Thread: Buying a Suit?
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Old 08-09-2004, 06:21 AM   #6 (permalink)
sailor
beauty in the breakdown
 
Location: Chapel Hill, NC
Quote:
Originally posted by ratbastid
Most any suit you buy anywhere will need to be tailored. I know I'm not an off-the-rack guy, and I'm dead sure you're not either.

You can expect to drop a few hundred on a nice suit, but it's really worth it. As little as you'll wear it, it'll last you a long, long time.
Yep. Nicer suits tend to come made to be tailored.

I have had luck at Joseph Banks. They tend to have good sales, and when they do, you can get an excellent suit for around $300. I dont know about their big-and-tall selection, but I have been happy with them for my clothes. Whatever you do, dont get a cheap suit. They look cheap, and to be honest, you'd be better going in just a coat and tie than a cheap, ugly suit. Id be careful with a $200 suit--a good suit will cost you at least $500, unless you get it on sale--which is usually worth waiting for, unless you need one now.

There are three basic colors to look for: dark blue, black, and dark grey. I especially like the dark grey, but thats just me. There is also pinstripe in any of those colors, but I wouldnt start with that.

Dont go with a double breasted suit unless you are a gangster. No good. A standard two button suit will do you fine. Three button is fine too. Just remember that when buttoned, always button all the buttons except the bottom. On a two button, only button the top. On a three, button the top two. Dont get anything with more than three buttons.

As for a shirt to go with it, please make sure it doesnt have buttons on the collar. You want a spread or point collar--buttons tend to make the collar billow out, and it looks so bad. A good shirt will stay put without the buttons. For a tie, something basic. Make sure the colors go with your suit and shirt. Shoes, go black. With black socks. Make sure to wear a belt.

And like Maleficient said, the jacket fit is the most important. Its easy to hem/tailor pants, but there isnt much one can do about a jacket. They'll probably take it in on the back a little, but thats about the extent of tailoring you can do to a jacket.

Its definitely worth the money for a nice suit. It'll last you forever, and makes the difference between your being well-dressed and looking like a used-car salesman.

If you have any questions, feel free to post them or PM me.
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Last edited by sailor; 08-09-2004 at 06:24 AM..
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