First Suit

I'm gonna be applying to some entry-level finance jobs (probably AM and trading mostly, but maybe an IB or two), and I wanted to know what kind of suit I need for interviews (and then the job afterwards). A friend of mine told me that I shouldn't get a black suit, because he said that's reserved for more senior people, so I should stick to dark blue or dark grey (like navy and charcoal I guess). Is that true? Also, about how much money should I spend on my first suit? How much should I spend on shirts, ties, shoes, and a belt? I don't have a lot of money, but I also don't want to get something that looks cheap, so what price ranges, stores, brands, etc. should I be looking at if I wanna look sharp, but not crazy-GQed-up?

 
squirtlez:
get navy blue or charcoal Grey spend around 200 -400 usd be sure to get it tailored it could most expensive suit and if it dosen't fit well it will look like shit

+1, black is supposed to be for formal occasions.

People like Coldplay and voted for the Nazis, you can't trust people Jeremy
 

first get a dozen bespoke T&A shirts. 6 blue sea island cotton spread collar, 5 white sea island spread cotton, and 1 blue/white bengal stripe. $3600

next you want to go to anderson and sheppard and get a bespoke charcoal suit with soft natural shoulders, split vents, 2 forward pleats, and besom pockets. $3500

then you need shoes. I would get some bespoke EG's. black, balmorals, plain cap toe. throw some panthrella socks in there as well. $2500 i think.

next, buy a couple ties from Drakes of London, or ferragamo/hermes. stick to dark colors but not black. $160/per

 
New Yorker:
first get a dozen bespoke T&A shirts. 6 blue sea island cotton spread collar, 5 white sea island spread cotton, and 1 blue/white bengal stripe. $3600

next you want to go to anderson and sheppard and get a bespoke charcoal suit with soft natural shoulders, split vents, 2 forward pleats, and besom pockets. $3500

then you need shoes. I would get some bespoke EG's. black, balmorals, plain cap toe. throw some panthrella socks in there as well. $2500 i think.

next, buy a couple ties from Drakes of London, or ferragamo/hermes. stick to dark colors but not black. $160/per

Don't forget to grab a Cartier Pasha, $5,400 retail... your peers will envy you

 

Don't get a Banana Republic suit, their material is shit. I have one and never use it.

J Crew actually makes very nice suits, with great material, and they're cheap. Didn't even have to get mine tailored, as their description of tailored/modern fit actually rings true. Get an italian wool Ludlow, in solid grey or navy, and you'll be gold.

 
ThaVanBurenBoyz:
Don't get a Banana Republic suit, their material is shit. I have one and never use it.

J Crew actually makes very nice suits, with great material, and they're cheap. Didn't even have to get mine tailored, as their description of tailored/modern fit actually rings true. Get an italian wool Ludlow, in solid grey or navy, and you'll be gold.

Some of the suits are thin and cheap. Some are pretty nice. Banana Republic and J Crew are on the same level.

Try the suit on, feel it and see what you like. I have suits up and down the price range and the only thing I look at anymore is the feel and fit. I would actually pay extra for zero branding on my clothes. Fit and fabric are the only thing that matters.

 
ThaVanBurenBoyz:
Don't get a Banana Republic suit, their material is shit. I have one and never use it.

J Crew actually makes very nice suits, with great material, and they're cheap. Didn't even have to get mine tailored, as their description of tailored/modern fit actually rings true. Get an italian wool Ludlow, in solid grey or navy, and you'll be gold.

The VBB is right, J Crew is the place to go. The Ludlow in navy is exactly what I got for my first set of interviews, and I always felt I was dressed appropriately. And don't ignore what everybody is telling you about tailoring - you need to get every suit tailored unless it's custom made. About $500-600 + $60 for tailoring.

YoungAmerican
 

Tommy Hilfiger at Macy's. Their latest style doesn't need to be tailored and fits like a glove. Just got two myself. They are $300 a piece (less when you sign up for a card) and the fabric is superior to other $300 levels. Trust me, your gonna like the way you look, i guarantee it

 
jonnyseed:
Alfani at Macy's. Get some sweet Kenneth Cole Reaction squared-toe shoes as well. I think everyone here can agree with me on that one.
sorry but i really gotta disagree about the shoes... square-toes just don't do it for me. cap-toes or wingtips FTW. horsebit loafers once you get the job.
 
turtles:
jonnyseed:
Alfani at Macy's. Get some sweet Kenneth Cole Reaction squared-toe shoes as well. I think everyone here can agree with me on that one.
sorry but i really gotta disagree about the shoes... square-toes just don't do it for me. cap-toes or wingtips FTW. horsebit loafers once you get the job.

Yea we all disagree. There was a long post awhile back about all the reasons people hate square toed shoes.

If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses - Henry Ford
 
turtles:
jonnyseed:
Alfani at Macy's. Get some sweet Kenneth Cole Reaction squared-toe shoes as well. I think everyone here can agree with me on that one.
sorry but i really gotta disagree about the shoes... square-toes just don't do it for me. cap-toes or wingtips FTW. horsebit loafers once you get the job.

Got to be a joke right about the square toes? Horsebit's are pimp but scream gucci/ferragamo – too flashy again for me. But then again, I'm all about herems/ferragamo ties at whatever age and you can spot those a mile away.

fdba Emory Blaine and BBA or otherwise trying to find the perfect pseudonym.
 

Are we done with the expensive stuff trolling?

I say stick to the $200 suit and if you have money left over, land on the roof in a $4K Northwing hang glider. You can then rappel down to your interview on the 14th, break in the window, and be like " 'Sup guys. I just answered the 'open the window' question. Let's move on to more questions now."

