Ralph Lauren Black Label

[rah120]

Hey,

I am considering purchasing a RLBL suit but when I went to the store to try it on, the breast of the jacket (where the lapels are) stick out (there is space between my chest and the lapels). It happened on both a 38 and 40 (and I wear a 38). Is something that a tailor can fix or is my body just weird and not right for that kind of suit? This hasn't happened on other suits before.

Thanks

 

[spence]

BL is a slim cut, it sounds like the chest is too tight.

-spence

 

[Recoil]

I'm trying to imagine what you are describing, and, if it it was I think it is, it's happening because Black Label suits have rolled lapels. When unbuttoned it's a 2 button rolled to about 1.5.

If you are new to suits this might be hard to imagine but it's common on 3 button suits. The suit has three buttons but the way the lapels are made the lapel "rolls" into almost a 2 button suit, and in some cases a full roll into the 2. what this looks like when its undone is the button almost being turned over and facing the front of the jacket.

I hope I have hit on what your talking about. If not just disregard, I'm trying to relate your experience to my own with Black Label, as I also typtically wear a 38 but decided to go 40. I also went for a 40S when I usually wear an R. It is definitely my most "trendy" suit.

 

[ppllzz]

Originally Posted by spence

BL is a slim cut, it sounds like the chest is too tight.

-spence

yea i think thats right

 

[rah120]

Thanks for your help. With resepct to the first post, if the chest is too tight, what should I do? The 40 did it too, and I definitely can't go higher than a 40. Can the tailor let it out a little?

With respect to the second response, sorry I am not really following what you're saying (I am new to suits). I'll try to describe it a little bitter if I can: When the suit is buttoned, there is consierable space between my chest and the jacket (where the lapels are) I would say about two inches. In other words, instead of the jacket laying flush against my skin, there is space there. I'm sorry I don't know how else to describe it. Thanks

 

[Recoil]

Originally Posted by rah120

Thanks for your help. With resepct to the first post, if the chest is too tight, what should I do? The 40 did it too, and I definitely can't go higher than a 40. Can the tailor let it out a little?

With respect to the second response, sorry I am not really following what you're saying (I am new to suits). I'll try to describe it a little bitter if I can: When the suit is buttoned, there is consierable space between my chest and the jacket (where the lapels are) I would say about two inches. In other words, instead of the jacket laying flush against my skin, there is space there. I'm sorry I don't know how else to describe it. Thanks

Thanks for clarifying. What I mentioned would only occur when the suit is unbuttoned, the lapels "stick out" a bit because of the roll. Leave it unbuttoned and you'll see what I mean.

What your describing sounds like a serious fit issue and I wouldn't pay BL money for a suit that doesn't fit properly at all off-the-rack. The great thing about BL for me is that I can wear the jackets OTR with nothing more than sewing the cuffs. If you need serious alterations to the jacket then try something else off the rack, unless Ralph Lauren will alter it for free because once you buy it your stuck with it and if a tailor hacks it up your out of luck.

 

[rjmaiorano]

Originally Posted by rah120

Hey,

I am considering purchasing a RLBL suit but when I went to the store to try it on, the breast of the jacket (where the lapels are) stick out (there is space between my chest and the lapels). It happened on both a 38 and 40 (and I wear a 38). Is something that a tailor can fix or is my body just weird and not right for that kind of suit? This hasn't happened on other suits before.

Thanks

Unfortunately, I don't think the cut is right for you. Buttons can be moved, seems can be adjusted, but this, for me at least, is a definite deal breaker when trying on OTR.

 

[HermesGuy]

And for those really into RLBL...a little heads-up:
"The next big RL initiative is to turn Black Label into a lifestyle brand. It's the new Purple Label. It's David Lauren's baby."

 

[sartort]

Where is that quote from? That is quite unfortunate. I like that Black Label is a small niche product that focuses on quality tailored items with a great cut.

 

[Recoil]

Originally Posted by sartort

Where is that quote from? That is quite unfortunate. I like that Black Label is a small niche product that focuses on quality tailored items with a great cut.

I agree. And unfortunately I've seen some new Black Label stuff and its a lot of stupid shirts and sweaters with weird designs. I think their suits are great, but the sporty and casual BL is just ugly. Although I did notice that the suits were still only available at the Holt Renfrew flagship store on Bloor, whereas the casual stuff was available at the Yorkdale location.

 

[vitaminc]

Originally Posted by rah120

Thanks for your help. With resepct to the first post, if the chest is too tight, what should I do? The 40 did it too, and I definitely can't go higher than a 40. Can the tailor let it out a little?

With respect to the second response, sorry I am not really following what you're saying (I am new to suits). I'll try to describe it a little bitter if I can: When the suit is buttoned, there is consierable space between my chest and the jacket (where the lapels are) I would say about two inches. In other words, instead of the jacket laying flush against my skin, there is space there. I'm sorry I don't know how else to describe it. Thanks

if you really want the black label cut, go for 42 and have tailor taken in shoulders, trim sides and hem skirts. any competent tailor should be able to do this.

but otherwise the jacket isn't really cut for you. black label is cut with a pronounced shoulder, slim and long silhouette.

 

[vitaminc]

Originally Posted by LVoer

I agree. And unfortunately I've seen some new Black Label stuff and its a lot of stupid shirts and sweaters with weird designs. I think their suits are great, but the sporty and casual BL is just ugly. Although I did notice that the suits were still only available at the Holt Renfrew flagship store on Bloor, whereas the casual stuff was available at the Yorkdale location.

u mean those ed hardy inspired modern militaristic t-shirts/jackets? agree those r pretty crazy...

 

[rah120]

Originally Posted by rjmaiorano

Unfortunately, I don't think the cut is right for you. Buttons can be moved, seems can be adjusted, but this, for me at least, is a definite deal breaker when trying on OTR.

well that sucks. There is no way that can be tailored? Couldnt the jacket be let out a little?

 

[justsayno]

the sides can be let out a little. yes. make sure the shoulders fit.

Originally Posted by rah120

well that sucks. There is no way that can be tailored? Couldnt the jacket be let out a little?

 

[r_fine]

Originally Posted by rah120

well that sucks. There is no way that can be tailored? Couldnt the jacket be let out a little?

Don't sweat it. Black Label IS very nice but in my (limited) experience it has a rather extreme cut and is not suitable for everyone. Not fitting that mould does not make you a bad person.