I want to buy a suit
 

For formal events such as giving a speech, or meeting with an employer. If it could double as something cool to wear to social formal events that would be better.

I need pants, jacket, shirt, tie, shoes, and a belt.

I don't currently own a suit and will probably only get one for a while, so, black?

Any advice about what colors, type, or even brands to buy and where is appreciated. I think I want one tailored to fit me as it's hard for me to find suits that fit well.

I've heard about people buying from thailand or some other countries and getting ~$200 suits that are a fantastic deal made with italian materials, anyone with information on doing this from the states?

Thanks

Re: I want to buy a suit
 

pinstripe always looks pimp in my book

Re: I want to buy a suit
 

Gray or navy will be your best bet. Fit and proper tailoring is more important than brand. Check out any department store, it'll give you a good idea of what is out there. I don't know about the Thailand thing. And search around, there are a couple other recent suit threads.

Re: I want to buy a suit
 

[ QUOTE ]
pinstripe always looks pimp in my book

[/ QUOTE ]I think it can be. Is this formal enough for business formal purposes though?

[ QUOTE ]
Gray or navy will be your best bet.

[/ QUOTE ]
I don't know anything about fashion really. Could you explain why please?

[ QUOTE ]
Fit and proper tailoring is more important than brand. Check out any department store, it'll give you a good idea of what is out there.

[/ QUOTE ]Do I just go into a department store and buy a suit, then take it to get tailored somewhere else? there? Or do you say you want that style/color/brand then they take your sizes and make it for you there?

Re: I want to buy a suit
 

If you are going to be using this for interviews stay away from black suits, those are for weddings and funerals. I would suggest finding someone who knows what looks good and take them shopping with you. I had a really good experience at Nordstrom but that's going to mean $500 for the suit easily. Out west they have Nordstrom Rack stores where they remander stuff from the Nordstrom store and you can get good deals on shoes and ties. Before you fall in love with a tie look at the price. I didn't and ended up with a $100 tie, it's gorgeous, but I'm not baller enough to buy $100 ties.

Re: I want to buy a suit
 

When I bought my first suit I was planning on getting something pinstriped or colored, but got some advice from a salesperson at a really nice store that you should ALWAYS buy a black suit first as that is appropriate for all events and a staple in your wardrobe. Mine ran $500

Re: I want to buy a suit
 

[ QUOTE ]
When I bought my first suit I was planning on getting something pinstriped or colored, but got some advice from a salesperson at a really nice store that you should ALWAYS buy a black suit first as that is appropriate for all events and a staple in your wardrobe. Mine ran $500

[/ QUOTE ]

Back in school we were told not to wear black suits to job interviews. YMMV.

Re: I want to buy a suit
 

[ QUOTE ]
For formal events such as giving a speech, or meeting with an employer. If it could double as something cool to wear to social formal events that would be better.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm having trouble picturing someone who fits the following:
a. Needs advice on buying his first suit
b. Expects to be giving speeches at formal events

Are you planning on running for office or something?

Re: I want to buy a suit
 

[ QUOTE ]
Back in school we were told not to wear black suits to job interviews. YMMV.

[/ QUOTE ]

I think it's more acceptable for a woman to wear a black suit to an interview than it is for a man to do so.

Re: I want to buy a suit
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
When I bought my first suit I was planning on getting something pinstriped or colored, but got some advice from a salesperson at a really nice store that you should ALWAYS buy a black suit first as that is appropriate for all events and a staple in your wardrobe. Mine ran $500

[/ QUOTE ]

Back in school we were told not to wear black suits to job interviews. YMMV.

[/ QUOTE ]

What was your field of study?

Re: I want to buy a suit
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
When I bought my first suit I was planning on getting something pinstriped or colored, but got some advice from a salesperson at a really nice store that you should ALWAYS buy a black suit first as that is appropriate for all events and a staple in your wardrobe. Mine ran $500

[/ QUOTE ]

Back in school we were told not to wear black suits to job interviews. YMMV.

[/ QUOTE ]

What was your field of study?

[/ QUOTE ]

IT. Granted they were probably more worried about the students showing up in suites and sneakers but the guy giving the class had done HR work for some pretty good sized companies.

