Splurged on first suit - RL Black Label

[sunman42000]

Hey guys,
I had posted a week or so back about wanting to purchase my first 'real' suit. With the RL sale going on (30% off + 15% kicker), I bought a black label suit. Shipped to my door for $950.

It will need very little tailoring as it fits reallly well off the rack. However, I am wondering. Is Black label something I can wear for several years? It's not too fashion forward is it?

I'm just wondering if I should go for the Brooks Fitzgerald instead. What do you think?

 

[gumercindo]

I also purchased one during the same sale. For me, it fits me almost perfectly off the rack.

As for the longevity of it, I don't think it's as fashion forward as people here make it out to be. The lapels are somewhat skinnier than the norm, but not to the extent that folks here post about it. Secondly, the somewhat more padded shoulder of the BL is an aesthetic that simply isn't popular on this board since folks prefer a more natural shoulder. Other than that, I think the suit is perfect for years.

 

[musicguy]

I like BB's Fitzgerald more than RLBL suits. Though my reason is mainly because I'm really a 39L and RL doesn't make 39Ls, I also prefer the styling of the Fitzgerald. I'm not a big fan of the RLBL's padding in the shoulders and the lapels are a bit too narrow. Oddly enough, the single vent doesn't seem to bother me much on the Fitzgerald and the 39L fits me nearly perfectly.

It's up to the fit, more than anything. Pick which one fits you better. The styling of RLBL won't be around forever, but it's not that fashion forward; that is, unless you got this one which is already outdated. On the other hand, I just realized that this is your first suit. I would opt for the Fitzgerald then. Heck, it's cheaper and it'll work in almost any situation. RLBL can have a tendency to look slightly audacious.

 

[sunman42000]

^ I thought most guys on this forum liked Black Label better than BB

 

[gumercindo]

Originally Posted by sunman42000

^ I thought most guys on this forum liked Black Label better than BB

BL is kind of polarizing in these parts. Love it or hate it kind of thing...

 

[Don Carlos]

Originally Posted by sunman42000

^ I thought most guys on this forum liked Black Label better than BB

Most people on this forum are constructionists, and RLBL is technically better made than BB Fitz. The former is fully canvassed and the latter half-canvassed, for instance. RL also uses better fabrics.

Of course, personal preference and taste is everything. And if RLBL is too fashion forward or trendy for some folks, then they should buy BB instead. I'll be the first to admit that current-gen RLBL is starting to scare me off in terms of its trendiness. It's always been a fashion forward brand in the RL pantheon, but I am starting to question the wisdom of buying suits these days that will clearly be out of date in a year's time.

 

[designprofessor]

Watch, Holdfast will occasionally put RLBL for sale at good prices.

 

[Scoundrel]

Black Label is not a real suit.

Your intuition serves you correct that a BB would be a better investment. Hate bursting your bubble like this.

 

[MetroStyles]

Originally Posted by Scoundrel

Black Label is not a real suit.

Your intuition serves you correct that a BB would be a better investment. Hate bursting your bubble like this.

Yes, RLBL is a figment of your imagination. It does not exist.

 

[clotheshorse69]

Originally Posted by Arrogant Bastard

I'll be the first to admit that current-gen RLBL is starting to scare me off in terms of its trendiness. It's always been a fashion forward brand in the RL pantheon, but I am starting to question the wisdom of buying suits these days that will clearly be out of date in a year's time.

You mean in it's lengthy, four year existence?

 

[Don Carlos]

Originally Posted by clotheshorse69

You mean in it's lengthy, four year existence?

Multiply each of those years by seasons, and consider that the style changes slightly per season, and yes, you'll see that there's merit to making a quasi-longitudinal argument about the changing face of RLBL.

 

[apropos]

Which is why you should pick up an early-season RLBL suit in like-new condition from me (see sig).

 

[vida]

Black Label is a great choice! I have tried both the RLBL and Fitzgerald and think that the BL is far more elegant. If you like the shoulder and narrow trousers and it FITS, then it should be your first choice.
You can't go wrong with either.

 

[Joe Cool]

Well, I guess that settles that.

Off you go then.

 

[vincerich]

What color suit did you buy? THAT is the question.