Caporegime
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I think Scuzi means that's not really for an office environment and I agree.
I've never worn a suit in my life . .
- Thread starter DarkShadow
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Less casual? That is casual 
As for the OP most of the sensible advice has already been given. Go for a simple classic style (try and avoid anything too trendy, if it isnt going to get worn much and will last you a few years you don't want one that is going to go out of fashion), black is best as it can be used on lots of other occasions.
I would never always recommend a specific type of suit without knowing your bodyshape. It's not specifically about suits but this can give you a good idea about real no-no's for your body shape.
Good Luck
As for the OP most of the sensible advice has already been given. Go for a simple classic style (try and avoid anything too trendy, if it isnt going to get worn much and will last you a few years you don't want one that is going to go out of fashion), black is best as it can be used on lots of other occasions.
I would never always recommend a specific type of suit without knowing your bodyshape. It's not specifically about suits but this can give you a good idea about real no-no's for your body shape.
Good Luck
Soldato
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To me it's just a smart casual jacket, not a suit jacket, like a snazzy version of a jacket you'd get in an army surplus (sp?) store.
InvG
InvG
I've actually seen a lot of people wearing coats/jackets etc with this sort of design especially those big long/wooly like coat things.
put the trousers on and sit down as they might be uncomfortable.
Trust me - i've just bought a new suit. Trousers feel fine when standing up, when i sit down the pockets and crotch cause the material to be badly stretched and ride up. Not good.
Trust me - i've just bought a new suit. Trousers feel fine when standing up, when i sit down the pockets and crotch cause the material to be badly stretched and ride up. Not good.
Caporegime
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Yeah, but when was the last time you see a professional wearing one to work. By professional I mean lawyers, doctors, bank managers, suits shouldn't be casual.
Soldato
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Epilettes for a start.
Suits look silly without a belt.
I remember a friend of mine was required to go to a fashion consultant before commencing work at a large auditing firm, they told him to always wear a belt, even if it was not necessary as without one, it just looks silly.
This is the one I got for £55 which was jacket only (already got matching trousers) I wear this to work or to casual but formal events/meetings etc
And a less casual one for interviews etc - I think it's good to have a look around as lots of shops have loads of designs at various prices!
oO
Soldato
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My thoughts too, not something I'd consider professional, if someone came into my workplace for an interview wearing that jacket I'd not be that impressed. But then I'm of the opinion that fashion wear/clothing should not be displayed/that obvious in a place of work.
InvG
Soldato
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Scuzi has all the advice nailed really, and I'm not just saying that because I worked at M&S for a couple years.
Sales should be starting now so you can see if you can pick up some bargains. If not, get yourself a nice suit. You may have blagged it until now but think about it. Everyone will need a nice suit at some point in their lives be it for a bit of a fancy night out, to a wedding/funeral, to a job interview - or even a job. Why not spend some money on something which will at least last you until you're making more than £300/month
M&S ranges to look out for should always be Collezione if you can find something in your budget. Very nice suits can be had, usual price for those ones is £200 for jacket/trousers going up to £400 (I believe that is the most expensive one we had). The Collezione range even has nice shoes in it. Give it a go.
Also definitely ask someone in the menswear department to measure you out (don't pick the size that you usually buy for jeans/etc, get them to do it for you), and explain what you want the suit for, they may have helpful suggestions. They should be able to arrange alterations for you as well if needed (and you really do want a suit that fits you perfectly, not something to grow into as Scuzi said), which would cost you an extra £8 for trousers and £15 for jacket alterations. Once the suit and shoes are on, do some moving around, definitely sit down, stretch the arms, make sure you don't feel constricted, and you're sorted!
Oh, and good luck
Sales should be starting now so you can see if you can pick up some bargains. If not, get yourself a nice suit. You may have blagged it until now but think about it. Everyone will need a nice suit at some point in their lives be it for a bit of a fancy night out, to a wedding/funeral, to a job interview - or even a job. Why not spend some money on something which will at least last you until you're making more than £300/month
M&S ranges to look out for should always be Collezione if you can find something in your budget. Very nice suits can be had, usual price for those ones is £200 for jacket/trousers going up to £400 (I believe that is the most expensive one we had). The Collezione range even has nice shoes in it. Give it a go.
Also definitely ask someone in the menswear department to measure you out (don't pick the size that you usually buy for jeans/etc, get them to do it for you), and explain what you want the suit for, they may have helpful suggestions. They should be able to arrange alterations for you as well if needed (and you really do want a suit that fits you perfectly, not something to grow into as Scuzi said), which would cost you an extra £8 for trousers and £15 for jacket alterations. Once the suit and shoes are on, do some moving around, definitely sit down, stretch the arms, make sure you don't feel constricted, and you're sorted!
Oh, and good luck
Soldato
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Looks like a trip to M&S is on the cards next week for me.
None of the other places mentioned appear to have anywhere in Bournemouth (not surprising really), so M&S it will have to be.
