Learn Me: Suits

(hijack)

I'm neither a hockey fan nor Canadian, so seriously, whatha heck?

(/hijack)

Go to a taylor or men's shop. A lot depends on your build. My jackets have to be double paneled; that slit in the back, I need one on each side. No pleated pants either.

Buy five pairs of pants, two or three jackets then mix & match ties.

Good for weeks.

nderwater wrote: (hijack) I'm neither a hockey fan nor Canadian, so seriously, whatha heck? (/hijack)

You're talking about this guy and not World hunger, it's PR, showmanship and promoting. His plan worked.

+1 on finding a good menswear store. They will steer you right.

I have had excellent experiences with Mens Wearhouse. Their customer service has always been excellent. Their level of price for quality suits me very well too. Good quality, but typically not expensive premium stuff. Usually starting around $300 for something good. They usually have deals when you buy a suit to get a free sport coat or 50% off a second suit.

I have one suit in tan and one in navy. Then an extra sport coat and several extra pairs of slacks. Mix and match as needed by the situation.

Super edit: and be sure whatever you pick out, you get tailored to fit you.

+1 Whatever on getting it tailored!

Not that a wear suits much, my work clothes are conveniently picked out for me.

MG_Bryan wrote:

DILYSI Dave wrote:

nderwater wrote:

DILYSI Dave wrote: A tip - Buying large and then having it altered to fit gets you 80% of a tailored fit @ 20% of the price.

I disagree - unless you're shopping at a thrift store, there's no compelling reason not to buy a suit that fits you (at least pretty darn close) at the time of purchase.

For me, I have to buy something to fit my shoulders. If it fits my shoulders, it swallows me every where else. But buying for my shoulders and then getting it altered results in a very nicely fitting suit.

Off the rack sizing has definite limitations. Needing a 28 inch waist in my case, means that if do find something with pants that fit, I'll rip the back out of the jacket the first time I reached forward.

Same here. Although i achieve that even with the shoulders of the coat being way too broad because i'm super narrow throughout. I'm narrow, but thick front to back.

I bought my suits at Jos A. Banks for many years and was very happy with them. About 10 years ago I went into a mostly casual dress environment and didn't buy any suits. That changed last year and I found myself needing suits again.

I went to Jos A. Banks and was very disappointed in what I got. The quality was much less than it used to be for the same price. I would have paid the higher price for the same quality I used to get.

I've since decided to upgrade a bit. The Nordstroms sale sounds tempting. If that doesn't work, then I'll go back to Brooks Brothers. They are pricey, but the quality is dependable. If you go there, avoid their "signature" three-button suits. The lapels are shorter and I don't think they look good on anybody, really.

Double breasted suits seem to work better on thin guys than fat guys.

It's also worth noting that if you plan on unbuttoning the jacket before you sit down, as you should, a single breasted jacket will "fall" better than a double breasted one.

When I was younger, I found that it's good to have a wealthy older brother who is about your size and insists on buying only finely tailored suits. That saved me a lot of money that I was able to properly squander on car stuff.

Everybody should have at least one suit. Somebody you know is going to get married or die.

You can't go wrong with one grey suit and one black suit.

Jos. A. Bank is worth going to for their sales. When their prices drop, they're more in line with the quality.

You'll drop some coin at Brooks Brothers, but if you're done growing (both up and out), you'll get nearly a lifetime out of their suits. They do off the rack and made to measure, lifetime tailoring, and their service is well above average. It's a tough pill to swallow when it comes time to pay the bill, but there really is a world of difference between a decent suit and a nice suit. They do a couple big sales a year, too.

That said, I generally buy vintage and have them tailored. But suits are a sartorial elective for me, not a daily requirement, so I have a little more room to play around with styles.

Did you know there's a whole etiquette list abot when it's apropriate to button or unbutton your suit coat? Receiving lines, funerals, different events, related to heirarchy of guests.....I read through it once years ago but can't remember any of the specifics.

Keith wrote: Yes, if that was single-breasted it would be just fine. The only suit I own is fireproof. I'm good with that.

I've referred to the blue MOMO nomex in my closet as "my expensive Italian suit" a few times. :)

Wow again I'm amazed at the responses I get on this forum!

I don't have wide shoulders and am thinner throughout, however I have recently put on a little weight and am planning on putting on some muscle now that I will have free time. I always spot suits in movies that I really like but usually they are a little to styled to fit into a business environment.

