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Seeking Seersucker Suit

tgt465

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I was thinking of getting a seersucker suit for this summer, and was wondering if anyone had suggestions or recommendations. I found the following:
  • Jos A Bank: I know the company gets a lot of flack around here, but their Executive suit was only $65 last week (and I'm sure their perpetual sales will roll around again before summer hits). They also have a "Stays Cool" version which was around $160. Not sure of quality. I'll probably drop by the local store to see these in person.
  • Haspel: Seems like this is available for around $170 online. Downside is that I don't believe there is anyone nearby who sells these in person, so I'd have to buy this unseen.
  • Hardwick: Similar to Haspel.
  • J Crew: Their jacket is fully lined according to their web site, which in my view defeats the purpose of seersucker to begin with. Ultra-narrow lapels don't really work for me. Price is around $300, which is starting to get pricey considering the fabric used.
  • Brooks Brothers: Half-lined and reasonable style, but even more expensive at $400. I thought seersucker was supposed to be cheap suiting for poor folks?

Anyways if anybody owns a seersucker suit and/or can provide helpful comments or suggestions, I'd be appreciative. Thanks!
 

MBreinin

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Originally Posted by tgt465
I was thinking of getting a seersucker suit for this summer, and was wondering if anyone had suggestions or recommendations. I found the following:
  • Jos A Bank: I know the company gets a lot of flack around here, but their Executive suit was only $65 last week (and I'm sure their perpetual sales will roll around again before summer hits). They also have a "Stays Cool" version which was around $160. Not sure of quality. I'll probably drop by the local store to see these in person.
  • Haspel: Seems like this is available for around $170 online. Downside is that I don't believe there is anyone nearby who sells these in person, so I'd have to buy this unseen.
  • Hardwick: Similar to Haspel.
  • J Crew: Their jacket is fully lined according to their web site, which in my view defeats the purpose of seersucker to begin with. Ultra-narrow lapels don't really work for me. Price is around $300, which is starting to get pricey considering the fabric used.
  • Brooks Brothers: Half-lined and reasonable style, but even more expensive at $400. I thought seersucker was supposed to be cheap suiting for poor folks?

Anyways if anybody owns a seersucker suit and/or can provide helpful comments or suggestions, I'd be appreciative. Thanks!


Well, Haspel essentially invented the Seersucker suit. I know they are not making them here in New Orleans any longer...but I have seen their recent stuff and it is pretty decent. It is what it is...very traditionally cut and fitting inexpensive suits. The best cut Seersucker stuff I have seen and tried is from Polo.

Where do you live?

Mike
 

tgt465

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Originally Posted by MBreinin
Where do you live?

I'm in the San Francisco Bay area. Summers are not so hot that I expect to wear this frequently, hence the reluctance to spend too much for this. Maybe the relatively milder weather would make the fully lined/half lined distinction moot, thinking about it.
 

MBreinin

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Originally Posted by tgt465
I'm in the San Francisco Bay area. Summers are not so hot that I expect to wear this frequently, hence the reluctance to spend too much for this. Maybe the relatively milder weather would make the fully lined/half lined distinction moot, thinking about it.

Well, the J.Crew is going to be a slimmer and younger fit. I would think you could use some lining in SF.

Do they have Belk out there? They sell shitloads of Haspel seersucker down here.

Mike
 

tgt465

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First time I heard of Belk. I don't think they have stores around here, but I'll keep them in mind as an online ordering alternative. Thanks!
 

Gibonius

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I have a Polo blue label seersucker, and it's very very nice. Nice fit, MOP buttons, good construction for a cotton suit. I have a Haspel linen suit and the seersuckers seem to have a similar cut, pretty boxy. It works for linen but wasn't what I was going for in seersucker. I live in the South so it's pretty common, never gotten a negative reaction and lots of positive ones.

edit: got the Polo from B&S here.
 

NewYorkBuck

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I got mine a few years ago at JPress. I really think its one of the few suits where I can split up the pants and jacket and look just fine.
 

Mr. Lee

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The Haspel is the original and pretty cheap. I have a seersucker and a tan poplin. I'm sure you can easily buy on-line. What I don't know is if they all come with pleated pants. Mine are several years old and I don't think flat fronts were available then, but maybe with the resurgence they are now. I don't think you can beat them for the price. Forget about J. Bank.
 

Bird's One View

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I have one from O'Connell's that is great. Quarter lined, sack jacket, flat front pants. Would buy again.

I had one from Brooks Bros previously; the jacket was fully lined but nonetheless reasonably cool (it was lined in rayon; cheaper suits are sometimes lined in polyester which doesn't breathe as well). Brooks styling was less trad-- darted jacket, pleats, no edge stitching-- basically a standard Madison suit. The cloth was more refined than that of the O'Connell's suit, and the buttons were nicer.

The other one I'd consider is J Press, but I've never worn one or seen it in person.
 

dmac

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I have a J. Press seersucker and am quite happy with it.
 

ruben

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You may have missed your chance to get a super cheap JAB seersucker suit, I imagine they won't be that cheap again till fall.
The JAB one's I've seen had pretty beefy shoulders, though I prefer my seersucker with a 3/2roll, no darts, and soft shoulders.


I would go for the Haspel, every J. Crew jacket I've ever seen has looked off, I don't trust them.
 

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