I didn't realise they did tailoring/adjustments, that will certainly make it all much easier for me as I want a suit that fits properly and looks like it fits properly, and is also a decent one.
InvG
None of the other places mentioned appear to have anywhere in Bournemouth (not surprising really), so M&S it will have to be.
I didn't realise they did tailoring/adjustments, that will certainly make it all much easier for me as I want a suit that fits properly and looks like it fits properly, and is also a decent one.
InvG
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Great advice KK, I'll be trying about 4 stores at Meadowhall tomorrow. Off top of my head, I'll try; House of Fraiser, T.M Lewin, M&S and Suits You if they still have a branch there.
I work in a House of Fraser and whenever Im wandering through menswear on some errand or other, I do see some very nice looking suits. I cant comment on their fit or quality...the only brand I remember seeing is Aquascutum. Might be worth a look though, if there's a branch near you.
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So, I went suit shopping with a few friends and what a pain in the arse it was. Ended up spending a whopping 3 hours!
Went to a number of shops including: Hugo Boss, Ted Baker, Suits You, ~Unknown~ shop, M&S, T.M Lewin and House Of Fraser.
T.M Lewin has the best CS I've ever had. The girls kitted me up with a light pin stripe style suit with a light blue shirt and a yellow/gold style tie. They were an aged guy who had a great amount of knowledge and advice on fitments and suits. They really looked after me and they spent almost an hour getting the best measurements for me and the fit was spot on. Inc alteration, shirt and a free tie, I was quoted £266.
All the other stores were pretty dire, Hugo Boss had a stunning range at a price and I was tempted by a black one at £350 but good job their fitting wasn't so good
My problem is, that I have broad shoulders/chest, therefore when I buy a size size 42-44, I'm given HUGE trousers that look like air balloons. Like Ted Baker for example . . Found the perfect kit, was their Endurance Suit with a cream shirt and a dark cream/choc tie. It looked stunning! It was the one, however 42 was restricting the shoulders and 44 was too baggy, The trousers were 38 and I'm a 34 waist. They wanted about £70 for alterations alone! The price inc shirt, tie and alt's was roughly arounds £400 :|
After looking at a number of suits, I feel the black look is far better and it's not something T.M Lewin do. Infact I feel pretty bad because the service was just phenomenal! I shall be writing in to praise their service.
I feel like this is a lost cause, might have to settle for something cheap or possibly go back to TM Lewins
Went to a number of shops including: Hugo Boss, Ted Baker, Suits You, ~Unknown~ shop, M&S, T.M Lewin and House Of Fraser.
T.M Lewin has the best CS I've ever had. The girls kitted me up with a light pin stripe style suit with a light blue shirt and a yellow/gold style tie. They were an aged guy who had a great amount of knowledge and advice on fitments and suits. They really looked after me and they spent almost an hour getting the best measurements for me and the fit was spot on. Inc alteration, shirt and a free tie, I was quoted £266.
All the other stores were pretty dire, Hugo Boss had a stunning range at a price and I was tempted by a black one at £350 but good job their fitting wasn't so good
My problem is, that I have broad shoulders/chest, therefore when I buy a size size 42-44, I'm given HUGE trousers that look like air balloons. Like Ted Baker for example . . Found the perfect kit, was their Endurance Suit with a cream shirt and a dark cream/choc tie. It looked stunning! It was the one, however 42 was restricting the shoulders and 44 was too baggy, The trousers were 38 and I'm a 34 waist. They wanted about £70 for alterations alone! The price inc shirt, tie and alt's was roughly arounds £400 :|
After looking at a number of suits, I feel the black look is far better and it's not something T.M Lewin do. Infact I feel pretty bad because the service was just phenomenal! I shall be writing in to praise their service.
I feel like this is a lost cause, might have to settle for something cheap or possibly go back to TM Lewins
whole heartedly disagree.
all my suits day to day business suits are £180 next suits (5 day to day ones) and all of them stay crinkle free throughout the day, look fresh each time i put them on, and come back from the dry cleaners as good as new. Granted, i'll replace them all within 18 months, but thats more a style thing than anything, or rather i get bored with the same suits.
The suits i have for meetings in the city, or special occasions are tailored, and cost considerably more - but truth be told, dont look the same amount better than they cost compared to my Next ones.
Not knocking M&S suits - my dad loves them, and mum tells me they wear well, but personally i cannot fault Next suits (and shirts)
FYI i'm 29, work in London, and wear a suit everyday.
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I personally love my River Island suit. So I wouldn't rule that out due to previous comments.
River Island suits just seem to fit much better than what i've tried elsewhere (took hours to find a suit i was happy with!) and i like the slightly more modern style too. Still looks as good as new and i've had it over a year now.
River Island suits just seem to fit much better than what i've tried elsewhere (took hours to find a suit i was happy with!) and i like the slightly more modern style too. Still looks as good as new and i've had it over a year now.
