Buying my first suit

[Talltexan]

Howdy ya'll B&Bers!

I have wanted a suit for a long time so I could go to interviews looking better going to weddings etc. first off I'm a big guy. I'm 6'2" and wear a 60 R jacket 56x32 pant. I have researched the following places:

Brooks Brothers ($1,000 MTM)
Men's Wearhouse ($500 and up plus cost of tailoring)
JC Penny's
Jos A. Bank ($600 plus tailoring) plus weekly deals
Dillard's ($1,000 MTM, twice yearly sale)

After talking with a very best friend of mine, he suggested Jos A. Bank since they have so many sales each week or so.



What would you all recommend I do? And which line of suits would you suggest and why?

Also, what colors of suits should I look at? Patterns? Thread count?


Best,
Jerry

 

[oakeshott]

Jerry,
First question is:

What's your budget?
also,
How old are you since that influences the type of suit. Though, if this your first suit, then Navy Blue or Dark Gray and both in solid are the most versatile choices and it doesn't really matter how old you are.

If your budget afforded it, to me it's a no brainer decision. A man of your elegant dimensions should go MTM. You can bet that very little off the rack will fit well and your future involves a good tailor no matter what you do.

 

[Talltexan]

@okeshott

My budget is about $600-700. I am 32. I am getting into radio and television sales and possibly the insurance industry.

I had a custom shirt (French blue Egyptian cotton) made and a pair of black wool slacks made from a tailor here in The Woodlands called, Jaybee's Custom Clothiers.com His business was out of his house. He took a total of about 15-20 different measurements. Then in six weeks I got the shirt and pants from his shop in Hong Kong. He has been doing this for 25 years. The shirt was a spot on fit. As was the slacks. But the reversible cuffs for French cuffs I couldn't use because it was already too tight on my wrists. In total it was $388.00.

The reason I asks about a place like Jos. A Bank is because you get so much more than one suit from a tailor. I honestly can't find a good tailor in my area. I wish I could find an old school tailor.

I'm a hard guy to fit being big and I wish I had more options. Any advice is appreciated.

Jerry

 

[john parker]

Jerry, if you are correct about 60R in a coat size, think the first goal in ready-made is to find places that carry that. A quick glance at Jos A. Bank and Brooks Brothers does not show suits that size, ready-made wise.

 

[Talltexan]

John,

The only place that I know of that offers my size is Casual Male and those suits are off the rack. You don't get to chose fabric, color or options.

 

[john parker]

Jerry, except for stops in Hong Kong many, many years ago while in the Navy, I have otherwise never purchased a mtm suit. I'm afraid I have no suggestions except to pursue that (mtm, not Hong Kong - unless.....). Think the question in going mtm is going to be cost, and there I have no idea.

Another thought is to pop over to Style Forum or Ask Andy About Clothes, and see if anyone there has any ideas.

 

[strop]

The only MTM that I know of readily available to me is Tom James Company. They come to you to measure, etc. Will be about twice your current budget though some packages includ shirt(s) and tie(s).

 

[mr_economy]

Jerry,

If you don't mind ordering over the phone or online, I would highly recommend a Hardwick suit for ~$300 plus tailoring. They're one of the few companies that still manufacture their suits in the USA and the suits are partially canvassed, which is rare for the price range. You can contact Hardwick directly to find the closest reseller to you, or order from their most popular reseller at www.menssuitseparates.com . I'm fortunate enough to have a retailer in town that sells them so I have never ordered one directly from Mens Suit Separates, but folks online seem to be pleased with their service and their manager Carl is supposed to be a friendly guy to deal with. I did check and they have your size in most of their suits. It's always a bit risky to order a size without trying it on first, but I really think that Hardwick is tough to beat in that price range.

 

[Doc4]

Also, what colors of suits should I look at? Patterns? Thread count?

First, the easy bit. Your first suit should be unpatterned, either grey or navy blue. I prefer a mid-dark grey, as it transitions better in terms of wearability and formality ... and then you can buy a navy blazer next for the less casual times, and you have two different looks rather than looking like you are just re-using your suit jacket.

Unpatterened ... so no pinstripes, checks, or what-not. As plain as possible to avoid the "you're wearing that suit again" syndrome.

Weight of cloth ... go for something that will do well enough throughout the year where you live. Lightweight enough for you to survive the summers and heat ... think "brisk 5-block walk to an important meeting" survival ... and decent for winter (remember, silk long underwear is very thin, and will turn a summer suit into a decent winter suit without much effort.)

 

[oakeshott]

Jerry,
No matter where you go to buy a suit, mtm or otr, you'll need a tailor. If you post on askandyaboutclothes.com, someone can recommend one in the houston area.

I can't recommend Men's Wearhouse any longer and don't have enough experience with JBanks to offer an opinion. I've heard that they're good for the money. Brooks Brothers will be able to give you what you need, but not in your budget I wouldn't think.

 

[k2clones29]

Joseph A. Bank is not bad. My only gripe with them is that most/all of their suits are traditional, and I prefer more modern suits (slimmer lapels, no pleats). Still, if you are looking for a deal, they are the place to go. Tomorrow and Tuesday, they are having a buy 1, get 3 free deal. For someone togo for no suits to 4 suits for about $800 total (after tailor and taxes) is not too shabby.

Now if you are looking for quality over quantity, the other specturm is Tom James. They make the suit custom for you with every bell and whistle you could possibly hope for. You choose everything: style, buttons, pockets, fabric, inlay, etc. Don't be surprised when that one suit comes to 4 of JAB, maybe more, but the qulity is second to none. I've bought several suits from them, and they fit like a glove and last forever everytime.

