Where to shop DC: Ike Behar

I first discovered Ike Behar while shopping at Nordstrom Rack. I picked up a fantastic set of tuxedo studs. Next up I nabbed a terrific dressed shirt that admittedly I held on to for way longer than I should have. The quality of the shirt was just so amazing. And even when it became too big and slightly dated I hated to let it go.

Fast-forward a few years later, I was in Georgetown. I don’t remember why. Most likely it was to break my diet and grab a couple of cupcakes from my favorite spot, Sprinkles. However once I parked, I notice this neat little men’s store right on the corner of 29^th and M Street. Then I realized it was an Ike Behar store. The company has been around since 1957 having started in New York City by Cuban American Isaac Behar. Originally starting as a shirting company, the company has morphed into a full lifestyle brand and is still family owned. Isaac’s sons, Steven, Alan and Lawrence, now run it.

While the brand is sold nationwide, the DC store is one of only 5 Ike Behar locations all located on the east coat. Upon entering the store I was immediately struck by its unique boutique flair. The one thousand foot space is filled with an array of Ike Behar goodness. You get the feeling you’re in for a personal shopping experience. It’s a feeling that tends to be lost with some of the chain stores or larger department store locations.

Chat with Alan Behar

Although there is still the move to more casual attire, DC is still quite a tailored place given the types of industry and employment the city is known for. As a result Ike Behar is a nice option for tailored clothing. Recently I had a chance to chat with Alan Behar about the store and it’s offerings.

The Georgetown store just celebrated its fifth year anniversary and the brand has been around for over 60 years. Behar attributes their longevity to the idea that Ike Behar has always stood for the highest level of quality at the greatest value. He considers themselves European with American flair. The company’s goal is to provide a product that has great style and is also well made.

According to Alan Behar, “What we are really known for is our color. We bring a little bit more color to the man’s wardrobe or just a little bit extra treatment to the fabrications with a little extra color. So it’s still more of a basic flair with just a little extra twist to it.”

Quick Facts

• The silks for their ties are made in the U.S. or Italy from Italian fabrics
• Shirts are made in their factory in Miami or New York using the same factory standards set by the senior Behar in 1957.
• Suits are made in Italy or made to measure suiting is crafted in Canada. Fabrics come from mills such as Zenga, Loro Piano and Carlo Barbera.
• Custom shirts are made in their factory in Miami with all Italian fabrics with over a thousand different swatches to choose from.

Why shop at Ike Behar

I asked what sells the most in their store. In DC they are very heavy on their suit sales. But Behar also talked about being a national brand so they sell a variety of clothing and nationwide it’s definitely the sports coat. He noted that people are dressing more casual but the Ike Behar casual is not shorts and a polo shirt or rip jeans. To him casual dressing is one of the company’s beautiful blazers worn with a nice dress chino or wool pants. The brand is a great option for classic well made suits as well as elevated casual looks.

In addition to suiting, Ike Behar is also big in formal wear. According to Behar, “People need formal wear right away. Guys come in for weddings and other events around town.” It’s not uncommon for them to handle an entire wedding party. Their tuxedos start at a price point of $695 with a variety of options in stock everyday with sizes ranging from 38 short up to 54 long.

Behar is also very conscious of the made to measure market. Most notably is their fast program. The company can turn around a made to measure product in as fast as 7 days. Men often don’t like to wait. It used to take six to eight weeks for a suit to be made. People don’t want to wait that long anymore. So now if you come in, you can get a made to measure suit in seven days.

What I’m wearing

One of the things the company is most proud of is their partnership with the John Wick movie franchise. Behar has provided the suits that Keanu Reeves has worn in all three of the John Wick movies. For the latest installment, the company also introduced the Continental Collection, a capsule collection that captures the style of John Wick.