Need Help Buying My First Suit..

smoak352 · March 16, 2010

I have never owned a suit. I have always gotton away with slacks and a button down shirt. However, my friends wedding is coming up, which is going to be a good one as well as two charity events this spring where I would feel out of place without a suit.

So, I know nothing about suits. There is a Jos A Bank in the mall close to my house. Should I go there? I dont want something cheap, but I am only going to wear this thing maybe 1-2 times a year, so I do not want to spend a fortune. Is it possible to get something decent for $200-$300??

Thanks.

Snow Shovel · March 16, 2010

I don't know about price anymore, but yes Jos A Bank would be a good choice.

When I retired from the navy and went into the business world I went to Brooks Brothers and explained my situation. I had never had to wear a suit and for 20 years had always been told what to wear. The salesman there explained what I had to do to keep from looking stupid.

Guess the point is that these people do this all the time. It is thier job to make you look good. It was nice not having to worry about how to dress; much rather worry about finding time to go fishing.

jdubya · March 16, 2010

I would pass on the Jos A Banks and the Men's Warehouse. I have bought suits from both of them in the past and have been disappointed. Brooks Brothers has some nice suits, I would go there or a nicer department store. Don't be afraid to spend some money to buy a good suit. Even though you will not be wearing it often if you buy a good suit in either black or navy blue it will last you a life time. Look for a wool or wool blend, two button is the most versatile, make sure there is a split at the lower back of the jacket (vent). And stay away from products made in china (as always) as these are cheap mass produced replicas of another brand's suit.

Also, you should ask around about a good tailor (the store you bought it from may not be the best). I have one tailor that I work with (he was the apprentice of the guy my grand father went to). I could take him a bed sheet and he would make it look good on me.

check out http://www.astorandblack.com/ They will come right to you. Or you can use the site to get some ideas of what to look for...

Royal Vader · March 16, 2010

I would pass on the Jos A Banks and the Men's Warehouse. I have bought suits from both of them in the past and have been disappointed. Brooks Brothers has some nice suits, I would go there or a nicer department store. Don't be afraid to spend some money to buy a good suit. Even though you will not be wearing it often if you buy a good suit in either black or navy blue it will last you a life time. Look for a wool or wool blend, two button is the most versatile, make sure there is a split at the lower back of the jacket (vent). And stay away from products made in china (as always) as these are cheap mass produced replicas of another brand's suit.

Also, you should ask around about a good tailor (the store you bought it from may not be the best). I have one tailor that I work with (he was the apprentice of the guy my grand father went to). I could take him a bed sheet and he would make it look good on me.

check out http://www.astorandblack.com/ They will come right to you. Or you can use the site to get some ideas of what to look for...

Sorry you had bad luck at Men's Warehouse.

I have had nothing but great results from our Men's Warehouse here in town. I have purchased several suits, jackets and even shoes from them and would highly recommend them. They offer free adjustments (within reason) and pressing for customers.

stormrider · March 17, 2010

I have a couple of suits from Jos A Banks and they are a good suit. Wait until they are on sale.

I also have a couple from JCPENNEY. The Stafford line. I actually like the fit and finish of those a little better.

jdubya · March 17, 2010

I have actually shopped at multiple Men's Warehouses and have had issues at everyone of them... I usually run into some poorly dressed retired car salesman who has moved onto suits who is way too pushy...

Here is a hint, if you go to the place and the person helping you does not look like someone out of GQ (Clothing Wise) You will not leave there looking any better...

It's like going to the gym to try to lose a few pounds and hiring an overweight trainer to help you out.

Nick The Great · March 17, 2010

I have had a JC Penney Suit and one from Men's Wearhouse and one from a more local type shop. They've all been fairly equal quality, and did the job just fine. I think $200-$300 is a little low, but maybe if you're lucky. I've always used the in-house tailor just fine, but I'm not an expert of such things.

My Dad went into a suit shop once and said he wanted just a cheap suit for church, because he was "just a farmer, not a businessman." The salesman said, "As I recall, the first President of the United States was a farmer."