Suits online? Any good places?

[Cagliostro]

Ok I am in need of a tailored suit in the future, black is the key feature perhaps some highlights MAYBE. At any rate very possibly wanting a double breasted suit top etc, I like style and unique features and some old school flair. I have an ensemble I am working out in my head that will be very classy yet subdued as I am a Mortician, Embalming/Cremation. I will be attending funerals of all sorts, so you can figure in a way what I am looking for. The hat or hats I will be gathering from Hats in the Belfry...a top hat I think is in order for my funeral attire a [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Belfry John Bull - Classic Wool Top Hat I really like the old school look of it. And likely a Topper top hat of the same brand, also depending on mood and situation mixed with a fedora or such.[/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Shoes I am also looking at as well, unsure as for what to look for when it comes to shoes and the like, cuff links I will also be including all toned down but yes. A unique and stylish tailored suite, double breasted and an old school flair...think 1800's type.

Mens Warehouse falls far short unfortunately, I think most would agree there unless they have changed which I doubt SO...I am failing finding a good reliable place that is at least some what budget minded however I AM expecting to spend some good money on a good well made and tailored suit. [/FONT]

 

[avsmusic1]

Not sure if this will help, but I suggest you check out a recent thread I started that touches on some of the more popular online vendors http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/364442-Wedding-Suit

Additionally, if you know you measurements and/or size in certain brands then I would stalk ebay and the marketplaces of the other online forums (AAAC & SF)

 

[Doc4]

I would have cautioned against black, until you mentioned your line of work. That'll be good for you.

There are numerous online suit-makers of all sorts of price ranges and quality levels. What's your price range?

For cufflinks, I'd suggest looking at something with onyx and either gold or silver. (Onyx ... a black semi-precious stone. It's a traditionally-accepted stone for dress cufflinks, and will fit in well with your desire for "subdued and restrained".)

For shoes, I'd say black (obviously) captoe oxfords. No broguing (punched circles for decoration).

 

[Cagliostro]

Tyvm avsmusic1, very helpful, I have a seamstress nearby so I can get exact measurements head to toe.

Yes my job basically requires black, otherwise I am open to other colors and design in fashion. And since I am one with the least (in a sort) involvement with clients and their families until the last said viewing and services and I also of course accompany to the burial, I would very much like to go 'all out' as it were. A suit that catches my eye is what I am looking for, I cannot say style or any of that as I am fairly inexperienced in the way of suits and the like, with holding my experiences with prom and marriage of course.

As for budget on the suit by itself I would like to say about $1000 or so, I would be very willing to part with that if I found the correct suit that caught my eye. Shoes are also a good concern to match and also subdued in style as you say Doc4, and I think your cuff link suggestion is very good and makes good sense.

Lots to look about for and the like, any good shoe brand suggestions for the style I am going for? I am aiming for the suit, shoes and the like to last me a life time of service and pretty much it's sole purpose will be for my occupation so all parts will be kept easily in pristine condition and quality. Also unsure where I may find cuff links any good online vendors?

 

[nehpets4627]

This is personal preference and likely highly regional and situation specific, but I think a hat may make you stand out more than you would like in a viewing/funeral/burial situation, regardless of how appropriate it may be in terms of fashion. I'm sure you know your clientele and what is/isn't appropriate, but hats in semi-formal wear are not common these days and, even if appropriate/acceptable by classic rules of fashion, wearing one at a sensitive time like this may make you stand out too much. I would tread cautiously.

 

[Doc4]

Shoes are also a good concern to match and also subdued in style as you say Doc4, and I think your cuff link suggestion is very good and makes good sense.

... any good shoe brand suggestions for the style I am going for? I am aiming for the suit, shoes and the like to last me a life time of service ...

Shoes ... you want "goodyear welted" which is a method of construction which means they can be re-soled (and also means that the original construction & materials were likely high quality.)

Ideally, I'd say get a good pair of English dress shoes ... Crockett & Jones and Alfred Sargent are good makers at a "reasonable" price, and you can check out Pediwear online retailer, or Brooks Bros. "Peal & Co." as C&J and AS make those shoes for BB. A step below but still excellent is Alden, and Allen Edmonds is a step below again, but still good and "lifelong-worthy" like the others.

