Author Topic: I Need to Buy a Suit  (Read 16341 times)

HydroJim

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I Need to Buy a Suit
« on: September 30, 2015, 05:43:39 PM »
I've been putting this day off for as long as possible. I've never worn a suit in my life and I've always gotten by without one. Now in my second year of college, I've been scheduling a bunch of internship interviews and I think it's time that I finally step up my game. I currently own a pair of black dress pants, a blue dress shit, a black tie, two nice belts, and some dress shoes. With that outfit, I've had no problem getting jobs. I don't think interviewers really care because my outfit is still professional. Nonetheless, I feel very out of place at hiring events where everyone is wearing suits. I figure I'll wear the suit quite a lot over the next few years so it should come in handy at least for a little while.

But I have a problem. I have no idea where to get a suit or how to go about doing it. My next interview is scheduled for October 23rd so I'm hoping to have everything ready to go by then.

If anybody has any tips, it would be greatly appreciated. I'm not trying to spend hundreds on something I'll wear at most 40 times in my life.

chesebert

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Re: I Need to Buy a Suit
« Reply #1 on: September 30, 2015, 05:46:57 PM »
Consignment shop + tailor (if needed)


HydroJim

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Re: I Need to Buy a Suit
« Reply #2 on: September 30, 2015, 05:50:46 PM »
Consignment shop + tailor (if needed)

That sounds about what I had in mind. Not worth it going to those big name stores.

Any more detailed tips?
Should I get clothes that are too big for the tailor to make fit?
What about style? I wouldn't call myself a fashion guru.

HydroJim

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Re: I Need to Buy a Suit
« Reply #3 on: September 30, 2015, 06:19:20 PM »
Also,

What should I look for in pricing of a suit and tailoring? Never had anything tailored before.

Bruinguy

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Re: I Need to Buy a Suit
« Reply #4 on: September 30, 2015, 07:00:16 PM »
My recommendation would be a new suit from a retailer at a steep discount.  I'd recommend a two button jacket, flat front pants, no cuffs.  For the first suit (as in having only one), I'd recommend a solid navy blue or navy blue with subtle pin stripes.  You want 100% wool.  Here is a good example (Macy's Calvin Klein Suit Separates). 

For tailoring, buy a jacket that fits the first time.  Period.  If you don't like the jacket, find another suit.  The pants can be taken in as needed, but I have never saved enough money on a suit to pay for the tailoring needed to fix a jacket properly. 

A new suit will be a couple hundred dollars though.  If you can find a used suit with a jacket that fits for less, you could certainly go that way.

fishnfool

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Re: I Need to Buy a Suit
« Reply #5 on: September 30, 2015, 07:14:57 PM »
Kohls department store has decent suits for a reasonable price. Or you might wander into your local goodwill or thrift shop, I've seen very nice suits hanging there and you can't beat the price!

Sailor Sam

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Re: I Need to Buy a Suit
« Reply #6 on: September 30, 2015, 07:24:08 PM »
Taking your measurements beforehand will help with finding sizes. Here's a pretty good youtube video on taking measurements. You'll need a flexible measuring tape. You could make due with a piece of string, but it's much easier with a flexi. Having a friend is also pretty helpful.

If you're going to be wearing a suit at your future job, it might be worth investing in a brand name suit (at a discount, of course). If it's just for interviews, Goodwill will probably suffice.

runningthroughFIRE

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Re: I Need to Buy a Suit
« Reply #7 on: September 30, 2015, 07:26:24 PM »
I would actually recommend steering away from getting a full suit and just get a jacket.  This depends on what kinds of internships and companies you'll be interviewing for, of course.  If you do go the full suit route, Bruinguy's recommendations are solid.  I got my last suit at a fairly large thrift shop.  Make sure the jacket fits well, and the pants are close enough to adjust.

I majored in accounting in college, and got along just fine with black dress pants, white shirt, black jacket, and conservative tie for internships.  I didn't bother with suits until I was looking at full time positions.  Since starting full time, I have yet to wear any of my suits, and only wear a jacket when I get cold (and even then I get funny looks).

