Suit Purchase

Well the day has arrived. I plan on buying a new suit tomorrow and I plan on taking the popular advice on here and go to Brooks Brothers. They have their big sale going on now which is a huge bonus. Now for some last second questions:

I am planning on getting a charcoal suit. I am assuming black accessories (watch, shoes, belt, and coat will work with charcoal. Is this correct? This is a huge question since I already have all of these accessories in black. I would rather not do a complete wardrobe overhaul.

This will be my first trip to Brooks Brothers. What else should I look at while I am there? Do they have other things that you would recommend-ties? pants? What do you all like from them?

Thanks.

if you see something you can use and need, then do it. but dont buy it just because its on sale.

Yes, you're good to wear your black belt, shoes, etc with a charcoal suit.

other than suits, I only have a few pants from them, although I dont wear them much anymore because they are fuller-cut than I prefer. Although Ive been meaning to take a look lately and see how their slimmer stuff fits.

You might consider getting a simple pocket square or two, if they have them for reasonable prices. A PS is a pretty small touch, but it really completes an outfit. Although Ive gotten most of mine from some of the vendors here on SF.

Good luck with BB, I wonder if they'll have much left- the sale has been going on for a while now, hasn't it?

Originally Posted by brittain

Click to expand...

Good luck with BB, I wonder if they'll have much left- the sale has been going on for a while now, hasn't it?

Man I hope so. I will report back after my trip.

Originally Posted by Willie5566

Click to expand...

Man I hope so. I will report back after my trip.

Make sure to ask as well, they're generally very good about contacting other stores, etc. When I was shopping, before I even asked, the salesman told me he would be more than willing to find the 40L in the navy for me, as they did not have it.

I called the store this morning to avoid a waste of 2 hours in the car (round trip). He said the store is low on the sale suits but they can measure me and order one. I will still get the sale price. So if anyone is interested it looks like the sale is still good for a while. They may have to order the suit you want though. Leving in 15 minutes to go get one.

Brown (dark or chocalate in color) go great with Charcoal suits.

Booooo Brooks Brothers!!!!! Not a good experience. Almost 2 hours in the car and I come back empty handed. The sale only applies to suits with a "print," either pinstripe or plaid. Not a fan of pinstripe but even if I was I was never going to get a navy or a charcoal suit. Same with plaid. The salesperson seemed to keep pushing me to one of their other locations because their store is much larger and has a bigger selection.

In this day and age it seems ridiculous that they cannot get on a computer and locate a suit in any size shape or color. Furthermore, in this economic environment salespeople should be closing sales when someone walks in with cash in hand. This was not the case.

Clearly, Brooks Brother seems to be well liked by many hear on SF. I assume my experience is not the norm. Regardless I left disappointed and questioning whether I would go back to another BB store again.

I've also had generally terrible experiences with Brooks Brothers in the last few years. I used to go to their store at 53rd & 5th (closed), and then the flagship at 43rd & Madison.

They've become generally incompetent, and I've moved on. Oh, I'd like to point out that the last time I was there, I spoke to the manager to complain about some alterations that were completely botched, and he showed up wearing super tight paints with huge sailboats embroidered all over them, and a pink vest (no jacket). If that's the direction they're going, I'm out.

Edit: If you want good service, go to Paul Stuart. More $$$, but they know what they're doing.

Originally Posted by archetypal_yuppie

Click to expand...

I've also had generally terrible experiences with Brooks Brothers in the last few years. I used to go to their store at 53rd & 5th (closed), and then the flagship at 43rd & Madison.

They've become generally incompetent, and I've moved on. Oh, I'd like to point out that the last time I was there, I spoke to the manager to complain about some alterations that were completely botched, and he showed up wearing super tight paints with huge sailboats embroidered all over them, and a pink vest (no jacket). If that's the direction they're going, I'm out.

Edit: If you want good service, go to Paul Stuart. More $$$, but they know what they're doing.



Great. Looks like I need a plan B. I don't think there is a Paul Stuart near me. I am in Cleveland. Anyone have positive experience with Jos A Bank?

One thing I suggest is that whatever you buy from them is something you like and need, and not buy it just because it's on sale and its BB. They do have a nice selection of shirts, ties and other accesories but are really not worth it unless you can catch them on sale as well.

I almost bought a tux at Jos. A Bank (Well bought and returned...). The salesman was not really competent in fit related issues, so go in knowing exactly what you want. Also, never pay full price for anything. I am pretty sure that their suits aren't very high quality. What size do you wear? You might want to figure out your measurements and just order on ebay.

-Nate

Originally Posted by Willie5566

Click to expand...

Great. Looks like I need a plan B. I don't think there is a Paul Stuart near me. I am in Cleveland. Anyone have positive experience with Jos A Bank?

Slightly competent salespeople, definitely a step up from MW, but not the top of the line by any means. Neither are their suits. And they have those annoying sales all the time. Wish they would just have an eternal sale and not advertise a new one all the freaking time....


Try Neiman Marcus or Nordstroms. The salespeople there have been knowledgeable compared to most. At least in my city. Yours will differ.

As for BB, what did you expect? Staples rarely go on sale. Go online or find someone with the corporate card for 15% off.

Originally Posted by phxlawstudent

Click to expand...

As for BB, what did you expect? Staples rarely go on sale. Go online or find someone with the corporate card for 15% off.

Apparently too much.

Originally Posted by a tailor

Click to expand...

if you see something you can use and need, then do it. but dont buy it just because its on sale.

Originally Posted by bowtielover

Click to expand...

One thing I suggest is that whatever you buy from them is something you like and need, and not buy it just because it's on sale and its BB. They do have a nice selection of shirts, ties and other accesories but are really not worth it unless you can catch them on sale as well.