Marks and Spencer suit quality

[josepidal]

English Cut recommends, on a budget, Marks and Spencer suits. It so happens that one of my younger bosses bought that brand while vacationing in England, and mentioned this when he had me explain what fused and canvassed suits are. (He exclaimed that his suits are probably fused because they feel hot as hell.)

So... by any chance, might anyone know if Marks and Spencer RTW suits from London are fused or fully canvassed?

I have a good guess, but would like absolute confirmation.

 

[skalogre]

Considering what market St. Michaels/M&S is after, probably fused. Will see if I can see any again when I am over in Cyprus next.

 

[v0rtex]

Originally Posted by josepidal

So... by any chance, might anyone know if Marks and Spencer RTW suits from London are fused or fully canvassed?

Just come from Marks and Spencers... if only I'd read that a few hours ago.

I believe their suits are fused (shoes are definitely glued-sole), but they do have several lines of varying degrees of quality. Will verify next time I'm in the store.

Heard the rumour about them coming off the same production lines as Armani et al before (as mentioned in the English Cut post), which would back up the case for them being fused.

I'd agree that they're a good budget choice, reasonable degree of quality and classic styling.

 

[GBR]

Originally Posted by josepidal

English Cut recommends, on a budget, Marks and Spencer suits. It so happens that one of my younger bosses bought that brand while vacationing in England, and mentioned this when he had me explain what fused and canvassed suits are. (He exclaimed that his suits are probably fused because they feel hot as hell.)

So... by any chance, might anyone know if Marks and Spencer RTW suits from London are fused or fully canvassed?

I have a good guess, but would like absolute confirmation.


Thomas Mahon's recommendation is good - if your budget leaves you at this market point.

They are glued but make an acceptable appearance in darkish room. Most other glued suits demand a totally dark room.

 

[Jovan]

GBR, I think you forget that most people don't even know the damn difference between fused and floating canvas suits, much less in their appearance.

 

[GBR]

Originally Posted by Jovan

GBR, I think you forget that most people don't even know the damn difference between fused and floating canvas suits, much less in their appearance.

I am sure that you are correct!

 

[Nonk]

The trousers have a very low rise which is my main problem with M&S suits.

 

[Holdfast]

M&S suits are all fused. I don't think I've encountered any canvassed suits there. Occasionally I wander over to the suit section and have a browse but I'm always disappointed, even their new collections which have much better styling than they used to.

As I've mentioned elsewhere, their odd jackets and trousers are very reasonable wardrobe workhorse items. For some reason, the odd jackets seem slightly higher quality than the suit jackets (though I think I'm right in saying they're fused as well). The fabrics/patterns are better, I think that's what makes them worth the (fairly low) price. Yep, good workhorses.

The suits though? Wouldn't bother if I were you.

 

[alebrady]

Originally Posted by Holdfast

M&S suits are all fused. I don't think I've encountered any canvassed suits there. Occasionally I wander over to the suit section and have a browse but I'm always disappointed, even their new collections which have much better styling than they used to.

As I've mentioned elsewhere, their odd jackets and trousers are very reasonable wardrobe workhorse items. For some reason, the odd jackets seem slightly higher quality than the suit jackets (though I think I'm right in saying they're fused as well). The fabrics/patterns are better, I think that's what makes them worth the (fairly low) price. Yep, good workhorses.

The suits though? Wouldn't bother if I were you.


any thoughts on what the next level up from them would be....looking for some classically british styled suits (but trying to keep to under $1,500)

 

[gdl203]

Originally Posted by alebrady

any thoughts on what the next level up from them would be....looking for some classically british styled suits (but trying to keep to under $1,500)

Have you looked at Paul Smith? what about Gieves & Hawke or Ede & Ravenscroft? maybe DAKS? I also think that Etro suits follow a classic british silhouette - their suits are fused though

 

[Get Smart]

Originally Posted by gdl203

Have you looked at Paul Smith? what about Gieves & Hawke or Ede & Ravenscroft? maybe DAKS? I also think that Etro suits follow a classic british silhouette - their suits are fused though

After seeing the pic of Jose in that one made in Manila suit, it's hard to see him fitting into something like Paul Smith, Etro etc, as they are more tailored to a thin wearer. In general, the British silhouette doesnt seem like the best choice for his body type.....but if it fits, then more power to him.

 

[gdl203]

Originally Posted by Get Smart

After seeing the pic of Jose in that one made in Manila suit, it's hard to see him fitting into something like Paul Smith, Etro etc, as they are more tailored to a thin wearer. In general, the British silhouette doesnt seem like the best choice for his body type.....but if it fits, then more power to him.

I was actually replying to alebrady, not Jose

 

[alebrady]

Originally Posted by gdl203

Have you looked at Paul Smith? what about Gieves & Hawke or Ede & Ravenscroft? maybe DAKS? I also think that Etro suits follow a classic british silhouette - their suits are fused though

any ideas what stores may carry those brands you listed - particularly in the SF bay area?
thanks

 

[gdl203]

Originally Posted by alebrady

any ideas what stores may carry those brands you listed - particularly in the SF bay area?
thanks

You will get a much more comprehensive answer by checking retail outlets on each website, but I know that besides their own stores, Saks carries some Paul Smith suits and that Bergdorf Goodman in NYC carries some Etro. Not sure if anyone distributes E&R and G&H in the US...

 

[Maggio]

Following Mahon's blog story regarding M&S, someone asked for comparable American stores. The answer was never answered, though. What retail store in the US compares to M&S suits? JAB? Penney? Lauren? BB?