new suit help

[squelchy451]

Hi.

There's this korean tradition that u get a new suit when u go to college. Not bad.

I've been looking at menswearhouse.com cuz i live 10 minutes next to it and i really don't care about designer names as long as it looks good on me.

Anyway, I need explanations/current views on these terms:

-executive cut
-vented(none/center/side)
-pleated pants (i know they are the opposite of flat fronts but idk which is better)
-2 buttons or 3?


Thanks

 

[oaw01]

How much are you willing to spend and what's your body type ?

 

[Journeyman]

A lot of those features are simply personal preference.

Because I used to do a lot of cycling and then put on a bit of weight, I tend to prefer trousers with pleats as they usually give me a bit more room. However, some flat front trousers still fit me well. Some people really dislike the look of pleated trousers and they really prefer flat fronts.

Again, vents are a matter of preference. As I have a larger backside, I find that side vents (also known as double vents) tend to fit me better. I also like the way that they look. However, some people really like a single, centre vent or no vent at all and there's nothing wrong with that. I suspect that side vents are a bit trendier at present.

The number of buttons is also a personal preference. Some three-button suits have a really high buttoning point (where the top button comes quite high up the chest) and I don't like this. I prefer to have a bit of a lower buttoning point, or for the lapel to have a nice roll down to the middle (second) button, which means that I do not button the top button. Don't forget that tradition dictates that you don't button the bottom button of your suit jacket, too.

I suspect that "executive cut" is something that Men's Wearhouse uses as a marketing term to make suits sound high-quality. I have no idea what it means in terms of the suit's style or appearance.

 

[squelchy451]

$450 max

I'm pretty short and slim. Long legs compared to body though.

I have to get black plain b/c i've been in orchestras as long as I played violin and the conductors always want plain black suits and I"m only buying one suit...

 

[binge]

Where are you located? Other forum members in your area might be able to give local advice.

 

[grimslade]

Get 2 buttons, not 3. Side vents. I think suit pants look better with pleats, but it's your call.

 

[Warren G.]

Originally Posted by squelchy451

$450 max

I'm pretty short and slim. Long legs compared to body though.

I have to get black plain b/c i've been in orchestras as long as I played violin and the conductors always want plain black suits and I"m only buying one suit...

Save some more pennies. With 30 extra bucks..you can get a nice TaT MTM suit. ;]
http://www.thickasthievesla.com/

 

[unjung]

Or go to Banana Republic or H&M. In my opinion you would find a more youthful and modern cut at those stores.

 

[Reckoner]

Originally Posted by squelchy451

$450 max

I'm pretty short and slim. Long legs compared to body though.

I have to get black plain b/c i've been in orchestras as long as I played violin and the conductors always want plain black suits and I"m only buying one suit...

A lot of your decision making will depend on how much you want to spend, and what you need it for.

If you've only got 450 to spend then you'll just have to go for an off the rack in retail. And usually not the best quality either.
This is okay if you don't need it too much, and are just using it for one or two interviews.

But if you DO plan to use it alot, and want good quality, then you will need to pay at least 1K minimum for something MTM or something off the rack + high quality + alterations.

Fit will be your main concern after price.

 

[GBR]

-executive cut

Meaningless term - so ignore it.

-vented(none/center/side)

Your choice but 2 side vents does look better - though many will disagree

-pleated pants (i know they are the opposite of flat fronts but idk which is better)

Your choice: Neither is right or wrong.

-2 buttons or 3?

Really your choice - either is OK.

As you do not give us a photo or description of your body it is difficult to be precise. At the price point however you will just have to do the best you can.

 

[StopPolloition]

My recommendation is to read all you can on these forums and make some purchases off the buying and selling section of the forums. Your $450 will go a lot farther here than at Mens Wearhouse. You said you are not too concerned with designer names, and typically neither are the people here. They typically go for the quality of the manufacturer rather than by trendy designer names.

In your position, I would wait to get a dark navy or midnight blue suit that looks almost black, so you can wear it and not look different in a crowd of black suits for performances. I would not get a black suit though. What is your chest size and height? If you hold out for a deal on buying and selling, you can get one for about $250 that probably far exceeds the quality of something from Mens Wearhouse. I would use the remaining $200 to purchase a nice set of Allen Edmonds or some other quality manufacturer on the forums or discounted from some other source that doesn't charge full retail price. If there is money left over, I would invest in a nice quality shirt, tie, socks.