If I don't like the fit of the suit I just bought, what are my options?

[Farmgate]

Bought a Zegna last week; my goal was to get it trim and tight, like the Theory suits I've been wearing of late. I didn't want a classic, boxy suit. I wanted it trim, fit suit like the suits Ryan Seacrest/Mad Men are rocking these days. The Zegna was "trim" according to the clerk, and he said, "I wouldn't find one trimmer".

Despite the sales clerk's encouragement, I didn't like the shape of the suit in the fitting room (I am a true 38 short and their was about a thumb's space between my stomach and the jacket). There was too much material around my chest.

I asked the store's tailor if he could bring the jacket in on the sides. He told me that he could cut something in the back and get the trim shape I was seeking. He said if he tightened up the sides, from the sides, it would create a noticeable crease in the front of the jacket, which would make it look too small and ridiculous-looking. I then took the next size down. (38). Good. I was happy.

Also he said he could not taper the pants becaue it would create wrinkles that would distract from the look of the suit.

So anyway, as soon as they marked up the suit, I got a sinking feeling. When I got home, I got hit with a wave of regret. It wasn't the fit I wanted. It wasn't the exact style I was looking for. What affected me was the beauty of the color and the quality of the fabric.

When it comes back next week, I have a strong feeling its not going to be anywhere near what I wanted.

First, I don't want to take it back. Fair is fair, and I bought the suit after looking at it in the mirror for over 30 minutes. I cannot, for the life of me, think of taking it back after its been tailored.

On the other hand, when I get it back, and assuming it is not trim, and looks like an insurance brokers box suit (no offense to my brothers in the insurance business) I am inclined in to take it back and have the tailor go at it again. My concern is that in my quest to get it tighter, it will be ruined, and then I will really hate it.

The other option is to take it to a local tailor who I really respect and see what he can do with it.

Any ideas on how I should approach this situation? Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[acecow]

If you messed up, just face it. However, if the shoulders fit OK, you can alter it to fit you well. It's a zegna, so most likely, the armpits are high and you will be able to trim it down significantly. Take the suit to a trustworthy tailor and have him alter it the way you like. I'm sure it will be fine in the end!

 

[ter1413]

Originally Posted by acecow

If you messed up, just face it. However, if the shoulders fit OK, you can alter it to fit you well. It's a zegna, so most likely, the armpits are high and you will be able to trim it down significantly. Take the suit to a trustworthy tailor and have him alter it the way you like. I'm sure it will be fine in the end!

This^^

 

[bringusingoodale]

Best post exemplifying buyers remorse and useless salesmen.

I think many of us can relate. We end up buying something in store that if we would be reading and looking at from home would probably not buy.

Woe to the man who looks back at his pre-SF purchases.

Is the fit really that bad? If it is just a matter of not looking like some guy from Mad Men, then just tell yourself you now own a good suit which you can wear in your rotation (if you do or ever will wear suits frequently).

I am always one to think "it can't be that bad" so I wonder if it is just a matter of you not living up to your idea of how you were going to look. I feel the same when I see these pictures

and try to emulate them. Frankly, if you aren't these models, you won't look good in these outfits (or at least as good as you think the models look).

 

[bellyhungry]

Originally Posted by bringusingoodale

Best post exemplifying buyers remorse and useless salesmen.

I think many of us can relate. We end up buying something in store that if we would be reading and looking at from home would probably not buy.

Woe to the man who looks back at his pre-SF purchases.

Is the fit really that bad? If it is just a matter of not looking like some guy from Mad Men, then just tell yourself you now own a good suit which you can wear in your rotation (if you do or ever will wear suits frequently).

I am always one to think "it can't be that bad" so I wonder if it is just a matter of you not living up to your idea of how you were going to look. I feel the same when I see these pictures
and try to emulate them. Frankly, if you aren't these models, you won't look good in these outfits (or at least as good as you think the models look).

^^^^

I totally agree.

 

[Larson McCord]

So no one else is disturbed by a guy wanting to look like Ryan Seacrest?

 

[twosnapsandgo]

Originally Posted by Larson McCord

So no one else is disturbed by a guy wanting to look like Ryan Seacrest?

People try to emulate celebrities. In real life Ryan Seacrest is 5'7 despite what he says on interviews.

If you are trim like him, and petite, have a similar body shape, MAYBE your suit will look better after going to an experienced tailor. Zegna does do tailored slim fit suits so I am kind of shocked that you called it "boxy." Factors: Height, Body Shape, Weight, Body frame, Skin Tone, Face Shape Just because you might be the same weight as a celeb doesn't mean you can pull off the same look.

 

[GBR]

As you appear to have agreed the alterations in the shop you are stuck with it. So you can either have someone else have a go at butchering it, give it away or simply burn it.

It represents the folly of fixed ideas, a belief hat 'tailoring' can make a silk purse out of a sows ear etc.
Next time try MTM or bespoke.

 

[TRINI]

Originally Posted by GBR

It represents the folly of fixed ideas, a belief hat 'tailoring' can make a silk purse out of a sows ear etc.
Next time try MTM or bespoke.

Are you being serious or sarcastic? I honestly can't tell.

 

[aj_del]

OP, I was given this advice recently and I pass it on to you

Originally Posted by voxsartoria

... Plus, you look at male models too much. You're not built like one, and that's good because it's no fun being emaciated. - B

 

[Despos]

Your question is about fit but your issue is about having the correct silhouette. Two different things. The look you want is the silhouette which cannot be altered or adjusted for after the suit is made. Once you find the suit with the silhouette you want you can concern yourself with fit.
The look of the suit on your body is as much about the cut of the suit and then your body type and how the two will merge.

 

[Superfluous]

you thought a thumb size space between you and the jacket is too loose?