Help me buy a new suit

champ222

champ222

champ222

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Joined
19 Aug 2005
Posts
1,660
Location
Beds, UK
Hi all, since you seem a well rounded bunch, perhaps you could help me with a new suit Purchase?

The reason why, is because I'm looking for a new job.

I don't currently wear a suit to work, and its not likely I'll need to wear one in my new job, but it's possible I guess.

Now, to start with, what colour? I was all set on charcoal, but navy seems all popular at the moment. I've never been one to worry about fashion, but I don't want to look like an idiot either. It will be my only suit, so will also be used for weddings etc probably for some years to come.

I don't have a lot of cash, so budget under £200 I'll probably measure myself and buy online, returning it if I need to change it.

So where to start?

Thanks guys
 
This is probably an M&S call ($180) with a tailor to square off the bits which don't fit ($20).

I can't see you getting a better suit for 200 quid unless you're prepared to do online ordering from HK, Singapore or Vietnam.
 
Next and M&S are my go to places for cheap suits.

In terms of colour, I've never been one for black suits and typically light grey or navy blue but you'll need to try on a few and see what suits you best.

Also, don't forget the importance of a tie! It makes / breaks a suit!
 
Slaters if you've got one nearby they've got suits for pretty much every budget and any alterations are free, the people working there also have some clue what they're talking about.
 
Next is my go too for Business/everyday suits. They do longer length sleeves to cope with my Orangutan arms too.

In the City literally everyone seems to be wearing navy blue suits and pastel shirts now-a-days. All my suits are black or grey and my shirts are white and stripey :p
 
tom_e said:
Slaters if you've got one nearby they've got suits for pretty much every budget and any alterations are free, the people working there also have some clue what they're talking about.
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Great idea although Manchester looks like the closest?

e: do not buy a black suit. It's an awful idea.
 
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Casdawer said:
Also, don't forget the importance of a tie! It makes / breaks a suit!
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Safe bet, imo.

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champ222 said:
I don't have a lot of cash, so budget under £200 I'll probably measure myself and buy online, returning it if I need to change it.
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In my not-a-city of Reading, we have a branch of Slaters.
I picked up a 3-piece for £80, which included them taking some measurements and making certain alterations. It's not Saville Row perfection, but is still a good fit and not as horribly cheap as some pricier off-the-peg deals like at BHS or M&S.

They have several ranges to suit different budgets, so £200 would get you something quite nice... or even two suits!
 
BHS were great for this, are they still going?

My brother in law picked up a suit for the Ascot, shoes and all, for £99.
 
TMLewin have a promotion where you get a free shirt and tie with any suit. Not the best quality but the fit is reasonable which is where M&S etc will suffer. The fit is the key to suits, you don't want to look like you are wearing your Dad's suit.
 
Try Next sales section, plenty of blazers and pants in there and can put a decent suit together yourself (just make sure it matches!) for well under a £100. Make sure it fits well in the shoulders and can use the rest of the money to get it tailored. Charles Tyrwhitt and TM Lewin are decent for shirts too and run promotion for ties as well once in a while.

Colour wise solid navy or charcoal colours are the way to go for a first suit but try navy is by far the most versatile and "neutral". Try a charcoal on to see if the colour suits you as it's not for everyone.
 
I've seen a lot of praise for Slaters recently, I've always avoided them because of the price but it seems that may have been a mistake.
 
Rids said:
I've seen a lot of praise for Slaters recently, I've always avoided them because of the price but it seems that may have been a mistake.
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It's my first port of call if I need a suit, anywhere else and I'm looking at nearly the cost of the suit again to get it altered for a proper fit.
 
They're also good if you want someone to accidentally brush against your junk when they get the tape measure out.
 
tom_e said:
It's my first port of call if I need a suit, anywhere else and I'm looking at nearly the cost of the suit again to get it altered for a proper fit.
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Slaters are first class. I get four or five suits a year from them, everything from daily wearers to important occasion. Good range of quality shirts too at not too expensive prices.
 
Just go into any large M&S and you will have lots of choice. You can check their web site before you go.
 
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