Much better plan, IMHO, than crazy Italian names. (I have never worn an Italian suit and hope things stay that way.)

 

uh, your your peers will envy you if are in operations at suntrust.

also to everyone recommending sub $500 that is the worst advice. buy the best you can afford. quality of quantity always. save up 699 (on sale) for a two-button 1818 madison in grey.

shirts: 3 for 149 (on sale) from brooks brothers 2 white, 1 blue. ainsley collar pintpoint

shoes: $400 alden black cap to bals

 
New Yorker:
uh, your your peers will envy you if are in operations at suntrust.

also to everyone recommending sub $500 that is the worst advice. buy the best you can afford. quality of quantity always. save up 699 (on sale) for a two-button 1818 madison in grey.

shirts: 3 for 149 (on sale) from brooks brothers 2 white, 1 blue. ainsley collar pintpoint

shoes: $400 alden black cap to bals

Come on man, just because you spend all of your money on overpriced suites with lackluster quality and hyperinflated markups, doesn't mean everyone does. I know misery likes company, but don't give horrible advice like that. No one cares at all what brand suit you have, as long as it is contoured to your body-type frame.

Same on the shoes.

 

Again, utterly ridiculous to suggest a $500+ suit to college students. Two of our senior traders routinely show up in Polyester suits- you can sometimes see the wrinkles. (Not recommended- just spend the extra $40 for 100%-wool and the extra $30 to have it properly tailored)

Show up to the interview dressed well enough to show that you respect the firm- and then focus on the questions. Be confident; be yourself.

 
Anthony .:
I have a Hugo Boss suit. It gets shit on among clothing fanatics, but it is one of my favorite suits. Fits very well, good durability. Love it.

I'm a big fan of Hugo Boss as well. I think the cut just fits larger people better (I am 6', 190). I found the "Einstein" cut to work for me (3 button, pleated pants) and I bought a few pairs in the same cut.

I like the Boss flat front slacks as well. Material is much nicer than Brooks Brothers at a similar price on-sale.

 
Anthony .:
I have a Hugo Boss suit. It gets shit on among clothing fanatics, but it is one of my favorite suits. Fits very well, good durability. Love it.
i have a hugo boss plain medium-dark charcoal suit as well, fits/looks great.

To the OP, definitely go with a plain charcoal suit for your first one. Then add on a wso/">navy suit when you get your 2nd.

 

This is a college student seeking an entry-level job in trading.

Kid- nobody cares about the lapel on your suit. They care that you wore one and that you can answer the darned questions without getting too flustered. If you are still feeling self-conscious, buy a gently-used Joseph Abboud (in your size and charcoal or navy) on Ebay for $200, and spend the $40 to have the dry cleaners properly tailor it. That is the kind of suit your interviewer will probably be wearing (he bought it new at the Men's Wearhouse or Century 21 for $350).

Anthony- if people judge you for wearing a Hugo Boss, they've got some serious issues. Where I grew up, clothing snobs typically considered Hugo the shizz. Most people also considered it out of their price range, as it cost more than $500. At some point, wearing too nice of a wso/">suit can hurt you- I think Hugo Boss/Armani/Zegna/Pink starts to approach that point for a college student. To the wrong person in trading, risk management, research, or quant analytics, it could signal a bad cultural fit. A mid-range "made in a first-world country but not by highbrow tailors" brand like Joseph Abboud, Hart Schaffner Marx, or Pronto Uomo are probably much safer for a college student with a lot of money to burn.

If you work in banking- or even sales, things might be different (Then again, my roommate worked in banking and he wore Jos. A. Bank). If you interview in trading, Capital Markets, or research, just buy a $150-$200 tastefully-colored wool wso/">suit (or even a sharkskin one) at JCP, Men's Wearhouse, or Jos. A. Bank and spend your time practicing for your interviews rather than sitting at Nieman Marcus debating the pros and cons of Armani or Zegna.

 

This same fucking question comes up once a week. Don't go out and buy a brand, but something that fits you and looks good on you. Charcoal or Navy. No pinstripes. Whoever said sharkskin, I disagree. There a relatively inexpensive made to measure places (my.suit) that I've heard good things about, and cost slightly more, or less in some cases than something you'll get at Brooks. Wait for the semiannual sale this fall/winter/spring/whenever they have it and get 4 white and 4 blue shirts from brooks for $50 each. Probably can get them at Charles Tyrwhitt for the same price, just don't get french cuff. Get slim fit shirts unless you're a fatass. Get a black belt with silver buckle somewhere cheap (Banana or JCrew probably have them on their sale section). Then get black shoes, leather soles are a must. Look at Cole Haan, Florsheim, and the like. You'll probably have to spend more than $70, but less than about $120 on shoes, unless you find them on sale. Look for a captoe, can't really go wrong with that. As for ties, couldn't care less. Make sure they're not skinny ties, and they're silk. Conservative patterns like stripes. Do not go for the shiny silver or pink tie. Bad look. Also buy a bunch of black socks and white crewneck tshirts (hanes undershirts). $50 - shirt $400 - suit $100 - shoes

$50 - tie

under $600 for your interview outfit. When you land the job you can go buy a bunch more shirts and another suit, and you'll be fine.

 

I'm not suggesting a sharkskin suit. I'm just saying you can get the job in a light gray suit if you have to.

Also, $600 is a lot of money for a college student to spend on an outfit for interviewing. Here's how my younger brother's budget would probably look- and I'm pretty sure he'll get the job:

$160: 100% Wool Claiborne Charcoal 100% Wool Suit $30: Tailoring $25: Dress shirt
$25: Tie $60: Nunn Bush or Bostonian dress shoes.