 

[Devilpup]

Joseph A. Bank is not bad. My only gripe with them is that most/all of their suits are traditional, and I prefer more modern suits (slimmer lapels, no pleats). Still, if you are looking for a deal, they are the place to go. Tomorrow and Tuesday, they are having a buy 1, get 3 free deal. For someone togo for no suits to 4 suits for about $800 total (after tailor and taxes) is not too shabby.

Now if you are looking for quality over quantity, the other specturm is Tom James. They make the suit custom for you with every bell and whistle you could possibly hope for. You choose everything: style, buttons, pockets, fabric, inlay, etc. Don't be surprised when that one suit comes to 4 of JAB, maybe more, but the qulity is second to none. I've bought several suits from them, and they fit like a glove and last forever everytime.

We're getting more and more of the Joesph Slim cut line in and they look much more modern in cut. If I can dig up a camera I'm posting a picture of my before to after with the newer suits for critique soon.

 

[feralhog]

You can try http://djones.com/. They've gotten a lot of good press here in Dallas, and I believe they do home visits in Houston. Similar setup to the guy you bought your previous MTMs through. I haven't used them, but I plan to give them a call when I'm ready for a new suit.

 

[Doc4]

I have wanted a suit for a long time so I could go to interviews looking better going to weddings etc. first off I'm a big guy. I'm 6'2" and wear a 60 R jacket 56x32 pant. I have researched the following places:

Brooks Brothers ($1,000 MTM)
Men's Wearhouse ($500 and up plus cost of tailoring)
JC Penny's
Jos A. Bank ($600 plus tailoring) plus weekly deals
Dillard's ($1,000 MTM, twice yearly sale)

Okay, so since this appears to be a "I need one suit to wear occasionally and look d@mn good doing it" thread, and given your ... um ... "interesting" measurements, I'll suggest BB MTM (or Dillard's if people think they are of comparable quality at the MTM range.)

It may be a bit out of your range, but I doubt you would have mentioned them if you weren't thinking about it anyhow "if it's worth it &c". A "buy one get three free" sale at Jos Banks seems pointless for you ... you'll be doing well if you wear out ONE suit, let alone three ... and with sales like that you "get what you pay for".

Get One Good suit.

 

[BigSlick]

JA Banks does 70% off sales quite frequently. I bet they will do one before Christmas or right after. I have one of their suits and I like it.

Here is one in 60R or 60L.

http://www.josbank.com/menswear/shop/Product_11001_10050_100401

You can order it online and if you don't like it they will take it back. I have returned clearance items without any questions..

One more thing, get a white shirt and a conservative tie for interviews, save the French blue for after you get the job. Get a light blue shirt too. You can get a lot of mileage out of just those three colors with a few different ties.

The suit and a couple of shirts would only be about $400 at JAB (70% off sale). That leaves enough of your $700 budget for some black Allen Edmonds Park Avenues. You can usually catch these on sale for around $225.

http://www.allenedmonds.com/aeonline/producti_SF270_1_40000000001_-1

 

[john parker]

Wow! Did not see that when I checked the Jos A Bank site before posting! Did not know they went to a size 60. I bought my last suit from Jos A Bank, and have pleased with what I received - a suit I wear only occasionally. While at the low-end of the scale, they have a serviceable product. Would only say that I would want to see it and try it on before committing to it to ensure the sizing is right and to inspect the fabric. As to a prior post, yes, you will certainly also need a tailor to do the final fitting; your Jos A Bank may or may not have a good one available. Probably one of the most important thing in fit is to make sure the shoulders are correct. A typical "trick" on jackets is to go up in size to accomodate waist line; guaranting ill-fitted shoulders.

JA Banks does 70% off sales quite frequently. I bet they will do one before Christmas or right after. I have one of their suits and I like it.

Here is one in 60R or 60L.

http://www.josbank.com/menswear/shop/Product_11001_10050_100401

You can order it online and if you don't like it they will take it back. I have returned clearance items without any questions..

One more thing, get a white shirt and a conservative tie for interviews, save the French blue for after you get the job. Get a light blue shirt too. You can get a lot of mileage out of just those three colors with a few different ties.

The suit and a couple of shirts would only be about $400 at JAB (70% off sale). That leaves enough of your $700 budget for some black Allen Edmonds Park Avenues. You can usually catch these on sale for around $225.

http://www.allenedmonds.com/aeonline/producti_SF270_1_40000000001_-1

 

[DaveNJ74]

First, the easy bit. Your first suit should be unpatterned, either grey or navy blue. I prefer a mid-dark grey, as it transitions better in terms of wearability and formality ... and then you can buy a navy blazer next for the less casual times, and you have two different looks rather than looking like you are just re-using your suit jacket.

Unpatterened ... so no pinstripes, checks, or what-not. As plain as possible to avoid the "you're wearing that suit again" syndrome.

Weight of cloth ... go for something that will do well enough throughout the year where you live. Lightweight enough for you to survive the summers and heat ... think "brisk 5-block walk to an important meeting" survival ... and decent for winter (remember, silk long underwear is very thin, and will turn a summer suit into a decent winter suit without much effort.)

Great advice, I love pinstripes but never thought of that.

 

[cluelessdude]

Brooks Brothers, go in soon and see if everything will work for you. Then buy on Boxing Day. Last year they had 40% + 20% off sale.

 

[BigSlick]

This is the same suit I linked to above now on sale for $219 plus an extra $25 of if you sign up for their newsletter (limited time). Free shipping as well. You can order it, check it out and if you don't like it take it back.



http://www.josbank.com/menswear/shop/Product_11001_10050_100401?p_id=1&link_id=1