Buying a new suit... Online?!

[James Bond]

Found an interesting article on a new company that offers suits online. They guarantee a perfect fit or will pay for it to be tailored, or if you're unhappy they will give a full refund.

http://www.geekwire.com/2011/indochino-stitches-4m-plans-revolutionize-mens-suit-sales

Anyway, this got me thinking about getting a couple suits. I'm 25 and don't own a single one, which has proved to be a problem when weddings and other formal events.

I've started looking at their collection online: http://www.indochino.com/collection/Suits

I'm not necessarily going to get one from this particular company, but I do need to decide what colors to get. I asked a friend what he recommended, and he said that instead of getting a black suit I should go with navy since it is more versatile and can work in almost any situation. Not sure about the other color yet. He also recommended 2 button.

Any advice ATOT?

Edit: Here's the Navy one I'm looking at. Unbelievably cheap: http://www.indochino.com/product/Navy-Performance-Suit

 

[Ns1]

navy/charcoal IMO

"Made with 100% polyester"

shit, instant FAIL.

 

[Imp]

Go to Jcrew.com and use their suits as a guide. Those are modern, very well fit, and stylish.

Black is black, goes with everything. Navy is fine, it's more business-y. Charcoal is another option, a tad more "serious" than navy. Pin-stripes are pure business and work best in an office setting.

Khaki, white, any lighter color like cream is a "casual" look. Unless you're on safari, work for the mob, or just want to flaunt some blind, I'd look elsewhere. Think Michael Weston.

 

[ichy]

I've heard that Indochino's suits can be of pretty questionable quality.

Don't worry too much about where you're getting your suit from as long as it isn't really bottom-tier. Having it tailored so it fits properly is far more important than who made the suit in the first place.

 

[Ns1]

jos a bank having 50% off sale right now on full suits too.

 

[Imp]

I've heard that Indochino's suits can be of pretty questionable quality.

Don't worry too much about where you're getting your suit from as long as it isn't really bottom-tier. Having it tailored so it fits properly is far more important than who made the suit in the first place.

True. I have an H&M suit and because it fits me well (tight in chest; fuck, I've gotten fat), it looks very good.

Most suits are essentially the same, and it takes a metrosexual or snob to notice the difference between a $200 H&M and a $1000+ Ralph Lauren or whatever. The whole idea is the traditional look, and you have 3 options: centre or side vents, 2 or 3 buttons, and single or double-breasted. Otherwise, it's all about how the suit fits you.

 

[Minjin]

Fly to Hong Kong. Get a bespoke suit while you tour the awesome city.

 

[ElFenix]

when did black suits come into style for non-funerary use?

 

[James Bond]

I've heard that Indochino's suits can be of pretty questionable quality.

Don't worry too much about where you're getting your suit from as long as it isn't really bottom-tier. Having it tailored so it fits properly is far more important than who made the suit in the first place.

Anyone else have experiences with Indochino?

The prices look really good but I don't want to get one if they aren't up to par.

 

[alfa147x]

I'v been tempted to try them

 

[Ns1]

when did black suits come into style for non-funerary use?

standard attire for accountants.

 

[James Bond]

navy/charcoal IMO

"Made with 100% polyester"

shit, instant FAIL.

What are most suits made out of? Why is this bad?

 

[Avalon]

IDK, doesn't really seem particularly cheap. There were a fair amount of suits for $299 or less at my local Men's Warehouse. I picked up a really nice charcoal suit for $100 with a $400 off coupon I got from a group tux rental deal. Pretty slick.

I was in pretty much the same boat as you, though. 26 and haven't owned a real suit. I figured it'd go great for at least job interviews.

 

[Kelvrick]

Unless I'm mistaken, you should be looking at Tom Ford suits.

 

[slayer202]

$300 for a no name random suit, that people have commented on being not very nice? that's cheap? spend a bit more and find a nice suit somewhere on sale

 

[Kelvrick]

$300 for a no name random suit, that people have commented on being not very nice? that's cheap? spend a bit more and find a nice suit somewhere on sale

True. Macy's will often have 24-40% and you can get a nicer suit there. I think my last suit was a BCBG with full tailoring for like 400 otd and ready the same day. Went there for a new pair of shoes, left with a suit to go with the shoes...

Mens warehouse will have buy 1 get 1 (or was it buy 2 get 1?) and you can get out for 2-3 suits for 500-600.