$250 and you're done. And that's before you track down the JCP 15% off coupon.

 

OP here (again, remember I'm a newb about suits). Why is everyone saying wool? Is it because it doesn't wrinkle as much, or is there some other reason?

Does two- vs. three-button suits matter? Also, does a suit generally come as a package, or do you pick out the pants and top independently? I ask, because I wanna make sure the fit is good, and I'm afraid the pants might be too tight or the top too loose.

Also, just to be sure, is this basically the consensus? *Navy or charcoal wool suit *Tailoring is crucial *Dress shirts should be conservative/plain (solid blue/white) *Ties should be conservative/plain (simple/standard colors, solid or subtle stripes)

 

>OP here (again, remember I'm a newb about suits). Why is everyone saying wool?

Because polyester wrinkles and gets staticky and is incredibly obvious to some people. Even this mildly absent-minded quant. If you're wearing a polyester suit and it's wrinkling or staticky, it's a dead giveaway that you spent less than $150 on it. Spend the extra $30, JCP has Claiborne 100% Wool Charcoal suits for $160- with a 15% off coupon, that works out to more like $140-150 after sales tax- that's pretty competitive wtih a polyester or rayon suit.

>Does two- vs. three-button suits matter? Also, does a suit generally come as a package, or do you pick out the pants and top independently? I ask, because I wanna make sure the fit is good, and I'm afraid the pants might be too tight or the top too loose.

Three button suits tend to be more popular among younger folks in NYC. However, a two button suit is perfectly doable.

If you are at JCP or the Men's Wearhouse somewhere in the Midwest or South and plan on interviewing in NYC, try not to let them steer you towards a two-button suit. They're more traditional and consevative outside the Northeast, but for an interview at a New York investment bank, the true conservative choice is a three button.

Suits can either be sold as separates or come as a package. Typically, the higher-end suits will come as a package and can be custom-tailored. There are generally options such as "Athletic fit" that allow me to get a 33-waist on the pants with a size 40 jacket while they typically run 34 or 35.

>*Navy or charcoal wool suit That would be ideal. In a pinch, you shouldn't feel uncomfortable if you have to show up in a light gray suit, though. It still looks professional- it's just that everyone here in NYC wears dark.

>*Tailoring is crucial Yes, but don't get too carried away. Just take it to a dry-cleaner who knows what he's doing with alterations.

Just ask a female friend with a lot of dresses (ideally, one who went on a diet and lost 10-15 pounds and needed to get stuff altered) for suggestions. Either that or an upperclassman who got a job offer at a nice firm and needed to get his suit tailored.

>*Dress shirts should be conservative/plain (solid blue/white) Probably a good idea.

> *Ties should be conservative/plain (simple/standard colors, solid or subtle stripes) Ideally, shop for a tie with a female friend. IMHO, a $20 tie that was picked out by a female friend at JC Penney is better than a $90 tie that I pick out at Charles Tyrwhitt. (Not that I would ever spend $90 on a tie.)

Think about your brand and marketing strategy in the interviews, and how you want to market yourself. Then tailor an outfit for that. I had my whole "simple Midwesterner" sales pitch, so a light gray suit made sense.

 
IlliniProgrammer:
>Does two- vs. three-button suits matter? Also, does a suit generally come as a package, or do you pick out the pants and top independently? I ask, because I wanna make sure the fit is good, and I'm afraid the pants might be too tight or the top too loose.

Three button suits tend to be more popular among younger folks in NYC. However, a two button suit is perfectly doable.

If you are at JCP or the Men's Wearhouse somewhere in the Midwest or South and plan on interviewing in NYC, try not to let them steer you towards a two-button suit. They're more traditional and conservative outside the Northeast, but for an interview at a New York investment bank, the true conservative choice is a three button.

The "true conservative choice" is three button, but it's three button like this (the color is irrelevant):

http://inlinethumb55.webshots.com/12790/2311801600104509546S600x600Q85…

Not three button like this:

http://www.oneinhundred.com/upfiles/upimg0/Men-s-three-button-suit-jacket-5851210.jpg

Places like JC Penney and Men's Wearhouse won't carry the top kind of three button, so just play it safe and go two button so you don't look like an NFL Sportscaster.

Hi, Eric Stratton, rush chairman, damn glad to meet you.
 
Otter.:
IlliniProgrammer:
>Does two- vs. three-button suits matter? Also, does a suit generally come as a package, or do you pick out the pants and top independently? I ask, because I wanna make sure the fit is good, and I'm afraid the pants might be too tight or the top too loose.

Three button suits tend to be more popular among younger folks in NYC. However, a two button suit is perfectly doable.

If you are at JCP or the Men's Wearhouse somewhere in the Midwest or South and plan on interviewing in NYC, try not to let them steer you towards a two-button suit. They're more traditional and conservative outside the Northeast, but for an interview at a New York investment bank, the true conservative choice is a three button.

The "true conservative choice" is three button, but it's three button like this (the color is irrelevant):

http://inlinethumb55.webshots.com/12790/2311801600104509546S600x600Q85…

Not three button like this:

http://www.oneinhundred.com/upfiles/upimg0/Men-s-three-button-suit-jacket-5851210.jpg

Places like JC Penney and Men's Wearhouse won't carry the top kind of three button, so just play it safe and go two button so you don't look like an NFL Sportscaster.

Forgive me, but can you explain to me the difference between those two. The only difference I see is color. A

Also, what's this thing with the sportscasters. I'm not familiar with that stereotype. Do bulkier guys wear three-buttons?