Tetsuya Hondo

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Re: I Need to Buy a Suit
« Reply #8 on: September 30, 2015, 07:31:39 PM »
It depends. Where are you interviewing? Taco Hut in a cow town? A law firm? A whoopie cushion factory? Wall Street?

HydroJim

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Re: I Need to Buy a Suit
« Reply #9 on: October 01, 2015, 11:20:36 AM »
It depends. Where are you interviewing? Taco Hut in a cow town? A law firm? A whoopie cushion factory? Wall Street?

I'm studying mechanical engineering so I've been interviewing at big Fortune 500s and some smaller privately owned engineering companies. Most tend to have only require polos and khakis for their workers.

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Re: I Need to Buy a Suit
« Reply #10 on: October 01, 2015, 11:28:51 AM »
I got lucky and got my first couple from thrift stores, but it's hard to do. Later on I did pay full retail for a couple of jackets, which was probably unnecessary.
If you expect to wear the suit on a regular basis, a decent full suit from a discount or department store isn't a terrible idea - it should last a long time and can be augmented with additional components from cheaper places (I wear black thrift store pants with my nice black coat, etc).

RoseRelish

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Re: I Need to Buy a Suit
« Reply #11 on: October 01, 2015, 11:35:30 AM »
I'd buy a new suit from a big retailer (Macy's, Kohl's, JCP, etc.). I bought one earlier this year for something like $120. It is navy. I didn't get it tailored, as it fits good enough for my fashion needs.

I'd expect tailoring to cost $20-40/garment, but I've only ever had suits tailored via Men's Wearhouse - and I'm sure they charge more than the local, family-owned business in town.

Tetsuya Hondo

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Re: I Need to Buy a Suit
« Reply #12 on: October 01, 2015, 11:52:06 AM »
It depends. Where are you interviewing? Taco Hut in a cow town? A law firm? A whoopie cushion factory? Wall Street?

I'm studying mechanical engineering so I've been interviewing at big Fortune 500s and some smaller privately owned engineering companies. Most tend to have only require polos and khakis for their workers.

Then you're in luck, you can probably get away with a lot and I think a decent blue jacket could be just fine for you. Hell, what you already have will probably be fine. Double hell, you could probably wear a t-shirt with a tie silkscreened on it and be fine. However, if you want a suit I would go with a single breasted jacket with two buttons, something that's either solid blue or gray and avoid patterns as they seem to age quickly. Avoid pleated pants. You can pick up something that fits the bill on sale at nearly any of the big department stores or outlet stores. The only problem is that their staff are not always very knowledgeable or give a damn so here's a rough guide for finding something that fits: http://www.esquire.com/style/mens-fashion/advice/a4705/suit-fit-0708/ as I wouldn't depend on them to steer you towards the right size. To me, fit is almost more important than the suit itself as a $2000 suit that doesn't fit you will look like crap. I've never been able to buy straight off the rack without a bit of tailoring - resizing a sleeve to compensate for my monkey arm and hemming the pants. This is pretty standard, but some people are able to pull something off the rack and run with it just fine. If you're not though, a decent, cheap tailor can be your best friend and these types of alterations are usually fairly inexpensive.

Speaking of fit, it might be worthwhile to make Brooks Brothers your first stop. NOT because you're going to buy there but because they will know how to properly measure you for a suit. Tell them you're looking for a suit, get measured and find your size. Write it all down and then run like hell. Keep in mind that sizes can vary by brand a bit, but it shouldn't be too much. Still, this is where the rough guide in your back pocket will come in handy.

pbkmaine

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Re: I Need to Buy a Suit
« Reply #13 on: October 01, 2015, 11:58:10 AM »
+1 for Brooks Brothers, but to actually buy a suit in navy or charcoal gray that you can wear to weddings and funerals and job interviews for the foreseeable future. Brooks Brothers has suit sales twice a year and I have found their tailoring to be first rate.

I'm a red panda

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Re: I Need to Buy a Suit
« Reply #14 on: October 01, 2015, 12:13:10 PM »
JC Penny has excellent sales, and good quality mass-market suits.  Husband has been very happy with his, and it has lasted well, for over a decade.