Re: I want to buy a suit
 

[ QUOTE ]
Back in school we were told not to wear black suits to job interviews. YMMV.

[/ QUOTE ]

???? They gave you bad advice. A good black suit with a nice tie always looks classy. Navy on the other hand screams out of fashion.

Edit: A plain black and only black suit I could see being a no-no, but something with stripes that has a little color or is more off black is fine. I recommend a darker gray but not just plain black. For example I wear a black but not really dark black with that has subtle green and purple pinstripes. Looks great with a white shirt and light colored tie. Not funeralish at all.

Re: I want to buy a suit
 

[ QUOTE ]
When I bought my first suit I was planning on getting something pinstriped or colored, but got some advice from a salesperson at a really nice store that you should ALWAYS buy a black suit first as that is appropriate for all events and a staple in your wardrobe. Mine ran $500

[/ QUOTE ]

that may be different for girls. for guys a charcoal solid, navy, and pinstriped versions of those are all more "staple" than black.

Re: I want to buy a suit
 

the OP in this thread has tons of useful tips, but is geared more towards "The Uniform", classic buisness style. Meaning, the best way to not screw up ANY position. You'd be surprised how some seriously some people take an Interview suit.

If you're just going to get one suit, i'd recommend Charcoal Black. It's pimp, it works fine for an interview as much as a night out on the town, and it's different than the standard navy or black. Also, make sure it's not too high of a thread count, and NOT double breasted. You're not out to look like the Teflon Don. Keep it either two button or three button and around super 100's-130's (this is the thread count. Higher the thread count the 'shinier' the suit, some Italian suits will go upwards of 180, and this not only makes the suit wrinkle easier but also makes it look like you wanna cook eggs off your chest).

If you're just going to get one suit, either get no pinstripes, or get very subtle chalk-stripes. If you plan on getting others, I like at least one suits that has very distinct pinstripes, as it looks very nice against quality worsted wool.

Re: I want to buy a suit
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Back in school we were told not to wear black suits to job interviews. YMMV.

[/ QUOTE ]

???? They gave you bad advice. A good black suit with a nice tie always looks classy. Navy on the other hand screams out of fashion.

[/ QUOTE ]

Times 'a changin', but Black still has a Funeral/Wedding stigma is some circles. It's very dependent on the sector of buisness you're applying for, but to be 100% safe, Grey or Navy is it.

Re: I want to buy a suit
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Back in school we were told not to wear black suits to job interviews. YMMV.

[/ QUOTE ]

???? They gave you bad advice. A good black suit with a nice tie always looks classy. Navy on the other hand screams out of fashion.

[/ QUOTE ]

in business situations, a black suit looks weird on guys.

edit: also check out this thread. the daver and najdorfdefense both give great advice.

Re: I want to buy a suit
 

don't go solid black...something really dark grey'ish.

how old are you? do you plan to lose/gain weight?

I would buy a crappy one. Then when you really start needing one (lots of friends getting married, older and more formal parties/events, etc) you will have a better idea of what you want.


I have a suit that I hate. Xmas present from the 'rents back when I was a freshman in college...but I rarely have a need for it...maybe 4 times a year.

I'll probably pick a newer one up in the next couple of years...maybe two (one for summer time)

Re: I want to buy a suit
 

Also, for GREAT deals, wait until right after Christmas. Massive discounts at Brooks Brothers, Nordstroms, Macy's, et al.

Jesus, one more thing:

Depending on how much you make, I'd really recommend spending cash on a quality brand as it will last 10 times as long as a suit a few hundred cheaper. Hickey Freidman, Joseph Abboud, Hart Shaftner Marx, Jos A banks, and Hugo Boss are all money, and if you get them at the right time you can keep it well below 600-700 bucks. Also, what is your body type? If you're athletic, get Abboud or Boss. If you're a bigger guy, get Marx or Jos A Banks. Hickey works for both depending on the cut of the suit.

Re: I want to buy a suit
 

I thought solid black was the way to go when I first bought a suit too. But my dad advised me that people only wear black to super formal events and funerals. I went with dark gray for my first suit.

Re: I want to buy a suit
 

[ QUOTE ]
I thought solid black was the way to go when I first bought a suit too. But my dad advised me that people only wear black to super formal events and funerals. I went with dark gray for my first suit.

