March 6, 2026
The Art of Bespoke Style | Best of Raleigh Episode 85
Raleigh is full of entrepreneurs who see opportunity where others see routine. Few embody that spirit quite like Brian Burnett, founder of Glenwood South Bespoke Tailors, a Raleigh-based tailoring house that has quietly become the go-to destination for men who want to elevate their wardrobe.
On this episode of the Best of Raleigh Podcast, host Gretchen Coley sits down with Brian to talk about everything from bespoke tailoring and menswear trends to the surprising power of a well-fitted suit. The conversation reveals something deeper than clothing, it is about confidence, craftsmanship, and the experience of being truly taken care of.
If you have ever wondered what separates a custom suit from something off the rack, or why dressing well can open doors in business and life, this episode delivers a masterclass.
From Raleigh Native to Bespoke Tailor
Brian Burnett’s journey into bespoke tailoring started long before Glenwood South Bespoke Tailors opened its doors.
A Raleigh native and UNC Chapel Hill graduate, Brian first developed his passion for menswear while working at Nordstrom during college. There, he learned the power of service and relationship building. Helping executives build wardrobes showed him something important: people are not just buying clothes, they are looking for guidance.
After college, Brian traveled across Europe, visiting cities like London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Italy. What stood out most was the experience inside European tailoring shops.
Instead of quick transactions, clients received personal attention, craftsmanship, and thoughtful guidance. Every visit felt intentional.
That realization sparked the idea.
What if Raleigh had that same experience?
Building a Tailoring Experience in Glenwood South
When you walk into Glenwood South Bespoke Tailors in Raleigh, it does not feel like a traditional store.
Brian describes it as a “workroom that’s polished.”
The space is designed intentionally around the things men gravitate toward:
- Wood
- Leather
- Brass
These classic materials create a timeless environment that immediately sets the tone for the experience.
But the most unique feature might be the bourbon wall.
Instead of stocking his own collection, Brian keeps bottles labeled with his clients’ names. When clients visit, they can pour from their personal bottle while discussing their next suit, jacket, or wardrobe update.
It turns a tailoring appointment into something far more personal.
This philosophy reflects something Brian calls “the art of the unnecessary.”
It means doing things for clients that are not required, but that show care and attention.
That level of service is what keeps clients coming back.
The Biggest Mistake Men Make When Buying a Suit
According to Brian, the number one mistake men make when buying suits is simple.
They ignore the shoulders.
The shoulder fit determines the entire structure of the jacket. If it is wrong, no amount of tailoring can fully correct it.
Another common issue comes from buying off-the-rack clothing designed for standard body types.
The reality?
Most people are not standard sizes.
Bespoke tailoring eliminates this problem by building garments specifically for the individual. Measurements, posture, proportions, and personal style all shape the final piece.
The result is clothing that feels natural rather than forced.
Why Bespoke Tailoring Is Different
At Glenwood South Bespoke Tailors, garments are not just adjusted after purchase.
They are designed from the beginning around the client.
Brian has developed more than 30 suit models with over 700 variations, giving clients incredible flexibility without overwhelming them.
Instead of presenting endless choices, Brian acts as a guide.
Clients receive a curated path toward what works best for them.
Many garments are cut and constructed in Naples, Portugal, and the United Kingdom, where traditional tailoring techniques and hand stitching are still widely practiced.
Hand stitching creates subtle flexibility in the garment, allowing the fabric to move naturally with the body.
Once suits arrive in Raleigh, they are prepped, steamed, and fitted precisely before the final adjustments are made.
The Power of Dressing Well
One of the most compelling moments from the podcast is when Brian talks about the connection between clothing and opportunity.
In his words:
“I dress people to get opportunities.”
Clothing affects how people perceive you immediately. When someone walks into a room dressed with intention, it communicates confidence, professionalism, and attention to detail.
Those signals matter.
From business meetings to networking events to major life moments like weddings, what you wear can shape first impressions.
Brian describes a great garment as something that “flirts with the eye.”
Small design details like stitching, cuffs, or shoulder structure create intrigue without being loud.
It is a subtle form of personal branding.
Menswear Trends Brian Loves (And One That Needs to Go)
During the episode, Brian shares a few quick takes on modern menswear.
Trends He’s Loving
One standout trend is the return of fuller tailored trousers.
For years, ultra-slim silhouettes dominated menswear. Now, designers are reintroducing slightly roomier cuts that maintain structure while improving comfort.
The result feels modern but timeless.
Trends That Should Retire
Brian is ready to say goodbye to the single vent sport coat.
While common in mass-produced jackets, it often limits movement and structure compared to double vent designs found in higher-end tailoring.
The One Piece Every Man Should Invest In
If Brian could recommend just one wardrobe investment, it would be this:
A deconstructed cashmere sport coat.
Why?
Because it works across multiple settings.
You can pair it with trousers for a polished look or dress it down with denim. The fabric moves naturally, feels luxurious, and elevates nearly any outfit.
It becomes a staple piece that can anchor an entire wardrobe.
Raleigh’s Growing Culture of Style and Business
Brian believes Raleigh is at a fascinating moment.
The city is attracting talent from across the country, bringing new levels of sophistication and professional opportunity.
With growth in areas like North Hills, Downtown Raleigh, and Glenwood South, more professionals are investing in their appearance and presentation.
That shift makes bespoke tailoring more relevant than ever.
As Raleigh continues evolving into a major hub for business and innovation, the demand for personal style and professional confidence continues to grow alongside it.
Why Relationships Matter in Business
One of the most memorable stories Brian shared involved driving hours to deliver a suit for a client’s wedding when a shipment was delayed.
He tracked down a replacement garment, drove to Washington D.C., tailored it, and then personally delivered it before the big day.
That level of commitment defines his approach.
For Brian, tailoring is not just about clothing.
It is about relationships.
Clients trust him with moments that matter, from career milestones to weddings and major life events.
Experience Glenwood South Bespoke Tailors in Raleigh
For anyone in the Triangle who wants to elevate their wardrobe, Glenwood South Bespoke Tailors offers something truly unique.
It combines European craftsmanship with Raleigh hospitality, creating a space where style, service, and experience come together.
And if you want to hear the full story, including Brian’s quick-fire menswear advice and the philosophy behind his business, you can catch the entire conversation on the Best of Raleigh Podcast.
Listen to the Full Episode
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