Styleforum › Forums › Men's Style › Classic Menswear › MTO/Bespoke Suit for Under $500 in San Francisco
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

MTO/Bespoke Suit for Under $500 in San Francisco

post #1 of 14
1/16/13 at 9:56am
Thread Starter 

Hi all,

 

I'm getting married in July this year, and am looking to get a new suit. The only "adult" suit I've ever owned is an H&M gray two-button, double vent suit. I really like the slim fit and moddish look, but it definitely feels like inferior materials.

 

I was hoping to spend about $500, and would love to get something made to order/bespoke. So far, all the SF-based places I've found hover around $1000. 

 

Does anyone on these boards know a good place in the Bay area that could do something nice for around $500?

 

Thanks!

Reply
Reply

Featured Stories on Styleforum

Allen Edmonds Appreciation Thread
Join the discussions now - Join Styleforum
Marketplace: Classic menswear, shoes, and accessories
post #2 of 14
1/16/13 at 10:00am
I'll ask the same thing I always ask in response to these questions: what specifically are you trying to accomplish by buying MTM that you think you can't get by buying RTW and using a tailor?
Reply
Reply
post #3 of 14
1/16/13 at 10:05am
Thread Starter 

Good question - I guess quality of materials. Things like functional sleeve buttons, full canvasing, buttons made of something other than plastic, etc. 

 

I'm not adverse to something off the rack - I just thought MTM would be the better way to go. I'm totally open to any and all advise!

Reply
Reply
post #4 of 14
1/16/13 at 10:22am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mcbrown View Post

I'll ask the same thing I always ask in response to these questions: what specifically are you trying to accomplish by buying MTM that you think you can't get by buying RTW and using a tailor?

Agreed. MTM, especially for someone new, is a crapshoot, and does not frequently end well. Get RTW where you know what you are getting, and get it tailored.
Reply
Reply
post #5 of 14
1/16/13 at 10:32am
MTM for $1000 in the US is unrealistic, to say the least.
I have a favorite suit from SF-Affiliate Winston Tailors (Chipp)
that no longer fits, but am unwilling to part with, that cost around
$600 25 years ago. That wasn't the most expensive option at the time.
Reply
Reply
post #6 of 14
1/16/13 at 10:37am

Unless of course he has a somewhat unique body type. I myself am 6 foot 6 and if I am supposed to get a proper length on the jacket I have to go MTO.

 

If you are of normal length and don't look like Jay Cutler och Christian Bale in the machinist, you are better of with RTW that you get tailored. Especially in that price range.
 

Reply
Reply
post #7 of 14
1/16/13 at 10:44am
Where are you finding MTM/bespoke for $1000 in the bay area? Al's has the best pricing I know of, every other place starts at $2000-2500.

I agree with others that RTW and a tailor are your best options at the $500 price point.
Reply
Reply
post #8 of 14
1/16/13 at 11:26am

Hunt on Gilt and the like.

Reply
Reply
post #9 of 14
1/16/13 at 11:37am
Spoon Tailor and Taylor Stitch are two other options, but I believe they're in the $1,000-1300 range for a fully canvassed suit.

There's a Spoon Tailor thread in Classic Menswear that will provide you with more information. http://www.styleforum.net/t/225112/spoon-tailor-hong-kong-bespoke-operation-in-san-francisco

Taylor Stitch has an affiliate thread in SW&D but hasn't provided a lot of detail about their MTM suit program. You could PM them for more info. http://www.styleforum.net/t/303406/taylor-stitch-official-affiliate-thread

I believe WW Chan will be in SF in March. That would also be in the $1300 range, however.

You could also try Kent Wang's MTM-by-mail program, but that's going to be close to $1000 as well.

As others have said, you're not going to find what you're looking for for $500, unfortunately. With that budget, if you can make OTR work, you should do that and get it tailored. Keep an eye on the B&S forum and Yoox for something wedding-appropriate.
Reply
Reply
post #10 of 14
1/16/13 at 11:56am
Try to find a J Hilburn rep in your area. Erin Neihaus is great. They will measure you and custom makes shirts. Their suits are made to measure. There might be a minimal amount of tailoring. The fabrics are from the highest quality Italian mills. They run around 725.
Reply
Reply
post #11 of 14
1/16/13 at 12:54pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. Six View Post

Taylor Stitch has an affiliate thread in SW&D but hasn't provided a lot of detail about their MTM suit program. You could PM them for more info. http://www.styleforum.net/t/303406/taylor-stitch-official-affiliate-thread

I'm pretty sure they are well north of $2000.
Reply
Reply
post #12 of 14
1/16/13 at 1:23pm
^ TS said that they start at $998, but "the sweet spot is $1300-2000." http://www.styleforum.net/t/303406/taylor-stitch-official-affiliate-thread/465#post_5988323
Edited by Mr. Six - 1/16/13 at 2:15pm
Reply
Reply
post #13 of 14
1/16/13 at 2:10pm

Not for $500.

 

You can get _something_ for under $1000 from Al's Attire in North Beach. However, once you start looking at quality fabrics the price will go over $1000.

 

As somebody else have said, you'd be better off by getting a ready to wear item and then tailoring it.  If you're new to suits, it is the way to go anyway.

Reply
Reply
post #14 of 14
1/16/13 at 9:25pm
Thread Starter 

Thanks all!

 

Any recommendations for off the rack brands?

Reply
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Classic Menswear

Featured Stories on Styleforum

Allen Edmonds Appreciation Thread
Join the discussions now - Join Styleforum
Marketplace: Classic menswear, shoes, and accessories
Styleforum › Forums › Men's Style › Classic Menswear › MTO/Bespoke Suit for Under $500 in San Francisco