[/ QUOTE ]

I think everybody thinks this when they start out. My theory is that most of the time we see somebody in a suit, it's a Celebrity on tv or on screen. They get away with anything, plus most of the time we see them they are going to some sort of party.

Re: I want to buy a suit
 

Here's the color I think most of us are talking about

http://www.menswearhouse.com/media/i...9830538395.jpg

A little darker is OK too, but not too dark

Re: I want to buy a suit
 

from askmen.com

Invest in one good, classic-cut suit and you’ll live in it for the next 10 years. Choose a black suit whose pieces can be worn as separates, and look for straight-cut pants and a sharply tailored blazer. Wear the pants with a classic white-collared shirt for a semiformal occasion and dress up scruffy jeans and a T-shirt with the blazer and some sleek black runners for a night out.

From execstyle.com
Those of us who wear suits infrequently and need an all purpose suit should consider navy, grey or black. These suits can be worn very comfortably to most life cycle events (weddings, funerals, confirmations, graduations…) as well as interviews, parties etc. The advantage of solid navy or black is that the jacket can generally be worn as a blazer with a matching pant in grey or taupe. If you have one or two suits in your wardrobe choose timeless classics that will always be fashionable and won’t be remembered as the suit you wore the last time and the time before that and...

Remember that dark suits exude power and authority that are amplified by a pin stripe. These are great suits for presentations, differentiating oneself in the boardroom and demonstrating that you are the authority and leader within the group. Next time you are at a meeting, try wearing a dark blue, black or charcoal suit with a pin stripe, place yourself prominently at the head of the table, stand with authority when you speak and monitor the attitude of your colleagues towards you.

Need a business suit that says you are one of the guys? Consider a mid grey suit as first choice followed by taupe and green shades. Beiges are great in the spring and summer months. Consider patterns with soft stripes, checks and various fabric textures. In all circumstances be sure to buy a suit that will fit into to your environment and not single you out as a tasteless dresser.

Re: I want to buy a suit
 

[ QUOTE ]
Here's the color I think most of us are talking about

http://www.menswearhouse.com/media/i...9830538395.jpg

A little darker is OK too, but not too dark

[/ QUOTE ]

thats charcoal pinstriped. this is black.

http://www.johnstuxedos.com/Photos/S...203-Button.jpg

Re: I want to buy a suit
 

[ QUOTE ]
thats charcoal pinstriped. this is black.

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks for reading my edited original post. Good to know you are here to explain to me the differences in color. I had know idea what black meant until you posted that image [img]/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img]

Re: I want to buy a suit
 

Michael: Pam, would you please tell Darryl that this is not a woman’s suit.

Pam: Oh my god, that’s a woman’s suit!

Michael: There were these huge bins of clothes. And everybody was rifling through them, like crazy. And I grabbed one. And it fit. So I don’t think that this is totally just a woman’s suit. At the very least, it’s bisexual.

Kevin: Who makes it?

Michael: Um, MISSterious. And it is mysterious, because the buttons are on the wrong side. That’s the mystery.

Pam: Michael, the pants don’t have any pockets.

Michael: No, they don’t, see? Italians don’t wear pockets.

Re: I want to buy a suit
 

[ QUOTE ]
Fit and proper tailoring is more important than brand. Check out any department store, it'll give you a good idea of what is out there.

[/ QUOTE ]Do I just go into a department store and buy a suit, then take it to get tailored somewhere else? there? Or do you say you want that style/color/brand then they take your sizes and make it for you there?

[/ QUOTE ]

You can do either. Most dept stores will probably do an okay job, but if you have a tailor you use/trust, definitely go with them (and it may even be cheaper). Ask around, getting a recommendation is the best way to find a good tailor.

As for the other question, you'll find the size that best fits you (salesperson will help you with this) and then the tailor will make the necessary changes.

Re: I want to buy a suit
 

[ QUOTE ]
I've heard about people buying from thailand or some other countries and getting ~$200 suits that are a fantastic deal made with italian materials, anyone with information on doing this from the states?

Thanks

[/ QUOTE ]


this is what you are looking for, more than $200 though

I bought a really nice custom double breasted peak lapel bron herringbone from these guys.

