36S/46S Suits - Hard to Find

[Deipnosophist]

Hi,

I'm quite young and still, just about, slim

However, as I find myself more and more interested in fashion, and more and more in situations where formalwear is required, my love for suits has become all the more intense

However, being a UK 36S and US/EU 46S, it's often quite hard for me to find suits my size, as most of them are larger sizes. Does anybody know of brands that have slimmer, smaller suits or is anybody else in my situation?

Many thanks,
Dep

 

[JohnnyLaw]

Quick answer: Zara and H&M

Search the forum for more.

 

[StockwellDay]

Originally Posted by JohnnyLaw

Quick answer: Zara and H&M

Search the forum for more.

Quick answer Johnny, Zara and H&M don't make Shorts.

If you don't have anything constructive to add save the "Search the forum more," speech.

Yes -- 36S are hard to find, especially on sale. STP never has Isaia or Belvest in that size and most B&M stores either don't carry 36s or have so few they hardly ever make it to the sale rack. Unless you want to pay full retail, I suggest going the MTM route.

Four in Hand http://www.fourinhand.com/ (a forum participant) does have a lot of "short" sizes, but I cannot speak to their suits quality.

 

[stickonatree]

Originally Posted by StockwellDay

Quick answer Johnny, Zara and H&M don't make Shorts.

If you don't have anything constructive to add save the "Search the forum more," speech.

Yes -- 36S are hard to find, especially on sale. STP never has Isaia or Belvest in that size and most B&M stores either don't carry 36s or have so few they hardly ever make it to the sale rack. Unless you want to pay full retail, I suggest going the MTM route.

Four in Hand http://www.fourinhand.com/ (a forum participant) does have a lot of "short" sizes, but I cannot speak to their suits quality.

actually there was a thread with almost the exact title that should be around page 4-5 by now, it was on page 1 just a week or 2 ago. even without the shorts, taking them to a tailor would still be the cheapest route, since they are accordingly slim and easily modified to fit a budget, as well as the OP's particular style.

 

[StockwellDay]

Originally Posted by stickonatree

actually there was a thread with almost the exact title that should be around page 4-5 by now, it was on page 1 just a week or 2 ago. even without the shorts, taking them to a tailor would still be the cheapest route, since they are accordingly slim and easily modified to fit a budget, as well as the OP's particular style.
That's a lot more helpful information than "Do a search." Tailors also hate shortening R's to S's. Others with more knowledge can provide input, but I've been told it is not a suggested route.

 

[quevola]

Hi Dep - I'm in the same boat. I'm closer to a 34s, so I even have to tailor my 36s for a better fit. I don't know what your budget is like but on occasion I've found some "decent" (i.e. Brooks Brothers, Boss, Hickey Freeman) suits on ebay at very reasonable prices. My job requires me to wear a suit Monday through Thursday so I've initially stocked up on Macy's quality fused suits and little by little replacing them with better constructed suits. Eventually I'll go MTM - more than likely http://www.thickasthievesla.com/.

Best of luck.

 

[Philosoph]

I don't have one myself (yet), but I understand Thick as Thieves might give you the best bang for your buck.

 

[Deipnosophist]

Thanks for the replies so far everyone. My budget is about £700 maximum ($1400), so perhaps MTM isn't quite feasible yet?

 

[doo888]

I'm not sure about the short length, but do take a look at Ralph Lauren Black Label and Dior Homme. I too am on the thin side (130lbs) but I can get away with a regular length being 5'10, but both produce high quality suits which are cut for the slender figure.

 

[crazyquik]

You should definently be able to get a good suit for $1400 (or several). Even if a regular B&M store doesn't have what you want, they would probably order one for you.

Hickey Freeman, Brooks Bros, and Ralph Lauren all have decent suits in thier boys selection, so you might want to look at some boys size 18 or 20 suits. However there isn't nearly the selection of styles and fabrics available as there are for a men's size 36S.

 

[ephemeralcoherence]

I asked pretty much the same question a while back and got some helpful advice. Hope this helps... http://www.styleforum.net/showthread.php?t=50199

 

[keykoo]

A lot of the "designer" suits are more slim fitted although since you're looking for a short, length is probably an issue as well. I doubt very much that you would be able to find a 36S in any brick and mortar store in the US except possibly Paul Stuart. I have on ide on the availability of sizes in the UK. If I were you I would consider Thick as Thieves.

If you're actually a 36R then just wait around till the first round of sales and you should be able to find a couple of decent deals. I just got a Jil Sander suit from Barney's in a 36 a week or so ago.

 

[Philosoph]

If I had $1400 to spend, I'm sure I'd be able to find something.

I believe Thick as Thieves suits are roughly $450 for forum members, so you could get three for that price.

 

[stickonatree]

Originally Posted by StockwellDay

That's a lot more helpful information than "Do a search." Tailors also hate shortening R's to S's. Others with more knowledge can provide input, but I've been told it is not a suggested route.
i would guess that it's usually not a suggested route because it may throw off the balance of the jacket. it's also difficult to angle the sleeve hems at the correct angle (if they had any to start with), and if buttons need to be moved, that's always a pain. sleeve alterations cost more than they should seem, around $25 per sleeve.

 

[TKDKid]

Originally Posted by Deipnosophist

Thanks for the replies so far everyone. My budget is about £700 maximum ($1400), so perhaps MTM isn't quite feasible yet?

I'm guessing you're in the UK, in which case you may find this thread of interest.