“It’s not about the suit.”
- Lauren Noble
1st Impression Harlem Inc.
1st Impression Harlem is a 501(c)(3) organization, with an IRS ruling of 2021. We provide business suits, tuxedos, undergarments, and dress shoes as well as custom fitting, on-premise tailoring, and styling. Services are free of charge and proof of need is not required.
All donations are tax-deductible.
"Your first impression of a thing sets up your subsequent beliefs. If the company looks inept to you, you may assume everything else they do is inept."
- Daniel Kahneman
Custom Fitting, Tailoring, & Styling
From job interviews to memorial services to date night; If you are in need of a suit, it is our pleasure to provide one.
Events & Networking
Job readiness, career development. hard skills training, financial literacy, talk therapy, Check back for community education programs once a store front is secured.
Quality Suits & Accessories
Allow us to give new life to your lightly used suits, dress shoes, and other men’s formal wear. “There is no greater happiness than that which comes from sharing.”
“Dressing well is a form of good manners.”
– Tom Ford
Meet the Founder
Lauren Noble
Lauren Noble is a model and actress with a passion for volunteer work and community building.
She committed ten years of service to New York Cares before the birth of her daughter and a pandemic halted her efforts. She has also volunteered on Riker’s Island, with World Vision International, and for several programs at First Corinthians Baptist Church in Harlem.
It was only a matter of time before she sought to establish a non-profit of her own.
In a city where immigrants are welcome, speaking English is not mandatory, higher education is not a requirement, and for the most part pedigree is not questioned, disparities among New Yorkers can often come down to something as simple as their wardrobe. For so many occupations and opportunities, nothing qualifies one person over another beyond their appearance. Organizations exists to help women look and feel their best; it’s time that a similar operation was instituted for men.
1st Impression Harlem combines all of Lauren’s experience in the fashion industry, as well as stints in catering, hosting, and other service jobs, with her love of the neighborhood that she has called home for the past 16 years.
She finds joy in both providing opportunities for people to share their resources with those in need and dressing people with the confidence to enter spaces feeling worthy and deserving. This ultimately makes the world a better place for all of us. Making it better looking is just an added bonus.
Thank you for your support,
President of 1st Impression Harlem
Meet the Founder
Lauren Noble
Lauren Noble is a model and actress with a passion for volunteer work and community building.
She committed ten years of service to New York Cares before the birth of her daughter and a pandemic halted her efforts. She has also volunteered on Riker’s Island, with World Vision International, and for several programs at First Corinthians Baptist Church in Harlem.
It was only a matter of time before she sought to establish a non-profit of her own.
In a city where immigrants are welcome, speaking English is not mandatory, higher education is not a requirement, and for the most part pedigree is not questioned, disparities among New Yorkers can often come down to something as simple as their wardrobe. For so many occupations and opportunities, nothing qualifies one person over another beyond their appearance. Organizations exists to help women look and feel their best; it’s time that a similar operation was instituted for men.
1st Impression Harlem combines all of Lauren’s experience in the fashion industry, as well as stints in catering, hosting, and other service jobs, with her love of the neighborhood that she has called home for the past 16 years.
She finds joy in both providing opportunities for people to share their resources with those in need and dressing people with the confidence to enter spaces feeling worthy and deserving. This ultimately makes the world a better place for all of us. Making it better looking is just an added bonus.
Thank you for your Support
Lauren Noble
President of 1st Impression Harlem
“Clothes don’t make a man, but clothes have got many a man a good job.”
– Herbert Harold Vreeland
Support 1st Impression Harlem
Make a Donation Now
$25
$50
$100
$500
$1.000
1st Impression Harlem EIN: 86-2381391 is a 501(c)(3) organization, with an IRS ruling of 2021. All donations are tax deductible. Please contact us to arrange a pick up for donations of lightly used suits or dress shoes and brand new undergarments.
"Our first impressions are generated by our experiences and our environment, which means that we can change our first impressions... by changing the experiences that comprise those impressions.”
- Malcolm Gladwell
FAQs
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Follow us on Instagram to watch the organization grow and witness the impact that your generous donations and financial support will make on the lives of countless men in the Harlem community.
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Please contact us at info@1stimpressionharlem.org to arrange a pick up. Drop offs will be accepted once enough money is raised to secure a storefront location.
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In addition to new and lightly used suits and tuxedos, we are collecting brand new men’s dress shoes and undergarments, as well as lightly used accessories such as briefcases, ties, and overcoats.
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The money will be used to secure and equip a storefront first and foremost. The store will be staffed with two on site tailors, and a custodian. Necessities include a tailor’s table, sewing machines, built in racks for inventory, a three way mirror and podium for fittings, drawers for shoes and undergarments. Additionally, funds will be used to purchase clothing for clients who we cannot accommodate with the current inventory.
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For the time being, suits, shoes, and undergarments are being collected in a storage facility in Harlem. We hope to open a store front and begin taking reservations early 2022.
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1st Impression Harlem accommodates reservations only. Sizes and contact information are collected; we will never require any financial information or proof of need. A custodian will perform frequent cleanings throughout the day with an emphasis on Covid-19 precautions, including sanitizing before and after each appointment. The tailors will see one patron at a time. A selection of suits will be set aside in advance and the tailors will assist the patron with selecting the attire that best meets their needs. Minor alterations will be done on site. Anything extensive will require the patron to return to pick up their garments on a later date.
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At 1st Impression Harlem we believe it is an honor and a privilege to serve the community. If putting on a new suit will put a smile on your face, then you fulfill the only requirement we have.
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There are fantastic organizations throughout the city that cater to women’s needs. Please reach out to our friends at https://newyork.dressforsuccess.org/ for more information.
"You never get a second chance to make a first impression."
- Andrew Grant
