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Looking for some suit brand recommendations

jrussmlr

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Hey everyone, first of all great forums here. I've been trolling for a while now and have always found helpful information.

Starting in January I'll be interviewing for summer consulting internships at "top" firms, and I need to buy my first suit. I'm looking for a versatile, probably grey, business suit that would look OK in more social situations--I'd like it to look sharp. My only problem is that I have no idea where to start. I'd love to spend less than 500 bucks, but I'm not sure if that will get me something decent. I could spend more, up to 800, if necessary. What brands should I be looking for / which would fall within my price-range? I've been to the local Nordstrom's dept. store and they recommended John Varvatos, Polo "Lauren," and Hugo Boss suits. My dad recommended Jos. A Bank, but I've heard they're more traditional and maybe of questionable quality. What other brands should I look at? Where would I go to find these suits?

I'm 21, 5'11" and 145 lbs. I wear a size 31 pair of jeans and have a pretty slim build overall.

Any help is greatly appreciated, I'm in the dark here.
 

kapay

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If you're not gonna cough up at least 1g I would reccomend just sticking to retail brands like H&M, J. Crew, Express, or Banana Republic. Do your research on what slim fit suits they offer, then go to the stores and find which brand offers the BEST fit for your body by physically trying them on. I personally don't see the point of buying most department store brands as they're going to be roughly the same quality if not worse for more money. At $500-$800 the most important thing is FIT to give the appearance of a well tailored expensive suit.. I would go with 2 button charcoal grey or navy.
 

jrussmlr

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Thanks. As far as Banana Republic suits go--they're pretty inexpensive, all below $400. Are these a good deal for the money or would I get what I pay for?
 

EZETHATSME

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I've not purchased a BR suit, but from looking at them in the store, seems like you could do better for the money, or at least too much more. I like J. Crew for a bit more, at least in the price range you are looking at.

What kapay said is right on regarding fit. A well fitting $500 suit will look nicer on you than a horrible fitting $1,000 suit.

EZ
 

jrussmlr

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OK, I'll look at J. Crew as well. In my browsing I've been seeing STP pop up a lot. What does that stand for?
 

Don Carlos

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Originally Posted by jrussmlr
OK, I'll look at J. Crew as well. In my browsing I've been seeing STP pop up a lot. What does that stand for?

Sierra Trading Post.
 

gram thorpe

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Hey about Reid & taylor?????? it also has wide range of collection.
 

epic raccoon

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+1 on trying them on.

If you'll use your suit for job interviews, try to find a more conservative cut suit rather than a fashion-forward one. Two or three button, lapels that aren't too skinny (which is the trend right now), trousers not skin tight.

Make sure the suit fits in the shoulders as there is little that can be done if it doesn't fit here in terms of alterations. Have the pants hemmed at the proper height, and the waist of the jacket can be taken in if need be. Also please have the arms of the jacket done to the proper length or you'll look like you just picked your suit out of your father's closet. Jacket length is also important as well; if you're short or tall pick up an S or L size suit.

Jos. A Bank may be a viable option but at < $800 I'd be going to Brooks Brothers, which will give you the best bang for your buck. Mall brands (especially Hugo Boss) are generally of questionable quality and have a high price tag. Also remember to factor in the cost of alterations, which will depend on where you live.

As much as I've loved dealing with STP and I have ordered much from them, I would not suggest them for a suit for the simple reason that you should be able to try it on first.
 

BareSolid

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Steven Aver? That's what I was considering. There aer a lot of options there, like high armholes, natural shoulder, that someone like me would value.
 

Coburn

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Try on a J Crew Ludlow. It's cut for a thin man.
 

Don Carlos

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Originally Posted by BareSolid
Steven Aver? That's what I was considering. There aer a lot of options there, like high armholes, natural shoulder, that someone like me would value.

Online MTM for a first suit is a bit risky, even with a vendor as evidently reliable as Aver. I second the advice to go try on a bunch of off-the-rack suits to gauge your fit and sizing before buying anything. Brooks Bros works well, as would J Crew or even the SF-derided Banana. I would only buy BR suits at discount, though. They are fine suits for $200 when on sale, but poor suits for the full retail pricetag of $400-500.
 

BareSolid

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What is the slimmest cut of BB suits?

I saw the Prince of Wales in a handsome DB and would like one like it.
 

Hank Rearden

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If you have a Neiman's Last Call, Off 5th, or Nordstrom Rack in your neighborhood try going there. I recently purchased a fully canvassed Canali for $650ish from Nordstrom Rack and absolutely love it. Additionally they will likely have some Hickey Freeman and/or Burberry suits in your price range. At Off 5th on Saturday I saw an Isaia for just under a $900.

I would stay away from Hugo Boss as you're paying a premium for the label. Joseph A. Bank catches a bunch of heat on this forum, and I personally don't own one, but a fairly stylish friend of mind told me that their 'signature gold' suits are half canvassed and because that store is in a state of perpetual sale you should be able to pick one up for well under $500 within a month.

Finally I'm on Brooks Brothers mailing list and the day after Christmas they're having a massive store-wide sale. I don't remember the exact percentage on suits, but I bet you could pick one up for under $600 and that would be a big step up from JAB IMO.

But, as many people have said before, go try the suits on and see what fits you well.
 

jrussmlr

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The after xmas sales might have some good stuff, yeah. My only worry is that the best, or most 'classic' suits never really go on sale. I guess I'll see. I'm going into Seattle downtown tonight to look around, here's where I plan on trying stuff on: Banana Republic, J. Crew, Brooks Brothers, H&amp;M, Nordstrom Rack, Macys. Anywhere else, maybe something people know is in downtown Seattle?
 

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