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Who is Kilgore Trout?

It’s our most frequently asked question.

Fictional character Kilgore Trout appeared in many Kurt Vonnegut novels, including Breakfast of Champions and Slaughterhouse-Five. Our shopkeeper Wally Naymon was a big Vonnegut fan, so why not name the store after this mythical character?

Of course, one thing stood in the way: permission from Kurt Vonnegut. So on April 1, 1977, Wally mailed a letter to his literary idol and crossed his fingers.

The letter made it to Kurt, and noting the date the letter was written, Kurt assumed the request was an April Fool’s joke from a fan, and he heartily replied giving his permission to use the name—with one caveat: a a discount on shirts. Instead, we periodically mailed him a necktie on his birthday.

Kurt stayed in touch through the years. Learn more about the legacy of Kurt Vonnegut here.

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The original letter from Kurt Vonnegut is displayed at Kilgore Trout. Ask to take a look when you visit.

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 HOW TO VIDEOS

“A WELL-TIED TIE IS THE FIRST SERIOUS STEP IN LIFE.” —OSCAR WILDE

Some of us need practice. Brush up on how to tie a four-in-hand knot, a traditional bow tie, fold a pocket square and iron a business shirt. Enjoy these helpful videos from our friends at Eton Shirts, then visit our ETON SHIRT PAGE.

 

RETURNS AND EXCHANGES

We will gladly accept any unworn, unwashed, and undamaged full-priced item with original tag and receipt for return or exchange within 14 days of the original purchase date. Refunds will be made in the form of original payment.


We will accept any unworn, unwashed, and undamaged sale item for store credit or for exchange within 7 business days from receipt. All items 50% off or more are final sale.

With promotional offers and sales, all discounts are deducted from regular retail prices on select items. Intermediate markdowns may have been taken. Not valid on prior purchases, offers may not be combined, and unless specifically indicated, not valid on special orders. There is a slight charge for tailoring and alteration of sale items. Sale items are final sale.

 ACCESSIBILITY

Kilgore Trout strives to make our website accessible. Kilgore Trout is committed to diversity, inclusion, and meeting the needs of all of our customers, including those with disabilities. We are continually improving our website to enhance accessibility. In the meantime, if the format of any material on our web pages interferes with your ability to access the information, please contact us to request assistance or if you have questions or comments. Please call 216-831-0488 or email info@kilgoretrout.com.

WE SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY.

Throughout the year, Kilgore Trout assists many non-profit organizations and charities through donations, program advertising, and gift cards. If you have an opportunity that you think is a good fit, please email your request at least thirty days in advance.

Suited for Men

Each year, we and our clients provide hundreds of gently worn suits and business garments to help men get a fresh start. Suited for Men, a program of Passages, assists individuals with workforce development, individualized career assistance, and employment placement.

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Jewish Federation of Cleveland

We’re happy to provide support our region’s Jewish community through the Federation and other donations. The Federation is Cleveland’s hub for innovative solutions and collaborative services working to change and improve lives in Cleveland, Israel, and around the world.

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KSU Fashion School

The Wally Naymon/Kilgore Trout Presidential Scholarship is awarded to fashion merchandising majors studying at the prestigious Kent State School of Fashion Design, both on the main campus and in Florence, about which one former scholarship winner said: “Every day was like the best day of my life.”

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Greater Cleveland Food Bank

In this unprecedented time, more families need food assistance than ever before. We are proud to support the Food Bank’s efforts, most recently by donating 20% of the value of all KT gift cards purchased during the two-months our store was closed due to the pandemic.

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 CAREERS AT KILGORE TROUT

Please provide the following information so that we are able to contact you about possible employment opportunities. This is not an employment application. If we contact you, you will be asked to complete and application and supply your resumé.

Or, mail your resumé and cover letter to: Office Manager, Kilgore Trout, 28601 Chagrin Blvd., Woodmere, Ohio 44122