If you are going to splurge anywhere, I'd do it on the shoes.
« Last Edit: October 01, 2015, 01:32:40 PM by iowajes »

Tetsuya Hondo

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Re: I Need to Buy a Suit
« Reply #15 on: October 01, 2015, 12:23:25 PM »
+1 for Brooks Brothers, but to actually buy a suit in navy or charcoal gray that you can wear to weddings and funerals and job interviews for the foreseeable future. Brooks Brothers has suit sales twice a year and I have found their tailoring to be first rate.

I've picked up my last couple suits at Brooks Brothers Outlet for under $200 on sale. However, I've read good things about JC Penney's and JCrew's Outlet suits as well. If what I've seen is true, the latter two are of higher quality than what you will find at the department stores but for less money (much less for the JC Penney - depends on sales at JCrew Outlet).


Gone Fishing

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Re: I Need to Buy a Suit
« Reply #17 on: October 01, 2015, 12:35:45 PM »
Not saying it will happen for sure, but if you are 19 now and are expecting to get a desk job, your waistline may "expand" a bit over the next few years.  Also, many young men's shoulders continue to fill out through their early 20's.  A suit that is too big looks bad, but it might not hurt to look for one with just a hint of room to "grow into" vs one that just fits. 

Although this could be the exact opposite if you are currently an athlete and quit playing...   

Yankuba

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Re: I Need to Buy a Suit
« Reply #18 on: October 01, 2015, 12:39:17 PM »
+1 for Brooks Brothers, but to actually buy a suit in navy or charcoal gray that you can wear to weddings and funerals and job interviews for the foreseeable future. Brooks Brothers has suit sales twice a year and I have found their tailoring to be first rate.

Agreed! Don't cheap out here - buy something nice from a quality retailer that you will have for a decade. And I definitely prefer cuffs

Tetsuya Hondo

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Re: I Need to Buy a Suit
« Reply #19 on: October 01, 2015, 12:44:00 PM »
$95 at JC Penny -- http://www.jcpenney.com/steve-harvey-3-button-black-stripe-suit-jacket/prod.jump?ppId=pp500860532&selectedSKUId=55307120158&selectedLotId=5530712&fromBag=true&cm_mmc=ShoppingFeed-_-BingShopping%20-_-Suit%20Jacket-_-55307120158&utm_medium=cse&utm_source=bingshopping&utm_campaign=suit%20jacket&utm_content=55307120158&kwid=bingproductads-plaid^30738777531-sku^55307120158@ADL10BMC-adType^PLA-device^c-adid^6141253082


Allow 2 weeks for tailoring.

$ 20 Ebay Wool -- http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mens-Designer-Ben-Sherman-Wool-Mohair-Suit-Jacket-Blazer-42R-AR8725-/131611564841?hash=item1ea4a91b29

I would avoid the first as it's not likely to be that versatile or timeless, leading to less wear for the buck. Taste-wise, it ain't my cup of tea, but that's not up to me. However, the second is so freakin inexpensive and it's not to shabby either. Holy hat. The only drawback of eBay is that it could be easy to get the sizing wrong if you haven't tried it on, but for the money...hmmm. This reminds me that eBay can also be a good place to pick up quality shoes for small coin.

Also, TJMaxx/Marshalls often have pretty good suits for relatively little coin. Tons of options for inexpensive suits.

Tetsuya Hondo

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Re: I Need to Buy a Suit
« Reply #20 on: October 01, 2015, 12:50:17 PM »
+1 for Brooks Brothers, but to actually buy a suit in navy or charcoal gray that you can wear to weddings and funerals and job interviews for the foreseeable future. Brooks Brothers has suit sales twice a year and I have found their tailoring to be first rate.

Agreed! Don't cheap out here - buy something nice from a quality retailer that you will have for a decade. And I definitely prefer cuffs

Although, are we talking about regular Brooks Brothers or the outlet? Because, I only buy at the latter. The regular store has great suits, but are completely un-Mustachian and run anywhere from $600 on sale to well over a grand. And, the "nice" suits are often not that durable by virtue of the cloth that's used. It's just more delicate. I've bought both through the years and I now stick with the outlet, especially since finding MMM. They are totally fine for my work, they are fairly durable, and won't break the bank. I don't feel that spending more is worth it unless your a high flyer at Goldman.

