Suits to start out with

[rsmcclelland]

Hi all, I'm just starting out with my business wardrobe so I have been recently looking around for suits at decent prices (~$400-$500) to get started with.

So far, I've found some at the local Off 5th that are made for Saks with Zegna and Loro Piana cloth. They are both made in the US, not Mexico like previous models that I've read about on here. They are going for $420 right now with their 40% off suits sale. Both seemed good to me as far as materials. The fit wasn't bad but I would still need some alterations in the jackets.

I also went to BB to look at their Suiting Essentials line (2 for $800) and the 1818 Fitzgeralds for comparison. I loved the way the Fitz fit, and liked the way the SE jacket fit. The 1818 cloth is nicer for sure, but the SE cloth isn't too bad (from what I can tell as a noob). If money were no problem, I'd go with the Fitz, but they are almost twice as expensive. However, if they are really that much better I might be able to stretch to get them.

I wanted to get the experts' opinions before purchasing anything. How do these suits compare? Which ones should I go for or stay away from? Anyone have experience with any (or all) of these?

 

[AlmostFullBenefits]

I too am in the same boat of just starting a business wardrobe. While I don't have a lot of experience, I do know you might be able to find some better deals if you shop around a bit more. Personally, I wasn't thrilled with the Saks suits either, and if you've narrowed it down between BB1818 and the BB-SE (which is their low end 346 label?), I'd go with the 1818, as its not only going to feel better, but it'll hold up better as well.

Other options:

There are a couple of Isaia suits in size 40R for $599.00 at Sierra Trading Post (use code XKE0206G). Slightly more than you were wanting to spend, but a good deal on a good suit nonetheless. Some of the Off 5th stores will carry Isaia suits, so you could try them on to see how the fits if you really think its best.

B&S subforum here is also seems to be a great place to pick up a good suit at a great price, as far as I can tell from my lurking.

Neiman Marcus Last Call was doing a sale on Hickey Freeman and Hugo Boss suits, somewhere in the ~$420 range. If there is one nearby, I've found them to generally have better deals than Saks Off 5th.

 

[stant62]

I personally like BB Fitz to start out - but you may find better deals out there. If time is not a problem for you, the BB after Christmas sale is probably your best bet to pick up a BB suit (unless they do those 2/$900-1000 promotions again)

 

[johnvw]

Jos.A.Bank Signature and Sig. Gold suits are in the $250-$350 range during some of the sales and are good quality for those prices.

 

[rsmcclelland]

Are the BB 1818 suits the best choice out of the ones mentioned? Are the ones at Off 5th not worth the $400 or so?

 

[rsmcclelland]

Originally Posted by johnvw

Jos.A.Bank Signature and Sig. Gold suits are in the $250-$350 range during some of the sales and are good quality for those prices.

I had some of these before and they fit like a sack on me. I would rather go with the ones I mentioned for a bit more.

 

[Nathaniel72]

I would say that you should save your money and go with what you find at Saks, then you can still have money to have all the necessary adjustments made by a decent tailor.

And like stant mentioned, there will be mad seasonal sales

 

[tim_horton]

Originally Posted by AlmostFullBenefits

There are a couple of Isaia suits in size 40R for $599.00 at Sierra Trading Post (use code XKE0206G). Slightly more than you were wanting to spend, but a good deal on a good suit nonetheless.


STP has some great Isaia stuff. The staple business suits (charcoal, navy solids) are very rare, but you can definitely snag some pinstripe suits. And their return policy really can't be beat.

 

[otc]

I had two friends go for the BB suiting essentials stuff. They went when there was a sale of sorts on (and did some coupon stacking/BB card application stuff) and got a pretty good deal.

I don't think this happens when you buy the suiting essentials stuff online, but in store it is like half-MTM. They take a few measurements and then you pick the fabric and features (vents, lapel stitching, beltloops/adjusters/braces, etc).

Sure the stuff isn't as nice as the 1818 line but you can pick your exact fabrics from a book and get it to fit your measurements rather than having to go with what is in stock. It isn't 100%MTM...my friend definitely needed a little work afterwards but it was probably the best fitting option anywhere near that pricepoint (he has a huge drop)