 
Otter.:
IlliniProgrammer:
>Does two- vs. three-button suits matter? Also, does a suit generally come as a package, or do you pick out the pants and top independently? I ask, because I wanna make sure the fit is good, and I'm afraid the pants might be too tight or the top too loose.

Three button suits tend to be more popular among younger folks in NYC. However, a two button suit is perfectly doable.

If you are at JCP or the Men's Wearhouse somewhere in the Midwest or South and plan on interviewing in NYC, try not to let them steer you towards a two-button suit. They're more traditional and conservative outside the Northeast, but for an interview at a New York investment bank, the true conservative choice is a three button.

The "true conservative choice" is three button, but it's three button like this (the color is irrelevant):

http://inlinethumb55.webshots.com/12790/2311801600104509546S600x600Q85…

Not three button like this:

http://www.oneinhundred.com/upfiles/upimg0/Men-s-three-button-suit-jacket-5851210.jpg

Places like JC Penney and Men's Wearhouse won't carry the top kind of three button, so just play it safe and go two button so you don't look like an NFL Sportscaster.

Those are old school J Press style -- not necessarily the only conservative choice, just american sack suits -- think George HW Bush. http://www.mensflair.com/shopping-guide/j-press-classic.php J Press suits are not too expensive: http://www.jpressonline.com/suits_pressclusive.php.

fdba Emory Blaine and BBA or otherwise trying to find the perfect pseudonym.
 

^ Chicago- and anything south or west of Philly- is very different. I'll agree with you that in most parts of the country- as well as NYC pre-1990, two button would be conservative. But the Northeast is just different on this. I had a lady at Men's Wearhouse pushing a two-button suit on me back in Chicago as the conservative choice. I bought it. Whaddaya know, when I got to New York, few people my age were wearing them.

At the end of the day, it really doesn't matter all that much. Just buy something that you'll feel comfortable in.

 

I don't know, I like 3 button suits. I have more 2 button suits than anything, but the 3 has so many options. I would usually just rock the middle button and enjoyed the look. Sometimes you could do the top button and be a tad more formal.

Different strokes for different folks.

 

A dark navy BLUE suit should be your first suit...WOOL, TWO buttons, NO pinstripes. If you don't follow any of my other advice, please follow that. Macy's has some good first suits $200-400 range. They had a lot of Ralph Lauren's on sale on their website for $200-ish a while back...great first suit for someone staring out with not a lot of money to spend. Get measured at their store and if they don't have anything good you like there in your price range order it online. Your next suit down the road should be charcoal/ dark grey.

 
TerenYoung:
A dark navy BLUE suit should be your first suit...WOOL, TWO buttons, NO pinstripes. If you don't follow any of my other advice, please follow that. Macy's has some good first suits $200-400 range. They had a lot of Ralph Lauren's on sale on their website for $200-ish a while back...great first suit for someone staring out with not a lot of money to spend. Get measured at their store and if they don't have anything good you like there in your price range order it online. Your next suit down the road should be charcoal/ dark grey.

P.S. Never button the bottom button no matter how many buttons your suit jacket has. Your first suit and I say pretty much all of your suits should have two buttons, but absolutely never more than three.

 

I suggest you to buy a black or dark navy suit. Brand doesn't matter. Get something that fits you well... something that you are comfortable with; please tailor it. You don't want to wear anything that is loose or something. Some officials do care about fashion. Get a Wool, Two buttons suit. Don't get pinstripes(its my personal preference).

Good Luck!

 

Let me chime in again and really warn against really fine suits. I have two black label RL suits that have chipped buttons or worn out elbows. They just cannot stand up against daily wearing. Heart breaking to see $1-2K suits look beat up.

Spend your money on the shoes, the shirt and maybe the tie. Suits are hard to tell quality unless someone knows their shit.

 

Suits - Tailoring tailoring tailoring, go get fitted!

2 button or 3 button - doesn't matter, just be sure to notice how you feel and look in the two and if you're happy with it.

Get good shoes - no square blocky ones.... you're not applying for the circus.

White/Blue shirt - whatever floats your boat, but be conservative about blues. Hint: no neons.

Remember that if you buy your suit first, bring it to try on with your shoes, and vice versa.

 

The first one is called a 3/2 roll. Can't find a good explanation of it online, but basically it's a three button with lapels that look like a two button, so the third button isn't ever buttoned. I guess it's the traditional "Ivy League" look.

Anyway, that doesn't really matter. It pretty much looks like a two button would, but it has three buttons.

And sportscasters somehow routinely look like morons on national television. Saw one wearing what looked like a bright purple tuxedo with a purple striped shirt and contrast collar with a tie that was split down the middle, with one side purple and the other side black. I wish I could find a picture of him online, but he looked like a clown. And sportscasters also wear gigantic four button suits that look ridiculous.

Hi, Eric Stratton, rush chairman, damn glad to meet you.
 
Otter.:
The first one is called a 3/2 roll. Can't find a good explanation of it online, but basically it's a three button with lapels that look like a two button, so the third button isn't ever buttoned. I guess it's the traditional "Ivy League" look.

Anyway, that doesn't really matter. It pretty much looks like a two button would, but it has three buttons.

And sportscasters somehow routinely look like morons on national television. Saw one wearing what looked like a bright purple tuxedo with a purple striped shirt and contrast collar with a tie that was split down the middle, with one side purple and the other side black. I wish I could find a picture of him online, but he looked like a clown. And sportscasters also wear gigantic four button suits that look ridiculous.

I kind of see what you're talking about with differentiating the suits.

