Isaia vs Oxxford

stat1 · Jan 25, 2010

I was hoping to get some opinions on these two suit makers. I am new to both brands and they both fit relatively well. I am only 5'8 and generally go between 38-40 and in between short and regular. It seems as though I am a 40R in both brands. My main problems with suits tend to be in the arms but both these brands seem to fit my arms fairly well. The Isaia was in the 2800 range and the Oxxford was in the 2300 range. I was hoping to get opinions in terms of overall quality and fit. Is the extra 500 spent on the Isaia worth the money? Also, are there various lines or cuts within each brand that I might want to focus on? I have an athletic build and with a 32 inch waist. Please help this newb. This is a big purchase for me as I generally tend to stay in the Canali space Thanks in advance guys!

texas_jack · Jan 25, 2010

Do some searches for these brands here.

withstyle · Jan 25, 2010

Oxxford = far superior construction and more "bang for your buck", especially at that price

You can judge which fits better based on the model. My experience is that Oxxford fits/cuts don't tend to be the most flattering.

jdldore · Jan 25, 2010

The quality is similar when comparing apples to apples. That can be a little tricky, as Isaia has a number of lines. When you make that comparison, I think you will find that the attention to detail is roughly similar.

The difference lies in the styling. I have a strong preference for Oxxford's very classic, conservative American styling, but I am sure many feel differently. Try on both. In particular, look carefully at the lapel placement, the armhole height and circumference, the structure in the shoulders, the height of the button placement, and the way in which the sleeves drop on your arm. I am quite confident you will see differences. At that point, your styling preference is going to be the major decision driver.

stat1 · Jan 25, 2010

Originally Posted by jdldore

The quality is similar when comparing apples to apples. That can be a little tricky, as Isaia has a number of lines. When you make that comparison, I think you will find that the attention to detail is roughly similar.

The difference lies in the styling. I have a strong preference for Oxxford's very classic, conservative American styling, but I am sure many feel differently. Try on both. In particular, look carefully at the lapel placement, the armhole height and circumference, the structure in the shoulders, the height of the button placement, and the way in which the sleeves drop on your arm. I am quite confident you will see differences. At that point, your styling preference is going to be the major decision driver.

Originally Posted by withstyle

Oxxford = far superior construction and more "bang for your buck", especially at that price

You can judge which fits better based on the model. My experience is that Oxxford fits/cuts don't tend to be the most flattering.

From some of the reading here I actually thought the Isaia would fit much closer and be much tighter in the arms. I also remember seeing some Isaia print ads of really thin guys. I was surprised that the arm holes fit okay and although fitted not overly tight. When I tried on the Oxxford the fit was comparable to the Isaia although I'm sure the cut was different. Again, this was unexpected. I started with a 40S and the arms holes were cut pretty high and the sleeve circumference was more narrow than anticipated. Maybe I was trying on a newer, slimmer, potentially "cheaper" line from Oxxford? Is there such a thing? Most of my research here saids it should fit much bigger and it didn't. Thanks again!

rssmsvc · Jan 25, 2010

Oxxford has been doing a lot of stuff to make different models, and my guess is you tried something like a Mason or Radcliffe.

Both are great , just find the right model.

S. Able · Jan 25, 2010

While I consider Oxxford the better constructed garment and a better value (largely related to currency issues), I would really base my decision on fit and esthetics (how they look on you). You need to really analyze the fit of each in a very critical manner. From my experience, even the more "contemporary" models from Oxxford fit and look different than Isaia. I am guessing that if you look very closely, you will notice that one fits you better than the other. My 2 cents.

Chargersfan · Jan 25, 2010

If you want to look good, Isaia...if you want to look like an aging former President, Oxxford..

stat1 · Jan 25, 2010

Originally Posted by S. Able

While I consider Oxxford the better constructed garment and a better value (largely related to currency issues), I would really base my decision on fit and esthetics (how they look on you). You need to really analyze the fit of each in a very critical manner. From my experience, even the more "contemporary" models from Oxxford fit and look different than Isaia. I am guessing that if you look very closely, you will notice that one fits you better than the other. My 2 cents.

