cheap suit threshold

[dapperdude]

What is the maximum amount of $ you would pay for a crappy suit if you needed one in a hurry?

 

[upnorth]

I don't know if you would be wearing a crappy suit for a second time so the value proposition is very poor. Personally if I needed one in a hurry, I'd rent one that fits well first and take the time later to get a better suit. Turning up for an event in a crappy suit is not a good idea.

If I had to answer your original question though, I'd not pay more than $40 for a crappy suit which is likely to be 100% polyester.

 

[dapperdude]

You can rent a suit?! How would it fit?

 

[Joel_Cairo]

Originally Posted by dapperdude

You can rent a suit?! How would it fit?

 

[upnorth]

I don't really know about the States but over where I'm at, suits are very rarely worn and as such, rentals are quite common. These shops usually are able to make simple alterations within a day. The fit is obviously not perfect but it will not be glaringly poor except to the trained eyes.

 

[acidboy]

Can you define "in a hurry"? I suppose you can get a Zara, H&M or some bargain rack suit on the cheap and have some tailoring made in a few days.

 

[lasbar]

Buy a decent one and keep it.

You will wear it to work ,weddings ,funerals and so other many social functions...
There is nothing worse than a crap...It's better in that case not to wear one at all...

 

[SoCal2NYC]

I can't imagine when I would need a suit in a hurry. Even then say if I were traveling with only one suit and something happened to it, I would just go and buy something I'd wear afterwards and give the tailor my sob story to hem the pants while I wait.

 

[dapperdude]

Originally Posted by lasbar

Buy a decent one and keep it.

You will wear it to work ,weddings ,funerals and so other many social functions...
There is nothing worse than a crap...It's better in that case not to wear one at all...

Yes, this is ideal, but somehow it never seems to work out that way for me and for many first-time posters on this forum.

I bought a crappy MW suit a couple years ago for interviews, and after hanging out on SF for awhile, I realize it doesn't fit or look good.

I have scheduled a appointment with Hemrajani this weekend in Pasadena to get measured for their MTM suits, but I suddenly find myself needing a decent suit for some interviews next week.

I imagine I will probably buy a department store suit that's been marked down for ~$300 or so. Macy's is having a sale right now. Where else should I look?

 

[dapperdude]

Originally Posted by SoCal2NYC

I can't imagine when I would need a suit in a hurry. Even then say if I were traveling with only one suit and something happened to it, I would just go and buy something I'd wear afterwards and give the tailor my sob story to hem the pants while I wait.

Sure, I could just drop in to BB and pay almost $1k to get a great suit right away, but I'd rather not pay that much.

Bargains can be had if one has *time* which I do not.

 

[chorse123]

Do you have Filene's Basement in LA? The New York one has 25% off all suits right now. I think Hickey Freeman works out to $450, of which they have a fair number that are interview appropriate, if not ideal. That's a MUCH better deal than a Macy's thing for $300.

I think my cheap suit threshold is probably $150.

 

[Tarmac]

those macys suits which are discounted to $300, they are $300 all year round.

You definitely need to go to an outlet mall type of place, off 5th or Nordstrom rack, last call, etc. Macys will not be any faster about altering them for you.

 

[dapperdude]

Maybe I'm being short-sighted. I just don't wear suits that often, but I probably should just bite the bullet and buy a nice one for special occasions.

 

[Tarmac]

I'm not saying you need to spend more than $300. Just don't spend it at Macys

 

[dapperdude]

Originally Posted by chorse123

Do you have Filene's Basement in LA? The New York one has 25% off all suits right now. I think Hickey Freeman works out to $450, of which they have a fair number that are interview appropriate, if not ideal. That's a MUCH better deal than a Macy's thing for $300. I think my cheap suit threshold is probably $150.
I don't think we have that one here, but I just heard a radio ad for a big sale at "Barney's New York" warehouse in Santa Monica. I might check there. There are also various other warehouse stores here that probably carry discounted brands. I'm looking for something that will flatter my short but athletic physique. I'm 5'5", 142 lbs., 36" chest and 30" waist. Update: I got measured again, and I actually am a 38, but a 36 jacket still looks best and for most brands a 36 fits best. One exception: I tried on a Ben Sherman 36 and it is obviously made for skinny guys!