How much should a suit cost? for work

[Fishbone]

Hello style enthusiasts, as a person that have a passion for fashion I would like to wear a great suit that I can feel comfortable and proud wearing it. I am currently looking at Isetan(I am Japanese)'s made to measure options, I already own one Henry poole MTM and the fit is superb, I love it! The only thing is that these suits cost 260-120 000 jpy(2600-1200usd). I am wondering how much do you guys on average spend on suits for work?

I personally find it justifiable as I believe quality and classic items are worth the price considering the price-per-use, satisfaction-pride-wearing-it as well as comfort goes; but I would like to have some second opinions for this.

 

[GBR]

It is always better to buy the highest quality suit that you are happy to afford. I only commission bespoke suits for work (or any other purpose), usually from one of two excellent bespoke tailors in Hong Kong who know their trade inside out as opposed to having a glossy shop front and salesmen who would say anything but their prayers!

I have had bespoke suits and no others for fifty years, first my late Father's tailor and since then I have chosen my tailors. Fortunately he paid as he wanted me to enjoy the pleasures he ha long enjoyed. I have no regrets.

I would certainly urge you to continue as you are doing and have nothing to do with cheap suits, you will regret any such purchase and would probably not wear it.

 

[Little Luxuries]

Sadly I'd say: it depends on your work. And it also depends on you.

At my old job in management consulting (think something like McKinsey), the partners would often wear the worst, ill-fitting, TM Lewin suits. Clearly, to "fit in" there was no need to get a high-end suit. Likewise, a friend of mine who works in investment banking also mainly wears TM Lewin.

I do not know what your environment is like, but I have found that in many modern workplaces, dressing well can be underappreciated. In short, my point is: do not expect your nice suit to be noticed, or to give you a career benefit.

However, I would definitely say: go for it. You are probably better off getting a nice suit, because:
- Some people definitely do notice, so you will get some props / recognition
- It will feel more comfortable
- Typically, with these expensive items you get the money back. It's like with shoes - a £300 pair of shoes will last 10 years, a £150 pair of shoes 2 years...

 

[useless_username]

It's a highly subjective question as so much depends on the person's tastes, disposable income, etc. This forum has both extremes on display: thrift store guerrillas and guys who wear nothing but high-end bespoke. I would say the Average Joe will baulk at anything over 500 USD for a two-piece.

If the sole objective is to fit in at work, I think almost any suit will do, as long as it's not comically ill-fitting or hideous. Most people just see a suit, and all suits look the same to them.

 

[GBR]

The enjoyment of wearing it is critical. That enjoyment will show through in your work so carry on please. Quality and classic lines as you say will ensure a good life for the suit and in fact will be far more economical that two or three cheap suits.

 

[Veremund]

As long as you look good, no one cares what it costs.

 

[aph999]

Agree with GBR's advice, and the same given to me by grandfather, and father. Consider your suits your uniform, wear them proudly.

 

[BigBadBernard]

Personally I tend to use local MTM suits (c.£900) for everyday work, and keep my nicer bespoke suits for board meetings, smarter work and social events, and similar.

I prefer to spend bespoke money on odd jackets, where you can be a bit more extravagant with cloth selection.

 

[Fishbone]

The enjoyment of wearing it is critical. That enjoyment will show through in your work so carry on please. Quality and classic lines as you say will ensure a good life for the suit and in fact will be far more economical that two or three cheap suits.

Agree with GBR's advice, and the same given to me by grandfather, and father. Consider your suits your uniform, wear them proudly.

Indeed, since so called cheap suits are still fairly pricey anyway, I figured might as well wait a little extra longer and get something truly of quality that I not only feel comfortable wearing but is proud wearing, my suit of armor.