How many suits to get by on?

[Monster]

I work in an quasi-casual atmosphere.

Most wear business casual, but a good number are in suits everday.

I want to move from the former to the latter. Considering ordering a few custom suits (Chan? Mytailor.com?).

At $1kish I could probably afford 3-4 suits right now, but would it not look obvious (nevermind being bad for the suit) if I'm wearing the same suits every week?

I own 2 suits right now, both of which from before I lost 20ish pounds..so they aren't exactly flattering.

 

[Jared]

In Men's Style: The Thinking Man's Guide To Dress, Russell Smith's recommendation is to acquire work suits in this order:

1. Charcoal
2. Navy
3. Mid-grey
4. One of the above in stripe or windowpane
5. Something lighter for summer
6. Whatever you want

Although he also suggests that, depending on your lifestyle, you should consider purchasing an evening (black) or weekend (brown) suit for your fourth, perhaps alternating after that.

 

[a tailor]

first get your present suits altered.
for four grand you can get 6 nice suits and all the shirts ,ties,belts etc you need .that is if you shop the sales wisely. remember, "fit comes first" you can buy the most expensive suit. but if it fits badly it looks like crap.

 

[Monster]

Originally Posted by a tailor

first get your present suits altered.
for four grand you can get 6 nice suits and all the shirts ,ties,belts etc you need .that is if you shop the sales wisely. remember, "fit comes first" you can buy the most expensive suit. but if it fits badly it looks like crap.

I definitely don't plan on buying OTR. Will be looking to get some made, whether it be from Chan ro a place like mytailor.com


If I figure an average price of about $750 or so, I can go with about 5 suits. Added to the fact that there is no pressure for me to wear suits (i can wear just slacks, or a jacket If I so desire), i should be fine wiht that.

And thanks, I think I will get mine tailored to see what they can do with them.

 

[Monster]

*double post*

 

[william]

Originally Posted by Monster

I work in an quasi-casual atmosphere. Most wear business casual, but a good number are in suits everday. I want to move from the former to the latter. Considering ordering a few custom suits (Chan? Mytailor.com?). At $1kish I could probably afford 3-4 suits right now, but would it not look obvious (nevermind being bad for the suit) if I'm wearing the same suits every week? I own 2 suits right now, both of which from before I lost 20ish pounds..so they aren't exactly flattering.
Whoever you decide to go with I wouldn't order all the suits at the same time. It took me a few suits to figure out what I wanted. Also, from my experience discounted Isaia suits from Sierra Trading Post are one of the best options for anyone buying a suit. I have a cheap off the rack suit that was altered, a semi-bespoke sportcoat, a MTM Samuelsohn and an Isaia from STP that I paid $500 for ($2600 retail). The Isaia is hands down the best of the bunch.

 

[rnoldh]

Originally Posted by Chris Rimby

Whoever you decide to go with I wouldn't order all the suits at the same time. It took me a few suits to figure out what I wanted.

Also, from my experience discounted Isaia suits from Sierra Trading Post are one of the best options for anyone buying a suit. I have a cheap off the rack suit that was altered, a semi-bespoke sportcoat, a MTM Samuelsohn and an Isaia from STP that I paid $500 for ($2600 retail). The Isaia is hands down the best of the bunch.

I agree with a tailor above "That fit is most important!".

But you seem set on MTM, so fit should not be a problem

BTW: For Chris above. When you eventually get your Bespoke Mahon that you have posted about, could you give us a comparison, in your opinion to your Isaia STP suit? I ask because some of us are a ways from Bespoke Mahon, but very nice Isaias from STP are within reach.

 

[mateja]

i own 4 suits and am very happy with them. Gives me some choices as to which suit i can wear to work on which day! I think its best to have more suits then less!

 

[GBR]

Originally Posted by Monster

I work in an quasi-casual atmosphere.

Most wear business casual, but a good number are in suits everday.

I want to move from the former to the latter. Considering ordering a few custom suits (Chan? Mytailor.com?).

At $1kish I could probably afford 3-4 suits right now, but would it not look obvious (nevermind being bad for the suit) if I'm wearing the same suits every week?

I own 2 suits right now, both of which from before I lost 20ish pounds..so they aren't exactly flattering.


Four would be sufficient and I would strongly urge you to go to Chan.

You would probably stop wearing you your existing ones when you get the Chans unless they are worth altering as a short term move until you can add.