Visiting NY, want my first custom suit, need advice

[cnh121]

I will be in New York for four days in February (13-16th). I've been wanting a custom made suit, and I figured while I'm in NY, I might as well go for it. However, I'm not sure if I would be able to come back enough times for the additional fittings and adjustments. I'm 25 and am at a point where I am sick of my off-the-rack stuff. I don't wear suits often, usually only to funerals, special events, and when I travel. I currently live in Alabama and I will be here until the end of this year (in helicopter flight school). Obviously, there aren't many tailors in Alabama or the surrounding area, and even if there were, I wouldn't have it made by them. So, any advice on how I should go about it in NY? It's my understanding that it takes around 3 visits to the tailor to get it properly done. I wouldn't be able to return to NY until end of March. And I don't want to turn a $1k suit into a $2k suit just because of travel expenses.

I was thinking about Mr. Neds in NY unless I get a better sounding suggestion. My price range per suit is about $1k. I would like to get a black, and a navy blue suit. Two things that I know will stay in style. I've attached a picture of the cut I'm looking for from my latest Esquire magazine.

http://mrnednyc.com/

As a second question... I'm going to the Met Opera with a girlfriend of mine while I'm in NY. I know some people don't really dress up for the Opera, but I would like to. I was going to wear a black Jos A Bank suit (all I have right now is off-the-rack) with one of my Giorgenti french cuff shirts (black or white). I slimmed down since I bought it and have to take the trousers waist in. I actually want to slim the whole thing down (you'll see why in the pictures). I doubt tailors around here are very knowledgeable about this. How do I describe it to them? Also, is there anything I can do to slim the jacket down? I know the shoulders are too big, but when I bought it, I didn't know much about suits.

Thanks for the help.
Charles

 

[mensimageconsultant]

Any real tailor knows what slimming down a suit means. He, or she, would pin it on you to see how slim you like it. However, a tailor might not be good, or honest, enough to warn that the cost of slimming that suit might be more than buying a similar quality suit new. Also, don't wear a black shirt with a black suit unless you have a darn good reason.

 

[falsestart]

I think your location makes Mr Ned pretty difficult. Yes you'll need at least 3 fittings and it's possible you may want further adjustments. The suit you posted looks to big for you, perhaps you can find a properly sized suit closer to home and then work with a tailor there. It just seems traveling to ny for the suit would be very expensive and may not produce the result you want

 

[JibranK]

Originally Posted by cnh121

I would like to get a black, and a navy blue suit. Two things that I know will stay in style. I've attached a picture of the cut I'm looking for from my latest Esquire magazine.

This is great stuff.

 

[MrDaniels]

Just so you know: Most people really DO still dress up for the Met!

 

[Irond Will]

Originally Posted by mensimageconsultant

Any real tailor knows what slimming down a suit means. He, or she, would pin it on you to see how slim you like it. However, a tailor might not be good, or honest, enough to warn that the cost of slimming that suit might be more than buying a similar quality suit new. Also, don't wear a black shirt with a black suit unless you have a darn good reason.

My experience with suit "slimming" is that it was a fairly fast and cheap operation. All it consisted of in my case was taking in the back and side seams on the jacket. I assume slimming trousers would involve taking them in along the side seam.

Maybe a high-end tailor does more than this, but I've been pretty pleased. YMMV of course.

Also, x2 on avoiding the black shirt/ black suit combo. Especially in NYC, it will look low class.

 

[Twotone]

Considering your tight schedule, I suggest hitting NYC men's shops and looking for a nice OTR suit on sale (lots of deep discounts going on now). If you know a good tailor back home, wait until you go back to have it altered. If not, look for a good NYC tailor and have it done before you leave (four days may not be enough).

As you said, you don't wear a suit that often -- so why waste money on a MTM suit? Spend it on the opera, plays and some great meals in the Big Apple.

Just my thoughts,
Twotone

 

[bkrex]

For your budget (1K), and not a lot of time in town, I don't think you can do better than the "Paul" model at Paul Stuart. It's a slim, two button, double vented, plain front affair, very stylish. It runs about $980 for the year round fabrics--navy, charcoal, navy pin and charcoal pin. you won't find a black suit in this line, and most here would try to talk you out of it (me included--get a navy and a charcoal).

It includes sound tailoring, and if you ask, they will usually throw in the functional buttons for free.

If you had the time, Mr Ned is the way to go, but since you don't, this is a very good option.