A further note on shoes ... if you will be wearing these daily as your normal work shoes (rather than an hour a day for the actual public appearance) you will need two pair, to rotate. Don't wear the same leather shoes two days in a row, as they need time to dry out.

Another further note ... if you will be doing a lot of out-of-doors walking, especially in the rain/wet, I'd suggest rubber soles. Not gummy quasi-athletic things, or my-foot-is-in-a-hummer lug soles, but the sort of refined soles that come occasionally on dress shoes, or else have a good cobbler put vibram half-soles on the shoes soon after you buy them.

 

[avsmusic1]

One additional thought on the suit, if your budget tops out at $1k for a suit that really catches your eye then I think local MTM is an option worth checking out. You'll be around that price point as long as you don't pick top fabric, you can design the suit from the ground up to ensure it's exactly what you want, and it will fit like a glove.

Just a thought

 

[Cagliostro]

Hat's...yes I have been putting a lot of thought into this factor and deemed that I should think and ask fellows in my business their thoughts on the matter, caution is some thing I air on...perhaps in cold weather or such...nothing too flashy but yes I'll put much thought into it.

And for shoes Doc you are a life saver I will take your advice on this, and yes I will have two pairs, perhaps three unsure I want to be in nice shoes during my work though we mostly wear scrubs I would not like to take the chance to ruining them so likely during my normal work behind the scenes I may wear my military issue boots...they are cap heel and toe and shine-able and most of all comfortable. Two nice pairs one all leather the other with the rubber sole guards, so I have options for in-climate weather and rotation when needed.

Btw avsmusic1...what is MTM? Might be a dumb question, i am worn out from the day so having a blond moment rofl

 

[StillShaving]

Made to Measure

 

[avsmusic1]

Btw avsmusic1...what is MTM? Might be a dumb question, i am worn out from the day so having a blond moment rofl

Sorry for my delayed response but StillShaving was kind enough to answer
MTM=Made to Measure
Think of it as the step in between an off the rack suit and true bespoke - essentially they build you a suit using a template that closely resembles your build that is augmented to account for your specific measurements/tastes. It will almost certainly fit better than anything off the rack and you can customize it with whatever features you desire (ex. lapel style, pocket options, functional jacket cuff buttons aka surgeon's cuffs, etc.) It's how all the custom online suit vendors work.

 

[Cagliostro]

Thank you for the responses they will come in handy, been gone a bit so this thread fell back and that's alright too so. It is good to have resources for these things, never know what the future holds

 

[Dewaine]

Jos A Bank is good if you're looking to keep the cost down.

 

[MrSpeedy]

You're getting some really solid advice here, especially regarding MTM. If you go that route, make sure you get precise measurements from a tailor/seamstress - a real one, not the guy in the suit section of a department store. If MTM is too expensive right now, you could also buy an off the rack suit (or buy one online) and bring it to a tailor/seamstress. Depending on what you need done to the suit, it will run you anywhere from $50-$100. I bought some suits on sale from JAB but their suits are cut big, so I had the jacket and pants tailored. Cost me a bit more, but the suits now fit great. If you have an unusual size or body shape, this may be your best option.

 

[austinantihipster]

A tip on suits:

I have found two great made to measure shops that offer suits online. Both of these shops offer fully tailored, half-canvassed suits for about half the price of your budget for a single suit. You could easily pick up one in black for work and a more contemporary pattern for other occasions. Granted, they don't have the name recognition that many labels may have, but the quality is top notch for the price. To relieve some of the anxiety that comes with purchasing a tailored suit online, they offer a tailoring credit in case they don't get your fit perfect. If a tailor can't fix the problems, you can send it back and they'll usually fix it without extra charge. I have a suit from each outfitter and have been more than happy with both. The fit just gets better with time as they take on the shape of your body. Just be sure you follow their instructions for taking measurements and you should have no need for a tailor.

Indochino

Black Lapel

 

[mdex]

I have been dealing with black lapel as a first try of the online mtm suit world and am very impressed with their service. They have been very responsive and are happy to remake and tweak any suit until you are happy.

I am awaiting a remake on my first suit that they insisted on making rather then have me in a less then perfect suit (despite it fitting better then most of my current off the rack then altered suits). I have several more on order based on my experience with them so far.

Other then having to wait a few weeks there is nothing to loose with these online brands as they have very good return and alteration policies.