Ermenegildo Zegna suit: a good value at $1,050?

[JSWBAR]

Kindly ignore the tie and shirt -- I know they don't look that great and the shirt is far too big in the collar, but it's the only one that was available in my sleeve size that I could borrow at the moment. I'm still waiting for my clothes to arrive here. I also apologize for the stereotypical bathroom mirror pictures, I wanted to get this posted now that I'm having my doubts.

Anyway, I'm a college student at the moment, looking to get a good internship and job right now, as well as a suit that would work well for the opera and ballet when I get a chance to go. I have a lot of suits at the moment, but none are that great -- Jones New York and the like. I was at one of the many outlet malls in Orlando and came across a Zegna outlet, where they had this suit at 50% off, marked down from $2,100 to $1,050. I bought it on Friday, with assurances (in writing) from the manager that he would give me a week to make a decision as to keep it or not and get a refund, something they normally don't do. So I went ahead and bought it.

However, I also have to travel to Moscow this summer for a month. Fortunately, I'll be staying with a niece of my Russian tutor, so I won't have hotel expenses, but I obviously would like to do all the touristy things and take a side trip to St. Petersburg and the Mariinsky Theater. I don't work at the moment, so money is coming out of my diminishing savings and investments.

The suit is Super 150, three button, fully canvassed, double vented, and a charcoal grey. It is not one of the suits made for the outlet stores, but rather from last season's stock at Sak's. I still have to have the alterations done, and have an appointment with the tailor tomorrow for them to be done. However, I don't know if I should follow through, as the tickets to Moscow cost about the same as the suit! It won't prevent me from going, but it may cut into my spending money over there.

The colors are more true to life in the pictures of me wearing it, but I notice that it is pulling in the same. I didn't see the pull at the store, but it shouldn't be too hard to fix with alterations, right?

So, what do you all think? Should I keep the suit and my appointment, or should I return the suit and buy something cheaper? If I look for something less, what other brands would you recommend? I really like the feel of the suit and think it would look great, it's only the cost:value ratio that concerns me right now.

 

[antirabbit]

You can do much better here in our BS threads or on one of our affiliate stores at the top of the page, like VCH, Shop The Finest, or EHaberdasher.
On these you could perhaps get: Kiton, Borrelli, Attolini, Isaia, etc.

 

[Lucky7]

Originally Posted by antirabbit

You can do much better here in our BS threads or on one of our affiliate stores at the top of the page, like VCH, Shop The Finest, or EHaberdasher.
On these you could perhaps get: Kiton, Borrelli, Attolini, Isaia, etc.

+1 Get your money back and hit the BS threads!!!!

 

[embowafa]

I didn't see an option for 'f*** the suit, I need to concentrate on trying to bang my tutor's niece"

- assuming she's hot, of course.

As for the suit....eh, it's ok. Is it $1,000 ok? I'm not so sure...especially considering you are a poor college student at the moment.

 

[dkzzzz]

It is a 3-button. Meh-h-h-h

P.S. Mariinski theater is closed during summer months unless you are gong in early June.

 

[TC (Houston)]

Originally Posted by embowafa

As for the suit....eh, it's ok. Is it $1,000 ok? I'm not so sure...especially considering you are a poor college student at the moment.

+1

It's all a matter of your personal priorities, but I think the fact that you are even asking the question indicates that travel and enrichment of your education would be a lot more valuable to you than a $1k suit, even if it represents a comparitive value (which in this case I don't think it does, as other have said, you can do better for less).

Good luck to you, I hope the niece is hot.

 

[Douglas]

Originally Posted by antirabbit

You can do much better here in our BS threads or on one of our affiliate stores at the top of the page, like VCH, Shop The Finest, or EHaberdasher.
On these you could perhaps get: Kiton, Borrelli, Attolini, Isaia, etc.

Respectfully, this is a great B&S myth, IMHO.

Kiton, Borrelli, Attolini, and Isaia rarely come up on the B&S forum, and when they do, it's a total crapshoot that they'll be in your size. It is also well-nigh impossible to find any of these suits in basic colors like solid charcoal.

Even on the e-commerce sites mentioned, it's hard to find solids in the proper size, and since you're also dealing with the Internet, it's often quite difficult to sort out what maker's designs work best for you.

That's not to say that bargains aren't out there - they are - but you have to

a) Be very educated on what you want, e.g. know which designers work for you, and

b) Have the luxury of time. It's like sitting at a lake that's 95% full of fish you don't want, and 5% full of fish you do want, and you've gotta wait a long time for the right kind of fish to bite.

You can definitely get a cheaper suit - and maybe you should get a cheaper suit, but I personally don't think $1000 is atrocious for a Zegna suit, particularly if you have a specific need today to buy one. This is a suit that will last you plenty of years.

EDIT: I see from the basted sleeves this is a Zegna Couture suit - which makes it an even better buy.

