Ask A Question, Get An Answer... - Post All Quick Questions Here (Classic menswear)

dah328 · Nov 10, 2009

Originally Posted by Edward

I'm 5'10" and most of my suits and jackets, accumulated over several years, are size 44R (traditional fit). However a while back I noticed that my clothes were starting to get tight on me. I took myself in hand and over the last 6 months have lost 13 pounds and hope to lose another 7 and get down to a size 42 or 43. Right now the only clothes I have that fits me properly is a 44R slim cut suit and a couple of old jackets, from when I was younger and slimmer. Once I get to my desired weight, can my other suits be cut down without looking ridiculous or do I have to start all over again accumulating suits and jackets?
There are lots of threads on this topic. Here are a sampling and a search will turn up more:

http://www.styleforum.net/showthread.php?t=97205
http://www.styleforum.net/showthread.php?t=116525
http://www.styleforum.net/showthread.php?t=114863

dah328 · Nov 10, 2009

Originally Posted by John_Edward

On sports coats/blazers:

If I can find an OTR sports coat for $100 which fits as if it were tailored, is there any reason to spend $300 for the same style of coat simply because it's a better brand and of better construction and better material?

I tried on a GAP grey herringbone sports coat and was surprised it fit so well (had accurate waist suppresion) for $100. I don't remember the button stance being so off, but in the pictures on the website, it looks well high (yuck). I've got to try on (nearly) the same style sports coat from J Crew, which is about $250. I trust the quality and value for money offered by J Crew, so spending more's not out of the question, whereas spending $100 more for the same BR sports coat being offered at GAP is pissing money away.

At what price point does finer quality and longevity become less of a factor (Ã la H&M's strategy in essence)?
Better fabrics will generally feel better, look better, and last longer than lesser fabrics. Better construction is generally more comfortable and longer lasting. A quality suit will cost more but should last longer. Even if the better suit's longer lifespan is the same as its multiple in cost over a lesser suit, you will have the use of a good suit for each wearing rather than the serial use of two lesser suits.

That said, if you are comparing Gap, BR, and JCrew offerings, they are all at the low end of the quality spectrum. Certainly one may be better than another, but it is hard to imagine any of them being two or three times better than another. If I were choosing among those, I would pick the one that fit best with little expectation as to how well it would wear, etc.

EZETHATSME · Nov 10, 2009

Originally Posted by runni

LINK
Quick trying on. Is it good matching for smth like prom?

Looks sharp to me. Have fun!

EZ

John_Edward · Nov 10, 2009

Originally Posted by dah328

That said, if you are comparing Gap, BR, and JCrew offerings, they are all at the low end of the quality spectrum. Certainly one may be better than another, but it is hard to imagine any of them being two or three times better than another. If I were choosing among those, I would pick the one that fit best with little expectation as to how well it would wear, etc.
Thanks. Was leaning towards that rationale as well. I couldn't work out exactly how the BR or J Crew offerings would make sense at two- or three-times the price. I'm not planning to keep these long-term. I just haven't got any sports coats which fit at the moment so thought it best to buy a few colors and patterns I've not got and phase them out with better quality items over time. Where should I be looking for better quality/better value for money at the $150-300 price range or am I stuck with these options until the sales hit the finer high-street shops?

premo · Nov 10, 2009

I've been invited to a "semi-formal" (not the tux version of semi-formal but the kind of semi-formal where women wear knee length dresses) diner by this young lady who specified she would be wearing a black dress with teal mid-section. What do I wear to work with this without over-doing it?

stevenvg · Nov 11, 2009

anyone can tell me more about the international shoe company? not sure if i should pull the trigger on one of their vintage boots. apparently they bought florsheim in the 50s..

http://www.furniturebrands.com/Our-C...r-History.aspx

thanks.

dah328 · Nov 12, 2009

Originally Posted by John_Edward

Where should I be looking for better quality/better value for money at the $150-300 price range or am I stuck with these options until the sales hit the finer high-street shops?
Sales or second-hand are probably your only chance of getting a jacket in the next tier of quality in that price range.

acconrad · Nov 13, 2009

since the following jacket is 3/4 length, is it acceptable to wear with a suit?

or are peacoats a bit too informal for suit wear?

incastoutcast · Nov 13, 2009

^I'd say it's fine. Generally my only length measurement for a coat over a suit is that it is longer than the suit...

Nicola · Nov 13, 2009

Peacoats aren't really the thing to wear over a suit.

But is that a peacoat? I can't tell from that picture.

3/4 length isn't an issue. Many overcoats these days aren't full length.

Dan e gee · Nov 13, 2009

What about this question? Does anybody have any info/comments on 57T blazers?
I've seen a couple that look nice on Yoox, but I don't really know about this make, ie; Their fabrics, the fit, etc, etc.
Help would be appreciated,
Thanks.

winston · Nov 13, 2009

Can anyone tell me if it would be inadvisable to wax a cotton coat that wasn't previously a waxed coat? I'm looking to thoroughly waterproof a raincoat which may only currently be showerproof.

Hummingbird · Nov 13, 2009

Pocket Squares:
I have just acquired my first blazer. It's wool and is a deep charcoal color (flecked - it's the +J wool flannel one in "dark grey"). I plan on wearing it with a white shirt, and greyish blue tie and pants of indeterminate color. (Perhaps Navy, perhaps grey.)

I'm wondering what color pocket square to get? Do I base the pocket square on the color of the shirt? On the tie? Is wearing a white shirt with a white pocket square taboo? Where are some pointers on this?

Thanks : )

John_Edward · Nov 13, 2009

Originally Posted by Hummingbird

I'm wondering what color pocket square to get? Do I base the pocket square on the color of the shirt? On the tie? Is wearing a white shirt with a white pocket square taboo? Where are some pointers on this?

I don't wear pocket squares, but I've always understood the rule to be that it should match the least used color of any of the pieces.

acconrad · Nov 13, 2009

Also: if I'm a 44R in suit, should I be a 46R for an overcoat?

Ask A Question, Get An Answer... - Post All Quick Questions Here (Classic menswear)

Distinguished Member

Distinguished Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Distinguished Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Distinguished Member

Senior Member

Distinguished Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Classic Menswear Featured products

FEATURED PRODUCTS

Similar threads

Featured Sponsor

Definitely full canvas only

Half canvas is fine

Really don't care

Depends on fabric

Depends on price

Forum Sponsors

Forum statistics

FOLLOW STYLEFORUM ON: