Best Suit Brands
So I was searching WSO archives about the best suit brands for IBD/PE, but I couldn't find anything.
So I wanted to ask all of your opinion about the best suit brands/tailors for banking/PE jobs as well as the average price for a suit from these brands if you know them. Not that I want to be a conceited fashion-minded douche, but I really know nothing about this stuff and wanted to get some advice.
I've always gotten Men's Warehouse (no joke) because I don't feel like spending much money on suits and I wear business casual most of the time. People don't make fun of me because I'm taller than them.
nobody cares what you wear, as long as it fits, is not worn out, and isn't in ridiculous colors. On the other hand, people do care if you look like you are trying to hard to look like a banker. So keep in mind fit and not wearing out quickly, and you realistically need to get quality stuff where the collar does not get fucked up after two drycleanings. However, whether this comes from brooks brothers, bloomingdales, charles tyrwhitt, or other decent brands/stores, nobody will care.
I like the slim fit 2-button grey suit that Hugo Boss is currently selling for around $800. It fits like an Italian suit at half the price. Have to be in good shape to wear it.
Here are a few conservative suit brand recommendations. Usually I would aim to spend around 1K-1.5K for a decent suit.
Corneliani Hickey Freeman (main line not Hickey Freeman LTD) Canali (very padded shoulders if that's your thing) Brooks Brothers (1818 line) Ralph Lauren Blue Label (Polo) Zegna (main line) Isaia
Stay away from Hugo Boss and Z Zegna. They are fused suits and are constructed poorly for their price range. I would usually go for suits that are at least half-canvassed.
I personally like slim-fitting brands such as Ralph Lauren Black Label, but it has a very aggressive, modern look that may not be conservative enough for your taste. However, I haven't gotten any comments on the style throughout this past year in banking.
Keep in mind that the key to looking presentable is always, always fit. Suits will typically not fit you perfectly off-the-rack so I would recommend taking them to the tailor after you buy them. Let me know if your budget is lower or higher than the brands listed. You can usually find suits at less than 50% retail if you keep your eyes peeled.
Hope this helps.
From what I understand the glue that higher-end fused suits now use, as well as the bonding process have improved in recent years. I have worn my Hugo several dozen times over the past year or so and have had it dry-cleaned at least a dozen times. So far I don't see any traces of bubbling and the fit is still perfect. Just food for thought. Is the extra 400 - 800 worth it for stitching?
You could very well be right about that. Fused suits are steadily improving in terms of quality and durability. However, there is something to be said about the drape of canvassed suits that can be pretty noticeable (to the trained eye).
If you are asking purely about the best suit there is, none can compete with Kiton. A Kiton suit is umatched in both quality of fabric and stiching, which is done by hand. You can expect to pay anywhere from $5000 to $50000 for the finest, handmade suits in the world.
When I was 21 my after-tax take home (including bonus) was about that.
killscallion knows what's up, good recs
killscallion,
Would you seriously spend 1-1.5k per suit as a 1st year analyst? That seems a bit much...
Anyway, I'm looking for slim-fitting suits, so right now I have the Brooks Brothers 1818 Fitzgerald in mind but also want to hear from others about good slim fitting, reasonably priced brands.
I'm a pretty fit guy, and Hugo Boss' slim fit works well for me; however, I have also heard from others concerns regarding its poor fusion.
my ex used to work at ralph lauren and got hooked up with some good suits
you sounds like the dude from the "fashion of new york city" book.
he said almost the same thing to the word.
what about dress pants? i'd like some pretty high-end flat front pants. i'm business casual most of them time so i'd like to invest pretty well in slacks, possibly something that retails for 300-400 but i can get 30-50% off now with sales going on. any recommendations?
The best high-end slacks I've found are Incotex (usu. for Zegna), Mabitex, and Vestium Officina. Normal pairs will probably run you $300-400 each, but they can be had via eBay for $100-200. Even better, you can occasionally find these on overstock or "slightly imperfect" at Daffy's for around $40, which is where I'd highly encourage you to look. These pants have their labels cut out but I've seldom noticed any material imperfections...and if I can't see them, they're as good as new as far as I'm concerned. Anyway, there are a lot of people who buy and sell overstock on eBay so these pants tend to get snapped up from Daffy's pretty quickly, but it's certainly worth checking.
Figure out what you like, and have WW Chan make you up a suit.
At Kiton/Brioni prices, get one made by Huntsman, Anderson & Sheppard or Gieves & Hawkes, depending on how structured you like your jacket.
I made the mistake of buying a number of branded wso/">suits in my past, and now regret not having had Huntsman do it right from the start. A word of warning: it will take them several efforts to really calibrate to your liking. Get one suit, then tweak the things they didn't get right on subsequent purchases. The worst mistake you can make is to go out and buy a whole set and just hope they get it right the first time. They probably won't.
Very good taste. WW Chan and A-Man Hing Cheong are the best tailor houses in Hong Kong with a very British influence on their tailoring styles. Suits start at around $1100 USD. If you visit Hong Kong, they can have your suit ready in less than a week, but preferably two to three.
Huntsman, Gieves & Hawkes, and all the other Savile Row tailors have their own unique touches on the suit. You can't really go wrong with any but I don't think any analyst should really be rocking Savile Row stuff yet. Plus, wait til you know more about wso/">suits before your splurge. At most I'd go with WW Chan or A-Man as an analyst as their prices are fairly reasonable. WW Chan does do tours in the US, but it might take upwards of a year to get a suit made.
Don't forget Adolfo and Joseph Abboud. They can be found at Syms or Filenes.
it's all about alfani suits. the name even sounds expensive. alfani. just rolls right off the tongue.
I am not sure about that...to me it sounds like the stuff I used to buy at Macy's as an analyst.
hands down ralph lauren
Every now and then, usually in mid-summer and at Christmas, Brooks Brothers puts on a huge sale where you can get 1818 suits for $500.
Hickey Freeman suits are pretty sweet.
"I don't think that there is any other quality so essential to success of any kind as the quality of perseverance. It overcomes almost everything, even nature." -John D. Rockefeller
Hickey Freeman or if you want a younger look, some of the more conservatives look in the Hickey line are both pretty good.
I love the kids casually tossing around Kiton as an option... I would say I'm relatively fashion conscious but most people seriously don't give a shit as long as it fits well.
Had to laugh at the dude claiming the distinction of fused vs. canvassed - sure, there are people who can tell the difference ("the trained eye") but not many of them work in finance. And even if they do work in finance, they don't give a shit.
You can do Men's Warehouse for at least a couple of years - I wouldn't personally, but no shame in doing it.
Aside from a canvassed suit conforming to your body better, there's always the fear of "bubbling" which may occur to fused suits after dry cleaning. There is really no fix for it and you'll have to throw away the suit.
Here's a link which examines both types of construction pretty objectively: http://suitone.com/fused_construction_versus_canvas.htm
Here is some advice of how you SHOULD choose a brand. Based on shoulder fit for the jacket. Slacks can be altered, and jackets are sized to fit in consideration of chest and arm length. However, all shoulders on suits are a little different. Go and try the same size on multiple brands, for the brand that fits the shoulders the best. For me, Hugo Boss seems the best. For everyone its different. That's how I believe "your" best brand of suit can be determined.
.
Stafford suits by JC Penney - $100 jacket, $50 pants, looks like any other $200 - $300 range suit.
Brooks Brothers = Ops
Who do you think you are?
Oh, wait, I found you:
Industry Investment Banking Status Prospective Monkey Sex Male Birth Date Apr 9 1988
go for the hickey freeman or ROCK's custom tailor
Century 21 has a wide range of suits at about 60% off, they are off season but who really cares as far as fashion goes? as long as they look good what do the pros think about their suits?
This blog contain amazing list of brands. Dressing to make the best first impression is the key to business and life. I would recommend looking at "The Suit Rack" fine men's Clothiers for over 40 Years. They carry an array of Designer Suits and Separates: ranker.com
I'd do it for four-fifths commish, cuz you know what gets my dick hard? Helpin' out my friends.
In my view; it all depends on how much you want to spend on looking good in a suit. HB is trendy and cool but not the best construction. Its not a suit that looks like its meant to last forever. Meaning its good for a few years of wear and then its done. Its lost its pop so to speak. The material just wont hold up as long as the more expensive and classic styled wso/">suits. What is your ideal impression you want to give in the suit to people? Classic or modern? Then its also about the budget. Either way; youve got to be under 18% body fat for the HB or its not looking right for that look IMHO.
Express and Calvin Klein!
Best place for Suits (Originally Posted: 05/23/2006)
Anyone have any suggestion for a tall, thin guy?
Not exactly 'top of the line', but still very nice quality and the customer service cant be beat.
jos a bank suits are sort of baggy, if you get one you have to make sure it is tailored well
Hong Kong, get them tailored.
do you send away for those suits? i think i've heard of that. some guy just measures you, you choose the fabric and they ship it from HK?
do you know the contact info for that guy / business?
Thanks
I would like to know this as well.. Any contact info for these HK people?
I know there are many people out there who despise Brooks Brothers, but I've always liked them. Not too pricey, and consistent.
Brooks brothers is for poor people. They dont use the same piece of fabric for the bottom as they do the jacket. Come on people.
Southwick and J. Press
I don't know how many of you are from the New York area, but I grew up near the Woodbury Commons Outlet Shopping center about an hour outside NYC in Monroe, NY. If you can make it up there, I've seen some amazing deals in my time at some retailers. That and its a real nice place to spend a summer weekend afternoon.
agreed, grew up in the area and you can get some real good deals at the outlets, especially now after the holiday rush.
Anyone have thoughts on Calvin Klein? I get great deals there (outlets)
Enough said.
You can get them stitched for cheap in uptown east. They outsource stitching to Hong Kong but take measurements here in the city
Ascot Chang is a big name in Hong Kong very expensive though... I believe they have a website. Google the name and I'm sure you will find something.
tall and thin = macy's
Tall and Thin = RLBL, very modern cut, should fit you well.
Ross
RL Black Label / Purple Label Brooks Brothers higher end suits (they're not cheap idiots) If you're in Hong Kong, ascot chang, tai pan row, etc -
DO NOT GET MAIL IN SUITs ... HK suit makers do 2-3 fittings ... you NEEED to be fit for your suits. After getting HK suits, I will never buy off the rack unless its SO cheap that I have to buy but I'll still spend 50-100 getting it tailored to my size ... some sutis are just cut in a way that's not conducive to tailoring
I have two RLBL suits and enjoy them very much. That being said I don't know if they are worth the price. I have three Banana Republic suits (Two I love, One not so much). Cheaper suits, but fit me very well off the rack. I have a Hugo Boss which gets flamed on by serious suit people, but it is a modern fit and one of my favorite. Also have a no name I bought and got fitted for in London, really like that suit.
Best advice would be to get it tailored regardless of what you buy. An expensive suit will look like crap if it isn't taken in and adjusted to fit your body. Look at the material, buttons, cut of the suit.
Brooks Brothers makes some nice suits. You really can't go wrong with BB. Conservative, decent prices and decent quality.
how much is a tailored suit in those shops you mentioned in HK? do they do women's suit too?
All my new suits are tailored. Depending on fabric - I have a few 130 Wool suits that I got for about $450-600 so pretty cheap and I have a few 160 wool and some brand name like Zegna and Lorro Piana (sp) fabrics that were about 800-1000
But they fit so perfect so its well worth it. I have an Armani suit from the U.S. that I paid about 1500 for that fits worse than my cheapest tailored suit. A good tailored suit will look way more than what it actually cost.
You get a deal if you buy suits and shirts together. I got 3 shirts +1 suit for abotu $850 sothats pretty good. (you get to pick your fabric, sleeve, cut, cuff, collar, button layout and a bunch of other sht)
obviously above only works if you're in HK
And yes they do women's suits (and shirts)
dumpster behind Goldman Sachs
I've had luck w/Nordstrom. $300-600 and good name brands. Tailoring is quick. Nothing too fancy but no lack of class in my opinion.
Hugo Boss Collection. Very fine tailoring and modern for tall and slim men.
This thread is unnecessarily long.
One word: Barneys.
Black label and Hickey Freeman-- Trim cut- good for tall & lean individuals
^ I totally agree with the Freeman suggestion
I have a navy suit from there, love it
Dude, every brand out there gets shit on by whoever's higher on the social ladder. That's just the way it is. And, yes, like in all walks of shopping life, spending more on a product doesn't mean you've got a better product.
For tall thin guys I recommend a good tailor, not a brand. But if you're strapped for cash and time, Hugo Boss is good enough.
I'd seriously try K-Mart if I were you. They have great suits!
Quality Suits (Originally Posted: 05/01/2007)
I currently own a black hugo boss suit and am looking to purchase another. What brand and color do you recommend? My budget is within the $500 range.
Thanks in advance.
are you seriously asking this question? I-banking isn't a fashion show..but if you are really into that kinda stuff then do some more research on the internet
that must be the sale price....
you need a navy suit....brand doesn't really matter...it's all about the fit and thread...
just find a good tailor and get a custom suit....
you could probably find something for 700ish if your lucky....
Um you're just an analyst. I don't think you need a tailored suit. Just pick something nice at Macy's and get it fitted for like $20 at your local dry cleaner's. Remember you only make $60k a year.
I'd say splash out on one tailored suit. I don't know why anybody pays shitloads for expensive brand name suits when you could get a good one made for roughly the same price. It feels better on and well maybe I'm shallow but it's a nice feeling knowing it was actually made for you.
have one nice suit max - fuck dude, you can make an impression by making sure you comb your hair an dfucking making it to work on time.
You poor little fellow, try Valentino "Newman". Only 2,700 USD on the clearence rack. You might even get free armpitt space.
For custom fitted suits, I'd try Hong Kong tailors - a bunch of them conduct US "tours", and you'll pay a heck of a lot less for a custom-fitted suit. Make sure that you're clear on their alteration policy, etc., but it's worked very well for me. Below is a link to a sample tailor, but shop around...
God i love that i'm in a place where you can get a true bespoke suit for about 500-600eur.
where are you?
Personally, I'm partial to jos. a bank...you can get their signature suit(which is their mid level line) for around 600. Sucks for you they just had a huge sale where they were going for 270.
Stylish Suits in Investment Banking (Originally Posted: 12/27/2009)
For the first time, I will be meeting my group at the office location in LA. I will be a new analyst. I interviewed and was hired off location so I never met anyone from my group except for 1 Associate. I want to buy a new suit and wear it for the first time when I go over there.
Jos A Bank makes my favorite suits. They seem to fit well and are good quality. Normally, I would just go pick a dark navy or grey or something and that would be the end of it. I am definitely not looking to get a very flashy pinstripe suit or something with a heavy shine or anything like that.
BUT
JosABank has this new line of suit called the Traveler Tailored Fit Suits. They are made for thinner (and maybe younger) men. In it, the cut of the suits are much more slim than most traditional suits. I dont think that they are so slim that they are too fashionable and inappropriate, but definitely a slimmer cut than anything I have worn before.
I still plan on getting a solid, conservative color, but does the slim cut make it too fashionable, and thus inappropriate for banking? Be honest. I don't want to look like a tool.
This is a normal suit I would purchase: http://www.josbank.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_11001_10050_10…
This is the Travelers Tailored Fit Suit: http://www.josbank.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_11001_10050_23…
Honestly, you're reading too far into this. While you'll be expected to dress in a professional manner, the actual brand you wear doesn't matter at all. If you really like Jos. A. Bank, go with their clothing line. For a new professional, the price is right.
As for your suit selection, I think it will be just fine. The cut is far less noticable than pinstripes / suede / bright colors, so it will pass the sniff test. I'd vote you go for it.
If you're still unsure, there is a forum here on WSO dedicated to fashion. Lots of feedback on what to buy. I'd ignore all the comments that say you "must" spend $1500 on a suit, but there are some good suggestions if you're new to professional clothing.
You can't even get a good suit for 1500. A decent designer suit costs 2600 and up provided it's not on sale.
I would go for the travelers suit. The slimmer cut somehow makes a person come over more confident. Perhaps because it makes you look a bit more in shape.
I highly doubt any JosABank suit will ever be too fashion forward for anything.
I think we have very different opinions of "decent." Also, as a new investment banking analyst, he should definitely be looking at the "sale" rack if shopping for designer suits. Sales are generally just out of season / last year's designs, which will serve him just fine if he wanted to drop a lot of cash.
This question to CompBanker
As you reach Associate and VP status are you expected to buy more expensive suits?
How you allocate your income is really up to you. I've got a partner at my firm that wears what looks to be a $5,000 minimum watch. Another partner wears what looks to be the $20 digital watch I wore in elementary school.
Very few people pay attention to the brand of clothing that you wear. As long as it looks good, it doesn't matter if its Jos. A. Bank or a $10,000 custom tailored suit. There will always be a few super-fashion driven individuals, but they a few and far between. In fact, unless someone is trying to sneak a peak at your tag or feels your suit, they likely won't know the difference.
As you move up throughout the ranks, you definitely want to make sure you have more than just a couple of suits to prevent wearing the same gray pin-striped suit to every meeting. Whether you spend $500 or $5,000 on them, that's up to you.
Go for the Travelers Tailored Fit Suit-- It looks good and doesn't look too flashy
The traveler suit is fine - it will just fit you better, but it's not too "fashionable" like what you see in GQ Magazine or something. As long as it fits nice and is a conservative color you're fine.
Just make sure it's a 2 button.
Go with the charcoal pinstripe (1 inch spacing) if it's available
CompBanker-
Thanks for the insight. I couldn't imagine myself paying $5000 for a suit even if I could afford it.
I appreciate everyone else's input as well.
i was thinking of getting those, but they are side vented...
what do you guys think of side vented or no vent suits?
Side vents are the current trend; people like George Bush (usually older, more conservative) wear center vents. Don't buy a jacket with no vents.
o i see thanks, fuck i wish they had 36 regular for the flat front trouser ones, they start from 38
i am assuming pleated pants are pretty old school right? kind of ruins the slim fit suit in my opinion
Pleated pants are good if you're fat. That's about it. Flat front all the way.
get the travelers, looks good feels good.. get black or navy blue.. and yar slimmer cuts tend to make pple look more posh and prep (not the borrow from dad look)
and true you dont really need to spend as much as 1.5k or more.. get off from sale rack (CK and RL are a good bunch) and if you happen to travel to any asian countries; i know some guys/girls (inc myself) who'll go over to countries such as Singapore and HK just to make suits, its like US 500 and its good stuff
$495 for a made to measure suit.
It takes 10 days.
http://www.mysuitny.com/website/index.html
Best option outside of Hong Kong traveling tailors for young guns.
i just bought the hugo boss solid charcoal, slim cut suit at their outlet store. it was originally 800 but marked down like 60% (it came out to 391 after taxes).
here's a picture
http://www.ahfashion.com/products_pictures/PasoliniMovie-Dark-Grey.jpg
Go to Asia and get $3000 custom made suits for like $750 lol. The name brand suits from the U.S. off the rack arnt worth $300 in Hong Kong / China
Suits really don't matter - It's not going to create a more/less favorable impression as long as it passes the sniff test.
Crombie suits rule all. I have two of their Super 120 bad boys (grey wool and navy double breasted with pinstripe), they're the best suits I've ever worn.
Go bespoke. a well fitted suit beats anything. Choose a decent fabric of course.
slimmer fitting suites are becoming the norm now, therefore, go with the slim design, but either way, your already hired, you don't need to be stressed out anymore.... so go and have fun and worry about working hard instead of what suit your going to wear!
It's the fit that determines the fashionability of the suit.
A great fitting suit is modern masculinity in its divinest form
Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say and not giving a damn. - Gore Vidal
Help Suit Advice Needed Big Time!!! (Originally Posted: 12/31/2010)
Hello,
I am joining a Bulge Bracket Investment Bank in August as a member of their capital markets (sales & trading) group. I need 2 suits and while I have one already it is a Jos. A Bank all black boxxy thing that I used for interviews when I couldn't afford otherwise, and didn't know any better anyway. I am 5'10" about 150 (so very slim) and I need a slim fitting european/italian/british style so that it doesn't look boxy. I have until August, so I am asking for advice on:
What Brand? Outlet vs. Store? When are the Sales? What are the Prices for the Sales?
Thanks, any help is really greatly appreciated.
R
Go to J Crew and get one of their suits. They make the suits for small men. That or just go to a tailor. British/Italian/Etc suits have different styles, but they are not specifically for extremely thin men.
First thing, ditch the Jos A. Bank. Donate it to Salvation Army, you'll feel good about yourself. Second thing, you're going to need more than just one suit - because you can't wear the Jos A Bank to work. If you are biz casual in your office, I would say you need at least 3 solid suits. Best bet is to have a 5-suit rotation, IMO.
As far as a tailored suit, I think as a first year you can probably skip. I'm a second yr associate and still don't tailor it up, though I probably should cough up the dough at some point. Macy's has decent CK suits that run anywhere from $400-500, but you can get them around $300 on a holiday-ish sale- memorial day or something. They're well-cut for slender dudes. I'm 6' and about 185, but was probably about your size at some point when I started going the CK route. Word of advice, Ralph Lauren suits do not fit slender builds well - too broad shouldered.
Spend the dough you save on a tailored suit on a couple nice, hand-folded silk ties.
Hope this helps, happy new year.
Not intending to hijack the thread... but I've been told the same. What do you suggest for the 5 suits? One navy, one charcoal, one navy pin, one charcoal pin? What as the 5th?
i'm looking for exactly the same type of suit, been getting pretty frustrated trying to find something properly fitted - any suggestions?
While I will say that this has been discussed a few times over (Search is your friend), I would look at Jos. A. Bank, Mens Wearhouse and Brooks Brothers or outlet retailers like Sacks Off Fith or Nordstroms Last Call (Hell, you can even find really good deals at the factory outlet stores).
I'm assuming you're working in New York, so I would recommend taking a trip either out to Woodburry Commons (Go there first before you trek to Elizabeth) or to Jersey Gardens Mall. It's worth looking at both places, as should be able to find something that fits fairly well off the rack.
I've pulled two older threads that are fashion related, so try and gain a bit of insight. It's all older stuff, but the points are relevant.
http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/another-clothing-question http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/wardrobe
Definitely go the tailor route. Fit matters much more than brand.
Right now is the perfect time to buy. I believe Nordstroms and Brooks Brothers are still having end of year sales. I just got a $1000 Brooks Brothers 1818 suit for $525. Nordstroms has some decent sales.
In the same boat as you. I usually go to Saks and they tend to practically give away suits in my size.
If you're a Merseysider, you should appreciate me telling you to buy a suit brand called "Billy London". They're far from the highest quality, BUT very affordable and most importantly, built precisely for your frame. I'm thinking that you should be able to stock up on 4/5 suits for under $1000. They'll last a few years until you're ready to upgrade.
Midas is definitely right on the Billy London suits for a trim fit. It was my first suit. I'm 5'8'' and 135 pounds. But honestly I think it is worth it to get something better. I personally like the Tommy Hilfiger trim fit suits at Macy's.
http://www1.macys.com/shop/mens/apparel/suits-suit-separates?id=17788&e…
I went with the gray stripe one and luckily they had 36R at the store I went to and there wasn't really any tailoring to be done. If you read the reviews most people say it runs small which is probably going to be a good thing for you.
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=360028&CategoryID=1…
i second the tommy hilfiger suits for your size. I'm 6' and 165 pounds and the 40R fits perfectly with no alterations in the jacket
Made to measure! You can get good quality in a 600 budget per suit.
I'm 6'1 and 165, usually need a 38L, freakishly long arms.
Looking at those Hilfiger suits at Macy's, is that Navy pinstripe one too bold? Looks like the pinstripes are a bit aggressive. http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=429468&CategoryID=1…
[quote=A Posse Ad Esse]I'm 6'1 and 165, usually need a 38L, freakishly long arms.
Looking at those Hilfiger suits at Macy's, is that Navy pinstripe one too bold? Looks like the pinstripes are a bit aggressive. http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=429468&CategoryID=1…]
The "L" at the end of the size usually refers to the overall length of the coat. Although with longer suits you will find longer sleeves, you have to be wary of the overall length of the coat. At 6'1 you are probably fine with an L though.
let me think. I have a Charcoal thick pin, navy thin pin, navy thick pin, and two variations of black pins.
and yes, a flat black suit is a no-no, but when you throw light pins in there, it works. http://www.calvinklein.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3319446
[quote=AssociateGuerilla]let me think. I have a Charcoal thick pin, navy thin pin, navy thick pin, and two variations of black pins.
and yes, a flat black suit is a no-no, but when you throw light pins in there, it works. http://www.calvinklein.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3319446[/quote]
All pinstripes? No solids?
Make GQ your bible for fashion/style, etc: Here is a link that's helpful:
http://www.gq.com/how-to/fashion/200608/how-to-buy-a-suit-slideshow#sli…
And DO NOT go with Jos A. Bank. Those boxy suits are going to be a really bad look. If you are in the New York are, defintely try Woodbury Commons Premium Outlets. Top Desginer/Branks for a amazing prices. Hugo Boss suits for less than $400. Not many know of this brand: Sarar. Defintely check it out. Amazing quality and styling.
Best suits for under $500? (Originally Posted: 05/14/2011)
Off the rack (I'll save the mysuits for another day). I'm looking for something other than Jos A. Bank.
Based on a forum search I came up with: RL Black label, Brooks Brothers, Indochino. Any other recommendations?
Just trying to get some color on a few a brands and what you guys recommend given my budget. Shooting for a slim cut suit as well.
Thanks!
Sprend more. it's an investment.
Mens Warehouse
I've heard Mens Warehouse merchandise is shit, starts falling apart too early.
If you find BB for under 500 please let us know
You should be able to find good brands under $500 by going to outlets or Century 21
Although this has been done before, and search is your friend, my advice is to check out Brooks Brothers, Mens Warehouse, Jos. A. Bank and outlet malls. You can find great deals at the Saks, Nordstroms and Neiman's outlets. I bought a Hickey Freeman for $600 a few years back from the Hickey Freeman Outlet store in Woodbury Commons. You just gotta find the right retailers.
zero chance you find a black label RL for under 500 bucks. I have two and they cost me 1k and 2K (the 2k was a ripoff looking back).
Honestly, just get something grey and navy blue that fits you well. Get it tailored and no one will give a crap. One of the RL BL suits I have had rips in the elbows after 2 years. I had to find a tailor who worked magic to fix it. Too delicate.
You are going to beat the shit out of these suits at a junior level. Get something that is more durable and not going to break the bank.
If you really can't spend anymore than that just go to Jos A Bank. For the price you get a pretty decent suit and if you get a good tailor to work on it for you it will look way better than a typical Jos A Bank suit. They get a bad rap on here but if you are on a budget it is a great place to get some work clothes.
You can also check out places like Nordstrom Rack but if you go there you can't really be too picky because just finding anything in your size can be difficult.
walmart suits.
Seriously, you worked so hard to get into ibanking just to end up buying crappy clothes? What is wrong with you people!!!
For $90 more, J Crew makes great suits for the sub-$800 category. The material is great, and the two I have, I've had for 2 years now with no signs of wear. I'd try them out, and grab some RLs at an outlet/dept. store sale.
wait for fathers day to pass, day after head to bloomingdales, all hugo boss suits go on sale, usually can get them for under $500, but then again the suit is only $795 without discount so that isn't too bad.
I would also check out Burlington. they have a lot of junk but I found some nice Calvin Klein and DKNY suits which I picked up for 140-185. The cheapest I found those suits was for 300 off Gilt. Talking about Gilt, you will also want to check them out.
Mysuitny suits are $600 and custom made (you choose every detail of the suit and they take your measurements so it fits you perfectly).
I've also heard good things about Alton Lane.
I got 2 tailored shirts and a suit from indochino for less than $300 shipped. I'd say it was a good deal. My family isn't wealthy like the ballers on this forum
Yeah, I just don't see how analyst are dropping 1 grand on a suit. But thanks for the tips guys!
Best for the money is J. Press. Go see Jay at 47th and Mad, he will hook it up.
Outlets are great. Just got a 1K Brooks Bros. for ~279.
I agree with the outlet shopping. I did my pre-SA shopping at Nordstrom Rack and got the following three suits:
-Hickey Freeman for $500 -John Varvatos for $400 -Hugo Boss for $400
Another place I've been meaning to check out is that new Suitsupply shop in NYC. A fellow WSO member actually had some good things to say about them and they were well-rated in the WS Journal:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB100014240527487033854045762586711355844… http://www.suitsupply.com/#
Another good place is Gilt Groupe. You can find a pretty high end suit for a low price if you have lucky timing. Just be sure to get it in the right size and then have it tailored privately once it ships.
Finally, it isn't ridiculous to try a mid-level department store like Macy's. I was in there the other day and saw a classic (Navy) looking Ralph Lauren suit (not Purple Label) on sale for like $370. I asked if the sale was something that was common and the clerk said yes, they have pretty frequent discounts in the men's department.
The Hickey Freeman sold at Nordsteom rack are not the same HF mainline suits they sell at Nordstrom. They are produced for the discount store chains and are not the same quality and they are fused. They are called Hickey Freeman Ltd although the tag may not indicate it. You can tell by looking at your label if it does not have a model name (ie Madison etc) then it is a Ltd suit. The Ltd line is machine made and fused together. Even if you ask the people who work at Nordstrom rack they wont know and will just tell you whatever. But trust me these are not the same Hickey Freeman suites that sell for $1,000+.
Brooks Bros make some good stuff, but.... FIT IS EVERYTHING! you can get a mens wear house or jos a banks for cheap, and look great by geting it tailored. You mentioned slim fit--if you are a rail like my self you have to insist on having everything taken in (usually more than they are comfortable with.)
Agree with you bro, fit is everything
If you're in NYC, try Syms. They sell discounted suits (all brand name) in your price range. Plus they got a pretty good selection.
In terms of brand names, Lauren Ralph Lauren is a solid choice. It's nothing special but works fine for those at the junior-level and/or on a budget.
i'm a pretty slim guy and i recently picked up two theory suits from the theory outlet at woodbury common outside NYC - paid $320 each, and they're the first suit i've ever found off the rack that really fits me
if you don't know about gilt yet, check that out. those will be the best suits you can find for under 500$ no question.
Tom James has some nice made to measure stuff...
there are Retail $1200 Hickey suits for sale $499 on Gilt Group
Just an FYI for you guys, I read an interview with the Gilt founder that mentioned one of the things he wouldn't buy from his site is suits. I'm not saying don't by them, but I'd be careful about buying from there, maybe to the point of buying suits a size or two bigger. In the end you come out on top, even after paying a tailor.
Bb has a sale where you can buy any two suits for 500 currently at the outlets. just picked up a couple. the receipt is pretty interesting and it lists the original prices on there then applies the discount.. made me feel pretty good to know the trip to the outlet mall saved me more than $400..
I was just out at an outlet yesterday and saw this deal. The lady said they always run that deal. It is Brooks' 346 line...Brookstretch Suits. Anyone have any experience with these suits? I'm sure they're of lesser quality than the 1818 suits, but better value at that price point? I don't wear suits that often, so grabbing a pair of charcoal and navy BB suits for $500 sounds like a decent idea. Thoughts?
FYI guys. I talked to my friends that work at Brooks Brothers. The semi annual clearance sale will be the third week of July. You will be able to get a couple styles 1818 suit for 50% off. Fashion dress shirts will also be 50% off.
J. Press has great stuff. You can get them around $450-$600 for their basic line, and $500-$750 for their step up.
Definitely JPress. Besides the stores, their website always has random suits on sale for 50% off.
I think I may be taking a trip out to Woodbury or somewhere on Long Island for this BB Outlet deal.
GO TO GILT GROUPE WEBSITE!
make the investment. look for sales at the department store usually can get them at a fair value.
make the investment. look for sales at the department store usually can get them at a fair value.
if you want a slim suit and less than 500 try this one http://adf.ly/G18j7 also check out this 57 rules of style when you were a suit so that even less than 500 you look like a 1k http://adf.ly/G0uFs
Brooks Brothers Outlet. You can find a store at any Prime Outlet Center. 2 for $500. KaBOOM.
Suit Brands (Originally Posted: 12/24/2011)
What are some decent, good quality brands, not too pricey?
Please don't recommend Boss or RLPL. Boss is shit, and RL is too pricey.
If you can afford the time and effort to do MTM, check out Thick as Thieves suits.
So far in this thread, Rana is the only one who has given you the option for the best bang for your buck.
their suit quality is top notch. 500 dollars for a suit that is comparable to RL Black Label...and that's saying a lot since it's about 1/3 the price.
+1 for this guy knowing how to dress.
http://dappered.com/
Men's fashion website with an eye for sales and things on the cheap. What's your price range? In the end, as an analyst or intern, it doesn't matter what brand your suits are, as long as they fit well and are clean.
FWIW, in terms of cheaper suits, I've heard good things about Alfani. JCrew too, but a little more expensive.
Tommy Hilfiger, believe it or not, is decent for a low price point. They are eternally on Gilt's suit sales for $250. Other than that, I say look for Hickey Freeman (if you're slimmer, they used to carry a different line called 'hickey' that was for younger men), Brioni, Brooks Brothers (if you're slimmer, go for their Fitzgerald fit), etc.
www.giltman.com
Go check out Nordstrom Rack. I got an amazing Burberry suit there which was originally $1300 for $250. Sometimes they have total crap, but sometimes they have some really good deals (Burberry, Boss, etc)
I'd stay away from J Crew for suits. Brooks is good for lower end options (or, rather, middle of the road), and there is supposed to be a 50% off sale on all suits either this Sunday or Monday. Saks or Bergdorf if you have the money.
