Suit Advice
 

Hey everyone, I was wondering if you all could give me some suit advice...

Just graduating from HS, I've never really had much need for a suit... But as part of my graduation, my parents agreed to buy me a one!

Sooo I'm going suit shoppin' pretty soon and I've got no clue what to get...

This would be my only suit and pretty much any form of 'formal clothing' that i'd own... So I'd be wearing this to... I guess events where I'd have to dress up.

Any advice on colors, types of suits, whether I actually need a suit or a blazer, where to buy it, etc would be great..

Thanks a lot, without you guys I'd be lost.. And suitless..

-Matt

As a Men's Wearhouse "color and style expert" (ie glorified sales associate), I feel I should respond.

Starting with the suit. The most versatile suits are definitely navy, and charcoal. Stick with a solid, patterns (pinstripes, window pane, etc) only complicate things for a first suit. Most people would recommend navy, particularly because you can then pair your suit coat with a pair of khaki or tan slacks, and have the sort of sport coat "uniform"- thus getting more versatility out of your suit. Personally I prefer charcoal (dark gray) because I think it looks classier, and I like how shirt and tie combos look on charcoal. But either color will be appropriate for job interviews, business, weddings, funerals, cruises, etc.

Word of advice- go with single breasted. Dear God please go with single breasted. Double breasted is out of style and not generally flattering. You'll find a much wider variety of single breasted styles.

Go with the best suit you can afford- make a budget as to how much you want to spend towards this investment. If, for instance, you wanted a suit, I would also consider budgeting for an extra pair of slacks or two, several dress shirts, and ties. Here's what I would present for you if you came into a Men's Wearhouse (which I highly recommend doing, because this is our whole job):

-Charcoal single breasted suit ($200-$500, depending on brand name and quality)
-Slacks: black, olive, navy ($30-$50 each)
-Dress shirts: non irons (nice because you can literally pull them out of the dryer wrinkle free, and wear them all day. I swear they work!) are $40 each at my work. Otherwise the shirts are $20-$40 in price range.
----Definitely get a white shirt. Get two if you can. As for collar style, the button down (a button at the bottom point of each side of the collar, thus keeping it down) and tab collar (a loop of fabric that hooks on a button at the top middle of the collar) are more casual then regular collars. You can get plain textured or herringbone, twill, or other textures.
---Also go with an ecru/ivory/off white shirt. Equally versatile as the white shirt, but a bit warmer look. Gray is a good call also. French blue and Oxford blue (a bright blue and a powder blue, respectively) are considered business staples. For more fun occasions, a black, gray, and/or burgandy shirt is a good call. Burgandy is our top selling shirt color, I think mostly because wives and girlfriends like it.

What you could do with these items so far:

Job interview: pair the suit with the white shirt, and put a more conservatove tie with it. Something with burgandy or red in it is always good, as those are considered the power tie colors (and thus are supposed to project an image of confidence). Make sure the tie has complementary colors to both the shirt and suit- and for an interview, go with simple stripes, or a small geometric pattern.

Second interview: same suit, with the ecru shirt. This time, you can warm it up with a blue tie, and it can have a bit more personality than your first interview conservative tie. Screen print ties and bigger prints are fine here, but nothing out of control.

On the job: mix and match the slacks, all the shirt colors except the burgandy and black, and different ties to have a variety of outfits that don't make you look like you're wearing the same thing every day.

Evening wedding: burgandy or black shirt, with a festive or dramtic tie that brings it all together. The suit would work best here, or else maybe the black slacks and coat.

Daytime wedding: white, ecru, or perhaps an earth tone You can have a bit more variety with pants, depending on how casual/formal the wedding is. The more "fashion forward" colors (ie black and burgandy) can also work, but tend to be considered more formal than the others.

Banquet/dance/quincenera (I don't think I spelled that right)/etc:
Mix and match away!

Things to keep in mind:
-Your belt should match your shoes. (Belts range from $25-$50ish, shoes from $40-$125 at my work). Black is generally most useful. Squared toe shoes are more contemporary, and favored by younger (ie under 35ish) guys.
-Socks should be considered an extension of your pants. So get some in the same colors as the pants and you'll be good to go.
-If you're taller than 6'1, or have a long torso, or a big belly, consider extra long ties.
-Make sure your shirts aren't French cuff, unless you want to use cuff links with them. Most guys don't, for a starting piece.
-If you want even more versatility, you could go with a navy blazer to further your mix and match options.

Alright I didn't even know I had this wealth of knowledge, I hope it wasn't horribly boring!

SiKes, go with a basic color suit of quality.

You can accecersize with ties and shirts.

Navy, Charcoal are your best bet.

Then you can add slacks to either of them.

PM me and will give you a shop by phone or email. Lot cheaper.

Hell, when I was a Buyer for RH Macy I had 27 suits, umpteen ties and shirts.

French cuffs, wore them all of the time and had great cuff links. Dont even go there. Short sleeve are the best, dress, go to partys, take coat off when gets hot!:D

Navy Suit , Gray or Tan Slacks three Combos.