I also know what you mean about the sportscasters wearing really wild suits, especially the black sportscasters. Guys like Keyshawn Johnson and Shannon Sharpe are always wearing something that a pimp would wear.

 

What color shirt and tie are good with a navy suit? Same question for charcoal?

Also, I'm still a little confused what kind of shoes are good (I like square-toed, but I don't know if I should generally avoid those for finance careers or something).

Lastly, people keep saying to get it tailored at a dry-cleaner. Can't I just get it tailored where I buy it? Or is there some reason that people say to get it tailored at a dry-cleaner, as opposed to Macy's?

 

[quote=jonnyseed]What's wrong with a silver tie?

Something like this:

http://www.abcneckties.com/silver-woven-grid-silk-tie.html[/quote]

Actually, ties like that look well with subtle pinstripe navy suits, and a white shirt. However, the OP has interviews coming up, and a more traditional look (and more versatile ties), like I recommended, are more appropriate.

Look through old threads, many recommend light blue ties for interviewing (plus they go with charcoal AND navy suits). Additionally, with light blue shirts, a navy tie is very traditional (thus, safer).

 

Thanks fellas, this post was extremely useful to me (the OP). In fact, I bought my first suit yesterday, and I'm very pleased with it. Like everybody on here said, fit is absolutely key! I bought suit separates, so in the end I didn't even need to get it tailored (with the advice of the Macy's employee).

 

^^ Absolutely.

That's why I stick to my four key recs for folks pursuing non-sales roles as college students:

1.) 100% wool. 2.) Stick to dark suits 3.) Get help from female friend 4.) Minimize the cost if you're not filthy rich- you should be able to pull this off at JC Penney, Jos. A Bank or the Mens Wearhouse for sub- $250.

Honestly, as long as you're not wearing tennis shoes, an olive suit, or a suit that gives your interviewer a nice staticky jolt when he shakes your hand, you'll probably be all right.

 

I just spent what I felt was a fortune this weekend on two Hart-Schaffner-Marx suits for about the same price you cited for a single suit. Excellent material, same suit Obama wears, and $350 apiece at The Men's Wearhouse.

If your parents live in a sub-5,000 sq. foot house and can only afford to buy their Rolls-Royces and Bentleys used, you don't need to spend $600 on a suit. A $200 suit is just fine for most interviews. If you want to splurge, you can get a Joseph Abboud for $300 if you split with a friend. These are the same suits that many bankers and lawyers buy at Neiman Marcus for $795, and Abboud has always designed excellent suits:

http://www.menswearhouse.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay_1…

For $350, you can get a nice Hart-Schaffner-Marx:

http://www.menswearhouse.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay_1…

 

[quote=IlliniProgrammer]I just spent what I felt was a fortune this weekend on two Hart-Schaffner-Marx suits for about the same price you cited for a single suit. Excellent material, same suit Obama wears, and $350 apiece at The Men's Wearhouse.

If your parents live in a sub-5,000 sq. foot house and can only afford to buy their Rolls-Royces and Bentleys used, you don't need to spend $600 on a suit. A $200 suit is just fine for most interviews. If you want to splurge, you can get a Joseph Abboud for $300 if you split with a friend. These are the same suits that many bankers and lawyers buy at Neiman Marcus for $795, and Abboud has always designed excellent suits:

http://www.menswearhouse.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay_1…

For $350, you can get a nice Hart-Schaffner-Marx:

http://www.menswearhouse.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay_1…]

Illini - you give lots of good advice when it comes to pretty much everything, but I really do think you're wrong here. Men's Wearhouse is a piece of garbage, the suits look terrible, are cheaply made, fit poorly, and don't last. Maybe if this is a suit you literally just want for a month's worth of interviews and don't plan to wear after college, fine. But if you want something that you can wear during an internship/job, why not get a nicer, better made suit that will look better and last a lot longer than pay for crap that will wear out in a year or two. $400-$500 sounds like a lot for a suit, but if you're wearing it all the time and look good in it, I don't think it's that ridiculous to buy, especially if it's been marked down 50, 60, or 70%.

Even if it's just something like Brooks Brothers, it is going to look a lot better and be a much better value because it lasts. Plus, places like Brooks and Ralph Lauren are perpetually on sale, so you never have to pay retail unless you're extremely picky or are an idiot.

If you have interviews in, say, two weeks and need to get a suit in the meantime, then you're probably out of luck. But if you're near a major city and can get one in the next few months instead, you can definitely score some great stuff that's on sale.

Hi, Eric Stratton, rush chairman, damn glad to meet you.
 
Otter.:
Illini - you give lots of good advice when it comes to pretty much everything, but I really do think you're wrong here. Men's Wearhouse is a piece of garbage, the suits look terrible, are cheaply made, fit poorly, and don't last. Maybe if this is a suit you literally just want for a month's worth of interviews and don't plan to wear after college, fine. But if you want something that you can wear during an internship/job, why not get a nicer, better made suit that will look better and last a lot longer than pay for crap that will wear out in a year or two. $400-$500 sounds like a lot for a suit, but if you're wearing it all the time and look good in it, I don't think it's that ridiculous to buy, especially if it's been marked down 50, 60, or 70%.

Even if it's just something like Brooks Brothers, it is going to look a lot better and be a much better value because it lasts. Plus, places like Brooks and Ralph Lauren are perpetually on sale, so you never have to pay retail unless you're extremely picky or are an idiot.

If you have interviews in, say, two weeks and need to get a suit in the meantime, then you're probably out of luck. But if you're near a major city and can get one in the next few months instead, you can definitely score some great stuff that's on sale.

