Dom Vitetta Tailors to Original Clientele, Newcomers After 30 Years

Providing tailoring and alterations on all types of materials, including silks, Italian cotton and all other fine fabrics, to his clientele since 1982 in Fort Lee, Dom Vitetta moved from Calabria to Milan, Italy, where he worked with his wife for five years, and the on to America in 1976, giving him, in total, 55 years experience.

Dom’s sister-in-law was able to file the proper papers in order for him and his family to move to America. After her help and a loan from a bank, , presently at 444 Main St., has been a mainstay in the borough for 30 years.

Dom, who is known as a true tradesman, caters to everyoe from his original customers from his first location on Main Street, to the referrals they have provided to him over the years at his present location.

It started when Dom’s parents sent him to “what I didn’t know would be,” Dom said, his father-in-law’s house in a nearing town in Southern Italy to learn music and the art of tailoring.

“Not many people back then would send their children to school past the fifth grade so many of us learned trades," he said. "There I would share my lunches with my now wife of 55 years.”

After the couple got married, their plan to come to America seemed farfetched. They moved from Calabria to Milan because there were more job opportunities. They both worked in factories in Milan and started to get pretty comfortable. But after having their first child and getting robbed a few times, their decision to make the move to the U.S. "was made for us," Dom said.

When he and his wife first started the business, his wife would assist with front desk duties, while at the same time watching and keeping the children occupied. As the children got older, each would, in turn, take care of the younger ones. As times got hard, they moved their business down the block to 444 Main St. to a store space beneath their home in order to better manage all of the responsibilities.

Since the move, Dom said, the quality of life improved.

"Seeing that my wife never was able to drive because of eye health conditions, I was able to help out; being available to help with raising the kids, taking them to the doctors, taking them to school, it made everything easier," he said.

Now that Dom’s wife’s eye problems have worsened to the point where she can’t see at all out of one eye, living and working at the same location works.

When Dom first started the business, he had two or three helpers working with him every day. Now, due to the economy, he has a worker, Francesco Maio, who helps out when needed, especially during busier times, mostly during holidays.

It’s difficult now for Dom to hire additional help because it would take too many years to train someone to do what he does and to find someone with the experience to finish a job as expected. Also, if Dom were to take time out to train someone, there wouldn’t be enough time to work.

Dom, in his broken English, does not find it difficult to communicate with his customers. He is very straightforward and always truthful. He tells his customers what needs to be done, what can be fixed, what can’t be fixed and even if the item would cost too much to fix because whatever needs fixing isn’t worth it. Dom’s honesty is another asset.

To do his work, Dom needs all kinds of sewing sundries, such as sewing machines, a professional clothing iron, zippers, buckles, needles, thread, rulers and hangers. The added expense is having to keep in stock replacement needles, threads, buttons and zippers. The sewing machines get old and need maintenance that can cost up to $500.

A big help to the business is the fact that Dom owns the building, making him a landlord. His tenants haven’t had an increase in rent since they moved in about 10 years ago.

In addition to running his own business, sending his three children to college and helping with constant care for his wife, Dom has been the tailor for Gito Boutique in Englewood since 1990. The merchandise Gito sells are delicate, very high-end items, and it is implied that there is no one else Gito would trust than Dom. 

Dom insists he will work as long as his health permits. He also emphasized how much he enjoys what he does. Dom strongly feels that keeping your head up and maintaining a good relationship with customers are positives in running any business.

Tailors don’t exist anymore. Tailors are being replaced by, “I don’t know what,” said Dom. Being a tailor is an art.

“This generation and the younger generation don’t seem to want to learn this ‘art.’" he said. "It’s not a job; you never finish learning. You have to use your head.”

Marty Beitler, a 20-year customer and Leonia resident, was on hand to comment.

"Dom’s the best," Beitler said. "This just isn’t a tailor shop; he’s smart too. Anything and everything I need done, Dom takes care of."

Another client who did not give his name, but said he's a borough resident, expressed how reasonable and skillful the business always is.

Dom tries to contribute to the community and whatever organizations he can like the . It’s been harder than in the past to contribute as much because of the high cost of living. 

For alterations or custom tailoring, call Dom at 201-944-2081. Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 5p.m., Saturday. They are closed on Sunday.