Re: I want to buy a suit
 

Do not buy a black suit if you're just buying one. They are for waiters & funerals and weddings, not for interviews. Charcoal pinstripe is a good start.

Spend more than $200.

See the previously linked thread.

Re: I want to buy a suit
 

I'm also looking to purchase a suit this weekend, so if you guys run into any good deals please let me know.

Probably going with Charcoal as well, since I already have a black suit (light pinstripes).

Re: I want to buy a suit
 

When people say charcoal, is black+charcoal pinstripe appropriate? Or is the entire color of the suit just more of a dark gray color?

Re: I want to buy a suit
 

[ QUOTE ]
When people say charcoal, is black+charcoal pinstripe appropriate? Or is the entire color of the suit just more of a dark gray color?

[/ QUOTE ]

See KB4Z's post for the difference

Re: I want to buy a suit
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
When people say charcoal, is black+charcoal pinstripe appropriate? Or is the entire color of the suit just more of a dark gray color?

[/ QUOTE ]

See KB4Z's post for the difference

[/ QUOTE ]

Ask the salesperson to bring one of each out, examine in sunlight. Note the difference.

Re: I want to buy a suit
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Back in school we were told not to wear black suits to job interviews. YMMV.

[/ QUOTE ]

???? They gave you bad advice. A good black suit with a nice tie always looks classy. Navy on the other hand screams out of fashion.


[/ QUOTE ]That's completely backwards. Black says that you don't no anything about suits. Navy is THE traditional suit color.

Re: I want to buy a suit
 

OP,

Jos A Banks currently has pretty good suits on sale for $318:
http://www.josbank.com/IWCatProductPage....oduct_Id=311032

I would consider that to be a safe entry level suit. Unless you have a lot of money, I don't think someone in your position should really be looking to spend a lot of money on a suit until you know exactly what you're looking for.

Also, wherever you go, it may help to bring an older person who knows stuff about suits along with you so that when the tailor fits the suit they can spot if he's doing a half ass job.

Re: I want to buy a suit
 

Question to those who know about tailoring:

My local Jos a Banks has a nice charcoal suit that I like, but not in my size.

I wear a 40, which is even a tiny bit big on me in the shoulders. (38 is way too tight). This one they have in stock for $300 is a 41R.

Can tailors make enough adjustments to a suit to work with this? Or is shoulder/etc size when it comes to that number something where you really need to go with the best fit to start?

Re: I want to buy a suit
 

[ QUOTE ]
Question to those who know about tailoring:

My local Jos a Banks has a nice charcoal suit that I like, but not in my size.

I wear a 40, which is even a tiny bit big on me in the shoulders. (38 is way too tight). This one they have in stock for $300 is a 41R.

Can tailors make enough adjustments to a suit to work with this? Or is shoulder/etc size when it comes to that number something where you really need to go with the best fit to start?

[/ QUOTE ]

Jos Bank will order a suit from the factory for you and charge you the sale price. No reason to get the 41 if a 40 fits you better.

Re: I want to buy a suit
 

Gus: Ya, the only problem was I wanted the suit for this coming Tuesday....grrr

Re: I want to buy a suit
 

just go to either brooks bros or some place like nordie's and get either a navy or grey. its pretty simple actually. spend more than you think you should. a good suit will add lots of esteem points and should last a very long time.

plus you can pretend you are bond18 and wear it to the tables.

Re: I want to buy a suit
 

I bought a black theory suit when I was in vegas. I will be wearing it to weddings, services, really nice occasions taking place in the PM.

For everyday hospital/dress up wear I have a few pair of charcoal slacks and a bunch of shirts/ties ...i don't need a jacket.

I plan on buying something like this soon: burberry


I don't see what all the hate is for black suits. I think they are nice, but I also don't know what I'm talking about and only plan on wearing them for night occasions.

Re: I want to buy a suit
 

[ QUOTE ]

I plan on buying something like this soon: burberry


[/ QUOTE ]

Burberry suits are made by Hickey Freeman.

An easy verification is that the left sleeve label and the interior pocket label will be identical between HF and Burberry. There are only a handful of suitmakers in the world.