Hickey options

[houston]

The next suit I was thinking of adding to my wardrobe is a charcoal chalk or pinstripe to round out the other basics I have aquired (navy and charcoal solids, navy pin, khaki summer suit). I work in a conservative office and need something I can wear quite often that looks classy without being trendy or seeming over the top expensive. As I can only afford to buy suits occasionally I have to make sure I hit the nail on the head when I do, so I'm relying on style forum's advice to make sure I'm going in the right direction.

Right now I am heavily leaning toward a hickey freeman madison model 3 button and double vents. I could also opt for this model in a 2 button (currently all my other suits are two buttons. By the way, I am a 42R, about 5'10" and 180. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[johnnynorman3]

How much are you planning on paying? I like the HF Madison model more than all other HF models, but if you are paying anywhere near retail, you can probably do better, though perhaps not in a pinch. Personally, I would go two button as long as the stance is high (on Madison it is pretty high) and has the double vents still. A three button will probably make you look a little stalky.

 

[houston]

Unfortunately I need it quickly and I really don't have much time to wait and search for a good bargain. I was thinking Corneliani, but had problems finding what I wanted from them.

 

[johnnynorman3]

Well, I'd say it represents a pretty good bargain at retail (comparing retail to retail), assuming the fit is good for you. It's a nice cut.

 

[jcusey]

If you don't mind my asking, houston, are you, in fact, from Houston? If so, where are you looking?

 

[houston]

Actually I'm in the DC area.

 

[zjpj83]

Conservative offices still exist? Damn, you are lucky

I don't know if you are thinking Hickey at MSRP, but if you can wait about a week, I'd look online. For the same price: This Belvest is spectacular, if you wanted to try a double breasted. This 3-piece Isaia is also gorgeous, and I would be surprised if you got outbid over $950. I would love either of those suits.

 

[jcusey]

Actually I'm in the DC area.

Oh, well.

In any event, I know that some others have had bad experiences with Hickey MTM, but the suit and the sportcoat that I ordered from them a few years ago were just fine. It's not the most exciting brand in the world, but I think that they offer decent value for the money, particularly if you don't want to chase around all over creation looking for a better deal.

 

[LA Guy]

This 3-piece Isaia is also gorgeous, and I would be surprised if you got outbid over $950.  

I really don't like this seller, although his stuff seems to be genuine.  Note the small print in the auction:

*This an approx. MSRP, not the STREET price (what a retailer may sell it for).

which is a complete piece of bullshit, based on a completely bogus markup.  Lots of higher end manufacturers do not have MSRPs, but there is a customary range of markups.  That is why the retail price for a Zegna suit at Neimans is approx. the same as the retail for the comparable suit at say, Saks.  If this guy tried this stunt with, say Polo, which actually has a MSRP, he would be lying outright.  As it is, he is just misrepresenting the market price of his products by about 1/3.  For comparison, an Gianluca Isaia super 150s tux at Louis (hardly a fly by night operation) retails at just under $2500.  His quoted prices are at Kiton+ levels here.  I would avoid this seller on principle.

 

[zjpj83]

His auction pages are so busy they also should state at the top
Warning: may cause seizures

 

[houston]

While both quite nice suits, I couldn't get away with wearing a black pinstripe or a DB suit frequently to the office, which is how I plan to wear it.

 

[slaavwmr]

I just bought 2 hickey Madisons myself, Charcoal and Grey-Stripe, for $550 each at Rothmans in NYC. Give them a call and see what they still off. I actually bought a Hickey 100% Cashmere overcoat as well. I know people find better buy on ebay but I can't tell what something looks like online so I find it hard to buy suits. Most of Hockey's suits are 2 button. They make a couple 3-button but mainly 2. Call Rothmans, they will ship and you get it on a day or two. 212-777-7400. No, I don't work there, I am unqualified to worrk in the underwear section of K-mart let alone a mens clothing store.