Latest example...

Coincidentally I'm built similar to Ryan Gosling as we both are narrower. Though I'm about an inch shorter than he is and not buff like he was in that movie.

Joshua wrote: Wow again I'm amazed at the responses I get on this forum! I don't have wide shoulders and am thinner throughout, however I have recently put on a little weight and am planning on putting on some muscle now that I will have free time. I always spot suits in movies that I really like but usually they are a little to styled to fit into a business environment. Latest example... Coincidentally I'm built similar to Ryan Gosling as we both are narrower. Though I'm about an inch shorter than he is and not buff like he was in that movie.

Ironically, it was that movie (I think it was - I saw it on a plane) that has me convinced that I need to do something about the way I look.

Zomby woof wrote:

Joshua wrote: Wow again I'm amazed at the responses I get on this forum! I don't have wide shoulders and am thinner throughout, however I have recently put on a little weight and am planning on putting on some muscle now that I will have free time. I always spot suits in movies that I really like but usually they are a little to styled to fit into a business environment. Latest example... Coincidentally I'm built similar to Ryan Gosling as we both are narrower. Though I'm about an inch shorter than he is and not buff like he was in that movie.

Ironically, it was that movie (I think it was - I saw it on a plane) that has me convinced that I need to do something about the way I look.

Same here! Much to my girlfriends delight!

rant on:

All I've learned about suits is that they are expensive, uncomfortable, and impractical. Tossed mine to the curb years ago in favor of a jacket and tie. Still don't like that either, but it's a bit better than the suit. Is it me or is a tie the dumbest clothing item ever invented? Talk about something with NO purpose other than discomfort for the wearer.

rant off.

Yes I realize the OP needs a suit for business and there is no substitute or changing that.

Ties: it's amazing how much importance is attached to a colored rag hung around the neck. Sheesh.

Guys in good-fitting suits are hawt.

Lesley wrote: Guys in good-fitting suits are hawt.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pn2-b_opVTo

Lesley wrote: Guys in good-fitting suits are hawt.

And this is the reason suits are awesome. Even I can attract some tail in a suit.

jrw1621 wrote: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFPuMzza9hk

I was on that show a few years ago. Mercer hung out in our pit most of the day. Great guy

foxtrapper wrote: For those of you who live in your suits, particularly the jacket. Is there a secret cut that lets you put your arms forward (to say the steering wheel) without cutting off circulation to your shoulders or pulling the cuffs up to your elbows? What about a gusset at the back?

I worked as a chauffeur for a few years and was required to wear a suit daily. Black suit, white shirt, and black tie. A gusset in the back can help, but it really is how the shoulders are tailored. I had a couple suit jackets have the shoulders rip out on me. What it comes down to is the basic pattern the suit is constructed from. So, try different suits on and find one that fits you well and gives good range of motion, or if you can just take the jacket off while driving.

To the OP: The best thing I can say is along the lines of what most others have said. Go to a men's clothing store or a good men's department at a good department store. The men's department at one of the local mall's anchor stores was the best I've run across. Unfortunately six or seven years ago that chain got bought by Macy's, and after the remodel and staff change over it just wasn't the same anymore. The most comfortable suit I've had was a cheap $100 one from Kohl's. Problem with that one is it was also cheap material and has since torn and not at a seam. My Jos. A. Bank shirts are the most comfortable I own. Men's Warehouse I've had good experiences with; my current overcoat and at least one of the half dozen black ties are from there.

We're often taken to some pretty swank restaurants while on work trips, so I need to pack at least one nice jacket. I've really lucked out at high-end used-clothing stores, scored a gorgeous Hugo Boss jacket that dresses up really well with black pants, and a really plain, but expensive looking Jones New York that looks great with jeans or dress pants. Don't have the budget for new designer stuff, but I've found some amazing deals at the 2nd hand places.

If you want to learn more about menswear and you have a decent tolerance to folks with OCD, check out askandyaboutclothes.com - you'll find more than you ever wanted to know about suits, ties, shirts, belts, watches and shoes.

Last I had heard Brooks Brothers was probably the best value in a good suit.

And in answer to the question you haven't asked yet. I would recommend a pair of Allen Edmonds. :)

Johnston & Murphy is easily my favorite brand of dress shoes which can routinely be found in department stores. I'd love some Ferragamo's, but they cost the same as large appliances.