Looking to buy a suit for around $400

bonoz · Sep 8, 2010

Hey guys,

I want to buy a relatively fashionable gray suit for business and non-business purposes. I like a nice fitted fit with thin lapels and thing every thing else. I'm really short so I think a 2-button suit would be smart. But feel free to suggest a new style.

I'm sort of an old-fashioned guy, so I want a suit that makes me look like I belong in the 50's or 60's. Because I'm short, I'll probably need to get it altered and everything. I probably need to go for something like a 36 short. Most places don't even have that size.

I need advice. First, I need fashion advice. What sort of a suit should I be looking for?

And second, I need advice on where I should be looking for a suit like this. What stores? What designers? What brands? etc.

Thanks!

gladhands · Sep 8, 2010

B&S

The Thin Man · Sep 8, 2010

Marks & Spencer ships to the US, is fairly conservative, supposedly decently made, and relatively inexpensive. They also have a wide range of sizes. J. Crew is fashion-y, so-so make, inexpensive, offers 36S. Has narrow lapels. Hardwick is made in the USA, extremely conservative, not too well made, and relatively inexpensive. Also a wide range of sizes. Otherwise, you're going to have to buy used or hit paydirt at a luxury outlet (Off Fifth, etc.) or maybe hit the right Brooks Brothers sale.

bonoz · Sep 11, 2010

Originally Posted by gladhands

B&S

What's B&S?

bonoz · Sep 11, 2010

Originally Posted by The Thin Man

Marks & Spencer ships to the US, is fairly conservative, supposedly decently made, and relatively inexpensive. They also have a wide range of sizes. J. Crew is fashion-y, so-so make, inexpensive, offers 36S. Has narrow lapels. Hardwick is made in the USA, extremely conservative, not too well made, and relatively inexpensive. Also a wide range of sizes. Otherwise, you're going to have to buy used or hit paydirt at a luxury outlet (Off Fifth, etc.) or maybe hit the right Brooks Brothers sale.
Cool Thanks. Now what if I want to make some alterations? How do I go about doing that? What are some other stores you can think of? How about Men's Warehouse? Any place I can actually GO and try the suits out?

GBer · Sep 11, 2010

Originally Posted by bonoz

What's B&S?

Buying and Selling

http://www.styleforum.net/forumdisplay.php?f=20

ter1413 · Sep 11, 2010

Originally Posted by bonoz

Cool Thanks. Now what if I want to make some alterations? How do I go about doing that?
What are some other stores you can think of?

How about Men's Warehouse? Any place I can actually GO and try the suits out?

If you buy from a store, get a suit that fits well. You can get it altered in store or at a local tailor: shorten sleeves/cuff/taper jacket/etc.
If buying from a store or altering at a local tailor, TAKE/WEAR a pair of shoes that you would wear with the suit. I get my stuff tailored down at Stanton Tailor in nYc and can't tell you how many times I see men in there with suit pants on with sneakers. I often take my shoes in a bag if I am heading there on the wkend for a cuff to a pair of pants. Don't be that dude!!

srendam · Sep 11, 2010

M&S, so many posts dissing jcrews ludlow suit around here.

Artking3 · Sep 11, 2010

Originally Posted by srendam

M&S, so many posts dissing jcrews ludlow suit around here.

You can't expect many choices for $400. You can't expect great quality either.

LennonMcCartney · Sep 11, 2010

wrong thread.

bonoz · Sep 12, 2010

I am finding it a bit difficult to buy a suit online. Isn't it best to be able to try the suit on and see if you like it or not?

Also, JCrew isn't shipping it out until October. That's kinda late.

GBer · Sep 12, 2010

Do you live in or near a major city? Otherwise your choices are limited...

bonoz · Sep 12, 2010

As far as M&S goes:

Their slim-fit collection all have suits that are way too short. Am I right? That looks kinda strange.

The only non-slim fit I could find of my size are:

http://www.marksandspencer.com/Wool-...d_s=left-nav-3

Not sure how they fit though.

bonoz · Sep 12, 2010

Originally Posted by GBer

Do you live in or near a major city? Otherwise your choices are limited...

I do live near a major mall (Tyson's Corner).

srendam · Sep 12, 2010

Heard good things about the benjamin suit from SF sponsor haberdasher

Looking to buy a suit for around $400

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