CanuckExpat

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Re: I Need to Buy a Suit
« Reply #21 on: October 01, 2015, 01:12:23 PM »
With a suit, a lot depends on fit. Unless you are a very standard size in all proportions, know what you are looking for, and work with a retailer that you trust, I'd be wary of buying off the self. There are also only a limited set of alterations that can be done to most jackets.

If you are going to wear a suit, it will look and feel better if it is made to measure.
There are a few companies that do it online now, and I've had good experience with Indochino

The general business model is that you upload your measurements online, the suit gets made to your measurements somewhere in Asia where tailoring is dirt cheap, and then you get a "custom made" suit shipped to you.

The tricky part is getting the measurements right, the sites usually have guides and videos that help you do it. It is helpful to have someone else who somewhat knows and cares about suits to help you with that part. My wife (fiancee at the time) helped me the first time I ordered an Indochino suit.

You probably want to stick with a basic navy suit, or maybe a grey suit. Avoid anything fancy, and avoid a black suit unless you have reason to think that works for you. Check the Indochino "essentials" collection. Don't get fooled by the fancy stories on the other stuff. You just want an essential piece.

A navy suit is the most basic and versatile thing you can probably get. They work together as a suit for interviews, presentations, weddings, funerals, etc. You can wear the pants alone as a pair of dress slacks if you want, and the jacket by itself can be used as a sports coat if that's your style (great on a date when you want to dress up a little, but still be casual).

Good luck

CanuckExpat

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Re: I Need to Buy a Suit
« Reply #22 on: October 01, 2015, 01:16:42 PM »
Or you could just move to California and forget about the problem


asiljoy

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Re: I Need to Buy a Suit
« Reply #23 on: October 01, 2015, 08:06:45 PM »
For a first suit, go somewhere with good customer service that will educate you and fit you. Bring along your student Id, you'll get a discount, know you ended up with something that looks good and will last, and be better prepared to buy suits on consignment in the future.

accolay

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Re: I Need to Buy a Suit
« Reply #24 on: October 01, 2015, 10:27:25 PM »
Not that it helps now but, if you have future plans to take a trip to Asia, get a few suits tailored when you're there, maybe a tux too. Very affordable.

Papa bear

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Re: I Need to Buy a Suit
« Reply #25 on: October 01, 2015, 11:36:03 PM »

My recommendation would be a new suit from a retailer at a steep discount.  I'd recommend a two button jacket, flat front pants, no cuffs.  For the first suit (as in having only one), I'd recommend a solid navy blue or navy blue with subtle pin stripes.  You want 100% wool.  Here is a good example (Macy's Calvin Klein Suit Separates). 

For tailoring, buy a jacket that fits the first time.  Period.  If you don't like the jacket, find another suit.  The pants can be taken in as needed, but I have never saved enough money on a suit to pay for the tailoring needed to fix a jacket properly. 

A new suit will be a couple hundred dollars though.  If you can find a used suit with a jacket that fits for less, you could certainly go that way.

+1 but also consider charcoal.  Do NOT get a black suit as your first and only.

As for interviewing, you don't need a suit to get a job.  But there will be some company or manager that may hire someone else over you because of one.  Don't give them that option!

You can interview with slacks and a sport coat, but do NOT try to match colors.  They should be complementary, such as navy blue sport coat with gray slacks or khakis.  Trying to match colors such as black with black and you can look worse than not wearing a coat to start with.

DO know your audience and expectations for an interview.  There are some companies that will turn you away if you show up in a suit to their door!   When in doubt, however, suit up.

Good luck.  Interviewing is fun.


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SondraF

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Re: I Need to Buy a Suit
« Reply #26 on: October 02, 2015, 02:54:26 AM »
Guys at work swear by Suit Supply - you can order online although it looks like they have stores in major cities in the US. Reasonable prices in line, or a little lower than, Brooks Brothers.  Charles Tyrwhitt usually has excellent sales on good quality dress shirts and ties.  Looks like they have a sale on now!

