Looking for 1920s-Style Suits - Any Recommendations?

[RetroPiano]

Hi everyone,

I am considering buying a suit that looks like it is from the 1920s. A modern reproduction would do just fine; no need for it to actually be a hundred years old. Does anyone know any good online shops for finding suits that look like they are from that era? Unfortunately, a lot of what I find online is very cheap and looks like it is a bad costume. I don't want anything that looks like a caricature of gangsters from the '20s or '30s. My goal is to find something which looks reasonably authentic, hopefully without breaking the bank. Anything over $500 would be out of my comfort zone. Men's USA actually has quite a few suits which look a bit like what I'm after, but I've read a lot of horror stories about how bad their service is. Again, an inexpensive modern suit would be fine as long as it has a vintage pattern and cut similar to the 1920s. Are there any places you would recommend? I have been doing some research and I did find a few sites, especially for tweed suits, but I am a real novice when it comes to buying suits.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[John Doe]

I don't think you are going to find anything you describe for under $500. That being said, these two clothiers make authentic suits that you might find on sale but they will still be way over $500. I think your best bet would be to search eBay for RRL suits in a vintage cut, you might get lucky. I found a fantastic new RRL pin stripe '30s suit for $400, retail was north of $2000.

Simon James Cathcart
Kai D.

 

[RetroPiano]

I don't think you are going to find anything you describe for under $500. That being said, these two clothiers make authentic suits that you might find on sale but they will still be way over $500. I think your best bet would be to search eBay for RRL suits in a vintage cut, you might get lucky. I found a fantastic new RRL pin stripe '30s suit for $400, retail was north of $2000.

Simon James Cathcart
Kai D.

Thanks for the tip and links, John. I may need to just settle for something which looks "close enough" to a 1920s suit without it being an intentional reproduction of the style of that era. Three-piece tweed suits might get the vintage look I'm after without it costing an arm and a leg. Or maybe, as you say, I'll get lucky and find something on sale.

 

[willyto]

Check these ones for a more workwear vibe if you want, depends on the fabric really. From Old Town the trousers would be the Vauxhalls.

Product.

www.old-town.co.uk

Darcy Clothing | Official Website

Darcy Clothing supplies accurate replicas of men's clothing from C16th to 1950s. We use original patterns and custom woven fabrics for maximum authenticity. All items are kept in stock for immediate despatch.

www.darcyclothing.com

You can also try searching for Ralph Lauren suits on Ebay, some of the older stuff is more faithfull and some even have higher rises.

Also if you want a classic looking 20s suit, some vintage three piece suits from Brooks Brothers from the 50s or 60s are basically the same cut, unchanged. Just have to look through hundreds of items on Ebay.

Don't bother looking for originals, they are rare, scarce and very very expensive, also american ones have a very low rise unfortunately.

Simon James Cathcart that was linked above has made a lot of 1910s-1920s inspired suits. I own quite a few of them personally and they are great options for the price. The problem is that these styles are more niche than the 30s or 40s inspired suits so they aren't sold as often.

 

[RetroPiano]

Check these ones for a more workwear vibe if you want, depends on the fabric really. From Old Town the trousers would be the Vauxhalls.

Product.

www.old-town.co.uk

Darcy Clothing | Official Website

Darcy Clothing supplies accurate replicas of men's clothing from C16th to 1950s. We use original patterns and custom woven fabrics for maximum authenticity. All items are kept in stock for immediate despatch.

www.darcyclothing.com

You can also try searching for Ralph Lauren suits on Ebay, some of the older stuff is more faithfull and some even have higher rises.

Also if you want a classic looking 20s suit, some vintage three piece suits from Brooks Brothers from the 50s or 60s are basically the same cut, unchanged. Just have to look through hundreds of items on Ebay.

Don't bother looking for originals, they are rare, scarce and very very expensive, also american ones have a very low rise unfortunately.

Simon James Cathcart that was linked above has made a lot of 1910s-1920s inspired suits. I own quite a few of them personally and they are great options for the price. The problem is that these styles are more niche than the 30s or 40s inspired suits so they aren't sold as often.

Thank you very much for the ideas and advice!

 

[joman8390]

A bit over your budget but I think these may get you close to what you’re looking for:

Thomas Farthing London | Fine Suiting & Headwear

Fine Suiting & Headwear Specialists. Each garment is designed with careful consideration of materials, colours and shapes, taking inspiration from our collection of 1930-40s archival pieces & photography. Specialising in Baker Boy Caps, Harris Tweed & handcrafted Fedoras, all exclusive to Thomas...

thomasfarthing.co.uk

 

[RetroPiano]

A bit over your budget but I think these may get you close to what you’re looking for:

Thomas Farthing London | Fine Suiting & Headwear

Fine Suiting & Headwear Specialists. Each garment is designed with careful consideration of materials, colours and shapes, taking inspiration from our collection of 1930-40s archival pieces & photography. Specialising in Baker Boy Caps, Harris Tweed & handcrafted Fedoras, all exclusive to Thomas...

thomasfarthing.co.uk

Ah yes, that is exactly the type of thing I am looking for. Thank you. I have been thinking a 3 piece tweed suit might be a good way to get a more vintage look and I found a couple places like Empire Outlet and Etsy which have some very good-looking examples, but they have mixed reviews which make me nervous, especially when ordering overseas. I am starting to wonder if I should just try to find somewhere local where I can be sure the sizing will be right and there won't be any headache with shipping. In any case, Thomas Farthing looks like a great option and a trustworthy vendor, so thanks very much for that recommendation.

 

[John Doe]

I am starting to wonder if I should just try to find somewhere local . . .

Where are you?

 

[RetroPiano]

Where are you?

Western NY, not far from Rochester. I know there are probably lots of great places in and around NYC, but I'm not looking to drive anywhere near that far.

 

[JJ Katz]

I think over time you could dial Luxire fits into the desired profile.