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what are the best suits for under $200

taxgenius

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what brands should i stick with? how many buttons? color? etc.....


As many as possible; you want to get your money's worth.
 

MisterFu

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Looking for a suit under $200, what are some good suits that fit this criteria?
Okay, here is the deal: most here on SF, including myself, will tell you that the only "good" suits for under 200 will be those you find via thrift stores, SF classifieds and Ebay. Men's Wearhouse and Jos. A. Bank may have a sale that will work out to under 200 per suit, but it won't be anything anyone here would describe as good and, frankly the only way those suits will be serviceable is with another (minimum) 100 dollars worth of alterations.

With all that said, in the real world, people have budget constraints and 500-800 bucks for what an SF'er might consider a decent suit may be out of the question. The key, with even the cheapest suit, is that if you can find a tailor that can make it fit well, it will look better than the most expensive suit that fits badly. Furthermore, much of the world doesn't really know or notice the difference between a 4 figure MTM suit and a decently altered inexpensive off the rack suit (us nerds here will be able to spot the stitching, cheap material and fused construction, but not the average person). The real questions are do you care about such things and what types of social occasions or workplace is this suit going to be worn in?
 

CalGuy13

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You want either 2 or 3 buttons (probably 2). Navy, charcoal, dark gray. No loud patterns.

Seriously, though, you can't do much with $200.

Banana Republic had a 50% off regular price sale a few weeks ago that brought their $550 suit down to $275. Banana Republic is hardly a high quality suit, but at $275 I suppose it's reasonable. You'd still need to pay for alterations, though.

Unless you need a suit *now*, save up until you get into the $500 range (with another $100 or so for alterations). At that point a lot of options open up. Brooks Brothers can get to $550 on clearance (I just ordered a Madison with side vents and plain front pants at that price), Suitsupply is in that range, etc.
 
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VinnyMac

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As many as possible; you want to get your money's worth.
rotflmao.gif
 

Srben

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Okay, here is the deal: most here on SF, including myself, will tell you that the only "good" suits for under 200 will be those you find via thrift stores, SF classifieds and Ebay. Men's Wearhouse and Jos. A. Bank may have a sale that will work out to under 200 per suit, but it won't be anything anyone here would describe as good and, frankly the only way those suits will be serviceable is with another (minimum) 100 dollars worth of alterations.

With all that said, in the real world, people have budget constraints and 500-800 bucks for what an SF'er might consider a decent suit may be out of the question. The key, with even the cheapest suit, is that if you can find a tailor that can make it fit well, it will look better than the most expensive suit that fits badly. Furthermore, much of the world doesn't really know or notice the difference between a 4 figure MTM suit and a decently altered inexpensive off the rack suit (us nerds here will be able to spot the stitching, cheap material and fused construction, but not the average person). The real questions are do you care about such things and what types of social occasions or workplace is this suit going to be worn in?
Will you marry me?
 

rickrone

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thank you,

where do i go to find a good taylor in orlando?

Ok, i will increase my budget. what brands should i stick with? what do you think about perry ellis or alfani suits?

thanks for your help
 

VinnyMac

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thank you,

where do i go to find a good taylor in orlando?

Ok, i will increase my budget. what brands should i stick with? what do you think about perry ellis or alfani suits?

thanks for your help
...the internet. Look up tailors/alteration shops in your area.
 

GBR

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None, far to low a budget and if that is all you have then you must get what you can without fretting about labels. It will however be pretty awful.
 

jm722

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eBay is probably your best bet. Secondhand and with alterations probably $200-225. I did it with a few suits when starting out and did very well with this. Still have the suits in my rotation
 
Last edited:

rickrone

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eBay is probably your best bet. Secondhand and with alterations probably $200-225. I did it with a few suits when starting out and did very well with this. Still have the suits in my rotation
thank you, what should i look for in a good used suit?
 

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