Whatever you get, ensure that you get your trousers hemmed to the right length as well as your jacket cuffs.  I cannot stress this enough.  A simple tailoring can make a marginal mass-market off the rack suit look far better, and is usually not a huge cost.

chasesfish

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Re: I Need to Buy a Suit
« Reply #27 on: October 02, 2015, 05:57:38 AM »
I'd buy a new suit from a big retailer (Macy's, Kohl's, JCP, etc.). I bought one earlier this year for something like $120. It is navy. I didn't get it tailored, as it fits good enough for my fashion needs.

I'd expect tailoring to cost $20-40/garment, but I've only ever had suits tailored via Men's Wearhouse - and I'm sure they charge more than the local, family-owned business in town.

For a college student interviewing, this is the perfect advice.  Suit Separates, spend under $200, and hopefully someone at the store can say if it looks like it fits okay or not.

If you have a job that requires you to wear a suit every day, the price point changes significantly because comfort and cost per wear matter.  For an interview, this takes the spot.




chasesfish

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Re: I Need to Buy a Suit
« Reply #28 on: October 02, 2015, 06:00:53 AM »
One other point:  Your body type matters.   Flat front (aka skinny) cut suits are very much in style.  If your an athletic build (ie:  muscular legs and smaller waist), suits off the rack will really be tough to buy.  Jos A Bank is the only place that really sell pleated suits, which is unfortunate because suits never really go out of style.


Cole

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Re: I Need to Buy a Suit
« Reply #29 on: October 02, 2015, 08:28:17 AM »
I don't have any clue why people are recommending new suits? I thought this was a frugal forum?

Anyways: your going to want a charcoal or navy suit. Also look up what suit canvassing is. You want it to be fully canvased. Go to a goodwill, savers, arc, etc... Make sure the suit fits your shoulders and almost fits everywhere else. The shoulders are the things that can't easily be altered.

I got a 2.5k suit for 35 at savers 3 weeks ago.

HydroJim

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Re: I Need to Buy a Suit
« Reply #30 on: October 02, 2015, 08:49:22 AM »
Taking everyone's advice in mind, I'm going to check out the thrift stores around here first before I drop any significant cash on a suit. Who knows, I might be the lucky guy that finds an expensive suit for $20. I'm also looking for a few dress shirts and some ties so it'll be worth it for me to check those places out. If I can't find anything that fits, I'll probably head to a few stores and check out new suits for $100 or so.

While I'm not a suit connoisseur, I can't say that I could ever tell the difference between someone in a $50 suit and someone in a $2000 suit. Maybe some people know better and can tell the difference?

As far as body type, I'm 5' 10" 185 lbs and sit at 15% body fat. I enjoy lifting and I eat healthy so I'll plan on staying in that body weight range for the foreseeable future. I'm not a body builder by any means so I have a relatively thick core and large legs. My arms are smaller in comparison and it seems that clothes always fit me loose around the upper arms.

Either way, a $50 second-hand suit will look better than no suit. Thanks to everyone for the advice. If I remember, I'll update this thread with the outcome of my adventures.

Kimchi Bleu

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Re: I Need to Buy a Suit
« Reply #31 on: October 02, 2015, 02:02:04 PM »
Look at Jos. A Banks when they have the buy 1 get 2 free sale.  Go in with a couple of your friends or male relatives.  Everyone gets a suit splitting the cost of the first one.  YMMV but it worked for DH and DS.

JCfire

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Re: I Need to Buy a Suit
« Reply #32 on: October 02, 2015, 02:45:36 PM »
Don't be penny-wise, pound-foolish when it comes to making a relatively small upfront investment in something that could impact your career earnings stream.  It is not difficult to tell the difference between a $100 suit and a SuitSupply (or similar) suit that fits you well.  Buy navy blue, no pinstripe or other pattern, 100% wool, period, since you will only have one suit.  Buying a nice suit instead of a boxy discount-rack "wool blend" suit is maybe a $200 or $250 investment that could determine whether you have the option to work at the job of your choosing.  The probability-weighted ROI is quite high, even if you never wear the suit again (and you very likely will -- weddings, funerals, a nice date, a business occasion).

Some people can pick very nice suits at a thrift, I have never had such luck myself, and sorting through the goodwill suit rack in a plausible amount of time requires some knowledge of what you're looking for, so I wouldn't recommend that for you unless a knowledgable friend or relative is willing to help out.

