Suit Advice Needed

Connoisseur

Platinum Member
Sep 14, 2002
2,470
1
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Hey guys. So my fiancee's family is buying me a suit for our engagement; it's a traditional Indian thing and instead of an indian outfit which I'd never wear again they figured they'd get me a suit which I'd use regularly.

Regardless, I'm looking for a good tailored fit suit in the 400-500 range (not breaking the bank). In the past i've purchased BR's tailored fit suits and I really like the cut of the blazer as well as the slim fit straight pants. I'm thinking of having them get me a BR Monogram suit with a 40% off deal since obviously they have slightly better materials and an even more tailored cut but I wanted to get some advice before I jump the gun.

Any thoughts on any other brands I should be looking at for comparable or better cut and quality in the 400-500 range? I'm looking for a tailored two button suit.

FYI I'm 6', 44/45 chest (very broad/square shoulders and chest) and a 33 waist, although i'm working on getting it down to a solid 32.
 
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silverpig

Lifer
Jul 29, 2001
27,703
12
81
I like BR suits as well. If you want to try tailored, check out indochino. I have 2 indochino suits 2 BR suits, and one from somewhere else.
 

Connoisseur

Platinum Member
Sep 14, 2002
2,470
1
81
I love show SUITS btw. I get lots of good style ideas from there.

Well I'm fairly certain most of the suiting worn on that show is in the $1k and above price range. I'm not going to make her family pay that much. 400-500 is plenty for a good-looking every day wear suit.

I'm just looking for a little more variety in the wardrobe and wanted some thoughts.
 

Howard

Lifer
Oct 14, 1999
47,982
10
81
Your most reliable option is to get a Brooks Brothers 1818* (I prefer Fitz) suit on sale and have it altered to fit. Sometimes the place you buy it from will also include the alteration. I have seen them on sale for $700 - a good suit is worth that much.

MTM is also an option but my personal experience is that it is never made perfectly and subsequent alteration(s) done locally are required. Depending on who you buy it from, this could take a while before you get a good finished product.

*any similarly well-designed and well-built, robust suit. Suit Supply and sometimes Samuelssohn or Corneliani have suits near your price range which are quite good.
 
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Newbian

Lifer
Aug 24, 2008
24,775
875
126
Ask this guy:

Suit-Up.jpg
 

arrfep

Platinum Member
Sep 7, 2006
2,314
16
81
If you're okay buying online, check out www.lastcall.com . It's Nieman Marcus' outlet store, and they have some really nice stuff for cheap on a regular basis. In fact, there's a Hickey Freeman in your size on there right now for under $400.
 

jaedaliu

Platinum Member
Feb 25, 2005
2,670
1
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HAH! I thought you wanted a tailored suit for $400 - $500 in America. I was absolutely bewildered where you were going to find one for that price.

hrm, indochino seems decent. My concern would be the feel of the material. And a photograph isn't going to capture the material look completely.
 

EPCrew

Senior member
Jun 2, 2000
828
0
71
HAH! I thought you wanted a tailored suit for $400 - $500 in America. I was absolutely bewildered where you were going to find one for that price.

hrm, indochino seems decent. My concern would be the feel of the material. And a photograph isn't going to capture the material look completely.


Check out this site for my traveling tailor. I just remembered that I was supposed to update a previous thread about their next visit to NYC which just passed. You'll get a high quality suit custom designed and fitted for well under that price.

The caveat is that they are in Thailand and will ship your purchase a couple of months after you place your order. The good news is that once they have your measurements, you can put in new orders whenever you want given that you don't flucuate in size too often.


www.suitathome.com
 
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Connoisseur

Platinum Member
Sep 14, 2002
2,470
1
81
Hey guys. Thanks for all the suggestions. I'm definitely NOT looking for a custom made/bespoke suit for 400-500. I'm just looking for a brand which has a good fit around the waist. I don't have so much a slim as I have an athletic build. The issue is that most pre-made suits don't taper in enough at the waist so they give me a boxy look. I like the BR "tailored" fit and Monogram collection because they taper in enough. Also like the pants (slim straight fit; conforms to my legs which are admittedly skinny).

