Quality of Banana Republic Suits

[swarley]

I am looking to purchase a new suit and came across this at BR. Can anyone shed some light on the construction, quality of fabric and overall rating of BR suits. I have asked the SA, but it usually turns out that they lack in product knowledge.

This suit will be for work and I will be meeting with clients (Financial Services Industry) so I need something of decent quality, but looking for it to hold up fairly well. I'm just starting in this business so funds are limited to $500 or so.

Other recommedations are welcome. I have already looked at TAT.

my build would be average, 5'11", 161 lbs, w 34.5 jacket 40

Thanks for the help.



http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse...6&oid=OUT15043

 

[gilwood]

The quality of Banana Republic has gone downhill. They used to have some half decent stuff, but it's really declined. You're better off getting a Brooks Brothers suit off of ebay. Beware of BB's 346 line, which is cheap stuff. A half canvassed suit is on the higher end, but costs $$.

 

[GBR]

Crap

 

[stylesmurf]

Originally Posted by GBR

Crap

What about the monogram suits?

 

[swarley]

What makes them crap specifically.

 

[JonHecht]

I got one for 50 bucks. I wouldn't even pay that much the second time around. I bent down to tie my shoes and the lining tore. There wasn't even any resistance first. It just tore.

 

[ruben]

They also seem to load them up with trendy little details that make them look dated 6 months after your purchase.

 

[vitaminc]

Originally Posted by stylesmurf

What about the monogram suits?

hugo boss is much better.

 

[Warren G.]

And that's not saying much lol

 

[swarley]

Are there any other suggestions for a replacement for the BR suit I linked to. I really like the grey pinstripe and being a three piece. Either single or double vent. Help is appreciated.

 

[JesseJB]

In my experience, BR likes to put boot flares on their "straight-leg" pants.

 

[rogerm]

Banana Republic suits are very modern, but they are of horrible construction and quality. I think the Men's Warehouse has better quality clothes. They use to have mediocre quality, but now it's very-very bad.

If you're in the financial industry, I think Brooks Brothers would be a good choice. If that's not to your liking try a Macy's sale. If you want some type of deal, search ebay or the forums. Just stay away from Banana Republic suits.

 

[teddieriley]

BR offers fashion at a convenience, but you're going to pay for it. As others have said, and I don't have direct experience, but it's my understanding that for $500, you are not getting $500 of quality. WIth the quality not up to par, the BR would be good (at discount) for a young guy to wear every so often when he goes to weddings or that "special" once in a while event. Not for every day business.

 

[voxsartoria]

Banana Republic markets the best RTW suits made, even above Crittendon.


- B

 

[luftvier]

BR's suit quality used to be much better. Sure, they're expensive for a fused suit made overseas - but I begam my acquisitions there with a Glen Plaid, a Brown Tweed from their "Heritage" line, and a Khaki cotton/linen blend suit.

The've all held up really well (better than the Boss that I also had back in the day that bubbled within 8 months of owning it). The advantage is that they're beater suits, on a budget (when purchased on sale).

But nowadays, afaik they've moved production form Turkey to China. No offense to China, but I am not paying $500+ for a BR suit made there. For some reason, the details and construction went from OK when made in Turkey, to complete garbage made in China.

From personal experience, then, I advise you just troll the B/S forum for a decent suit in your size. Or maybe pick up something for cheap at Nordstrom Rack, NM Last Call, Saks Off 5th, etc.