2buttons

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Re: I Need to Buy a Suit
« Reply #33 on: October 02, 2015, 03:11:48 PM »
I wear a suit everyday. 

Fit is more important than the suit. Find a great tailor.  A great tailor is worth his weight in gold.

Google the best tailor in town or nearest large city. Go and get fitted. Find the size.  Most good tailors will tell you what is worth buying and what is junk, and what will look good on your frame.   

Once you have your size, find a good navy suit. Suit supply is good. Hugo Boss suits tend to mix modern with classic.  They wear out quickly if you wear them daily, but if you only wear them on interviews and for events that you will need to attend like weddings, formal events etc, a hugo boss suit is sharp and will make you look like you know what you are doing. 

If I were you, I would get a navy hugo boss or suit supply suit, and get it tailored. A good white non-iron shirt, and a conservative tie (check out tie bar), meaning nothing crazy. 

Telecaster

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Re: I Need to Buy a Suit
« Reply #34 on: October 02, 2015, 03:59:34 PM »
My last suit was $100 on sale at Macy's.  There are some bargains out there if you look around.  I'll reiterate what a couple of other people have said.   I don't think you need an actual suit.  Only the bosses at even the most stuffy engineering firms wear suits these days. 

You need a sport coat, a nice shirt, nice tie, some slacks and some good looking shoes.   Here is what I would do:  Go to the suit department at Nordstrom.  Walk up to the first sales associate you see, and throw yourself at their mercy.   Have them pick out a nice conservative jacket and have it altered to fit.  Have the sales person pick out a nice tie for you that looks good with the suit.   Slacks and shoes you can figure out how to get on your own, but you might want the same sales person to pick out some pants too.   If you can, get a couple dress shirts at Costco, dress shirts at Costco are a screaming bargain.   

russianswinga

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Re: I Need to Buy a Suit
« Reply #35 on: October 02, 2015, 04:10:36 PM »
I wear suits and tuxedos regularly as I'm a ballroom dancer (tails tuxedo / white tie during the day for a competition, suit in the evening while watching the professional competition / evening show).

All I can say is: FIT TRUMPS ALL. Quality, etc...
Find a suit (mostly the jacket) that fits you like a glove.
Here are some style tips:
http://www.details.com/story/mens-suits-tailoring-guide

My suits are all between $100 and $200, purchased from Burlington Coat Factory, and are all heavily discounted brand name suits, like Calvin Klein retail $800, purchased for $150, below:


My tuxedo, on the other hand, was $800, 100% custom sewn to my measurements (heavily discounted from $2000 because the tailor is friends with my dance teacher)


So - FIT above everything, price, etc. Also, don't buy a suit that has the pants hemmed at the correct length. Good suits will have unhemmed pants, you take it right over to the store's tailor and they hem it to your perfect length for $20. Because your length is never 30", 32" - it may be 31 and 1/4.

Good luck and post pics when you find one!

russianswinga

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Re: I Need to Buy a Suit
« Reply #36 on: October 02, 2015, 04:13:08 PM »
Oh - I forgot to add, decide what kind of style you like. European and American style suits are vastly different in how they fit and how they present your shape. I'm not going to tell you to pick one over the other - you need to see what YOU look good in.

Papa bear

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Re: I Need to Buy a Suit
« Reply #37 on: October 02, 2015, 04:29:22 PM »

My last suit was $100 on sale at Macy's.  There are some bargains out there if you look around.  I'll reiterate what a couple of other people have said.   I don't think you need an actual suit.  Only the bosses at even the most stuffy engineering firms wear suits these days. 

You need a sport coat, a nice shirt, nice tie, some slacks and some good looking shoes.   Here is what I would do:  Go to the suit department at Nordstrom.  Walk up to the first sales associate you see, and throw yourself at their mercy.   Have them pick out a nice conservative jacket and have it altered to fit.  Have the sales person pick out a nice tie for you that looks good with the suit.   Slacks and shoes you can figure out how to get on your own, but you might want the same sales person to pick out some pants too.   If you can, get a couple dress shirts at Costco, dress shirts at Costco are a screaming bargain.