Your disagreement is noted and respected. That said, though, the Hart-Marx suits at the Men's Wearhouse come off the same line as the exact same Hart-Marx suits sold at Macy's for $550. They just cost a few hundred less.

The tailoring at MW isn't always as good. Last month I had the stitches on a cuff come undone with me. Now, I get everything done by the drycleaner I've always gone to for most of my other wso/">suits. The fit of the suit really comes more down to the tailoring/alterations than the store that sells them to you. And if you're buying a $250+ suit, it's worth spending the extra money.

 

I think it might have come up when I was googling for reviews on Hart Marx and its durability. I always do a fair amount of research whenever I spend that kind of money.

Still, as a college student interviewee and for my first two years on the street, it was $160-$200 suits at JC Penney. Unless you are constantly meeting clients, nobody really cares as long as you look relatively normal.

 
IlliniProgrammer:
Still, as a college student interviewee and for my first two years on the street, it was $160-$200 suits at JC Penney.

And, even if you want to spend a bit more, there's no reason to go all the way up to $600 in most cases.

 

I think you should get a "good enough" suit; 100% wool (super 100 or 190) Charcoal or Navy Blue (Avoid Patterns) Good fit shouldn't be an issue (hit the gym lil fattie)

OH YEAH and don't forget to remove the labels from the sleaves. I've seen too many guys with them.

But I would focus more on attitude, traders aren't bankers, they aren't too diplomatic, so show you: are a non-nonsense guy don't waste time in useless crap people(other traders) will not disrespect you (don't forget traders are usually former school bullies) are motivated and are a news junkie Can make a lot of friends (are popular because you have a FO role and do not forget that insider information is an edge in may developping countires financial markets) Areacapable of taking risk and willl not start crying because you just can't take a fast decision

off course you have to know your shit, don't worry too much about the math (srsly all the Equities traders I know don't even know what's the e for in a caculator)

Take it with a grain of salt, i'm not a trader, just have been to a couple of trading interviews

 

I'd pick up another solid (or two) in a slightly lighter shade just so you can get a rotation going on. You can play with the fabric if you want but personally I think stripes/panes are impractical to have this early.

People like Coldplay and voted for the Nazis, you can't trust people Jeremy
 
PeakLapel:
2 button is the only way to go, way more stylish for a younger person. And also, MAKE SURE it has peak lapels, those are slick!

Just preference, but I think peak lapels are too flashy, but again just preference. As a side note, the Phineas Cole suits are sick – and bloody expensive – again, I prefer the Michael, not the peaked lapel one – always two button for me as well.

fdba Emory Blaine and BBA or otherwise trying to find the perfect pseudonym.
 
Emory Blaine – fdba BBA:
PeakLapel:
2 button is the only way to go, way more stylish for a younger person. And also, MAKE SURE it has peak lapels, those are slick!

Just preference, but I think peak lapels are too flashy, but again just preference. As a side note, the Phineas Cole suits are sick – and bloody expensive – again, I prefer the Michael, not the peaked lapel one – always two button for me as well.

I should have been more obvious, peak lapels are horrendous, hence my screen name.

We've got half a million shares in the bag!
 

Alright Ill give away the killer combo:

2 button - Charcoal suit w/ fine light gray stripes (no pin stripes, very close together and thin) Light blue shirt Dark blue tie Black shoes, super shine. No pocket square Stainless steel watch

=Job.

We've got half a million shares in the bag!
 
ivoteforthatguy:
askandyaboutclothes.com has good info on this.
That
Valor is of no service, chance rules all, and the bravest often fall by the hands of cowards. - Tacitus Dr. Nick Riviera: Hey, don't worry. You don't have to make up stories here. Save that for court!
 

so i'm looking at brooks very nordstrom, and it seems like the brooks suits are around $850, and for that you can look into the hugo boss range at nordstrom. any thoughts? looks like ~$850 is what we have to drop for a non-josabank or a cut above macys?

then again just wait until june 17 for the nordstrom sale?

 

Ask Andy is a great site. I buy all my custom suits from nitafashions.com. I don't go with the most expensive fabric and a suit runs me around $600 for MTM. Much better than dropping $400 on a off-the-rack suit that's going to need $100 in alterations. Go to the site, check out his tour schedule in the US. He measures you up, you pick your color and fabric, and you'll get your custom suite in about 6 weeks.

I started using the guy 6 years ago when my buddy started working as an associate at LEH. Apparently many of the guys fresh out of b-school used the same tailor to save a few bucks on suits.

 

Looked up Nordstrom's sale dates. guess i could wait.

Half-Yearly Sale for Men—starts Friday, June 17 Anniversary Sale—starts Friday, July 15 and ends Sunday, July 31

i think that is also around the time of BB's semi annual

also, any recommended brands that are good?

 

Comments above have expressed concern for tailoring. THIS IS IMPORTANT. Impeccable tailoring will make a normal suit look damn good. If this is your first suit you don't need to go overboard with flashy designers and brands, quality is more important. (a high quality suit will have an outer shell made from 100% wool or wool blend with cashmere; for lining most suits will do some type of rayon, polyester, acetate type of blend, If I were you I would stay away from anything that's 100% acetate because it wears out easly or 100% polyester because it's not breathable)

Macys, Nordstroms, Dillards all have great selections. I've seen discount high end stores like Neimans Last Call and Off 5th have a pretty good mens suit section too. Just looked at Macy's website and looks like they have a lot of stuff on sale.

But remember... you absolutely MUST have proper tailoring.

 
can_lah:
Got it. Looks like RL suits at Macy's all have pleated pants.