Single Breasted only. Vest if you want to look really Formal suit wise.:D

wow. AWESOME advice. you guys rule!

I'm printing this thread out for a shopping reference...

Tom: 27 suits? jeeez.. I don't even think that many would fit in my closet :eek:

I think my mom wants me to get a suit locally.. so that I can get the right measurements and everything...

Around here we've got JC Penny, binghams, dillards, umm umm... tj maxx, and I think a mens warehouse about 20mins away.. Which is driveable...

-Matt

MAMA thinks she knows best!;)

Go for MAMA Putting the Cash down! Wear clean skivvys and black or brown socks depending on the color of clothes and shoes!:D

Can mix and match, the world of fashion, Fashion, FASHION is open!

Oh, none of the 27 suits fit anymore, I matured!:D

Check GC Chat Thread about GC gathring!:)

Hell SiKeS, I had a sport coat, slacks, and one pair of shoes in College!

We dressed every Tuesday which was meeting day for all Greeks, well back then!:D Oh, and Football games, god the good old days!:D

I would just add this to the above. Don't buy something that is "IN". They tend to become "OUT" very quickly.

As has been mentioned above, a nicely cut but fairly conservative suit can last a long time.

I agree with Navy -- it goes with pretty much anything and you can build a number of outfits around it.

Ah, D A another Gentleman of distinction!:cool:

No Damn Nehrus if you can remember that. Oh never mind you dont have a clue!:D No WIDE TIES, No Sasquatch ties, no tie died ties!

Conserervative is in, always welcome till it doesnt fit!:rolleyes:

Fitting is the key word!:)

Leave a little room for expansion!:cool:

If this will be your only suit, I would get a very dark navy or charcoal solid (echoing what others already wrote), and definitely not get anything trendy (what DeltAlum wrote.) I recomend a Brooks Brothers suit, as they are very well made, and are guaranteed indefinitley (unless you bring it back with huge holes.;))

If you get a three button jacket, make sure that the top button is not visible when the lappel is in the standard positon. This is traditional. The purpose of the third, and top button, is to hold the lappel up when you get caught in nasty weather without an overcoat.

ETA A blazer and khakis may be more appropriate. I'd ask some brothers of the fraternity that you are joining. The advice on three buttons still applies.

Also, not only single breatsed, but also vented.

A suit is definitely a good investment, so make sure to invest well. A cheap suit is always obviously a cheap suit. Don't fall for the label trap, but definitely check things out before you buy.

I agree w/ Russ: a charcoal or dark suit is best. Brown tends to get trendy, as do any colors. You can keep things from being too plain by the type of tie you wear.

Double Ditto!!!

But FIRST-spend a little time looking at THE most expensive suits in your town. Feel the material, study the color-navy is not always navy-and last but not least, try one on.
This helps you develop your eye and know what to look for in a higher level as compared to entry level suit. I know some may think it's overkill, but it's the way you learn how to judge quality.
Works for women too.

OK I worked at Dillard's in the Men's Department. These are my tips because men of all ages would come in there without their mothers/girlfriends/wives to help and had no clue.

1. Make sure the pants are not too long or too short. There is to be one break on the front part of the shoe. Don't let the back of the pants drag the floor but it should cover most of the back of the shoe.

2. "Hug yourself." This makes sure the jacket doesn't stretch too tightly across the back and that it's comfortable.

3. The arm length should only show a quarter of the shirt sleeve when your arms are hanging or relaxed.

4. If getting dress socks, make sure the socks match the suit. For example, get navy socks to go with a navy suit and that the socks are exactly the same color of navy. Gray socks = gray suit. Black socks = black suit. etc.

5. The tie should come down not much past the belt width, if at all. Ties that are too short come above the belt/waistline. The tie is too long if it's coming all the way down to your crotch while standing. ;)

Good point.

I was going to mention that, but forgot. Vents were "OUT" for a while, but I always thought that look made guys look like tubes of toothpaste.

ETA Look at most fraternity composites. You'll find navy blazers, white or light blue shirts and reasonably conservative ties (if there isn't an official fraternity tie).

As for socks, dark black will go with navy -- and for the most part, you don't see them anyway if the pants are cut correctly.

DeltAlum,

I am just anal about sock colors! :D If men cross their legs in their suits, you will see the socks. Just an FYI.

Screw men's warehouse.

Go to a tailor and have a suit made according to your specifications.

It's not a whole lot more money (maybe just around double) but they're a whole lot nicer.

I have mine done by Tom James. Depending on the fabric you choose, you're looking at around $500+. I have to say it's well worth it though.

I agree with what most people have said, especially JAM. Always try to replicate quality! Must disagree with Tom though. PLEASE PLEASE do not buy a short sleeved dress shirt!! While I am partial to french cuffs, they probably would look "old" on you. A regular, long sleeve shirt is best. Also, while it might be tempting to get blended shirts, cheaper ones tend to pill up and look awful after 1 or 2 washings.

As wishinhopin said, no button down, and make sure you buy extra collar stays or what ever they are called to keep your collar from flipping up. My husband is always missplacing his. Extra ones are only $5 or so for a pack of about 10 or 20.

