Are These Fabrics Appropriate for Interviews?

[VMan]

I own three suits. Two fit well, the third is a solid charcoal Brooks Brothers which is not comfortable to wear, and does not look very flattering on me.

One suit is a medium gray Canali nailhead, the other is a dark gray (with a slight hint of steel blue under certain light) Hickey Freeman nailhead.

Now, I will probably be entering a business casual workplace, so I am a little hesitant to drop big $$$ on a solid charcoal or navy suit that may only be worn for a few interviews. Especially when I already own two perfectly good suits.

Here are the fabrics. Are these alright for interviews? The pic looks a little funny because I shot them quickly with a flash rather than in the studio.

 

[drizzt3117]

I think you could get away with the darker one. The fabric isn't fine IMO. I wouldn't wear these to say, an I-banking interview but for a BC firm I think you'll be fine.

 

[VMan]

Originally Posted by drizzt3117

I think you could get away with the darker one. The fabric isn't fine IMO. I wouldn't wear these to say, an I-banking interview but for a BC firm I think you'll be fine.
Thanks. Both suits are high quality, fairly classic in terms of cut and styling (double pleated pants, 2-button jacket, moderate lapel width and gorge height). Also the flash makes the pattern look a little rougher than it is. When I was a Senior in college, I'd see many guys in class dressed up in suits because they had job interviews to go to later in the afternoon. They would be wearing tan suits in winter, lots of ill-fitting black suits, pinstripes, mustard-yellow or olive-green suits, some double-breasteds, etc. Also, shirts were usually not just plain white, and ties were far from conservative. There were a few properly-dressed students, but I'd say that they probably only represented 20% of what i saw. Do you think employers have gotten used to the fact that most 22-24 year old guys don't know how to wear a suit, and simply give them credit for trying to show respect?

 

[drizzt3117]

Originally Posted by VMan

Thanks. Both suits are high quality, fairly classic in terms of cut and styling (double pleated pants, 2-button jacket, moderate lapel width and gorge height).

When I was a Senior in college, I'd see many guys in class dressed up in suits because they had job interviews to go to later in the afternoon. They would be wearing tan suits in winter, lots of ill-fitting black suits, pinstripes, mustard-yellow or olive-green suits, some double-breasteds, etc. Also, shirts were usually not just plain white, and ties were far less than conservative.

There were a few properly-dressed students, but I'd say that they probably only represented 20% of what i saw. Do you think employers have gotten used to the fact that most 22-24 year old guys don't know how to wear a suit, and simply give them credit for trying to show respect?

Most likely. I think being properly dressed at certain companies (besides being in the East Coast) will get you more points than wearing a suit that is less appropriate will get you points deducted, if that makes any sense. A lot of people wear some ridiculous stuff. I saw some kid out here in East LA that was obviously on the way to a job interview wearing a blue button down shirt that was at least 2 sizes too big with jeans and a tie haha

 

[EL72]

Originally Posted by drizzt3117

I think you could get away with the darker one. The fabric isn't fine IMO. I wouldn't wear these to say, an I-banking interview but for a BC firm I think you'll be fine.

+ 1. While not ideal, the darker one will likely do the trick in your situation. Best of luck with the process.

 

[rnoldh]

Originally Posted by EL72

+ 1. While not ideal, the darker one will likely do the trick in your situation. Best of luck with the process.


+2

Good Luck, and I can't imagine any setting where the darker nail head would not be appropriate, especially for a younger applicant in a BC setting!

 

[Get Smart]

Originally Posted by rnoldh

+2

Good Luck, and I can't imagine any setting where the darker nail head would not be appropriate, especially for a younger applicant in a BC setting!

+3....do you think that this forum sometimes gives *too* much credit to interviewers for their ability to discern "uh oh, he's wearing a light grey nailhead suit...he sure aint gettin this job"

 

[Leaveitothexperts]

Originally Posted by Get Smart

+3....do you think that this forum sometimes gives *too* much credit to interviewers for their ability to discern "uh oh, he's wearing a light grey nailhead suit...he sure aint gettin this job"

Yes, but I still wouldn't turn up in a light colored suit for an interview . . . just in case . . . .

Btw, +4, you should be fine with the darker colored suit . . .

 

[MikeF]

I think the dark one is fine. I interview a lot of people in their mid to late 20s and do take note of what they wear, even if I give it little weight. I do think someone who knows "how to dress for an interview" deserves a little more credit than someone who slaps on a mustard suit.

 

[BDCook]

Originally Posted by VMan

Do you think employers have gotten used to the fact that most 22-24 year old guys don't know how to wear a suit, and simply give them credit for trying to show respect?


No. Atleast not in my industry. I've been involved in the recruiting process for my group (within investment banking), and I can tell you that you don't need to be well dressed...but being poorly dressed can be a deal killer.

A navy blue sack suit that may not fit all that great, with a white shirt and club tie is much better than a tan/mustard suit, with an off-color shirt and patterned tie (that clearly doesn't match).

 

[Leaveitothexperts]

Originally Posted by MikeF

I think the dark one is fine. I interview a lot of people in their mid to late 20s and do take note of what they wear, even if I give it little weight. I do think someone who knows "how to dress for an interview" deserves a little more credit than someone who slaps on a mustard suit.

I guess it is industry dependent, but, I have interviewed quite a few analysts and associates for I-banking, and it rarely is about dress; there simply aren't any points in my book for dress. I believe, that it is easy to give an otherwise intelligent individual tips for dress than it is to convert a "not so smart" one into a "deal-maker" . . . .

 

[itsstillmatt]

Originally Posted by Get Smart

+3....do you think that this forum sometimes gives *too* much credit to interviewers for their ability to discern "uh oh, he's wearing a light grey nailhead suit...he sure aint gettin this job"
+10000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 I have never bothered to notice a suit in an interview, and I would notice. The real world doesn't revolve around suit patterns. Recently, a foundation that I sit on the board of was interviewing a money manager. He wore a black suit and a full Etro get up for shirt and tie. Nobody cared and he was quite impressive and HIRED. OK, so maybe I notice, but I sure as hell don't care.