Christopher Schafer is a sharp dressed man. He wanted to help men in need find impeccably well-fitting suits, so he started a nonprofit: Sharp Dressed Man.

Sharp Dressed Man‘s locations in Baltimore and Los Angeles are open one day a week by referral. For clients, going to the shop is an experience.

Photo Credit: Sharp Dressed Man

First, each client is hand-measured by a professional tailor. Then the tailor selects the perfect suit for them to wear to a job interview, wedding, funeral, or other special event.

Clients include men who’ve just been released from prison, struggling retirees, and other men who can’t afford, for example, the custom suits that Christopher designs for some of his other clientele.

 

Photo Credit: Sharp Dressed Man

Though the suits are donated, Sharp Dressed Man is a major step up from your typical thrift shop.

“There is a difference between a hand up and a handout. What we are trying to do is a hand up,” Christopher told Christian Science Monitor. “If you treat a guy with dignity, he has a better chance of treating himself with dignity.”

Photo Credit: Sharp Dressed Man

Sharp Dressed Man also holds special events to offer free haircuts and other services.

“It is really powerful when you see guys when they are suited up and they are kind of glowing,” Christopher said.

His many happy customers agree.