Co-sign.

NO short-sleeve dress shirts. They should never be worn with a suit.

I thought more about your suit. If I were starting college, and this was my only suit, I'd get a solid dark navy suit that is single breasted and vented. The reason is that there may be occasions where your fraternity requires that "everyone come to this event in a navy blazer and khakis." When that happens, you can put on your navy suit jacket and a pair of khakis.

With regard to dress shirts, I'd stick with plain, heavy weight, all cotton oxford cloth shirts with button down collars. I hate blends because they are less comfortable. Especially when it gets hot. Counterintuitively, you want a heavier weight for when it gets hot. Why? Because visible perspiration is harder to see. There is a reason why broad cloth shirts are more popular in the North, and the heavier oxford cloth shirts are more popular in the South, and perspiration is that reason. Short sleeve should be avoided, and I agree with what was already posted about it. Stay collars, including Ainsley Spread collars are classy, but probably too dressy for college. Same with the french cuffs. If you only buy one shirt, make sure it is white. If you buy two, buy one white, and one blue. If you buy three, buy two white and one blue. After that, do what you want. Also, pinpoint oxford cloth is a very nice touch, but it costs more. Its a great way for people in warmer climates to have a dressier shirt, and not have visible perspiration.

I finally got it
 

My FIRST suit!

I just wanted to thank all of you for your great advice which helped prepare me for the confusing world of SUIT BUYING.

So my mom and I finally went out and I tried on several suits. Many of them looked about the same, even those varying in prices... We really had no idea which one to get since they all looked so similar... And then finally I tried on the one I ended up buying....

It stood out from the rest because instead of dropping straight down under the arms, it was tapered (sp?)... I think it was called an athletic fit... Anyway it looked much better on me and we decided to get it... It is navy (thanks you guys!) and seems to work well with both navy pants and khakis.. Yay.

I decided to take a pic and let you guys tell me what you all think... I hope it will work for what I need it for...

Thanks again everyone, I'd be so lost without ya,...

Also -- sorry for the crappy quality of the pic... I guess I moved when I took the pic :confused:

http://bengal.missouri.edu/~mgm4g5/thesuit.jpg

-Matt

Looks good Matt! Want to come to a formal next year? ;)

Since this is somewhat relevant here: Men, if a sorority woman invites you to an event, ask what she will be wearing. At our banquets we all usually wear a floor-length dress, and at the last one some of the guys were in POLO SHIRTS and cargo pants. If I was their date, I would have been steaming. They looked so boggled that all the fraternity dates were in suits.

http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/sh...threadid=35408

Look at that thread. Anyway, I don't believe in Brooks Brothers. Last week I needed a travel suit for a meeting and the dry cleaners temporarily replaced my only travel suit. I didn't want to wear a normal suit and show up wrinkled so I was forced into going to Brooks Brothers and buying something that could be tailored the same day. Is it an OK suit? Yes. Is it work 700? No. Do I feel ripped off? Yes.

Look into the brands Kiton, Brioni and whatnot. In suits, labels count a lot because Kiton does not make a crap suit. However labels sometimes don't matter if it's tailor made. I am trying to arrange a trip to Asia so I can pick the fabric and have it custom cut for me for a decent price. If you're in NY, they actually often fly into town, take your measurements, and mail it to you as well. The other thing you might want to try out if you're younger or on a budget is to go to a Saks or a Barneys outlet store. I hear there are great deals there but I wouldn't know because I haven't seen any in Chicago.

Top this all off with a Kiton, Charvet, or Ascot Chang shirt and a 7-fold Kiton tie and you'll look like you could bang a girl at any income level. If you want to be flashy, wear a hermes tie.

-Rudey
--And remember having really soft wools (140+) or silk and cashmere is nice...but it frigging wrinkles like noneother.

Matt,

If you are near KC, check out Jack Henry on the Plaza. They have the nicest stuff you'll see in town. Also, be sure to look at their ties. You'll notice that there are no "snoopy" or "christmas" or "metallica" ties, just patterns. Be sure when you buy ties to think with a shirt and pants (and jacket) in mind. Otherwise you will end up like me with lots of useless ties. Don't be afraid to take the jacket into the store when buying more clothes and be sure to get the girl at the tie counter to help you match stuff up.

SiKes, looking Good Dude!:)

Check out the site I sent you and can add to The Suit!!!!:)

These guys are accross the hall from where I have my office. They're a national chain and are VERY reasonable on custom tailored stuff.

http://www.tomjames.com/custsuits/custsuits.asp

One of the guys at work gets his clothing from there. It honestly doesn't look as impressive as it should for the price. I do think it would probably be a better buy than brooks brothers but eh.

-Rudey

Matt, you look good. I know you will have girls lining up to invite you to their semi-formals. Next you'll need to buy a Tuxedo for their formals. :) Enjoy your new suit and your sharp new look.

Not just suits but: Duckie Brown.

http://www.style.com/fashionshows/co...N/review/DBMEN

-Rudey
--But not the stuff that Prince would wear....the other clothes they have.