Originally Posted by Chargersfan

If you want to look good, Isaia...if you want to look like an aging former President, Oxxford..

I will defintely try on both suits again with a more critical eye. Overall fit seemed fairly close. I will closer attention to lapels and things of that nature. What distinguishes a more contemporary look over "an again former President look"? I thought it was mainly fit...contemporary being more fitted and boxier being more conservative. As you can tell I really don't know too much so any help would be appreciated. For now waht I can tell is regardless of fit....the quality on both is comparable and "value" may go to Oxxford? Thanks again all!

marc237 · Jan 25, 2010

Originally Posted by Chargersfan

If you want to look good, Isaia...if you want to look like an aging former President, Oxxford..

This is profoundly ignorant. Oxxford has a wide variety of cuts and styles. Some even are high gorge, high button stance, double-vented, and 3 rolled to two. Others are far more traditional in American business design. Ultimately, the advice to try on models from both manufacturers and see what works for you is correct and the only way to go.

marc237 · Jan 25, 2010

Originally Posted by stat1

I will defintely try on both suits again with a more critical eye. Overall fit seemed fairly close. I will closer attention to lapels and things of that nature. What distinguishes a more contemporary look over "an again former President look"? I thought it was mainly fit...contemporary being more fitted and boxier being more conservative. As you can tell I really don't know too much so any help would be appreciated. For now waht I can tell is regardless of fit....the quality on both is comparable and "value" may go to Oxxford? Thanks again all!

Both manufacturers have different lines. Some are more fitted than others. Keep in mind that a good tailor can also do things such as suppress the waist and shape the chest.

S. Able · Jan 25, 2010

Originally Posted by stat1

I will defintely try on both suits again with a more critical eye. Overall fit seemed fairly close. I will closer attention to lapels and things of that nature. What distinguishes a more contemporary look over "an again former President look"? I thought it was mainly fit...contemporary being more fitted and boxier being more conservative. As you can tell I really don't know too much so any help would be appreciated. For now waht I can tell is regardless of fit....the quality on both is comparable and "value" may go to Oxxford? Thanks again all!

I consider the Radcliff and the Mason the more contemporary Oxxford models. Last I looked the model names are listed on the sleeve tags. I consider the Gibbons the more conservative American style. Others know much more about Oxxford than I. To clarify your last point, Oxxford is the better constructed garment. Most consider it the best made (or close to) RTW garment out there today. Isaia makes a nice garment, but uses much less hand sewing than Oxxford. At the end of the day, however, construction means nothing if the suit doesn't fit well and look good on you, which is why I encourage you to become a fit Nazi and to find a good alterations tailor.

philosophe · Jan 25, 2010

OP, Oxxford and mainline Isaia are both excellent suits, but they do reflect different aesthetics. You need to decide which one looks better on you and will be more wearable.

stat1 · Jan 25, 2010

Originally Posted by S. Able

I consider the Radcliff and the Mason the more contemporary Oxxford models. Last I looked the model names are listed on the sleeve tags. I consider the Gibbons the more conservative American style. Others know much more about Oxxford than I. To clarify your last point, Oxxford is the better constructed garment. Most consider it the best made (or close to) RTW garment out there today. Isaia makes a nice garment, but uses much less hand sewing than Oxxford. At the end of the day, however, construction means nothing if the suit doesn't fit well and look good on you, which is why I encourage you to become a fit Nazi and to find a good alterations tailor.

In general, are the tailors at high end department stores like NM or Saks any good? Should I pass on the free alterations and put up the coin (which I heard can be expensive) and look for a "known" tailor? Thanks again!

stat1 · Jan 25, 2010

Originally Posted by philosophe

OP, Oxxford and mainline Isaia are both excellent suits, but they do reflect different aesthetics. You need to decide which one looks better on you and will be more wearable.

What is cosidered more contemporary? Softer shoulders, smaller lapels? What should I fouc on. I have a very untrained eye.

Isaia vs Oxxford

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