Chase Kern

Bespoke by Chase is a menswear store specializing in handmade custom clothing and fine-casual clothing for men. In addition to Italian sportswear and custom suits, shirts, jeans and knitwear, the shop carries men’s accessories including luggage, leather toiletry bags, ties and sunglasses. Owner Chase Kern opened the business in 2019 and has worked in the clothing industry for more than two decades. He move to his current Manhattan Beach location in 2022.

Why did you choose to start your business? 

I started my business four years ago after working for many big-box stores and luxury designers for more than 17 years. My goal was to bring the best menswear to Manhattan Beach and the South Bay. It felt natural and is something that I love to do, so it doesn’t feel like a job at all. Creating some of the world’s finest clothing and servicing our community is special for me. In 2022 I moved our location closer in town (one block from the pier). I wanted to create a unique men’s store with a bar and lounge. Sometimes men don’t like to shop, and having a spot to hang out, have a drink and watch a football game on TV makes shopping easier for them. 

Where do you enjoy traveling?

To Italy and visiting the Pitti Uomo men’s show in Florence. It’s one of the world’s most important platforms for men’s clothing. This is where I curate my collections for the shop. 

How has your professional performance exceeded clients’ expectations? 

I try to bring the best of the best to the South Bay, including flying my cutter here from Naples, Italy, twice a year for an all-Italian trunk show. It’s a great time to meet the man who makes the garments and to create something special for yourself.

How do you ensure your business is successful? 

I’m always in the shop helping clients. I like to get to know them and how they will be wearing the garments. It’s my goal to find pieces that will be in their wardrobe for years. I like that one-on-one time with my clients, having a drink at my bar. 

What is the process for a custom garment fitting?

Once we talk about the client’s needs for the garment—how it will be worn and the climate—we pick the appropriate fabric, buttons and lining. The client’s measurements are taken using a combination of body measurements and garment measurements to create the fit profile. This process takes about one hour. Then five to six weeks later, the garments arrive and we do a second fitting to ensure a proper fit. If any alterations are needed, the garments will be ready in a week.

What has been the most significant barrier in your career? 

Men think they don’t need suits or dress clothing anymore and buy casual or workout clothing. Then an event pops up, and all of a sudden they need a suit. Getting men in the shop to update their wardrobe so they are prepared ahead of time to look their best is a challenge. What is the best advice you’ve received professionally?

Always improve. This is something I’ve taken as a mindset: to always improve my style and be open to new ideas. Fashion does change often, but style is classic and forever. It’s easy to get caught up in trends, but I like to take a little of the new styles and create garments that will be in your wardrobe for years—not months.

What’s special about your shop? 

What makes us so special to men of the South Bay is we bring the best-made men’s clothing available in the marketplace. You can own a custom-made garment with just a couple of fittings, and you don’t have to drive a couple of hours to another store. Our store location and easygoing atmosphere sync with the casual South Bay lifestyle.

We can make everything from suits to custom hooded sweatshirts. We take a client’s problem with their wardrobe—whether it’s fit or styling issues—and make their everyday wardrobe choices easier and give them more confidence when they get dressed in the morning.

Tell us the mission of Bespoke by Chase.

To assist clients from start to finish with creating a garment that is comfortable, effortless and gives them the utmost confidence.

How do you find time to fit it all in?

I’m fortunate to be able to take my dog, Bogey, to work with me every day. She helps me realize that life’s short and to enjoy the small things.  

How do you spend your free time?

I spend my free time enjoying all that the South Bay has to offer with my wife, Mandy, and our golden retreiver, Bogey. I also have a huge passion for golfing with my friends. But those beers with my buddies are priceless.