Interview suit + pics, please comment

[doug funnie]

I graduated in May and have begun to look for a job after taking the summer off. Most of the stuff I'm interested in is finance related, but also potentially paralegal, general office work, etc while I figure out what sort of career I want. Also I work out obsessively and recently I've been demolishing my shoulders because they're tiny compared to my chest and back, so keep in mind that my physique is still changing.

The suit is a 38s from Banana Republic (I'm 5'8, 150 lbs, 29 inch waist, 41 inch chest). I guess my questions are:

1. Should I really be looking for a 36s? The shoulders look a tad big in a couple of the pics, but I think a 36 might fit too tightly in the chest and may be too slim of a fit for a more traditional suit.

2. How's the length of the jacket? I had thought it looked long in the mirror, but from this angle it doesn't look as bad.

3. I did a quick hem of the pants myself, but they're still a bit long and baggy for my taste. I'm wearing them pretty high so they don't look too bad, but when they slip down to my natural hip (about an inch and a half lower) they'll look long. Agreed?

4. Should I bother to take the waist of the jacket in? From the back I think it looks ok, but from the front you can't tell at all that I have a 12 inch drop.

5. Jacket sleeves are longer and baggier than what I would ideally like, but is it worth fixing? The shirt that I'm wearing with it has longer sleeves so I can still show some cuff.

6. Shoes- I like them (AE Drydens) just wanted to make sure they're sexy.

So if I wanted to spend say $50 to $100 to make this suit fit better (it cost me under $200 so I'd have a hard time justifying more than that), what should I have done? I live near Boston so I assume there's plenty of capable tailors and fair pricing.

Lastly, how's the shirt? It's from Emporio Armani and I got it at a nice discount. I'm not saying I'd like to buy all my stuff there, but it seems like they do a good job with more athletically built people. Would this shirt be a good template for future shirts if I got custom shirts made?

 

[bmulford]

Consider getting a smaller jacket. The arms and body are simply too large on the one pictured. Because you have a large drop, you may wish to consider returning this to BR, and getting a half-canvassed RL Polo for $300 (check B&S forum, or the normal outlets). Even then you're going to have to alter the midsection.

In reference to having shirts made; I'd steer clear of bringing in a template shirt. It usually doesn't turn out well. Instead, have the tailor use your measurements and cut the fabric to conform to your body, not what the EA thinks is your body.

I'd suggest going with a shorter collar - the one pictured looks to be 2 or more inches, and too big for your neck. I'd get a 1.5 or 1.75 inch collar for balance. The arms look a bit long on the shirt, as does the fit at the body. Custom is the way to go - Jantzen can hook you up for $40-$50 if you're willing to do some leg work.

Also consider a hair cut. If you're trying to look conservative (navy pinstripe with blue shirt) the hair should be clean cut and neat.

Good luck.

 

[null]

Originally Posted by bmulford

Also consider a hair cut. If you're trying to look conservative (navy pinstripe with blue shirt) the hair should be clean cut and neat.
+1 Also, if you don't have one yet, definitely get a black calfskin belt.

 

[forex]

I would get rid of the tie,it's too flashy. Get a solid navy or grey suit and different shoes,maybe basic cap toes,AE PA?

 

[versusqc]

The shoes are correct, should be perfect for the interview, but I totaly agree with ^ about the tie, you should def. go with something less fluo

 

[doug funnie]

Haha I actually have nice hair, I just haven't showered today as I'm about to go to the gym.

As for the shirt collar, I have a long neck, the collar of this shirt just doesn't sit properly, it tends to lie too flat. Hopefully when I iron the collar will not look as bad, and the sleeves will look slimmer too, but I agree they're probably 3/4 of an inch long.

I'm aware that I need a belt. Marshalls this weekend FTW.

The tie is really too flashy? I mean it's yellow but the pattern is dull and geometric. For previous interviews I just wore that suit with a white shirt and blue striped tie.

I refuse to get basic cap toes. The medallion is barely noticeable.

 

[Orsini]

Originally Posted by doug funnie

I graduated in May...

It looks like the shirt sleeves have adequate extra material to avoid the cuff pulling up when you gesture or shake hands. That is good. However, the cuffs seem to fall a little long on the hand. See HRH Juan Carlos I of Spain for a good example of sleeve fit: http://asuitablewardrobe.dynend.com/2007/12/fit-for-king.html You also seem to be sucessfully avoiding that dreadful-lookng "Karloff as the Monster" extended fingers bit that is so popular in the catalogs these days. That is also good. I suggest the lenght of the tie could be a little longer. Try to line the wide part of the tie up with the top of the waistband (+0.5"/-0 or so...).

 

[Southern Beau]

Get a pocket square.

 

[versusqc]

no pocket square in an interview, please

 

[Spilotro]

I think that once you fix the fit issue, it's going to be great! Nice choices, it all looks sharp.

 

[philosophe]

The shoulders look too wide for you; try a smaller size. With a 12" drop, perhaps it would be best to look for suits sold as separates.

I'd shorten the shirt sleeves to the right length. Long FC's look especially sloppy.

And do consider a more subtle tie. I'm sure the one you have is nice, but blue or burgundy would be nice conservative choices.

Last but not least, keep those shoes shined!

 

[AR_Six]

Agree almost 100% with bmulford, but instead of Jantzen (given the time it seems to take most people to get their shirt to fit right) I would suggest dealing face to face with a local MTM. It will cost more, but the in-person interaction with the tailor will be worth it for you, imo. You really need to focus on the sleeve fit, because the sleeves on that EA shirt are pretty awful.

I will also say that I fully approve of the Drydens as your shoe choice, and endorse any within-reason rebellion against the "black cap toe only" people.

 

[Southern Beau]

After doing a little more reading on old posts, I tactfully veto my prior pocket square comment. I guess that I will just keep those on tap for after the interview.

 

[doug funnie]

Wow lots of great feedback here.

I need to keep my eyes open for more red/blue shades for ties. I am sorely lacking in that department. For some reason my mom likes to get me Zegna ties that go with nothing I have. Or will ever have. I guess that's why I thought the yellow one was pretty tame.

As for this suit I guess I'll do nothing besides re-hem the pants myself. My dad owes me a $500 suit anyways so maybe I'll get a TaT and just tell them to keep it conservative.

I guess from now on I'll swallow my pride and try on mostly 36 shorts, even if they're a little tight in the chest/lats, the shoulders will fit better and the pants will probably be right on.

 

[GBR]

Originally Posted by forex

I would get rid of the tie,it's too flashy. AE PA?

Nonsense - the tie looks fine and presents a nice dose of individuality I like in a candidate. A sea of boring ties blending with the wallpaper is quite appalling

The jacket is not a wonderful fit (note next time please) but I am sure that most interviewers will not notice and be more than 'happy' with your appearance. Go to your interviews in confidence.

Some of these Boards do not adequately reflect the current time: Anyone setting off in life has to start somewhere and you start point will certainly not let you down: After all I have yet to find a suit which actually does the job rather than the wearer.