Budget = ? 1st screen. This determines the brands in your range. Location (or where you travel a lot to). NYC and LA have options
Boss is fused (think glue) and un-canvassed. RLPL is nice, but you can do better in that price range.
http://tradingevents.blogspot.com/p/uniform.html
Keep in mind that Permira owns Hugo
http://tradingevents.blogspot.com/p/uniform.html
if you are in shape, Boss is hot. I only wear Boss and custom tailored suits.
Suitsupply. They just opened a store in NYC.
I have been looking into this company http://www.indochino.com/collection/Suits
Their selection isn't huge, but you can get a custom tailored suit for $400-700. The cool thing is being able to choose the features you want e.g. lapel shape/size, vents, pockets, liner color, etc.
Note that I haven't actually purchased their suits yet so I can't comment on the actual quality first hand, but everything I've heard sounds like they're decent.
Have heard some people swear by them, and also heard some people who were less than pleased with their purchases, so quite divisive on this brand.
Indochino is a strange beast.
My personal take on it is that it's worth the price. Well worth it. For $350, you can get an incredibly customizable made-to-measure garment that stacks up against competitors 3x its price. The bad press comes from people who expect it to be more than what it is. It is a $350 made-to-measure suit. I find it comparable to suits in the $1000 ballpark. I think some people expect it to stack up against a Brioni or Zegna or Hermes, and quite frankly, it won't. I wouldn't expect it to, either.
The only thing I think would stack against an Indochino suit for the cost would be one from Suitsupply. I think Suitsupply's garments are better constructed and feature significantly better fabrics, and their lowest price point is $399. Suitsupply does offer MTM, but it starts around double the price of their entry level model.
WOW!!!! Indochino looks fantastic!!! Better than Jos. A Bank!
I have a Boss suit and it is one of my favorites.
I think too many people get a hard on for expensive suits and don't realize the utter pain in the ass they are. The fabric is delicate, you need to steam them to preserve them, they are expensive and honestly, it is the accoutrements that make you look like a million bucks. The shoes, shirt, tie, cuff links, pocket square, nice shave and haircut, etc. That is where you get the bang for your buck.
Came across this list. It only includes OTR stuff.
Excellent (i.e. if money is no object your closet would be full of these) - Brioni - Cesare Attolini Napoli - D'Avenza (old brand, includes RTW Gieves & Hawkes) - Kiton - Oxxford - St Andrew (includes made for RLPL) - Sartoria Castangia - Tom Ford (made by Zegna)
Very Good (i.e. Few suits match the quality of the ones in this category). - Luciano Barbera Collezioni Sartoriale - Belvest - Borrelli Luxury Vintage - Luigi Borrelli - Canali Milano - Corneliani Linea Sartoria - Isaia - Pal Zileri Sartoriale - Raffaelle Caruso (includes Sartoria Parma / some RLPL / RLBL / old RL Signature) - Ravazzolo - Sartoria Attolini Napoli - Thom Browne - Zegna Couture (higher quality than mainline Zegna) - Ermenegildo Zegna
Good (i.e. Quality is superior to most suits). - Hugo Boss Selection - Brooks Brothers Black Fleece - Brooks Brothers Golden Fleece - Canali - K by Canali - Cantarelli Tailor - Corneliani - Faconnable Tailleur - Giorgio Armani Black Label - Hickey Freeman Mainline - Paul Smith Mainline - Samuelsohn
Satisfactory (i.e. The "Average" Brands. Quality is acceptable). - Benjamin Sartorial - Brooks Brothers 1818 (half canvassed) - Cantarelli - Etro / Boglioli - Hackett - H. Freemann - Hickey Freeman LTD (half canvas) - hickey - Paul Smith London (not a suit maker, designer brand - half canvassed) - Z-Zegna
Mediocre (Suits that are mediocre) - Hugo Boss - J.Crew - J. Press
Try Crown Tailors if you need a moderate price range. You can google them up,
Brooks Brothers, I've always had a good experience with their stuff
I have my suits custom made for 650 USD, with top notch fabrics (super 140 english and italian wool)
I live in Latam.
Where are the best value suits right now? (Originally Posted: 04/08/2012)
Gentlemen,
I've not much experience with suits, and I've already taken back the two I just bought at the Macy's one-day sale the other day after getting them home and realizing what shit they were (literally threads popping out of the sleeves and I haven't even worn the damned things yet).
Moving to NY in three weeks and then starting ft about two weeks thereafter, so I can check out anywhere in NYC or online.
What's the best I can find for $350 a pop?
just watch this 4 inspurashun B4 u go shoppin and u gonna be ballin swag
http://www.youtube.com/embed/5BeAhK0QLVs
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