 

[dmw16]

Most suits are essentially the same, and it takes a metrosexual or snob to notice the difference between a $200 H&M and a $1000+ Ralph Lauren or whatever. The whole idea is the traditional look, and you have 3 options: centre or side vents, 2 or 3 buttons, and single or double-breasted. Otherwise, it's all about how the suit fits you.

I don't think that's true at all. I don't consider myself a metrosexual or a snob, but spotting a poor quality suit isn't all that difficult. Especially since cheaper suits tend to have cheaper (or no) tailoring done which is easy to spot.

Investing in a decent suit is a good idea if you are pretty sure you'll stay your current size for a while. Charcoal is probably the most flexible.

Depending on your build you'll want to look different places and at different brand. Places like J Crew offer more fitted suits which is good if you are leaner or have a more athletic build. If you are more average build check out a department store like Macy's or Nordstroms (if you want to spend a bit more).

 

[thecrecarc]

Try this instead: http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=273684&highlight=suit

 

[Scotteq]

Any advice ATOT?

Edit: Here's the Navy one I'm looking at. Unbelievably cheap: http://www.indochino.com/product/Navy-Performance-Suit

Polyester is the spawn of the devil - Unless you love to sweat.

What are most suits made out of? Why is this bad?

Suits should be made of Wool. There are (precious few) good wool/poly blends. But in general: Wool.



2 Button suits, pants cuffed (single break) are the standard. But being a young guy, there is nothing wrong with a 3 button. If you'll only be buying one - Navy Blue will cover you for nearly all occasions. Double Breasted are out of fashion, but have the desirable effect of making very thin guys appear like they have an upper body.

 

[BrunoPuntzJones]

If you're doing the online route, try ModernTailor.com

Polyester suits are a big no no, cheap and generally look like shit. Look for 100% wool. Polyester lining is ok, but the material shouldn't be. Or get a Hermes vicuna suit and show the world you eat diamonds just to make your dooky twinkle.

Sierra Trading Post can actually be a really good place to get suits from, as well as eBay if you know what to look for. Find an STP coupon and if you want a more traditional looking suit, you can pick up an Isaia or Hickey Freeman for about $500. And you can send it back if you don't like it. If you do, send it to be tailored.

Goodwill and Salvation Army can work as well. Put in enough time and you can find something that went for several grand for a couple of hundred bucks.

 

[Slick5150]

Try this instead: http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=273684&highlight=suit

Yup. I bought a couple of those a couple years ago and was quite pleased. I wouldn't say they're $900 suit quality as they imply, but they're about on par with the $400 Jos A Bank suits. So, for $99 + tailoring, they're a steal.

 

[Zargon]

when did black suits come into style for non-funerary use?

ever been to a wedding?



Jos A Bank.

I have 2 of theirs, went to the store, got fitted, ordered online and saved a ton., 4 or so times a year they have huge sales

 

[Demo24]

I've seen Jos A Bank mentioned in here, any other suggestions? I need a good looking quality suit and I'm willing to pay reasonably for it 5-600 preferably. Not going to do online as I will need to get this one fitted. My last one never was and it never fit me properly, and now I've 'expanded' out of it. I got it at Brooks Brothers but I don't know if they really make quality suits or not.

 

[Scotteq]

Brooks Brothers make some of the best suits, short of some named designers - Easily better than anything Jos A Banks offer. Though if you want their best, you can order a "Made To Measure" suit rather than an off the rack. Those are standard patterns which they adapt to the measurements Brooks Bothers' tailor take in the store - figure a 10~15% premium over something off the rack.

A custom suit would be crafted from scratch, and would be *much* more expensive.

 

[Imp]

I don't think that's true at all. I don't consider myself a metrosexual or a snob, but spotting a poor quality suit isn't all that difficult. Especially since cheaper suits tend to have cheaper (or no) tailoring done which is easy to spot.

I'll give you that. I have a $500 retail Banana Republic Monogram wool jacket and a $60 polyester H&M jacket. You can definately tell the difference in workmanship. However, to maintain the traditional look of a suit, most cheap and expensive suits share the same overall design. You'll have to get up close and look at stitching, material, button quality, finishing, etc. to tell the difference between a cheapo and luxury, hence the metrosexual/snob.

Overall though, if it's made of wool and it is tailored to your body, you should be set. Even a $1000 oversized, boxy suit will look like crap.