Buying my first suit....clueless on a budget! advice please

[sergasaa]

So I've been lurking these forums for a while now and have found an amazing source of information. I know there are a lot of "first suit" posts, but I was hoping to get some personalized advice as this process can be quite intimidating to someone like me.

First things first - I'm in my mid-20s starting grad school this fall, and I need a basic, conservative suit for job interviews, career fairs, etc. Basically, since this is my first suit and I'm not going to have hundreds of dollars to throw around again for a while, I need this suit to be versatile for many different occasions and hopefully last me at least 5 or 10 years. So far I think I've decided on a 2-piece, single-breasted 2-button charcoal, hopefully 100% wool or at least a wool blend. Notch lapel, flat trousers, no cuffs. Pretty vanilla stuff. Sound good?

Now the problems. First of all, I'm on a budget of ~$500, and frankly even that is stretching it.
Second, my body proportions. I'm about 5'11 or 6'0 and 145lb. I have really narrow shoulders, freakishly long arms, a 32" waist and only 34" chest. No OTR suits seem to come in a size 34, and if they did they would probably be way too short. Also, I'm not sure how I'm supposed to fit my 2" drop body with the standard 6 or 7" drop in OTR suits.

Because of my proportions I was thinking maybe MTM is the way to go? Specifically looking at Thick as Thieves ("conservative cut," ~$500) and Indochino ("essential charcoal suit," $349). Thick as Thieves looks great and I think I could pull it off with my body type, but since I'm in the market for a pretty basic, conservative interviewing suit, I'm worried that even the conservative cut might be a little too fashion-y. With Indochino I'm a little worried about fabric quality and construction. Honestly the price point seems a little too good to be true and I know reviews have been mixed. Furthermore, I really hate the idea of ordering something without seeing it or trying it on. I'm also terrified that I'll get my measurements slightly off and the whole fit will be ruined. Yes, I know I will have to get everything tailored anyway, but what if the shoulders don't fit, or what if the fit is WAY off?

Other options: My local outlet mall has a Brooks Brothers, NM last call, and Saks Off 5th. But would they have a decent selection for $500?

I could try Nordstrom?

And if none of that works, there's always...Jos. A Bank or Men's Wearhouse...(yikes)

Basically, I just want to look like a professional adult for once. But I've had problems fitting into OTR clothes my whole life and at this point I feel like finding an impeccable fit is impossible for me. Just how much magic can a tailor work? Should I go for OTR and then mega tailoring, or MTM and then (hopefully less) tailoring? Are there any other stores that you guys would recommend? Any experiences you'd like to share?

Phew, thanks for making it through this long post. I'd be eternally grateful to anyone who could point me in the right direction and ease some of my angst.

 

[GBR]

Originally Posted by sergasaa

So I've been lurking these forums for a while now and have found an amazing source of information. I know there are a lot of "first suit" posts, but I was hoping to get some personalized advice as this process can be quite intimidating to someone like me.

First things first - I'm in my mid-20s starting grad school this fall, and I need a basic, conservative suit for job interviews, career fairs, etc. Basically, since this is my first suit and I'm not going to have hundreds of dollars to throw around again for a while, I need this suit to be versatile for many different occasions and hopefully last me at least 5 or 10 years. So far I think I've decided on a 2-piece, single-breasted 2-button charcoal, hopefully 100% wool or at least a wool blend. Notch lapel, flat trousers, no cuffs. Pretty vanilla stuff. Sound good?

Now the problems. First of all, I'm on a budget of ~$500, and frankly even that is stretching it.
Second, my body proportions. I'm about 5'11 or 6'0 and 145lb. I have really narrow shoulders, freakishly long arms, a 32" waist and only 34" chest. No OTR suits seem to come in a size 34, and if they did they would probably be way too short. Also, I'm not sure how I'm supposed to fit my 2" drop body with the standard 6 or 7" drop in OTR suits.

Because of my proportions I was thinking maybe MTM is the way to go? Specifically looking at Thick as Thieves ("conservative cut," ~$500) and Indochino ("essential charcoal suit," $349). Thick as Thieves looks great and I think I could pull it off with my body type, but since I'm in the market for a pretty basic, conservative interviewing suit, I'm worried that even the conservative cut might be a little too fashion-y. With Indochino I'm a little worried about fabric quality and construction. Honestly the price point seems a little too good to be true and I know reviews have been mixed. Furthermore, I really hate the idea of ordering something without seeing it or trying it on. I'm also terrified that I'll get my measurements slightly off and the whole fit will be ruined. Yes, I know I will have to get everything tailored anyway, but what if the shoulders don't fit, or what if the fit is WAY off?

Other options: My local outlet mall has a Brooks Brothers, NM last call, and Saks Off 5th. But would they have a decent selection for $500?

I could try Nordstrom?

And if none of that works, there's always...Jos. A Bank or Men's Wearhouse...(yikes)

Basically, I just want to look like a professional adult for once. But I've had problems fitting into OTR clothes my whole life and at this point I feel like finding an impeccable fit is impossible for me. Just how much magic can a tailor work? Should I go for OTR and then mega tailoring, or MTM and then (hopefully less) tailoring? Are there any other stores that you guys would recommend? Any experiences you'd like to share?