EDIT 2: Unfortunately, I don't think it fits you all that well, now that I look at the pics a little more clearly. The shoulder fit does not look right to me. But I'm a moron, so you really probably shouldn't be listening to me anyways.

 

[needshoehelp]

Originally Posted by Douglas

Respectfully, this is a great B&S myth, IMHO.

Kiton, Borrelli, Attolini, and Isaia rarely come up on the B&S forum, and when they do, it's a total crapshoot that they'll be in your size. It is also well-nigh impossible to find any of these suits in basic colors like solid charcoal.

Even on the e-commerce sites mentioned, it's hard to find solids in the proper size, and since you're also dealing with the Internet, it's often quite difficult to sort out what maker's designs work best for you.

Couldn't agree more. Solid, basic colors just don't come up often. Everyone says wait for B&S but you could end up waiting forever for a solid charcoal or navy.

$1k for Zegna is okay. But for that amount of money it should be a perfect fit, you should love it, and have no qualms about spending that money.

 

[airportlobby]

A good charcoal suit , which that is, can easily be worth $1K. But is it worth it to you? I'd say probably not, since it doesn't sound like it is a necessity. Also, the shoulders look a bit big for you.

 

[meauounji]

I hear Benjamin Sartiorial over at eHaberdasher is an excellent value for the money ($600 for quality full canvassed suits in classic colors). Nitro on ebay also sells Isaia at consistently around $1000. There are other sellers on ebay also sells quality NWT suits on ebay that are usually referred to as pricey by ebay standards, but they typically offer either better/consistent selection, a return policy, or both. The true "deals" I've found usually fall squarely under what Douglas describes as few and far in between.

Douglas: Some regular zegna now has basted sleeves, so that doesn't actually tell us whether this is a Couture.

JSWBAR: You should NOT keep the suit, not because Zegna at $1000 is a "bad" buy, depending on who you're asking, but most importantly because the suit looks entirely too big on you!.

 

[JSWBAR]

Originally Posted by needshoehelp

Couldn't agree more. Solid, basic colors just don't come up often. Everyone says wait for B&S but you could end up waiting forever for a solid charcoal or navy.

$1k for Zegna is okay. But for that amount of money it should be a perfect fit, you should love it, and have no qualms about spending that money.

I just put the jacket back on, and it isn't pulling with my arms down. It's only when I start moving my shoulders around that it starts to pull and the shoulders start to shift around. It goes back to "fit" immediately once my arms are down. Is that a problem? What should I be looking for in terms of fit problems now and in the future?

I do love the suit, I'm just worried about spending money. I have some expensive hobbies (ballroom dance for example, $60-$85/hour for a lesson, 2 lessons a week) and go ot a private college, so money is always a worry. My family supports me, but cash infusions are sporadic.

The sales people at the outlet seemed kind of willing to negotiate -- if I were to go back, what price range should I try and get from them?

Originally Posted by Douglas

Respectfully, this is a great B&S myth, IMHO.

Kiton, Borrelli, Attolini, and Isaia rarely come up on the B&S forum, and when they do, it's a total crapshoot that they'll be in your size. It is also well-nigh impossible to find any of these suits in basic colors like solid charcoal.

Even on the e-commerce sites mentioned, it's hard to find solids in the proper size, and since you're also dealing with the Internet, it's often quite difficult to sort out what maker's designs work best for you.

That's not to say that bargains aren't out there - they are - but you have to

a) Be very educated on what you want, e.g. know which designers work for you, and

b) Have the luxury of time. It's like sitting at a lake that's 95% full of fish you don't want, and 5% full of fish you do want, and you've gotta wait a long time for the right kind of fish to bite.

You can definitely get a cheaper suit - and maybe you should get a cheaper suit, but I personally don't think $1000 is atrocious for a Zegna suit, particularly if you have a specific need today to buy one. This is a suit that will last you plenty of years.

EDIT: I see from the basted sleeves this is a Zegna Couture suit - which makes it an even better buy.

EDIT 2: Unfortunately, I don't think it fits you all that well, now that I look at the pics a little more clearly. The shoulder fit does not look right to me. But I'm a moron, so you really probably shouldn't be listening to me anyways.

The impetus for buying the suit was an invitation to a fairly high-class party this Friday actually. The guy who is hosting the party knows me and what I have to wear, but I definitely think I'd be out of place with everyone else. I want to look good for the networking possibilities too. I plan on going to the Orlando Opera on Sunday too.

I wear suits all the time -- I'm a business student, so I'm in one at least two days a week, generally more often.

I also have to admit that I'd feel pretty awkward wearing second hand things, and buying something over the internet like clothes or shoes makes me nervous as to fit and actual condition. I also checked the sites recommended, and they had nothing in a 38R for the brands suggested that caught my eye.

Originally Posted by dkzzzz

It is a 3-button. Meh-h-h-h

P.S. Mariinski theater is closed during summer months unless you are gong in early June.

