Tailored pieces from the women’s line lookbook. (Photo: Langel Woods Clothiers) By Libby Nichols Over the last three decades, Langel Woods Clothiers has become a destination for custom menswear. Founded in 1991 by Pat Langel and later joined by Tony Woods, the West Des Moines clothier has quietl y built a reputation for bespoke garments for executives, professional athletes and even a U.S. president. Now, new owner Colby Elmitt is expanding the company’s focus. “We’re seeing a growing demand for women’s custom clothing,” he said. That demand stems from a common frustration: Off-the-rack clothes don’t fit every body, and alterations can only go so far. A size 8 on one person can look entirely different on another. At Langel Woods, clients work one-on-one with a clothier to create garments based on their measurements, preferences and lifestyles. “All of our bodies are different,” clothier Breezy Miller said. “For many women, off-the-rack sizing often means compromising between fit, style and comfort.” The process begins with a conversation, followed by detailed measurements. Clients can choose everything from fabric and buttons to lapel shape, lining, vents, pockets and silhouette. Women are commissioning more than suits, too: skirts, trousers, shorts, blouses, crop jackets and other pieces. Some add company branding; others add colorful linings, family textiles or other personal touches. When I visited recently to order a suit, I was surprised by how much the experience felt like a collaboration rather than a transaction. We started with a conversation about my personal style and the story I wanted the new suit to tell. That’s what felt so different from a regular store: Here, the garment starts with the person rather than a standard size. The shop sources seasonal fabrics twice a year in markets including Chicago and New York. This fall’s selection includes wools, tweeds, velvets and cashmere blends, which can become anything from a traditional sport coat to a holiday jacket or a winter overcoat. The custom business appeals to clients who want clothes they’ll wear for years. Women from Iowa and neighboring states come to Langel Woods for everyday workwear as well as milestone purchases, including suits to mark passing the bar exam, a promotion or a company anniversary. Since taking over the business, Elmitt has used social media to introduce the Langel Woods to new customers while building on the business’s longstanding custom-clothing model. As he puts it, each garment “is a conversation piece. It’s something that’s uniquely yours.” And while the process still involves hand measurements and one-on-one appointments, the expanding women’s business suggests custom clothing is no longer confined to traditional menswear. “It’s never just about the suit,” Woods said. “It’s about helping people feel comfortable and confident in what they’re wearing.” Libby Nichols is the creator and founder of Meet DSM, an Instagram account and brand dedicated to showcasing Des Moines. She also writes about local businesses and events for dsm magazine. ...read more read less