Best Suit in the $300 - $400 range

[peterparker20]

Hello everyone--

I haven't purchased a suit in about 5 years --- and it's definitely time for a new one.

Why am I looking in the $300 - $400 range you might ask?

Well first, I just can't justify spending a ton of money on a suit, even if I can afford it.

Secondly, I used to get a lot of use out of suits ---- these days, I probably wear one maybe 6 times a year. No use in spending a lot on a component of your wardrobe that gets such little use.


I particularly am looking for a new suit for interview reasons --- so something navy or charcoal.


So far, I was looking at BB Suiting Essentials which doesn't seem to get a lot of love here. $450 after their promo --- and possibly free minor alterations.

Suit Supply is $450 ---- but they also nail you on alterations --- making the total price a little too much for me.


Other than that, I've noticed some 1818 BB suits in the classifieds for around $350 or so--- that would perfect --- the only problem is I don't see a solid color that is my size yet, at least in the slim cut Fitzgerald. And it looks like Steve Smith decided to take a vacation this week --- damn haha.

I did try the 1818 Fitzgerald on in the BB store --- I thought I would have a little too much pudge for the cut, but it actually fit perfectly. Like, damn good. I was almost tempted just to pay retail (would have been about $750) --- but I just can't justify spending that much --- for a suit that's not going to get much use.

Any other strategies I should try here? I'm trying to change careers here, and am already getting phone calls and interest my way --- I may need to have a suit, tailored, in as little as two weeks from today.

I can try Nordstrom Rack and Marshalls, as I've heard some people occasionally find gems there. Not sure if I will since I live in Yuppie Central.

 

[peterparker20]

What other places might I look at as well?

Should I look towards Jos a Bank and Joseph Abbound as well? They're comfortably in that range.

 

[Locke42]

What other places might I look at as well?

Should I look towards Jos a Bank and Joseph Abbound as well? They're comfortably in that range.

I believe Indochino's Essential suits are within that range, too. Maybe on the high end of that price.

 

[manchambo]

What other places might I look at as well?

Should I look towards Jos a Bank and Joseph Abbound as well? They're comfortably in that range.

I have had a lot of luck at Dillard's periodic sales. A few times a year they have a sale that's 50% off already reduced suits. Some of their stores have Hickey Freeman and some nice Cremieux suits that are made by Isaia. By shopping those sales religiously, I've been able to get two Mainline Hickey Freeman Suits that were $1500 for around $350 each, two of the Cremieux/Isaia suits for about the same price, and a handful of good to decent sport coats.

 

[Magnanimist]

Another option is to look for a good quality suit in your size on eBay. A few alterations and you're set. Some risk sure, but quality is worth the price.

However, if i were you, I'd go ahead and get the BB suit. It fits and the quality is sufficient.

If you go any cheaper, it will show.

Here's the question you need to ask yourself: what is the investment in my new career worth?

Hint: it's not "discount" or "on sale"

In other words: dress like you mean it.

 

[Mr Engineer]

You could get a Ralph Lauren suit in that range at Macys

 

[peterparker20]

However, if i were you, I'd go ahead and get the BB suit. It fits and the quality is sufficient.


Here's the question you need to ask yourself: what is the investment in my new career worth?

Man ... you definitely are making me reconsider.

I may take another look at suit supply though as well.

 

[EvilTuna7]

Man ... you definitely are making me reconsider.

I may take another look at suit supply though as well.

It's absolutely worth investing a little extra into a good suit. If you get one that fits right and looks good on you, you'll probably end up wearing a suit more than you have in the past. Also, if you have a relatively normal body shape and find a suit that fits you well off the rack, alterations shouldn't be too costly.

 

[Troilus]



I particularly am looking for a new suit for interview reasons --- so something navy or charcoal.

There are a lot of options at pricepoint, and I would say if you're not employed yet, you shell out big bucks. You will not jeopardize your employment chances by limiting yourself to a suit that fits your budget.

So far, I was looking at BB Suiting Essentials which doesn't seem to get a lot of love here. $450 after their promo --- and possibly free minor alterations.

BB suiting is a fine entry-level staple, and the savings on alterations will make it equivalent to JAB or others you've mentioned. I still have one I wear for rainy days and flying.

Suit Supply is $450 ---- but they also nail you on alterations --- making the total price a little too much for me.

I think you can find Suit Supply for a bit cheaper, but that's what it'll come to all in.

Other than that, I've noticed some 1818 BB suits in the classifieds for around $350 or so--- that would perfect --- the only problem is I don't see a solid color that is my size yet, at least in the slim cut Fitzgerald. And it looks like Steve Smith decided to take a vacation this week --- damn haha.

As a repeat Steve Smith customer, I can say that's a very good option (although patience is needed, as you've seen. Given your time window, it may not be reasonable. Even if he was here, alterations take some time.

Any other strategies I should try here?

Benjamin Sartorial is another good option, if they have anything in that price range (they may have increased to about $500 a suit at this point). See eHaberdasher for their selection.

 

[Magnanimist]

Good luck...buy a good quality suit. Your career is worth it.