Couple of Questions About First Suit

Hey everyone,

I have lurked here for awhile now and have looked through some of the stickies, but I would like some specific advice especially since there are some sales going on right now.

I am a college student and I am looking to buy my first suit for internships and interviews. Deciding between charcoal or navy, I'm personally leaning more towards navy since I think it looks better on young people.

I am just wondering which route I should go in terms of online MTM or RTW and if any particular brand is a good choice for the first suit. I do not know my precise measurements so I feel like online MTM could be a little tricky, but I am open to it if I could get some advice on the approach. I have been looking between these following places, so please let me know if you have any insight or any better alternatives.

Benjamin ($525) Suggested in the sticky and read that it's a good price for being full canvassed. Currently I am looking at this suit, in charcoal and navy respectively.

Charcoal - http://www.ehaberdasher.com/servlet/the-15410/Benjamin-Sartorial-Suit-cln--41L-fdsh-42L/Detail

Navy - http://www.ehaberdasher.com/servlet/the-15422/Benjamin-Sartorial-Suit-cln--41L-fdsh-42L/Detail

Hickey Freeman - Currently has an Extra 25% Sale on sale items. I am not sure if any of these styles is acceptable for a first suit since they are not solid navy or charcoal.

Blue Flannel Chalk Stripe ($600 after extra discount) http://www.hickeyfreeman.com/sale-mens-tailored-clothing/mahogany-collection-blue-flannel-chalk-stripe-suit/

Dark Grey Flannel Stripe ($675 after extra discount) http://www.hickeyfreeman.com/sale-mens-tailored-clothing/mahogany-collection-dark-grey-flannel-stripe-suit/

Grey Sharkskin Stripe ($675 after extra discount) http://www.hickeyfreeman.com/sale-mens-tailored-clothing/grey-sharkskin-stripe-suit/

Navy Flannel Birdseye ($450 after extra discount) http://www.hickeyfreeman.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.detail/_/Sterling-Collection-Navy-Flannel-Birdseye-Suit/productID/38826f47-89d2-4ae3-b52c-f0eb663b1c2d/categoryID/35da180a-a307-457b-a86a-a0c75db55830/

Charcoal Beaded Stripe ($450 after extra discount) http://www.hickeyfreeman.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.detail/_/Sterling-Collection-Charcoal-Beaded-Stripe-Suit/productID/aadf1e55-85d3-475e-b92e-4d1b001f20bc/categoryID/35da180a-a307-457b-a86a-a0c75db55830/

Brooks Brothers 1818 ($998) From what I can gather I think I would be best in the Regent fit, but I can easily go into a store to try on the different fits. However it seems the solid suits are the only ones not on sale, so I'm not sure if they ever will be. The other suits are $660 but I am guessing they won't cut it as the first suit.

http://www.brooksbrothers.com/Regent-Solid-1818-Suit/MK00222,default,pd.html?dwvar_MK00222_Color=BLCK&contentpos=21&cgid=0216

Online MTMs I have checked out

Black Lapel Solid Charcoal/Navy suit ($450) http://www.blacklapel.com/suits/solid-navy.html

SuitSupply Dark Grey ($470) Not too sure of the different lines they offer

http://us.suitsupply.com/suit-dark-grey-plain-napoli-p2525i/P2525I,en_US,pd.html?start=12&cgid=Suits&prefn1=style&prefv1=Classic

Other options - going into Saks or Barneys and try to find a good deal?

Basically I have boiled it down to some options but I am at a crossroads.

Quote:

Originally Posted by YRR92 

I would not go for most online MTM. You could convince me to try the Kent Wang model, where you figure out what alterations you'd want on an OTR suit, but I'd never ever throw measurements at a website and hope it worked out.

 

Stylistically, I don't think the HF suits would be the most prudent choice -- if they were significantly cheaper than your other options, they'd be worthwhile compromises, but you'd really be better off with a solid.

 

I dunno anything about SuitSupply or Benjamin based on personal experience. BB suits are nice, but I'm not sure if I'd pay that premium for them.

I agree in that I don't think I will go for online MTM for my first suit. I am just a bit overwhelmed because there are so many different brands out there. I know there's always a bargain out there somewhere but frankly I don't have a ton of time to go around looking for deals so I am looking for some insight on the best brand for a first suit at the retail price.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mensimageconsultant 


Shop locally. Please provide a general location if you want help narrowing down those options. Pictures also would be helpful.

I am currently in school near Charlotte, NC, but I am from NYC and I go home pretty often so I guess that's a much better location.