Pleated pants are for fat guys. Go with a custom suit from Hong Kong. Won't run you more than $600 and the overall suit will fit like a glove. Like the above poster, its all about fit. The next most important element is fabric.

 
ivoteforthatguy:
an analyst does not need a canvassed suit. actually, who NEEDS a canvassed suit?

Agreed. It's definitely appropriate to buy fused. Nothing wrong with it. Canvassed suits are nice because they will last DECADES. I'm not lying. The only thing is usually body type changes too. Canvassed is just another step up in quality and considered a luxury item and more often be made custom... Fused is perfectly fine.

 

If you have a corporate card at Brooks Brothers (not just through work, my fraternity offered one too) then you can get 25% off this weekend. Take that $850 1818 Madison suit from Brooks and now you're looking at ~$640.

Makes for a great first suit. You can fill out with Jos A Bank if you need to, but once you start making a little money, I would avoid the place.

Nice read for anyone if you are curious:

http://www.ivy-style.com/generations-of-style-dad-me-and-brooks.html

 
can_lah:
Tailoring has been mentioned extensively. Could you guys talk about what sort of suit alterations we should look to do? Obviously sleeves, what else? Taking in the sides for a better fit, etc?

Mainly the sleeves and the hem. It looks just awful if the hem on the pants is too long or too short. You could do shoulders and take in the sides if it's too large, but the suit should fit relatively well in those areas to begin with. Also make sure the inseam of the pants fits well (don't want weird dropped crotch look).

A good tailor will know what to do.

 
dayumgirl:
how do you find a good tailor?

I always go by recommendations. Most places that sell suits will have a company that they recommend. Always ask what the company is and who the main tailor is there that's know for good work. Oh and there's this really cool thing called the world wide web. :)

When you get your suit tailored, make sure they pin your measurements then and there and have it actually fitted to your body (don't know why people think its okay for the person to just measure and not get it fitted) and when you get your pants hemmed make sure to take the shoes you will be wearing when you will normally wear your suit to ensure that the hem length is perfect with the shoes.

Hope that helps!

 

Kids.... it's really not that hard:

In NYC: Alton Lane Clothiers

www.altonlane.com

Started by 2 former bankers from UVa.

They scan your measurements via computer in 30 seconds. Then you pick fabrics and styles (with their help if needed).

Made-to-measure suits cost $495.

Shirts = $75.

Incredible quality, great customer service, they have a classy shop in the Flatiron, not some sketchy back alley or a crappy website, have a glass of bourbon while you look.

********************************* “The American father is never seen in London. He passes his life entirely in Wall Street and communicates with his family once a month by means of a telegram in cipher.” - Oscar Wilde
 

i haven't seen anyone else on WSO talk about alton lane before (only mentioned by you and whateverittakes). anyone else have experience with them. bump on the Century 21.

 
can_lah:
i haven't seen anyone else on WSO talk about alton lane before (only mentioned by you and whateverittakes). anyone else have experience with them. bump on the Century 21.

I've been in Century 21 before but never bought anything. They do have good stuff occasionally, but you really have to know what you're looking for to sort between the crap and the really good quality clothes. I did find a really nice Oxxford cashmere sport coat there once, but even at Century 21 it was close to $1,000 which was way more than I had any intention of spending at a place like that (or any place, for that matter). Now of course you don't need to be wearing Oxxford-quality suits, but my point is that C21 can have good deals but they are few and far between.

You're probably better off going to a sale at BB or a department store.

Hi, Eric Stratton, rush chairman, damn glad to meet you.
 

I repeat:

Kids.... it's really not that hard:

In NYC: Alton Lane Clothiers www.altonlane.com

Started by 2 former bankers from UVa. They scan your measurements via computer in 30 seconds. Then you pick fabrics and styles (with their help if needed).

Made-to-measure suits cost $495. Shirts = $75.

Great quality/style/cuts, great customer service, they have a classy shop in the Flatiron, not some sketchy back alley or a crappy website, have a glass of bourbon while you look.

********************************* “The American father is never seen in London. He passes his life entirely in Wall Street and communicates with his family once a month by means of a telegram in cipher.” - Oscar Wilde
 

BBros is legit for the price point.

But the real question you should be asking is "who is a quality tailor in X city?"

Tailor the shit out of a suit and you can almost turn lead into gold. I can tell a non-tailored suit from like 50 feet away, but I'd have to get within a foot or two to really know if a suit is mad cheap.

 
venturecapitalista:
BBros is legit for the price point.

But the real question you should be asking is "who is a quality tailor in X city?"

Tailor the shit out of a suit and you can almost turn lead into gold. I can tell a non-tailored suit from like 50 feet away, but I'd have to get within a foot or two to really know if a suit is mad cheap.

Fully agree. Get it tailored and you'll be much happier with it. It shouldn't cost you an arm and a leg and most places will help you get it tailored or do it for free (Nordstroms does). Plan to spend about 50-100 on tailoring a jacket and pants.

I get most things tailored because well they just fit better.

 

Definitely black shoes if you only have one pair. Suitsupply has best value for price in my opinion (as someone point out above).

If you can put a bit more into shoes, Paul Evans NY has the best quality for a modern design shoe at ~$400 that I’ve seen yet. I believe they have a $200 off offer going on for New Years sale, so you can get a pair for ~200

"Apparently there is nothing that cannot happen today." -Twain
 

I own a navy a black and a grey suit....black shoes and brown and....all of the comination fit pretty nicely. Even navy suit and black shoes, which people always say it's a bad look. i find it pretty classy if you know how to put it together.

