How to Contact Chris Despos: Tips for Reaching the Chicago Bespoke Tailor
Who Is Chris Despos?
Chris Despos runs one of Chicago’s most respected bespoke tailoring operations. Based at 34 East Oak Street in downtown Chicago, he’s known for his distinctive approach to custom suiting—particularly his soft-structured shoulders and skill with lightweight fabrics. He operates workshops in both Chicago and Dallas, though his primary retail presence is in Chicago.
Why Is He Hard to Reach?
Unlike most tailoring services with active phone lines and email support, Chris Despos operates a small, artisan-focused operation. He spends most of his time cutting and making garments rather than managing customer inquiries. This means phone lines can go inactive, email responses may be slow, and social media messages might not get immediate replies.
Contact Methods to Try
If you’re trying to reach Chris Despos, you have a few options:
- Visit in person: This is often the most reliable method. His Chicago location at 34 E Oak Street is where he spends his working hours. Stopping by allows you to discuss your project directly and meet with him about your tailoring needs.
- Try the Chicago phone number: The listed number (312) 944-8833 may be active, though some have reported it being disconnected at various times. It’s worth attempting if you haven’t already.
- Contact his Dallas location: If you’re in Texas or have flexibility, his Dallas workshop at 2600 Cole Avenue might be more responsive. High-end tailors sometimes manage their offices differently across locations.
- Instagram direct message: His Instagram handle is @chrisdespos. While messages may not receive immediate responses, it’s another avenue for inquiries, particularly if you want to share reference images of what you’re looking for.
What to Expect When You Connect
Chris Despos typically works by appointment. Because he’s a one-person or very small team operation, his availability may be limited and turnaround times can be longer than other tailors. He focuses on made-to-measure and bespoke work, so clients should come prepared with a clear vision of what they want tailored or custom-made.
His work is highly sought after in menswear circles, so he may have a waiting list depending on the season. Being persistent and patient when trying to contact him often pays off.
Visiting His Shop
If you’re in Chicago, the storefront itself tells you something about how Chris works. The space is professional but unassuming—bolts of cloth, spools of thread, and drawers of buttons rather than flashy displays. This reflects his philosophy: the focus is on the work itself, not on retail theater.