Need help with a suit (first time owning one)

[SilverShark]

alright guys I have been searching with google trying to get my question answered and stumbled across this forum so I hope you guys can help me out.

I am 20 years old and my fiancee and I are getting married at the courthouse so I figured it would be nice to go and get a suit. I am on a tight budget so I just wanted something inexpensive. I went down to Kohls here in town and found a Haggar suit that I liked. I picked up to coats because I do not know which one I like best.... one is a 42R and the other is 44R. I measured myself and I am pretty much a 43 but do plan on losing some weight...

So here is the thing. The 42 looks really good and looks fitted to me but the 44 is not so fitted looking. Since this is my first time buying a suit I really have no idea how it is supposed to feel when wearing it. Is it normal to have your arm movement restricted so you can... say raise both arms up in the air and move ALOT? Is it normally restricting to have it on while trying to drive?

My biggest concern is the feeling of being restricted only because I do not know if this is all normal. The 44 does the same thing just not quite as bad. they are very close though.

Any help is greatly appreciated. THANK YOU

 

[SilverShark]

can anyone here help me out?

 

[Nicola]

Originally Posted by SilverShark

. I measured myself and I am pretty much a 43 but do plan on losing some weight...

Measured what? A 43" chest should be a 44 normally.

You should be able to move. Not play basketball but you should be able to drive. OTOH I'd take the jacket off in the car so it looks better when you get out.

 

[marc237]

It may be one of several things:

1. You are not either a 42 or 44, but need a 46;

2. The particular brand you tried on is not well cut for your body type; or

3. the fit is fine and you are just not used to nature of a suit jacket or sports coat fit.

With no further information, I would guess the second option. In any event, a suit coat ought not restrict movement. The best fitted move with you and are as soft as a light sweater. It is unlikely that you will find quite that in your price range.

However, a well fitted suit is clearly possible. I suggest looking at a couple of other options for a dirt cheap suit: Target, H&M, or Jos. A Bank (but only on very steep sales). There are others if you search the board.

Consider also thrifting. A good thrift or consignment shop permits you to be a very nice suit for the price of a very inexpensive suit. You will just want to be cautious on fit, wear, etc.

Lastly, I am not familiar with the Kohl's Haggar suits, but I could imagine them being polyester, whcih would not be my go to choice for a suit fabric. Look for wool.

 

[thereader]

Congrats men!
For some people only custom made suit would fit and not restricted at same time. If you want to look good on the wedding I suggest you go with the 42 but bring some friends/family to the store and ask them opinoin about the fitting. Thats what I do because I like trimmer fit cloth but I some times regret after I bought the cloth after couple weeks.

 

[marc237]

Originally Posted by Nicola

Measured what? A 43" chest should be a 44 normally.

You should be able to move. Not play basketball but you should be able to drive. OTOH I'd take the jacket off in the car so it looks better when you get out.

Um, no. A true 43" chest measures out to more of a 45R-46R suit jacket. Second, if the suit jacket fits well, there should be no need to remove while driving. Remember, if it is that uncomfortable while driving, it will be that uncomfortable for much of anything else.

 

[Sanguis Mortuum]

Would have to see pics to decide for sure but personally I'd go for the 42", I think a jacket looks better slightly too small than too big, though of course it depends just how small it looks.

As for it being restricting, a bespoke suit won't be restricting at all but something OTR is probably going to be unless you buy it in a size too big; it probably won't have very high armholes etc.

Originally Posted by marc237

Um, no. A true 43" chest measures out to more of a 45R-46R suit jacket.

I'm not sure this is true, or at least it depends. I have a 32" chest and a 34R is too big for me, but then again some places 34 is closer to others 36 so who knows...

 

[Nicola]

Originally Posted by marc237

Remember, if it is that uncomfortable while driving, it will be that uncomfortable for much of anything else.


I didn't say uncomfortable. I just think the jacket will look better if you don't drive in it.

 

[SilverShark]

I was just testing it, I have a habit of wanting to see how my arm movement is. When I try to hold both arms straight out in front of me it gets tight and cant go up any furthur. is that what is normally like for a suit?

 

[tdbake]

Don't know where you are located but since this is your first suit I would suggest going to a either a good mens store or a higher end department store for measurement help. You can let them know you are just starting to look for a suit and with some of the sales out there you may get lucky on price but you will at least have a better idea of what fits and what doesn't. You should also try on a number of different suits to get an idea of how different makers cuts fit you. Whatever size the salesperson says you are, try one size down (and up since you are learning) so you get an idea of fit. In many cases you will find you can size down- particularly if it turns out you like a closer fit to the suit.
If you say where you are I am sure that there are others on the forum who will know someplace local that would be good for getting to know your size.
As for raising both arms, yes you will feel the jacket but it shouldn't feel like you are in a straight jacket but I don't think it is a good test for fit.

 

[SilverShark]

I am in washington state in marysville.

 

[tdbake]

Is there a Nordstroms near you? The other standard place to go would be Brooks Brothers- sorry, I don't know what is near you. Others may know a better place but that should be good enough to get you in the right size range. Cost may be another issue but once you know the size then you can shop around. Just remember to try on various sizes- if they ask why, well it is your first suit and you want to see the differences. You have to be comfortable, especially at your wedding.
If you do go make it easy on yourself, wear a shirt with a collar. Maybe wear your dress shoes. That will make it easier to try things on and get a sense of what fits and how that feels.

 

[SilverShark]

Originally Posted by tdbake

Is there a Nordstroms near you? The other standard place to go would be Brooks Brothers- sorry, I don't know what is near you. Others may know a better place but that should be good enough to get you in the right size range. Cost may be another issue but once you know the size then you can shop around. Just remember to try on various sizes- if they ask why, well it is your first suit and you want to see the differences. You have to be comfortable, especially at your wedding.
If you do go make it easy on yourself, wear a shirt with a collar. Maybe wear your dress shoes. That will make it easier to try things on and get a sense of what fits and how that feels.

Yah I will probably end up going there to see what they say. thanks for all the help guys.

 

[marc237]

Originally Posted by Nicola

I didn't say uncomfortable. I just think the jacket will look better if you don't drive in it.

Fair enough. If it is to avoid wrinkles, I am with you.

 

[g-double]

Originally Posted by SilverShark

I am in washington state in marysville.

Go to the Nordstrom's Rack in downtown Seattle, located near 2nd and Pine, that should at least allow you to try on some better suits and get a better feel for what looks better.

I'm not sure if there is one in Everett, nevermind, there's one in lynnwood near the alderwood mall, that's probably your best bet.

Nordstrom Rack at Golde Creek Plaza (#15)
19500 Alderwood Mall Parkway
Lynnwood, WA 98036
(425) 774-6569

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