Need a suit

[SatCam]

My sisters getting married this spring. Ive never bought a suit before. Budget is $400 or less. Where do I go? What do I look for?

[monkfish]

I like Macy's - they often run very good sales on suits (usually stackable with coupons.) Set aside money for alterations too. My last suit was about $80 to have tailored.

[A.J.]

Jos. A. Bank is having a sale right now.

[underdog]

Macy's is good if you know what you're looking for.

I always end up at Men's Warehouse because they dress me and pick stuff out for me, it's never super expensive, and they have a lot of buy 1, get 1 deals.

[Suspect Chin]

Just get a plain black or blue suit so it is versatile and you can wear it again. Don't try to get fancy with pinstripes or checks.

[sailor]

i think i've gotten every suit i've ever had at macy's. if you've got wiggle room on time, you can get custom made suits out of india (http://www.makeyourownjeans.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=28_146) for really cheap.

[Dude!]

Jos. A. Bank is having a sale right now.

as they are every day of the year

i get so many flyers from them
with sales it is not funny

that being said, they have
pretty good stuff, at good prices

for under $400, that is where to go

under no circumstances
go to Men's Warehouse
the suit I got from them
is garbage quality
and I never wear it

[Misteriosa]

go to the men's wearhouse. i now it sounds cheesy, but ive heard nothing but good things about their customer service. i think some do tailoring on the premises too


edit: and it seems dude disagrees with me. i dont wear suits, but then, i like good customer service.

[MagillaGorillaz]

You don't need a suit. You need a t shirt.

http://www.tshirtwatch.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2006/08/ryan-gosling-Tuxedo-Shirt.jpg

[sailor]

i was never a fan of men's wearhouse. today's man was much better for similar price.

[Dude!]

go to the men's wearhouse. i now it sounds cheesy, but ive heard nothing but good things about their customer service. i think some do tailoring on the premises too


edit: and it seems dude disagrees with me. i dont wear suits, but then, i like good customer service.

their customer service is great
but you can't wear
customer service

[Thebazile78]

I second the recommendation for Joseph A. Banks.

They carry high-quality products made from natural fibers (wool, cashmere, etc.) and do alterations as well.

Their customer service is also wonderful.

I've purchased nice things for my father there, but would definitely consider it for anyone in need of a good suit. Think of it as an investment piece! (Plus, if you get good-quality stuff, it will last longer and look nicer than anything else.)

[FUNKMAN]

Mens Wearhouse

remember, it's the man that makes the suit

[opie's twisted balls]

What do I look for?

Given the budget, etc. of the chains I know in the States I'd recommend Jos A Banks. I've bought a few shirts, ties and believe a sports coat from them and was impressed with the service and quality. Have only set foot into Men's Warehouse once and wasn't in any way impressed.

Where you buy aside there are a few things you might want to consider. From the sounds of your post this is going to be either a first suit or the first new suit in a long time. Go simple and conservative meaning black or dark blue, little or no pattern, two button, single breasted. It will be almost timeless and appropriate for a wedding, funeral, interview, formal dinner, etc. You can liven it up and keep it fresh with different ties, shirts, pocket squares. If you go with something more fashion forward it might look great now but in a few years will look dated.

[Dude!]

Given the budget, etc. of the chains I know in the States I'd recommend Jos A Banks. I've bought a few shirts, ties and believe a sports coat from them and was impressed with the service and quality. Have only set foot into Men's Warehouse once and wasn't in any way impressed.

Where you buy aside there are a few things you might want to consider. From the sounds of your post this is going to be either a first suit or the first new suit in a long time. Go simple and conservative meaning black or dark blue, little or no pattern, two button, single breasted. It will be almost timeless and appropriate for a wedding, funeral, interview, formal dinner, etc. You can liven it up and keep it fresh with different ties, shirts, pocket squares. If you go with something more fashion forward it might look great now but in a few years will look dated.

thank you Mr. Blackwell

[epo]

I'm going to sound like an elitist prick, but Men's Warehouse is soooooo bad. Seriously avoid that place and find a local men's clothing store, a Jos A. Bank or a Macy's.

[opie's twisted balls]

thank you Mr. Blackwell
There's no shame in refinement or being a gentleman.

[underdog]

I'm going to sound like an elitist prick, but Men's Warehouse is soooooo bad. Seriously avoid that place and find a local men's clothing store, a Jos A. Bank or a Macy's.

I think that's the least elitist you've ever sounded.

[sailor]

i'd say a three-button is the more classic/timeless.

[midwestjeff]

I'm going to sound like an elitist prick.

Grass is green.

[Coach]

Jos A Bank....Men's warehouse dresses you in shit and tells you, you should like it!

[SatCam]

OK thank you everyone for the responses. I was originally going to just go to Macy's, especially since theyre having a sale this weekend 25% off menswear, but I wanted to see if there were any other suggestions.

[razorboy]

Just get a plain black or blue suit so it is versatile and you can wear it again. Don't try to get fancy with pinstripes or checks.

I prefer a charcoal suit as I'm not a huge fan of the solid black. I got a pretty good deal on a suit from Brooks Brothers about a year ago during a sale, but they can be pretty expensive. I've had good experiences with Macy's and Nordstrom in the past, and I've gotten some better than decent deals there.

[Chigworthy]

http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/iglamour_2087_9001291

[JustJon]

When you go to any of the stores above, talk to the sales person. Even in the department stores, the menswear clerks are knowledgeable because they are exclusive to that department. Tell them you don't buy or own many suits, you are buying it for a wedding but may use it for other occasions and let them help you find the suit for you.

Also, don't forget you need a shirt, a nice tie and a nice pair of shoes. $400 is a good budget, but don't try to cut too many corners. A cheap tie looks like a cheap tie.

[PapaBear]

A cheap tie looks like a cheap tie.
All my best ties are from when I had the patience to search thrift stores. I've gotten some kick ass ties that way.

[razorboy]

All my best ties are from when I had the patience to search thrift stores. I've gotten some kick ass ties that way.

I wouldn't have my favorite red silk Playboy bunny inch wide tie if it weren't for thrift stores.

[jennysmurf]

I wouldn't have my favorite red silk Playboy bunny inch wide tie if it weren't for thrift stores.

Classy.

[sailor]

All my best ties are from when I had the patience to search thrift stores. I've gotten some kick ass ties that way.

check out century 21 or burlington coat factory for low-cost big name ties.

[SatCam]

When you go to any of the stores above, talk to the sales person. Even in the department stores, the menswear clerks are knowledgeable because they are exclusive to that department. Tell them you don't buy or own many suits, you are buying it for a wedding but may use it for other occasions and let them help you find the suit for you.

Also, don't forget you need a shirt, a nice tie and a nice pair of shoes. $400 is a good budget, but don't try to cut too many corners. A cheap tie looks like a cheap tie.

youre right. $400 was a number just for the cost of the pants and jacket. shirt, tie, shoes socks, belt, these are all things i know i will have to pay more for

[Suspect Chin]

Make sure you don't wait until the last minute to buy it. Alterations could take a week or so.

[razorboy]

Classy.

True.