Advice Needed - best suit options for my situation

[RichB]

Hi All,

I’m hoping I can get some help with a new suit purchase. For context, I’m a 42 year old management consultant and need a single suit on hand for the very rare occasions when I need one. The occasions when it is appropriate for me to wear a suit only present themselves 1-2 times per year - namely for the rare professional meeting that requires it or wedding/funeral sort of event.

I have lost a bit of weight since I last wore my current suit, and it now seems way too large, especially the pants. Not just in the waist which I know I may be able to take in, but just too much fabric overall; I need something trimmer. I have an athletic build with broader shoulders and a proportionally smaller waist, so I am looking for a trimmer fitting suit, not aggressively so, but not boxy. I’m not looking for “trendy” super skinny lapels that may be out of style or less professional in a couple years, but I also don’t want to look like dated.

Since I will only need a single suit, I’m most comfortable with the versatility of a charcoal color.

Due to the limited amount of wear it will get and the very infrequent dry cleaning (only if something spills on it), I don’t think I need to be very concerned with “durability” as someone who wears one daily/weekly may. I am mostly looking for a well made suit that will look great, so from what I have read it seems that a half-canvassed suit would be a good pick and a fully canvassed may be overkill for my needs.

From the research I’ve done it seems I should be in the $1K price range, give or take a couple hundred, but I’d like to confirm that with those more educated on the topic and get some recommendations for my situation. I do want to mention that my budget is flexible and that although I don’t wear a suit often, when I do I want to look great even if that costs a bit more money. It is important, especially professionally, that I “look the part” when needed.

I initially was looking at a Hugo Boss Johnsons/Lenon suit for $800, but have read negative things about the brand as a whole and think I should rule it out.

I believe I should rule out J Crew / Bonobos due to overall quality for the price point, although I do like the stretch fabrics.

It doesn’t seem like I need the quality of a Hickey Freeman at the $1500 price point, and I think they may be a little less fitted than I would prefer.

I’ve heard mixed reviews on Suit Supply, but am not opposed to it if it best meets my needs. They have a store in Chicago which is a few hours from me but where I’ll need to go to purchase anything of decent quality anyway.

It appears that a Brooks Brothers 1818 in the Fitzgerald cut would be a good choice for me and where I am currently leaning, these are $1K.

Also, I know I can get a good deal by waiting for sales and whatnot, but I am almost certainly going to end up just getting one quickly because I have a need for one in the coming weeks and don’t want to wait. I also want the ability to try it on and not get it online sight unseen because I’m not familiar enough with the fits of the varying brands/cuts. For similar reasons, I will not be going the MTM route unless there is a strong reason to.

I’d welcome and appreciate any feedback, advice, or thoughts based on the above to help me narrow a section or better educate myself.

Thanks!

 

[ThomGault]

I applaud your both your color choice as well as your decision to skip designer and mall brands. If you want to stay classic, I would avoid suit supply, too.
Depending on your location, there should be retailers or tailors to meet your needs. Indeed, a good tailor is more important than a good retailer.

 

[The Millennial Gentleman]

Wow, you have certainly done your research!

I too applaud the color choice and staying away from branded crap.

That being said...if you need a suit "in a few weeks" you are already behind the proverbial 8 ball. You will need time to visit a proper tailor and have the suit fit to you. Especially if you have an athletic build like myself (40" chest 30" waist). You'll need a more "structured" suit. That could take 2 weeks just to tailor properly and not have them rush it.

That being said, I own about 5 Hickey Freeman suits and will swear by them. My newest one is about 10 years old and my oldest is about 30 years old. They are truly lifetime suits. They have different cuts listed as different lines. Find the cut that would work for you.

the BB 1818 is a good choice if you are not looking to step into the Hickey range. Just remember that YMMV in these situations. IMHO, a suit is a great investment that will actually pay for itself over time.

Hope this helps

TMG