It’s Saturday, two hours before Al opens his store. As I step into Al’s Modern Clothing & Shoes, a soft jazz tune hums through the speakers, the kind of music that feels right at home amid rows of suits, graphic shirts, whimsical shoes, and everything else a man could want for work or a special occasion. 

Behind the counter, Al greets me with a confident but unpretentious smile. His wife, Amanda, is nearby. She’s wearing a pale pink blouse that complements her caramel-colored skin. Her four-year-old son, Emmett, is wearing a “Go Danny” t-shirt and is fully engaged in drawing what appears to be dinosaurs.

Founded in 1969 by Al’s father, the business has been part of the community for decades. Today, he carries on that tradition with a modern touch and a personal philosophy that he sums up in one line: “We’ll tie you to success.”

First, congrats on your recent nuptials! How did the two of you meet?
Al: I was at the Havana Cigar Lounge, having some lamb chops at the bar, and Amanda walked over to me. She thought my outfit was kind of cool.

Amanda: He was wearing this blue suit with small white polka dots, a beautifully embossed shirt, and a fur jacket that matched. Even his socks matched. Everything fit exactly right. I watched him for a while and then went up to him and said, “So, tell me about your suit.”

How did you get started in the menswear industry?
Al: Al’s Modern Clothing is a family-run business that my dad started in 1969, so I’ve been around it almost my whole life. When I was nine, my father told me, “You’re going to run this business one day, but first, you have to go to college.” I did, and now I’m here, running it just like he said.

What’s one thing every man should have in his wardrobe?
Al: Every man needs four suits — black, grey, blue, and tan. You can mix and match them, and people will think you have a full wardrobe for work.

Where do you envision men wearing your suits?
Al: Work. Church. For attorneys. Things have gone more business casual these days, but I always tell people that you only get one chance to make a first impression.

When men style themselves, what’s the most common mistake they make?
Al: Shirts that are too long. The cuff should stop at the top of your wrist, not over your knuckles. I always notice that.

Any tips for men who feel intimidated about dressing fashionably?
Al: That happens often. I tell them it’s all about comfort — whatever they buy, they have to feel comfortable in it. I’ll ask, “Look in the mirror — what do you think? What do you like about it?”

How do body types and colors factor in when you’re styling someone?
Al: If someone carries a little extra weight, I steer them away from patterns. A man who’s 6’2” needs something different than someone who’s 5’5”. And if a man is slim, he should wear a slim fit.

As for colors, I’ll ask if they’re trying to match their partner, and then I’ll find something that works.

Walk me through the process when someone comes into your store.
Al: First, I ask what occasion they’re dressing for. Then I size them up — not just their body type, but their personality. I think about what will fit them best and what they’ll actually feel good wearing.

Some of your reviews suggest that you’re like a mind reader when it comes to what men need. What’s your secret?
Al: It happened just today. When someone’s looking at me, I’m looking at them — long, short, regular — and I figure out what’s going to fit perfectly. I’ve been doing this for a long time. The average man wants to get in and get out, so I make sure the service is quick and personal. Men aren’t like women — they don’t usually ask, “How do I look in this?” So I ask, “How much do you like this? What do you like about it?”

How does the weather factor in?
Al: In summer, I guide men toward linen.

Are there any current trends you dislike?
Al: Not really. As long as someone takes pride in how they look, it doesn’t matter whether it’s trendy or classic.

If an alien came to Earth and didn’t know what “style” meant, how would you describe it?
Al: Be whoever you are. That’s your style. Everyone has their own thing.

What do you not sell?
Al: I don’t sell things that look cheap. My suits are affordable, but they don’t look it. If someone wants a look that’s not my thing, I’ll tell them where to find it.

What’s one item other than a timeless suit that every man should have?
Al: A nice sports coat.

How can men elevate their wardrobe without spending a lot of money?
Al: Buy a black, navy, or grey suit. Those are staples that go with everything.

We’ve talked a lot about suits. What else do you sell?
Al: Shirts — shirts with personality.

Your motto is that you “tie every man to success.” What does success mean to you?
Al: Feeling good about where you are in life.

And what makes you feel successful?
Al: A happy, healthy family. Having people around me who care about me. Knowing that God loves me. I’m good.

Amanda: The one thing that really sets Al apart is his customer service.

Al smiles and pulls out a photo of a group of students who came into his store to buy suits for an educational program, each one looking proud, confident, and sharp.

The interview ends when Emmett grabs onto my pants and looks up at me – full of energy and ideas of his own.

(P.S. For those of you asking, Al said the background music is by Dave Linard, whom he heard play at The Jazz Kitchen in downtown Indianapolis. Click here to check out their schedule!)