dirtyturk
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Nov 21, 2010
- Messages
- 77
- Reaction score
- 1
A lot of time is spent discussing what the best suit is and what tailors do what etc etc. however I feel that there are a lot of casual visitors who come seeking answers to questions or looking for some simple introductory advice (before being sucked in to the sf abyss). At least this is why I first arrived, and hence this is the answer I would have liked to have seen to the questions, "what is the best suit i can get for £xxx" or "im a student, what is the first suit I should get?"
My experience after 2 years of searching in London:
1. always buy 100% natural fibers
2. importance of choice should be fit, fit, fit, constructions quality, color, brand.
3. sleeve/pant length can be altered, the rest shouldnt be. If it doesnt fit somewhere else, it doesnt fit, leave it.
4. make sure it is at least half canvassed. If you can't tell yet, try a search.
5. black is for galas, weddings and funerals
6. dry clean at most once per year
I am only going to give one option in London under each category, I think almost anyone going into each shop and comparing them should be able to see/feel the difference.
Under £100:
H&M - generally ill fitting and glued together, but on par with the average suit worn around town by 90% of the population. Great for ruining at parties.
Under £200:
M&S - less modern cuts, but higher on quality scale.
Under £300:
Suitsupply - good quality and relatively modern cuts. IMO this is the optimal price point value for money for the average person.
Under £500:
At this point you should start looking at made to measure... I won't detail too much but
Ede & Ravenscroft and Gieves and Hawkes make entry level MtM at £450 during the sales
Under £800:
Here you can start looking at bespoke and high end MtM, things become a lot more subjective in this price range. Clearly the suit is becoming less functional and more of an artistic endeavor, and this is a different topic altogether.
My experience after 2 years of searching in London:
1. always buy 100% natural fibers
2. importance of choice should be fit, fit, fit, constructions quality, color, brand.
3. sleeve/pant length can be altered, the rest shouldnt be. If it doesnt fit somewhere else, it doesnt fit, leave it.
4. make sure it is at least half canvassed. If you can't tell yet, try a search.
5. black is for galas, weddings and funerals
6. dry clean at most once per year
I am only going to give one option in London under each category, I think almost anyone going into each shop and comparing them should be able to see/feel the difference.
Under £100:
H&M - generally ill fitting and glued together, but on par with the average suit worn around town by 90% of the population. Great for ruining at parties.
Under £200:
M&S - less modern cuts, but higher on quality scale.
Under £300:
Suitsupply - good quality and relatively modern cuts. IMO this is the optimal price point value for money for the average person.
Under £500:
At this point you should start looking at made to measure... I won't detail too much but
Ede & Ravenscroft and Gieves and Hawkes make entry level MtM at £450 during the sales
Under £800:
Here you can start looking at bespoke and high end MtM, things become a lot more subjective in this price range. Clearly the suit is becoming less functional and more of an artistic endeavor, and this is a different topic altogether.
