or suit,” he mused. One emerging trend for grooms is changing into an ivory or cream dinner jacket for the reception, it’s an easy way to switch up the look.
We are now seeing double breasted suits come back,” said Michael. “We’re seeing guys coming in looking for seersucker and other different fabrics. A lot of guys will come in here thinking they’re looking for something super subdued, but they end up leaving with a cool pattern or a color they never would have thought of.” He also mentioned plaids, glen plaids, and houndstooth being very on-trend right now.
Slabotsky’s has a range of options for all types of buyers, including things outside of the wedding and suit world. The shop has some casuals and now has his golf apparel line. “My favorite part about a fitting is building a relationship and talking through everything. And I love the mechanics of what I do. Being a part of someone’s big day is important to me, and I want to do my best to make them look and feel their best.”
Photo Credit: Kelly Umberger
Featured in the May 2, 2026 issue of The Independent
By Olivia Mahl
