Is it any surprise that Tony Strillacci was voted “Best Dressed” student in his high school?

Strillacci took that honor to the next step, getting a job in the clothing business in 1963. Nearly 60 years later, he’s still in the business.

Frantoni Fashions for Men, located in Downtown Washington Borough, is pretty much the last of the privately owned men’s fashion stores, certainly in Northwest Jersey and beyond. In fact, with Jos. A. Bank, Men’s Wearhouse, Brooks Brothers, Lord & Taylor, and other fine clothing stores closing their doors, Frantoni Fashions for Men is an enduring – and much needed – enterprise. 

And you can’t get individual service by buying online, noted Strillacci. “Big box men’s clothing stores are going out of business, high end department stores are closing locations, but we are still here to serve you personally!” he said. 

Frantoni Fashions for Men offers suits, casual clothing, tux rentals, and all the accessories. To make sure suits and tuxedos fit properly, Strillacci takes the measurements of customers as needed, just like the old days.

“Frantoni Fashions for Men is old-school,” said Melanie Thiel, Executive Director of the Washington Business Improvement District. “Tony really takes care of his customers. Obviously he has been doing something right. He’s been a staple in Washington for ages.”

Strillacci’s first job was in Dover; later he opened his own store at another site in Morris County. In 1979 he settled in at the present location, 10 E. Washington Avenue (Route 57). This October he’s celebrating his 42nd year in Washington. As he has for years, he’s having a big sale based on the years in business, so it’s 42 percent off everything in the store!

A long-time Mount Olive resident, Strillacci, who majored in accounting in college, has been on the Mount Olive Board of Education for many years. 

Strillacci has no plans to retire anytime soon. That begs the question: if the annual sale price continues to grow depending on the anniversary year, what happens when the store has its 100th anniversary?

Article contributors include Cathy Miller.