While wearing a suit as a requirement at the office may not be as popular as it once was (but is in no way limited to only stuffy engineering firms...) there is still a very high expectation for wearing a suit to an interview. 

As I said before, you can get a job without a suit, but you can and will be passed over for some jobs because you don't wear one.  It happens.  A lot. 


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gillstone

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Re: I Need to Buy a Suit
« Reply #38 on: October 02, 2015, 04:33:53 PM »
http://www.artofmanliness.com/2013/09/25/good-fitted-suit-visual/

There now you know what a good one should look like. 

Tailors have their limits  they can take in a little, do a new hem, adjust a waistline, but they can't be expected to do shoulderpads or make a much bigger suit look smaller without the work showing.

Charcoal is a good color and lets you use it for funerals without looking like a Secret Service agent. 

redcedar

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Re: I Need to Buy a Suit
« Reply #39 on: October 02, 2015, 04:43:47 PM »
I second the idea that you visit Jos A Bank with a few friends on a big suit sale weekend.

Another idea would be to ask around to friends and family. People change jobs all the time. People gain or lose weight all the time. This means that suits worn just a few times are stuffing closets of people that you know right now. It is worth a few phone calls or emails to see if you can lucky and find someone with extra suits in your size.

I have nine suits, all from previous jobs, and have not worn a one in over four years. I would sell one to a friend for $50 for sure if it helped them.

daschtick

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Re: I Need to Buy a Suit
« Reply #40 on: October 02, 2015, 08:01:48 PM »
I don't have any clue why people are recommending new suits? I thought this was a frugal forum?

Anyways: your going to want a charcoal or navy suit. Also look up what suit canvassing is. You want it to be fully canvased. Go to a goodwill, savers, arc, etc... Make sure the suit fits your shoulders and almost fits everywhere else. The shoulders are the things that can't easily be altered.

I got a 2.5k suit for 35 at savers 3 weeks ago.

I just picked up a really nice sport coat from Goodwill for $7.99 last week!  Goodwill had a TON of coats to choose from, and while you could tell that some were well worn, many like the one I picked out, were in great condition as they were probably only worn a few times.

I do agree that the fit is probably the most important thing to look for.  And luckily, the coat I picked fitted well -  I had several people complement on the fit while I was trying it on in front of a mirror.  There was no way I couldn't buy it.

Milkstache

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Re: I Need to Buy a Suit
« Reply #41 on: October 02, 2015, 08:51:40 PM »
I'm blown away that you already have interviews lined up.  I'm a second year ME too and I just finished week 2 of school.  Congratulations!

As for a suit go with navy/grey, two buttons, and 100% wool.  Try to have a tailor either size you for a suit or measure you and adjust one you buy elsewhere.  A cheap suit that fits looks better than one that doesn't.

I was looking at Combatant Gentlemen for a while.  Their suits looked good for the price and the reviews were generally favorable. 

michaelrecycles

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Re: I Need to Buy a Suit
« Reply #42 on: October 02, 2015, 09:13:31 PM »
I agree with most of the posters above. 2 button, flat front, charcoal or navy, 100% wool. Get your fit first. You will not wear the same size when comparing a modern fit to a classic fit. I recommend modern; I've found classic to be boxy and baggy. Men's Wearhouse has lots of suits on sale online for very reasonable prices, and the deals change from week to week so you can often find something good. Just know your fit first. You can always return your order or take your online order into the store to tailor.

sfsellin

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Re: I Need to Buy a Suit
« Reply #43 on: October 03, 2015, 12:27:01 AM »

shelivesthedream

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Re: I Need to Buy a Suit
« Reply #44 on: October 03, 2015, 05:54:49 AM »
+1 to a navy, 100% wool, 2-button suit. Subtle pinstripes or charcoal also acceptable.

Slim fit vs regular fit depends on your shape. Try both on. Bear in mind that slim fit is very fashionable at the moment but will go out of style eventually. However, try to avoid very narrow lapels. Get a normal width notched lapel. (Peaked is kind of old-looking, and shawl is too fashionable).

