RichB
Member
- Joined
- Aug 15, 2013
- Messages
- 6
- Reaction score
- 0
Hi All,
I’m hoping I can get some help with a new suit purchase. For context, I’m a 42 year old management consultant and need a single suit on hand for the very rare occasions when I need one. The occasions when it is appropriate for me to wear a suit only present themselves 1-2 times per year - namely for the rare professional meeting that requires it or wedding/funeral sort of event.
I have lost a bit of weight since I last wore my current suit, and it now seems way too large, especially the pants. Not just in the waist which I know I may be able to take in, but just too much fabric overall; I need something trimmer. I have an athletic build with broader shoulders and a proportionally smaller waist, so I am looking for a trimmer fitting suit, not aggressively so, but not boxy. I’m not looking for “trendy” super skinny lapels that may be out of style or less professional in a couple years, but I also don’t want to look like dated.
Since I will only need a single suit, I’m most comfortable with the versatility of a charcoal color.
Due to the limited amount of wear it will get and the very infrequent dry cleaning (only if something spills on it), I don’t think I need to be very concerned with “durability” as someone who wears one daily/weekly may. I am mostly looking for a well made suit that will look great, so from what I have read it seems that a half-canvassed suit would be a good pick and a fully canvassed may be overkill for my needs.
From the research I’ve done it seems I should be in the $1K price range, give or take a couple hundred, but I’d like to confirm that with those more educated on the topic and get some recommendations for my situation. I do want to mention that my budget is flexible and that although I don’t wear a suit often, when I do I want to look great even if that costs a bit more money. It is important, especially professionally, that I “look the part” when needed.
I initially was looking at a Hugo Boss Johnsons/Lenon suit for $800, but have read negative things about the brand as a whole and think I should rule it out.
I believe I should rule out J Crew / Bonobos due to overall quality for the price point, although I do like the stretch fabrics.
It doesn’t seem like I need the quality of a Hickey Freeman at the $1500 price point, and I think they may be a little less fitted than I would prefer.
I’ve heard mixed reviews on Suit Supply, but am not opposed to it if it best meets my needs. They have a store in Chicago which is a few hours from me but where I’ll need to go to purchase anything of decent quality anyway.
It appears that a Brooks Brothers 1818 in the Fitzgerald cut would be a good choice for me and where I am currently leaning, these are $1K.
Also, I know I can get a good deal by waiting for sales and whatnot, but I am almost certainly going to end up just getting one quickly because I have a need for one in the coming weeks and don’t want to wait. I also want the ability to try it on and not get it online sight unseen because I’m not familiar enough with the fits of the varying brands/cuts. For similar reasons, I will not be going the MTM route unless there is a strong reason to.
I’d welcome and appreciate any feedback, advice, or thoughts based on the above to help me narrow a section or better educate myself.
Thanks!
I’m hoping I can get some help with a new suit purchase. For context, I’m a 42 year old management consultant and need a single suit on hand for the very rare occasions when I need one. The occasions when it is appropriate for me to wear a suit only present themselves 1-2 times per year - namely for the rare professional meeting that requires it or wedding/funeral sort of event.
I have lost a bit of weight since I last wore my current suit, and it now seems way too large, especially the pants. Not just in the waist which I know I may be able to take in, but just too much fabric overall; I need something trimmer. I have an athletic build with broader shoulders and a proportionally smaller waist, so I am looking for a trimmer fitting suit, not aggressively so, but not boxy. I’m not looking for “trendy” super skinny lapels that may be out of style or less professional in a couple years, but I also don’t want to look like dated.
Since I will only need a single suit, I’m most comfortable with the versatility of a charcoal color.
Due to the limited amount of wear it will get and the very infrequent dry cleaning (only if something spills on it), I don’t think I need to be very concerned with “durability” as someone who wears one daily/weekly may. I am mostly looking for a well made suit that will look great, so from what I have read it seems that a half-canvassed suit would be a good pick and a fully canvassed may be overkill for my needs.
From the research I’ve done it seems I should be in the $1K price range, give or take a couple hundred, but I’d like to confirm that with those more educated on the topic and get some recommendations for my situation. I do want to mention that my budget is flexible and that although I don’t wear a suit often, when I do I want to look great even if that costs a bit more money. It is important, especially professionally, that I “look the part” when needed.
I initially was looking at a Hugo Boss Johnsons/Lenon suit for $800, but have read negative things about the brand as a whole and think I should rule it out.
I believe I should rule out J Crew / Bonobos due to overall quality for the price point, although I do like the stretch fabrics.
It doesn’t seem like I need the quality of a Hickey Freeman at the $1500 price point, and I think they may be a little less fitted than I would prefer.
I’ve heard mixed reviews on Suit Supply, but am not opposed to it if it best meets my needs. They have a store in Chicago which is a few hours from me but where I’ll need to go to purchase anything of decent quality anyway.
It appears that a Brooks Brothers 1818 in the Fitzgerald cut would be a good choice for me and where I am currently leaning, these are $1K.
Also, I know I can get a good deal by waiting for sales and whatnot, but I am almost certainly going to end up just getting one quickly because I have a need for one in the coming weeks and don’t want to wait. I also want the ability to try it on and not get it online sight unseen because I’m not familiar enough with the fits of the varying brands/cuts. For similar reasons, I will not be going the MTM route unless there is a strong reason to.
I’d welcome and appreciate any feedback, advice, or thoughts based on the above to help me narrow a section or better educate myself.
Thanks!