Advice needed 4 Fine used suits. Big Biceps & 40R

[mybestreality]

Hi. This is my first post here and excited to have found this forum. I have been searching for some great condition modern high end suits but haven't found much yet. I am a 40R (sometimes between a 40 and 42 depending on brand) and a 33 waist. It is a challenge to find anything off the rack that fits me well because of my arms and shoulders and small waist. Many 40R jackets pull in the arms and a bit in the shoulders mainly because of my biceps. I currently have a few Ted Baker 40R jackets which fit well but are maxed out in the arms.

I am looking for recommendations for brands and lines that may fit me well. Also any locations where I can buy good condition suits? I have mainly been focusing on Ebay so far but also don't have a ton of time to dedicate to spend hours and hours hunting through listings. I am considering using a virtual assistant to dig through listings and give me some options. Sometimes hard to tell what is modern vs. what is 20 years old, etc. My goal is to find 5 nice suits without spending the $10k for new.

My Measurements:
Chest: 40.5
Over arms 50
Waist 33
Ouseam 40
Inseam 30
Sleeve length 33
Biceps: 15.5
Neck: 15

Thank you for any advice or tips. It is greatly appreciated and I look forward to your feedback! I would love to give back as well if anyone can help me, maybe we can collaborate somehow?

Sean

 

[Joefitz]

I have almost the same measurements. Arms are 16 flexed. Shoulders fit a suit with 18 in width. EBay has a quick tutorial for suit measurements. EBay has been great. I started only with sellers who had free returns. Anything European did not seem to fit. In the end Hickey Freeman, Oxxford, Corbin and Brooks fit the best. I average about $60 a suit, with the most expensive Oxxford at $115 with shipping.

The key is first make sure you know your measurements. Shoulder is the most important as it can't change. Most 40's are 19. Don't buy any ebay suit without the measurements listed. If you are not sure, considering going to a store or thrift shop and trying them on. Or order suits from eBay with free returns and try some.

Use the eBay search engine with filters. This is a basic built in virtual assistant. But you will have to look at the shoulder measurements individually as well as sleeve length. Get the app on your phone, and go through it on your down time, watching TV etc. It is like going on a treasure hunt. Don't even look at anything in a slim line. EBay changes every day, so if you are persistent, and don't get too bored it will work. Never buy form the phone picture. Always look at a bigger screen before you buy.

Most ebay suits are older, but I like wider lapels and a more classic look. It is a bit of a gamble, but worth it. Of 15 suits that I have bought, 2 do look pretty old, but I wear those on rainy days.

As you want Higher end suits, search for new suits on eBay. They will be more expensive, but a lot less than stores.

 

[mybestreality]

I have almost the same measurements. Arms are 16 flexed. Shoulders fit a suit with 18 in width. EBay has a quick tutorial for suit measurements. EBay has been great. I started only with sellers who had free returns. Anything European did not seem to fit. In the end Hickey Freeman, Oxxford, Corbin and Brooks fit the best. I average about $60 a suit, with the most expensive Oxxford at $115 with shipping.

Thanks for the info, very helpful. I prefer the slim cut of suits but maybe not possible with my build. The search continues...

 

[mybestreality]

First purchase just arrived. A 40R HF Canterbury and I don't like it at all. It's so saggy and baggy I am swimming in it. The measurements were a little bigger than stated but even if it fit perfectly the cut is not flattering. I am wondering is that because this is an older suit? Any thoughts?

Thanks

 

[mybestreality]

This is the fit I am after...

 

[Joefitz]

May have to go bespoke or MTM. Much more expensive. But if you get one, then you will know the exact measurements that work for you. Then you can hunt eBay for the closest measurements to your size for other suits.