Walking into McLavy Ltd. is like stepping into the past when men wore more suits than basketball shorts and having a nice blazer was crucial to beginning their journey as adults.
The smell of rich leather fills the rooms, a stark difference from the overpowering cologne smell found in teen men’s clothing stores.
The 35-year-old clothing and accessory shop’s organization is concise, which makes it easy for customers to find what they need.
A new customer may first notice the neatly pressed tie selection displayed against a back wall or the countless large-game animals hanging on the walls in each section of the store.
Patrons can hear store owner Frank McLavy Jr., chatting about where and how he caught some of the fish hanging on the wall.
“Customers become friends,” McLavy said.
Although this seemingly old-fashioned store appears to target the older man, McLavy is trying to reach a younger demographic. He released a new line of clothes called Fraternity Collection, as well as an expanded shoe department.
The Fraternity Collection includes shirts and tank-tops that University finance junior and McLavy Ltd. employee Ross Barnett said are popular among many University students, including women who prefer to wear oversized tanks.
“You can buy stuff at a big place, but here we’re going to make you look good,” Barnett said.
McLavy said he always wanted to open his own clothing store because most of his family worked in retail. While he was in the military, McLavy said he fine tuned the details for opening his own menswear store.
McLavy said some customers continue to buy clothes from his store for years.
He recalled an instance of peculiar customer loyalty. McLavy said one of his usuals brought his elderly father to be fitted for a burial suit just a few weeks before his passing.
McLavy Ltd. carries countless items including shirts, pants, suits, blazers, shorts, ties and accessories. Whether it is a formal event or a regular day on campus, the selection is there.
“I want you to be the best looking guy that ever walked out of here,” McLavy said. “We’re going to do everything we can to make you happy and make you look good.”

Gallery • 10 Photos

Raegan Labat

Baton Rouge men's clothing shop McLavy Ltd expands their shoe department to include brands such as Johnston & Murphy.