I'm totally going to check out suit supply and last call. Looking for a dark grey suit.
 

silverpig

Lifer
Jul 29, 2001
27,703
12
81
HAH! I thought you wanted a tailored suit for $400 - $500 in America. I was absolutely bewildered where you were going to find one for that price.

hrm, indochino seems decent. My concern would be the feel of the material. And a photograph isn't going to capture the material look completely.

You can order fabric swatches. You pay $30, you pick something like 16 fabrics and you get the swatches and a couple measuring tapes. When you buy a suit, you get a $30 credit.

I bought one of the cheapest linen/wool suits and it is pretty good. The fabric isn't the nicest, but I paid $300 for it. It's cool in the summer and I've gotten compliments about how well it fits.

I then bought one of the vincero super 130s wool suits which is much nicer fabric. Thin, stretchy, high quality. It's not a super 150s zegna fabric, but it does come from the Reda mill in Italy so it's good stuff.
 

Howard

Lifer
Oct 14, 1999
47,982
10
81
Hey guys. Thanks for all the suggestions. I'm definitely NOT looking for a custom made/bespoke suit for 400-500. I'm just looking for a brand which has a good fit around the waist. I don't have so much a slim as I have an athletic build. The issue is that most pre-made suits don't taper in enough at the waist so they give me a boxy look. I like the BR "tailored" fit and Monogram collection because they taper in enough. Also like the pants (slim straight fit; conforms to my legs which are admittedly skinny).

I'm totally going to check out suit supply and last call. Looking for a dark grey suit.
I strongly recommend (overriding other suggestions as necessary) that you find a good off-the-rack suit and have it altered for a slimmer fit.
 

Connoisseur

Platinum Member
Sep 14, 2002
2,470
1
81
I strongly recommend (overriding other suggestions as necessary) that you find a good off-the-rack suit and have it altered for a slimmer fit.

I don't mind getting alterations to the waist and such since those are relatively simple. What I don't like are the big/baggy sleeves that usually come with it. Alterations to those get pricey. That's why i'd rather get a suit with a tailored fit so hopefully the sleeves are appropriately sized.
 

foghorn67

Lifer
Jan 3, 2006
11,883
63
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Suit supply looks awesome. I've been reading a lot about it lately.
BR is still good, especially during coupon season.
 

Howard

Lifer
Oct 14, 1999
47,982
10
81

RossMAN

Grand Nagus
Feb 24, 2000
78,855
355
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I strongly recommend (overriding other suggestions as necessary) that you find a good off-the-rack suit and have it altered for a slimmer fit.

Thanks for the advice, I like this cost effective and simple approach.
 

Howard

Lifer
Oct 14, 1999
47,982
10
81
I strongly recommend (overriding other suggestions as necessary) that you find a good off-the-rack suit and have it altered for a slimmer fit.
Allow me to clarify: OTR doesn't mean from at a physical B&M. Suit Supply has a very good return policy. Find a suit you like and order two sizes of it around where you think you might land.
 

Mandres

Senior member
Jun 8, 2011
944
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The Saks outlet (off-fifth I think it's called?) and the Neiman's outlet (Lastcall) are probably your best bets. Look for a hickey freeman, Oxford, or Ralph Lauren black label (if you look good in the more modern cut).

Brooks Bros suits are also good quality but harder to find at discount.
 

M0oG0oGaiPan

Diamond Member
Dec 7, 2000
7,858
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digitalgamedeals.com
Find a suit that fits at the shoulders. Get it tailored. It'll cost about $60 to get it tapered and sleeves done. Might be more to get rid of a neck that bunches up. Pants will probably be $10 to hem.