Expertise & Specialty

Joseph Cortese is one of dying breed, a master tailor who takes great pride in making the finest quality suits and ensuring his clients always look their best. He began tailoring at the age of 12 in the coastal town of Cantanzaro in southeastern Italy. After a brief time in Canada, he moved to San Diego in 1990.

Joseph’s specialty is the custom-made suit, which is popular among men of accomplishment. He’s one of a few tailors in San Diego County who makes handmade suits and his expertise has attracted clients from throughout Southern California and as far away as New York. His downtown San Diego store features suits in exclusive fabrics you won’t find anywhere else, including super 150, super 180, Italian silk and cashmere.

Joseph has an “old world” dedication to client satisfaction you won’t find anywhere else in the menswear industry. His greatest reward is seeing clients distinguish themselves as a result of his impeccable, perfectly tailored creations.

Testimonials

What Clients Say

Thank you once again for the amazing job you did on the suit you chose for me. I’m thoroughly impressed with the fit, and the style is perfect! The sense of pride and power I feel while I’m wearing it is matched only by the feeling I getwhen I put on my Marine Dress Blue uniform. Your expertise and professionalism are unmatched. Thank you again for all your support and generosity.”

Sgt. David Meinhold, USMC

Joseph Cortese has been performing custom tailoring services and providing me a with custom suits since 1999. I can state with confidence that Joseph is the best tailor I have ever used and is arguably the best tailor in San Diego County. As an attorney, it’s important for me to appear polished and professional. I know when I’m wearing one of Joseph's suits, I’m always putting my best foot forward. His workmanship and attention to detail is unparalleled. I can recommend Joseph with the utmost confidence to anyone who’s interested in looking their best.

Debra Hurst, Hurst & Hurst

What a suit. I feel like a very well dressed man in my new tailor-made pinstriped custom suit. Little did I know how many years of your knowledge and experience went into the effortless way you discussed the available fabrics, design, and cut, and the diplomatic way you took the measurements and discussed the fit. The result: a fine wool suit of a weight suitable for year-round wear in San Diego, a suit with cut and finish for today but a timeless quality that will mark it as a classic for years to come. I look good and feel great in the best suit I've ever worn.

Roger Hedgecock, KOGO News Radio Personality