 

as far as the differences between the two the slim is definitely more contoured in the middle and with less structured shoulders, unless length is an issue, this is going to be the suit youll have to spend the least amount of money altering (maybe just sleeves and obviously hemming the pants). The tailored fit suits have a little more structure in the shoulders and a touch more room in the midsection. Based upon your sizing which appears to be a touch on the bigger side and knowing that this is gonna be you're go to suit for a while i would just buy them both and return the jacket that fits worse. I'm a 40R and the slim fit works pretty well for me and save on the need for the big jacket alterations, i just don't know how it would look on a taller/broader shouldered person.

My real recommendation is to find a Jos A Bank location near you and go in and try each style on and see how it fits, then ordering online is pretty much a no guesswork move from that point on.

 
Best Response

Solid move.

For future reference as far as quality goes (and this is one man's opinion), Jos A Bank is middle of the road, and for the money (when they have their extreme sales like what you've posted) they're about as good as they come. As i alluded to, the after purchase tailoring makes the difference between a $500 suit and a $1500 suit. You obviously don't want to look shrink wrapped in, but at the same time you're trying to avoid looking like you've got a zoot suit on haha. Also as an aside either one of those choices are pretty good color wise, your first few suits are just building out the basic colors which are 1a)navy; 1b)med/charcoal grey; 2)lighter grey. As far as dress shirts stick with white or light blue for the time being.

 

Navy (or Charcoal, but just get navy). 100% Wool (Looks better and more durable).

I don't know where you are located, but I would say a place like Men's Warehouse would be your best bet. If I were you I would go there and get like a $600-700 suit on sale for $400 and then spend the other $100 on tailoring.

Men's Warehouse won't be the nicest suit in the world, but assuming that you are in college (since it is your first suit) it will get you through interviewing, networking, etc. until you get a job (internship) where you can get more/nicer suits.

 

This isn't a "real suit". Avoid the super skinny cut.

>Incoming Ash Ketchum, Pokemon Master >Literally a problem, solve for both X and Y, please and thank you. >Hugh Myron: "Are there any guides on here for getting a top girlfriend? Think banker/lawyer/doctor. I really don't want to go mid-tier"
 

You can always check out places like OffFifth (the Saks Fifth outlet). The consistently run buy one get one free deals on suits. Nab a navy and a charcoal for $400-$600 and get them tailored.

 

Nulla quae est blanditiis enim velit velit nam. Unde officiis voluptatem harum quia iusto. Et consectetur officia cupiditate aut dolorem quia. Ut maxime et voluptatibus illum. Quis ut ea unde. Rem et veniam veniam consectetur.

Unde non a itaque sapiente accusamus ut perspiciatis. Facilis ea omnis quae perspiciatis blanditiis cupiditate quasi ut. Provident architecto nemo sunt aspernatur.

Odit saepe quia laboriosam fugiat vel quia. Sunt a sunt commodi nulla ipsam. Sunt dolor neque quod. Cupiditate et nesciunt inventore voluptatem quia.

Commercial Real Estate Developer
 

Illo ut eum ipsum eos quibusdam provident unde. Sed ipsam id ut blanditiis asperiores ut. Consequatur expedita et enim. Ducimus sequi dignissimos inventore necessitatibus. Exercitationem consequuntur commodi ipsum ullam. Eos incidunt quibusdam deserunt nisi reprehenderit debitis omnis. Inventore et harum minima.

Sequi quia non pariatur harum repudiandae. Rerum deleniti repellendus assumenda vero aut omnis animi. Eum optio repellat dolorum quia sunt distinctio eum.

Rem quae laborum et aperiam vel magnam est. Voluptas porro aperiam ea et enim aut velit. Veniam deleniti beatae rerum sed laborum perspiciatis. Illum dicta sed aut saepe similique.

Beatae et quo doloremque quia dignissimos. Et voluptatibus quo porro dolor quae. Sit fuga voluptatem nesciunt perferendis. Sed quae numquam molestiae delectus repellendus dolorem exercitationem. Nostrum dicta qui dolores non. Commodi iusto voluptatum a.

 

Facilis aut nesciunt ab distinctio libero autem. Et assumenda eum quas harum molestias. Vero illo quod aut ut. Vel id ab quisquam molestias temporibus dolorem nam voluptas. Magnam alias voluptatibus quis voluptatem ratione sapiente quia.

Omnis ut odio excepturi porro modi molestias placeat vitae. Labore dolor est enim dolores. Ut et et atque quo et odio eum et. Esse nobis deleniti ex sapiente voluptatem accusantium. Dolores adipisci aliquid asperiores ducimus est cupiditate.

Commercial Real Estate Developer
 

Praesentium tempore consequatur eaque. Labore impedit aut dolores dolore. Perspiciatis est distinctio eos blanditiis quas nisi molestiae. Eos laborum quia autem omnis debitis fugit non.

Aut et placeat aut consequatur non est. Magnam odio deleniti voluptatem saepe id sit. Ut modi vel doloremque quia et. Quidem minus non minima autem numquam consequatur. Quis excepturi accusamus enim veniam error voluptatem. Maiores ut laudantium et doloremque expedita distinctio ea.

Quos tempore mollitia non praesentium deserunt. Rerum minus placeat quidem ullam eaque est. Tenetur voluptate reiciendis a aut cum consequatur. Vel et blanditiis voluptatem accusantium. Est quia ullam itaque esse consequuntur.

Make Idaho a Semi-Target Again 2016 Not an alumnus of Idaho

Career Advancement Opportunities

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. (++) 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (86) $261
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (13) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (202) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (144) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”