 

[dopey]

Originally Posted by cnh121

I will be in New York for four days in February (13-16th). I've been wanting a custom made suit, and I figured while I'm in NY, I might as well go for it. However, I'm not sure if I would be able to come back enough times for the additional fittings and adjustments. I'm 25 and am at a point where I am sick of my off-the-rack stuff. I don't wear suits often, usually only to funerals, special events, and when I travel. I currently live in Alabama and I will be here until the end of this year (in helicopter flight school). Obviously, there aren't many tailors in Alabama or the surrounding area, and even if there were, I wouldn't have it made by them. So, any advice on how I should go about it in NY? It's my understanding that it takes around 3 visits to the tailor to get it properly done. I wouldn't be able to return to NY until end of March. And I don't want to turn a $1k suit into a $2k suit just because of travel expenses. I was thinking about Mr. Neds in NY unless I get a better sounding suggestion. My price range per suit is about $1k. I would like to get a black, and a navy blue suit. Two things that I know will stay in style. I've attached a picture of the cut I'm looking for from my latest Esquire magazine. http://mrnednyc.com/ As a second question... I'm going to the Met Opera with a girlfriend of mine while I’m in NY. I know some people don't really dress up for the Opera, but I would like to. I was going to wear a black Jos A Bank suit (all I have right now is off-the-rack) with one of my Giorgenti french cuff shirts (black or white). I slimmed down since I bought it and have to take the trousers waist in. I actually want to slim the whole thing down (you’ll see why in the pictures). I doubt tailors around here are very knowledgeable about this. How do I describe it to them? Also, is there anything I can do to slim the jacket down? I know the shoulders are too big, but when I bought it, I didn’t know much about suits. Thanks for the help. Charles
Mr. Ned is not a bad option for the price. I got an o.k. suit (since given away) and others have gotten better and worse. But see below . . .

Originally Posted by bkrex

For your budget (1K), and not a lot of time in town, I don't think you can do better than the "Paul" model at Paul Stuart. It's a slim, two button, double vented, plain front affair, very stylish. It runs about $980 for the year round fabrics--navy, charcoal, navy pin and charcoal pin. you won't find a black suit in this line, and most here would try to talk you out of it (me included--get a navy and a charcoal). It includes sound tailoring, and if you ask, they will usually throw in the functional buttons for free. If you had the time, Mr Ned is the way to go, but since you don't, this is a very good option.
This is a great idea. Paul Stuart doesn't represent the best pure value for your money if all you care about is the quality of manufacture, but, based on some recent visits, they have excellent quality and, more importantly, excellent taste and service. You will give yourself very good odds of coming out looking very good if you go to Paul Stuart. But they are salespeople, so tell them your budget to start, and stick to it. Don't skimp on it, but don't let them take you over either.

Originally Posted by MrDaniels

Just so you know: Most people really DO still dress up for the Met!
It really depends on where you sit. In the most expensive seats, you generally see suits, coat and tie and the occasional black tie. In the less expensive seats, there is more of an anything-goes dress code, and you will see everything from well accessorized jeans to gay dress-up. No matter where you sit, though you will feel comfortable and appropriate in a suit and you will probably enjoy strolling around before the start and during the intermissions.

 

[JordanB]

Why don't you give Mr. Ned a call and see what Vahram can do? It might be too quick, but you could at least see. I doubt he would have it ready in 2 days (I assume he's closed President's Day), but it could be completed when you come back in March (if you can wait that long).

And instead of getting black and navy, I would suggest charcoal and navy. Charcoal is much more versatile (and most of us here think it looks better).

 

[Master Shake]

Originally Posted by bkrex

For your budget (1K), and not a lot of time in town, I don't think you can do better than the "Paul" model at Paul Stuart. It's a slim, two button, double vented, plain front affair, very stylish. It runs about $980 for the year round fabrics--navy, charcoal, navy pin and charcoal pin. you won't find a black suit in this line, and most here would try to talk you out of it (me included--get a navy and a charcoal).
I doubt that this pricing information is current. I agree with the rest of this.

 

[chorse123]

I don't want to speak for Varham at Mr. Ned, but it sounds impossible given the time frame. They have made things for me in a month, and that was on the quick side, with me able to come in as soon as the garment was ready.

I'm sure there's a decent men's shop somewhere in Alabama that does MTM, even if it's through a factory elsewhere.

Definitely dress for the opera. And enjoy the show.

 

[bobbers]

Originally Posted by chorse123

I'm sure there's a decent men's shop somewhere in Alabama that does MTM, even if it's through a factory elsewhere.


Have you contacted Gus Mayer (in Birmingham) to see what their MTM options are?

Otherwise, it sounds like not enough time... if you want a quality MTM suit in four days, start saving your money/frequent flyer miles for Hong Kong.

 

[bkrex]

The Paul Stuart info is correct--I bought a suit last month. this is the made in Canada super 110s model. only the 4 options available at this price, but that is the price. it hasn't changed in years.