Investment Banking Interview Suits

So ill be interviewing this fall with a few of the larger IB firms as well as a boutique or two in New York and need some new interviewing suits. I am looking to get one charcoal and one navy. I have found in the past that I will just buy a suit for an interview and then never wear it again because I don't like it or feel that it doesn't fit right. I'm planning ahead this time to try and find a suit that will give me the confidence I need during these interviews as well as not just get thrown into the closet when im done. So I went into Saks the other day and really liked the solid charcoal grey Armani collezioni suit I tried on. I'm really contemplating buying it but the $1825 price tag is discouraging me. Especially since I need two suits and 1800 for a suit off the rack is a little excessive. So, I guess my questions is where can I pick this suit up cheaper or does anyone have any recommendations as to another brand that fits similar( I fell that this suit fit me better than any other suit I own). I also tried on a Rossellini suit at Hugo Boss but it was 900. I own several boss suits of similar quality and paid less than half of that. So any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Buy the way im 6'2" 185 lbs and have an athletic build with larger upper body. I think for interviewing purposes I will stick to a solid color 100% wool(no stretch or other style), 3 button, single breasted suit with a modern fit and flat front pants. I'm not opposed to a pinstripe or shadow on the navy suit. Please any suggestions on where to start would be helpfull.

If you are in NYC - go to Barneyls warehouse sale. They have some brands yould like, such as Armani, Canali, Boss. They also carry traditional makers - Hickey Freeman, Burberry. Lots of the suits are on huge markdowns.

Second the rec for Barney's warehouse sale. They have a decent selection of basic suits suitable for interviewing. If you want to try stuff on in person, you might want to try Filene's. I know that in DC they have great selection, and I understand that Union Square in NYC is usually reliable at the $900+ price point. You can also check out Century 21 upstairs (down by WTC) - they often have decent options at higher prices - think Brioni, etc. Armani Coll is generally not well-loved here, largely b/c construction is lacking (fused, totally machine-made). For me, the only value of Armani Coll is the cut (as you say) and the interesting fabrics he'll use. For what you need - a nice basic - I'd say that you can do better for the money. If you are looking at that retail price you will have great options on much higher-end garments at anywhere that still has sales on. If you do like the cut, you can look out for Armani @ Barneys. I own - and enjoy - a taupe Armani Black Label suit that I wear on business in the summers, so I am no Armani-hater. You have a ton of online options: * Sierra Trading Post has a great return policy, and the cut of the Cornelianis is pretty nice. I am guessing you are a 42L, which can be had in a nice two-tone stripe that at least one forumite can vouch for (http://www.sierratradingpost.com/pro...e-Suit-For-Men); a nice Isaia (http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/1...l-For-Men.html) * ShoptheFinest (Ian) has a nice, basic Isaia that would be a solid interview suit: http://www.shopthefinest.com/storefr...88&i=190519416

In case you want to check Barneys - the last day of sale is September 4th.

I was there today and saw few Size 42 Long (I'm also 40-42 Long) Armani suits in $600-900 range.

William

also keep in mind that you'll be traveling a bit with these suits on--whether within the city or into/out of the city--so going for durable suits whose fabric doesn't have as much of a fine hand might be a wise choice.

Unfortunately im about 9 hours from NY so that's really out of the picture but dc is not that far so i will have to check there. Thank you for all your suggestions. If anyone does go buy the warehouse sale and happens to see a Armani Collezioni solid charcoal grey suit in a 42r made of 100% tropical wool with flat front pants for for a good price pick it up and i will pay you for it plus a decent fee for your time. I really want that damn suit but cant part with that much money for so little suit. well with that said thank you all once again.

You may want to check out this Ebay seller -

Berkshire-Traders_Mens-Suits

They have a good selection of the same Joseph Abboud suits that retail for $750 at Nordstroms and are very nice. Most of the buy-it-now prices are either at $199 or $250 and you can save even more if you bid on his auction suits - these have slight flaws and by slight, I mean so small that they wouldn't even be noticable if they weren't pointed out.

I have purchased three suits from this seller over the past few years, and am very happy with all of them.

For a basic navy (solid or pinstripe) interview suit that won't break the bank, this might be something to consider.