Try on the jacket first. Try on a size above and a size below what you think is your size. Stretch around a bit in the fitting room. Lots of men buy their jackets too big on the shoulders. The edge of the shoulder pad wants to sit just a tiny bit out, not create a huge gap underneath. Bear in mind that different brands cut differently in the body. Make sure it has at least one inside pocket. (Never put anything in the outside pockets!)

Consider getting the trousers in a slightly looser waist and buy a pair of (button!) braces. As someone said, a desk job can change your body... Alternatively, look at the centre back seam. If there is an inch of fabric either side or more, you're good for future alterations.

It's worth paying good money for your suit, unless you think you will change size a lot. One fantastic suit can do a lot in your life - weddings, baptisms, funerals, interviews, dates... Mix it up with different coloured shirts (white, pale blue and pale pink are good options) and ties (a medium diagonal stripe is always a winner). Double-cuff shirts are extra-classy and one pair of mother-of-pearl cufflinks will go with anything.

Always have both halves of the suit dry cleaned at the same time.

dabears847

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Re: I Need to Buy a Suit
« Reply #45 on: October 03, 2015, 09:31:47 PM »
Dark Grey/Charcoal or Dark Blue suits are perfect. Add the light stripe as well if you like the look, Stripe suits go with solid shirts and pattern ties.

Starter suits can be found at Kohls bring the coupon in the weekly add, Jcpenny, and potentially outlets. The jacket is important and needs to fit right for the investment to last.


Left

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Re: I Need to Buy a Suit
« Reply #46 on: October 04, 2015, 05:20:50 AM »
im throwing in macys, with discounts i got a cheap suit for $35. it fitted okay, needed own adjustments like shortening arms and pants but that is like $15 or you do it yourself

i also like the half off half stores... lots of suits because for some reason normal thrift store shoppers dont buy as many suits?

i get what russianswings said about fit, but he is a "professional" that relies on looks as a dancer... think he stresses fit a bit much for a interview/first suit...

yes get a fitted suit, but you dont need to go for the slick look so if it doesnt hang too low and doesnt flap around when you move, it is fitted okay for time being. most likely if you need to wear more suits, you will find styles and materials you like better so getting a tailored suit off the bat might be over board.

but dont get one that is uncomfortable just because it is cheap either, you want to learn to like wearing suits, they arent bad if done correctly. i like them more than jeans and t-shirt, but i like scrubs the most
« Last Edit: October 04, 2015, 05:22:22 AM by eyem »

Bbqmustache

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Re: I Need to Buy a Suit
« Reply #47 on: October 04, 2015, 06:14:50 AM »
Third vote for the three for one sale at Joe Banks.  Love my suits from that store, own more than 5!  Get three friends and split the cost.  Four suits at $360 makes them $162.50 each, plus tailoring.

http://www.josbank.com/current-promotions

sstants

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Re: I Need to Buy a Suit
« Reply #48 on: October 06, 2015, 06:51:56 AM »
I shop for the boyfriend a lot, he wears a suit every day.

We swear by scouring the racks at Marshalls and TJ Maxx, if you're in a city, those stores typically get a pretty good stock. Look for black/grey/dark blue in a nice-feeling material. Check the tags: look for 100% wool and look for where the suit is made...Italy/USA are your best bets. Pay $100 for the suit, $80 for the tailoring. Find a dressmaker rather than a tailor if you need structural changes. I've seen one work miracles on out of style lapels etc.

2nd hand is great for some things, but typically I wouldn't recommend buying a suit secondhand. Many donated or consigned suits are out of style or are worn down. You want new because it will last you much longer. You can get something tailored for fit, but threadbare fabric cannot be fixed.

Regardless of what the dress code is at these places, being a little more spiffy never hurts. The BF says 'dressing well inspires confidence'...it really does!

Lady Fordragon

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Re: I Need to Buy a Suit
« Reply #49 on: October 06, 2015, 12:44:55 PM »
Kohls department store has decent suits for a reasonable price. Or you might wander into your local goodwill or thrift shop, I've seen very nice suits hanging there and you can't beat the price!

Earlier this year, my husband found a light grey suit that fits him perfectly at Goodwill for ~$9.  It's his favorite suit!  Partly due to the fact that it was so inexpensive, but also because it fits him better than any of his other suits.