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The rebuilding process

stephen10

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Hey Guys,

In the 6-8 weeks, I am going to be rebuilding my wardrobe almost from scratch, so I am looking forward to getting input as I go through that process.

Living in Arkansas, my taste may not run as expensive as others here, but it is still important that I look professional, well put together, and feel confident in what I am wearing.

Some personal and professional background: I am 31 years old, and have worked as an independent life and health insurance broker for the past 7 years, I recently sold my agency and am transitioning into the finance sector with a boutique firm where I will be working in the Qualified Retirement Plan space along with individual asset management.

If that transition didn’t already call for a new wardrobe, I am also in the middle of a total body transformation, where I am halfway to my goal of a 35 pound weight loss.


For meetings with key executives or group presentations that call for a suit, Hugo Boss black label suits purchased as a steep discount ($225-$300 have been my “go to” brand. I have read the general opinion of HB here, and I can’t argue that I have ripped a pair or suit trousers, and had some unexplainable holes before, but I really do love the fit and cut. To stay with Hugo Boss or go with a another brand is another decision that I plan on making in the next few weeks.
 

indesertum

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setting aside construction issues, hugo boss armholes are just way too low and the buttoning stance too high. also it's really hard to find a suit off the rack that actually fits properly without wrinkles and dimples

i would just go with one of these online MTM shops like suit supply. they might be more expensive than you're used to but definitely not unattainable. they'll work with you to make sure their suits fit the way they (and you) want to.

buy one and use one of the fit critiques threads here like the one where actual tailors tell you what they think about the suit fit


but that issue aside i wouldn't buy more clothes until your weight stabilizes. until then just wear what you have. it's kind a waste to find a suit that fits you only for a month or so
 

stephen10

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setting aside construction issues, hugo boss armholes are just way too low and the buttoning stance too high. also it's really hard to find a suit off the rack that actually fits properly without wrinkles and dimples

i would just go with one of these online MTM shops like suit supply. they might be more expensive than you're used to but definitely not unattainable. they'll work with you to make sure their suits fit the way they (and you) want to.

buy one and use one of the fit critiques threads here like the one where actual tailors tell you what they think about the suit fit


but that issue aside i wouldn't buy more clothes until your weight stabilizes. until then just wear what you have. it's kind a waste to find a suit that fits you only for a month or so
I'm definitely not buying any new clothing until I get down to fighting weight, I just spent $150 on a sale at Dillards for a pair of slacks and 3 Calvin Klein shirts because I am running out of cloths that fit me. It is aggravating spending money on cloths that wont fit me next month, but I suppose that is a good thing.

I checked out suit supply and it looks like they have exactly what I am looking for for less than $500, do you have any suits from them, do they look as nice as they do on the website?
 

archetypal_yuppie

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The HB's or any other affordable brand are probably fine unless you want to take everything to the next level, or the next level after that. Listening to people on here will just elevate your tastes to more and more expensive stuff. The more and more expensive stuff tends to look better, but only marginally, and only to people that pay attention (few).

Decided whether you want to start dropping serious coin on clothes. If you do, stick around. If you don't, what wear right now (as long as it fits and is altered correctly) is likely perfectly serviceable.
 
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indesertum

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^what this guy says is true that most people won't care or know the difference, but you're clearly here because you do care and want to know the difference. read the style forum articles, they're actually pretty good

I'm definitely not buying any new clothing until I get down to fighting weight, I just spent $150 on a sale at Dillards for a pair of slacks and 3 Calvin Klein shirts because I am running out of cloths that fit me. It is aggravating spending money on cloths that wont fit me next month, but I suppose that is a good thing. 

I checked out suit supply and it looks like they have exactly what I am looking for for less than $500, do you have any suits from them, do they look as nice as they do on the website?


there's a suit supply thread here as well as a few other mtm options with their own threads. people post their own suits and ask for advice so i would suggest using the search button
 

Gus

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If you can get a basic navy or charcoal grey HB suit under $500, I say go for it. My son and SIL both wear HB and look great. Both have had years of good wear from their HB wardrobe.

As you are getting further into your career and changing your physical shape you might want to try several other brands. Each one will have a different feel and fit that you might prefer. Consider a fairly classic suit from Brooks Brothers as well. Shop now, dial in your size, and then watch for sales.
 

stephen10

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The HB's or any other affordable brand are probably fine unless you want to take everything to the next level, or the next level after that. Listening to people on here will just elevate your tastes to more and more expensive stuff. The more and more expensive stuff tends to look better, but only marginally, and only to people that pay attention (few).

Decided whether you want to start dropping serious coin on clothes. If you do, stick around. If you don't, what wear right now (as long as it fits and is altered correctly) is likely perfectly serviceable.
 
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stephen10

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The HB's or any other affordable brand are probably fine unless you want to take everything to the next level, or the next level after that. Listening to people on here will just elevate your tastes to more and more expensive stuff. The more and more expensive stuff tends to look better, but only marginally, and only to people that pay attention (few).

Decided whether you want to start dropping serious coin on clothes. If you do, stick around. If you don't, what wear right now (as long as it fits and is altered correctly) is likely perfectly serviceable.


I agree, I may take it to the next level if I find a brand that I like for just a little bit more, but I will hold off before I try to take it up any more levels.
 

stephen10

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If you can get a basic navy or charcoal grey HB suit under $500, I say go for it. My son and SIL both wear HB and look great. Both have had years of good wear from their HB wardrobe.

As you are getting further into your career and changing your physical shape you might want to try several other brands. Each one will have a different feel and fit that you might prefer. Consider a fairly classic suit from Brooks Brothers as well. Shop now, dial in your size, and then watch for sales.

$300 is usually my cutoff on HB, because I know that they go for $250-$275 a couple of times per year. This time around I am going to be more selective on my color instead of buying what is still left in early Jan. Since being picker raises my price-point, shopping around and doing my due diligence is exactly what I am doing so I will know exactly what I want when it is time to start cutting checks.
 

Claghorn

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MrG

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Between page 1 and page 212 where should I start?


Do you really expect him to tell you which page would be best for you?

My advice: Begin reading, and, when you hit a point where the advice is relevant to your interests, start there.
 
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stephen10

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Do you really expect him to tell you which page would be best for you?

My advice: Begin reading, and, when you hit a point where the advice is relevant to your interests, start there.

No I was being facetious, I would not expect him to tell me which page to read anymore than I expect myself to read through a 212 page thread that started out about noodles advice and may be "geared towards" something that may help me.
 

Harold falcon

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No I was being facetious, I would not expect him to tell me which page to read anymore than I expect myself to read through a 212 page thread that started out about noodles advice and may be "geared towards" something that may help me.


Have you considered just slitting your wrists and putting us all out of your misery?
 

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