I'm leaving late May actually, be back in the States late June. But what's wrong with a three button? I know the two button is more classic, but it isn't a major mistake, is it?

 

[JSWBAR]

Originally Posted by meauounji

I hear Benjamin Sartiorial over at eHaberdasher is an excellent value for the money ($600 for quality full canvassed suits in classic colors). Nitro on ebay also sells Isaia at consistently around $1000. There are other sellers on ebay also sells quality NWT suits on ebay that are usually referred to as pricey by ebay standards, but they typically offer either better/consistent selection, a return policy, or both. The true "deals" I've found usually fall squarely under what Douglas describes as few and far in between.

Douglas: Some regular zegna now has basted sleeves, so that doesn't actually tell us whether this is a Couture.

JSWBAR: You should NOT keep the suit, not because Zegna at $1000 is a "bad" buy, depending on who you're asking, but most importantly because the suit looks entirely too big on you!.

Is Benjamin Sartorial a better deal at $600+shipping than Zegna at $1000? I found one suit that I like there, what do you all think?

What would you need to tell the difference between Couture and regular Zegna? Would it be worthwhile to try and turn around and sell it if it is a Couture?

Sorry about swamping the forum with questions, but I've only been lurking a couple of weeks.

Edit: Would it be a good idea to get the matching vest for the Benjamin at $99?

 

[The_Foxx]

couture has handsewn buttoholes (and more handwork in other areas, but buttonholes is where you can tell). What is the model of the suit, on the white tag inside the pocket? If this is a Milano suit (I can't tell from your photos, shoulders are hard to judge) and trousers are flat with a single dart instead of pleats on each side, you could at BEST flip the suit for around $1200. Maybe.

Originally Posted by JSWBAR

Is Benjamin Sartorial a better deal at $600+shipping than Zegna at $1000? I found one suit that I like there, what do you all think?

What would you need to tell the difference between Couture and regular Zegna? Would it be worthwhile to try and turn around and sell it if it is a Couture?

Sorry about swamping the forum with questions, but I've only been lurking a couple of weeks.

Edit: Would it be a good idea to get the matching vest for the Benjamin at $99?

 

[JSWBAR]

Originally Posted by The_Foxx

couture has handsewn buttoholes (and more handwork in other areas, but buttonholes is where you can tell). What is the model of the suit, on the white tag inside the pocket? If this is a Milano suit (I can't tell from your photos, shoulders are hard to judge) and trousers are flat with a single dart instead of pleats on each side, you could at BEST flip the suit for around $1200. Maybe.

It has keyhole buttonholes (so probably not handsewn), and the pants are pleated. Is the model denoted by "modello" on the tag? If so, it is 2142R3. I don't think it is Couture.

And after tax on my original purchase, the possible profit of about $75 isn't enough to really bother trying to sell it even if it were a Couture.

I suppose I'll return it based upon the general consensus here. I did try a search here and at Ask Andy, and while there's not much on it I think that, given my reservations about eBay and such, I'll probably pick up a Benjamin Sartorial unless there's any other suggestions. I'll keep an eye out for suits and sportcoats on the other sites as well, but I should pick something good up soon.

 

[harry2quinn]

I would agree that you could do much better. I don't necessarily agree that the B&S forum is such a crapshoot - I consistently spend more time on that forum than any other subforum on this website, I check it for a few minutes about 8-10 times a day - not because I'm OCD, but because I have it set as one of my homepages, and it's all too easy to scroll down and scan. Based on your eHaberdasher pick (which is only available in that one size), I'm guessing you're a 38R. You have no shortage of pieces (solid patterns or otherwise) on the forum these days. Take a look, for example at this Caruso posted there less than an hour ago by Jamison (who is an awesome seller by the way), with a slim fit, which based on your body type would suit you. Or take the Lanvin or Jil Sander suits posted a few days ago. All are in a conservative gray color. And between a Caruso or an RLBL for $500-$600 on one hand and a Zegna for $1000 on the other, I would unhesitatingly go for the former. If I am mistaken here, please correct me. And as a person whose online suit/pant purchases have gone well as well as badly, there is one relatively simple way to do your best to circumvent fit problems. You said you had multiple suits. Take every measurement possible (chest, waist, back shoulder, front shoulder, length BOC, to name some common ones for the jacket; and thigh, knee, ankle, rise, waist, etc measurements for the pants). You may already know this, but I've learned a couple of these lessons the hard way. If there is discrepancy, figure out the measurements from the ones that fit you best, allowing accommodation for a quarter or half inch based on others that fit you reasonable well also. If despite these precautions you still get screwed on fit - flip it on the forum for a minor loss. Of course, as someone mentioned, this requires a bit of time (making it hard to wear a nice suit to those commitments this week) and some patience. But as a fellow student, I think the $500 (or more in terms of worth if you end up going for an Isaia or something like it) would be worth my time.