Phew, thanks for making it through this long post. I'd be eternally grateful to anyone who could point me in the right direction and ease some of my angst.

There is a lot to be found here on this but cheap MTM might well be your best way forward. It will not be wonderful but it should take into account the dimensions you portray here. Don't worry about "even the conservative cut might be a little too fashion-y.", if it is off the High Street then many others will have similar and it will blend readily.

 

[musicguy]

You're in a tough position. I would strongly suggest steering away from indochino. It only looks good on short slim asian dudes, imo. And since you don't own a suit that fits and you're new to suits, Thick as Thieves may not be the best choice.

Have you thought about working out? I know this is a difficult recommendation, but it might be the best choice for you if you're on a budget and can't go bespoke.

Then again, if you're looking for a cheap suit to hold you over, cheap MTM is probably fine. Just don't expect it to look great.

 

[mlongano]

I don't believe a 34 chest and 32 waist can be accomplished in off the rack, separates, or even in boys (due to lengths, primarily).

Your best bet will probably be MTM.

 

[fss]

MTM sounds understandable considering your proportions. From what I understand Suitsupply opened up in New York this month. They do have a more than decent MTM program in Europe, they might suit you as well.

 

[Testudo_Aubreii]

If those are your measurements, you'll either have to live with OTR coats that are too big in the chest and probably a little too short, or go MTM or bespoke. I don't myself like slim-fit suits, but I don't see why Thick as Thieves or Indochino couldn't produce a decent suit for you at that price. You might also consider Baron Boutique (baronboutique.com), which has produced decent-fitting stuff that's been reviewed on this forum. They seem to allow for more cuts than Indochino's focus on slim fit.

Here's a review of a TaT traditional fit. Looks fine to me, for a first try:
http://www.styleforum.net/showthread.php?t=191781

If you'll be in New York, mysuitny.com could probably do an MTM traditional fit suit in its basic fabric for $500.

I'd probably go with TaT traditional or buy two suits from Baron one after another, the first a cheapie trying to get the fit right.

 

[sportin_life]

First things first - I'm in my mid-20s starting grad school this fall, and I need a basic, conservative suit for job interviews, career fairs, etc...

I'm about 5'11 or 6'0 and 145lb. I have really narrow shoulders, freakishly long arms, a 32" waist and only 34" chest. No OTR suits seem to come in a size 34, and if they did they would probably be way too short. Also, I'm not sure how I'm supposed to fit my 2" drop body with the standard 6 or 7" drop in OTR suits.

If you're just starting grad school, I'm guessing you won't need a suit for interviews for a couple years? If that is the case, I would give it time to fill out your frame before purchasing a suit, especially if you're on a budget. You'll probably gain some weight/bulk up in the upcoming years and waiting until then might be a better approach.

 

[sergasaa]

Thanks for the great advice everyone! Keep it coming!

Originally Posted by sportin_life

If you're just starting grad school, I'm guessing you won't need a suit for interviews for a couple years? If that is the case, I would give it time to fill out your frame before purchasing a suit, especially if you're on a budget. You'll probably gain some weight/bulk up in the upcoming years and waiting until then might be a better approach.

No, unfortunately, I'm definitely going to need a suit in the near future. I'm going to be interviewing as soon as I start because everyone in my program works part-time. (I should add that it's more of a "professional" graduate program like business/law/health professions.) I also need it for more than just interviews but also professional conferences and networking events.

Honestly, I don't think my body is going to change much in the next 2 years, unless I start working out (I should, but I probably won't). I mean, I'm already 25.

So, it's sounding like the consensus is that MTM is going to be better for me? I'm a little scared to take the plunge...

 

[sergasaa]

Originally Posted by fss

MTM sounds understandable considering your proportions. From what I understand Suitsupply opened up in New York this month. They do have a more than decent MTM program in Europe, they might suit you as well.

Suitsupply looks really promising but I don't see any MTM service on their website? is it only in-store? Sadly I'm nowhere near NY.

 

[fss]

Originally Posted by sergasaa

Suitsupply looks really promising but I don't see any MTM service on their website? is it only in-store? Sadly I'm nowhere near NY.

As they have to alter and take measurements they can only offer such a service in-store.

 

[add911_11]

If suit supply is a NO, how about indochinos? as long as you got prefect measurements taken from tailor or ones who know what they are doing, it should turn out quiet well.

If you are located in asian region that would not be a problem. I know G2000 and other HK based company have XXS suits

145lbs for a 6 foot person........ I am quiet skinny but I have 160lbs, same height as you

 

[tgt465]

Have you looked at H&M? They carry size 34 suits in at least some of their line. You might also want to try Zara. While I don't know if they carry size 34 or not, from my observation their suits seemed to run a bit on the small side, so you might be able to fit a 36. Both H&M and Zara might meet your low-budget criteria too.

 

[mlongano]

If you choose the MTM route try to use a tailor who is in your geographic region. The ability to conduct in person fittings greatly enhances the probability of bringing this transaction to a successful conclusion.