Brooks Bros. 1818 Madison 3 piece quality?

mdg137 · Mar 16, 2009

I stopped by the local BB outlet this weekend, and discovered an 1818 madison 3 piece in my size. Glen plaid, flat front pants, side vents-- felt full canvas.

Price was 299.99, and I figure probably about 120.00 in alterations at my tailor- (pants hemmed and trimmed a bit, sleeves shortened, waist of the jacket taken in significantly), so for a total of 425.00--

Im really trying to avoid the "wow, its cheap, I better buy it" syndrome that is all too easy to fall into.

What is your experience with the 1818 line?

gnatty8 · Mar 16, 2009

I like them a lot, and if I found that suit, wouldn't hesitate to buy it at that price. They are great, classic suits. Relatively well made, conservative cut, perfect for their purpose.

Here is an 1818 here:

I have to have mine MTM, since they do not work for me OTR, but I would highly recommend them.

polar-lemon · Mar 16, 2009

I've never seen a Madison with side vents. Is it a mistagged Regent, or was it a special order?

mdg137 · Mar 16, 2009

Originally Posted by polar-lemon

I've never seen a Madison with side vents. Is it a mistagged Regent, or was it a special order?
you know, I didnt look closely enough... There was a blue tag that read 1818 Madison sewn inside, so I didnt think to really compare the fit.

orthofrancis · Mar 17, 2009

They are quite well made suits - classics. I have two, and receive compliments each time I wear them (I have the Fitzgerald line).
Normally they go for $1000 each or so, but usually can be bought on sale.

1wb · Mar 17, 2009

There have been a couple of 1818 3-piece models over the past year - 3B high-roll w/ side vents, vest w/ lapels and FF trousers. Maybe two Madisons - one in a darker grey glenplaid w/ red and blue overcheck and a lighter grey glenplaid w/ tan overcheck, and I think a Fitzgerald or Madison in brown birdseye. All of them are made in Italy, none of them are full canvas. All 1818 suits are half-canvas w/ fusing. The fabrics are nice, but the lapels on the vest are a bit much, esp. together with the 3B high roll. I own the darker grey Madison model and don't wear it very often. That said, $300 is a good deal.

Steven Aver · Mar 17, 2009

I picked up an awesome 1818 Italy made DB Tweed herringbone full length overcoat at the warehouse sale for $300. Very happy.

KObalto · Mar 17, 2009

I have the Madison 3-piece with lapelled vest and side vents. It's a very nice suit I was happy to pay about $520 for on sale. Half-canvassed. I think if you take the suit to a regular BB they will do the alterations for free. Careful, though, their tailors do not seem to believe in showing cuff.

Warren G. · Mar 17, 2009

Yeah I agree..I think they're great suits when they're on sales. The Fitzgerald fit me pretty well.

brewstafari · Mar 17, 2009

It could have been a 'throw-away' MTM suit. They start with a base model (in this case, Madison), and then alter it however you want - and could have added side vents. That being said - the 1818 models are all half-canvassed. Only the Golden Fleece suits are full-canvas.

And THAT being said - that's a great deal for the price and I would take it in a heartbeat. I got a 3-piece Loro Piana Regent a few months back when they had the 2-for-$1000 deal and it was WELL worth it.

sloane3 · Mar 17, 2009

Originally Posted by gnatty8

I like them a lot, and if I found that suit, wouldn't hesitate to buy it at that price. They are great, classic suits. Relatively well made, conservative cut, perfect for their purpose.

Here is an 1818 here:

I have to have mine MTM, since they do not work for me OTR, but I would highly recommend them.

Is it just me or do the shoulders look odd in that pic.

JoeWoah · Mar 17, 2009

Originally Posted by brewstafari

And THAT being said - that's a great deal for the price and I would take it in a heartbeat. I got a 3-piece Loro Piana Regent a few months back when they had the 2-for-$1000 deal and it was WELL worth it.

+1, I did it too. Got an 1818 Tux and 3-Piece with side vents for $1,000. I'm happy.

Brooks Bros. 1818 Madison 3 piece quality?

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Definitely full canvas only

Half canvas is fine

Really don't care

Depends on fabric

Depends on price

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