Suit for a body builder

[SkinnyGoomba]

One of my good friend is going to be assisting me in sales for a business i've started up (not the consulting idea, i nixed that). He's a big guy, and has no idea what to wear for nice suits.

I'm going to do the search for him, and i'm wondering what suits will define an athletic build nicely, i dont want linebacker shoulder pads, ect.

I was thinking RLPL, but i'm not certain that will be the best look.

My friend is 6'2" and 265lbs, not totally trim, he holds some weight around the waist, but his upper body is huge.

Large torso, shorter legs.

thanks
Brian

 

[kmwrestle]

what size chest?

 

[ryoneo]

and how much does he intend to spend?

 

[haganah]

You know how fat guys get very expensive bespoke suits and still look weird? Your friend will too no matter what. And I highly recommend a suit from Ned's or someone similar since his body will not be off the rack at all and may appreciate a better fit.

 

[lee_44106]

Most important question is how much he is willing to spend.

RL purple label is terrible for his physique, it's best for the lean tall guy, i.e. not your friend.

Best go made to measure, as recommended from the likes of Mr. Ned.

 

[SkinnyGoomba]

not a fat guy, i believe a size 38" waist, just a rough guess but i'm thinking a size 46" chest.

I'll measure him up before he buys anything, but i'm trying to get a feel for what cuts to look for, obviously very slim cuts are not going to work, but some waist suppression is achievable.

I would imagine he's looking to spend under $600

I told him i'd probably be capable of suiting him for under $1000, top to bottom, suit, shoes, socks, 1 shirt, 1 tie, 1 pocket square and cufflinks.

 

[SkinnyGoomba]

I know there is no way he's willing to spend the time effort and money on a mr. ned, its going to be off-the rack + alterations.

$900 6 week wait, and 2 or 3 fittings, its a nice suggestion, but he wont spring for it.

what do you think of Brooks Brothers Golden fleece?

 

[SuitingStyle]

welcome to my world, its a bitchass to buy suits, whatever off the rack suits he buys, he will have troubles with the armholes and get the pants recut. Unless, of course he buys the suit seperates , generous fitting crap from Macy's ( which I own 3 before I got to SF).

Best route is really mid-level MTM a la Mr. Ned

 

[SkinnyGoomba]

i'm considering sportcoats and slacks for him instead.

that would work fine, and its quite acceptable at the networking events we will be attending.

 

[JeffsWood]

I find the SC and slack looks better on these big guys rather then a suit, it kind of breaks things up a bit.

From the description of this guy, if you put him in a dark suit he may look like he works in "waste disposal" . I hope his screen name isn't BigGoomba.

 

[article3dave]

I know it is probably not the quality for which he is looking, but apparently Austin Reed makes an OTR athletic cut with an 8" drop that fits a lot of top heavy guys quite well. I, myself, have never seen one in person, nor would one fit me; I'm skinny as a rail, so maybe I'll check out RLPL if I ever make some money.

 

[SkinnyGoomba]

RLPL isnt exactly for "skinny as a rail" black label is though.

I think i will suggest he goes for a sportcoat and slacks, any suggestions for which brands i should start my search with.

BTW, he's German, so he never really looks like he works in waste management.

 

[kshah]

i have this issue - i am around those measurements, i find that EU58 works on me. I typically like Isaia with the 8inch drop. C21 in the city has their sale where I found a Super 150s Sciamerra Isaia in Charcoal for $500. I believe they are having their annual summer clearance now.

I still have to have jackets let out because I have a large back and shoulders, I'm sure you have a good tailor who can let out jackets from the seams and adjust collars. I use Cardelino tailors in NYC, they are ok.

 

[teddieriley]

265lbs? This guy sounds like a wimp.


I kid.

 

[SkinnyGoomba]

Originally Posted by kshah

i have this issue - i am around those measurements, i find that EU58 works on me. I typically like Isaia with the 8inch drop. C21 in the city has their sale where I found a Super 150s Sciamerra Isaia in Charcoal for $500. I believe they are having their annual summer clearance now.

I still have to have jackets let out because I have a large back and shoulders, I'm sure you have a good tailor who can let out jackets from the seams and adjust collars. I use Cardelino tailors in NYC, they are ok.

thanks i'll certainly check it out.

i have an excellent tailor, so i'm not worried about that,

how will i know how much the jacket can be let out, and whats the most important area to fit? which areas can be tight until tailored?