Traditional updated is the way to go here for investment banking look. At the Rack you mght find a Hickey-Freeman in a Madison model. Two button suits are back in favor, and they never are out of style. This model has a suppressed waist, so it will nicely compliment your physique. You can fund suits in this range for about $650 at Nordstrom's Rack at Potomic Mills.

Another brand you might try is Ermengilda Zegna. This line at full retail is $1300 -$1600. Yes expensive, but if it fits you, then you will have a suit to wear for many years.

Also, try an independent men's store. Right now they probalby have some better made suits at 30% off.

The best advice is to purchase suits that are not fused - Just say no! Get a garment that has a sewn-in, floating chest piece; not glued in any way, shape, or form. If you are considering dropping $1800 on an Armani or Boss, these things are just too Sportscenter, and are not classics. Spend your maoney and buy two suits that will go anywhere and what I am recommending will do just that. Your instincts towards navy and charcoal gray are correct. The pinstripe will reveal itself on a repeat wearing for interviewing - and they will think you have only one suit.

One can wear a more traditional suit (i.e. two button) and look dashing if the suit is cut properly - not too full, and is properly tailored for you - sleeves with an appropriated amount of cuff showing, and not too big in the shoulder or body. I agree with the other poster who said get a suit with not too fine a hand, which means look for a fabric in the super 110s, or 100s. A super 120's and up will wrinkle like hell on a plane or in a car, and look like you slept in it. Lastly - NEVER SIT IN A CAR OR ON A PLANE WHILE WEARING YOUR SUIT JACKET! Be gentlemen, and hang-it up or fold it nicely.

Good luck in your new job search!

"Lastly - NEVER SIT IN A CAR OR ON A PLANE WHILE WEARING YOUR SUIT JACKET! Be gentlemen, and hang-it up or fold it nicely."

I was taught that a gentleman never removes his jacket.

Originally Posted by Will

Click to expand...

"Lastly - NEVER SIT IN A CAR OR ON A PLANE WHILE WEARING YOUR SUIT JACKET! Be gentlemen, and hang-it up or fold it nicely."

I was taught that a gentleman never removes his jacket.
I'm sure that argument will go over well with his interviewers when he botches his first impression with a frosty "I am a gentleman" as an explanation for why his clothes are wrinkled and look like he slept in them. I believe that admonishment deals with comfort, not preservation of a suit anyway.

Originally Posted by Dan-

Click to expand...

I'm sure that argument will go over well with his interviewers when he botches his first impression with a frosty "I am a gentleman" as an explanation for why his clothes are wrinkled and look like he slept in them. I believe that admonishment deals with comfort, not preservation of a suit anyway.

There are any number of ways to interview unrumpled without removing one's jacket to avoid wrinkles during travel (I don't see a recommendation that he remove his trousers - don't they wrinkle also?).

Such as changing for the interview upon arrival at the destination.

Many circumstances require one to travel in one's suit. Holy crap what do you suggest he do fly in a track suit with a hanging bag, and then change in the bathroom of the KFC?

So to avoid looking like the weary travellers I see when I fly (e.g. the guy whose jacket lining peeks out from under the back skirt of his jacket, or the guy in the super 130s who looks like he slept in it), I fold or hang my suit jacket. I wear it when I see my customer, or whenever I am conducting business - but I don't wear it while I drive alone in the rental car from the airport to my appointment.

"Holy crap what do you suggest he do fly in a track suit with a hanging bag, and then change in the bathroom of the KFC?"

A man who uses that kind of language on a board has things to address in addition to whether he should change in the Red Carpet Club.

I travel far too regularly these days, and my coats would all be utterly shot if I were to wear them while seated in planes/cars. It is just a bad idea for the clothing. Further, a friend has repeatedly been mistaken for an undercover Federal Air Marshal when flying in full kit, and he removes his coat!

Anyhow - I have seen people change in countless airport mens rooms. In many, many cases your suit will be somewhat wrinkled from having been in the garment bag.

The best advice I have when flying is - (i) don't wear your nicest stuff - get fabric with some body; (ii) ask the flight attendant to hang your coat if at all possible.

That goes double for traveling to interviews!