Let's talk suits...

Nix

Nix

Nix

Soldato
Joined
26 Dec 2005
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Being the commoner I am, I haven't had much use for suits lately but due to recent events (namely upcoming weddings) I feel it's probably time to give myself an education.

Where is a good place to buy a suit from and what is a typical budget?

Earlier today I bought a very nice wool suit (blazer and trousers) for job interviews and weddings in sale from Moss, for about £200. The belt, shirt and ties were obviously additional and it came to a total of £299, which obviously isn't to be sniffed at.

I've since been informed that dry-cleaning deteriorates the clothing quite quickly? This information obviously makes me want to wear the suit less frequently which is slightly counter-productive to owning it in the first place!

Are there any tips for keeping a suit long-lasting? Indeed, what do you tend to purchase for your everyday business attire? Rather than 'expensive' wool suits, is it better to go for something machine washable for example?

As you can see, I'm just generally lost in the dark here. Any light is appreciated! :)
 
M&S.

I've got 2 of my suits there and they are brilliant.

I spend about £200 on a good suit (jacket, trousers, shirt, tie and shoes).
 
I work in fashion, only River Island so not exactly Gucci or whatever.
But our suits are pretty top notch if you look after them well enough. They range from about £90-200 depending on materials etc. So the normal price to pay for a commoner like you (:p) is probably around £120-150.

Don't go all out on a wool suit if you plan on wearing it a lot, wool is mostly for people who can afford to get a new suit for every day of the week. Like Patrick Bateman.

Pick up a nice pair of trousers with a matching blazer for around £100 in total, then make it work for you by wearing a "you" shirt, tie and shoes.

Don't forget cuff links.
 
I have to buy a lot of suits for work.... I get mine from TM Lewin and Charles Tyrwhitt, ignore the £500 prices, they usually have sales which mean you get a decent suit for £200 or so.... the added advantage is you can buy extra trousers (which is important if you wear them a lot as the trousers wear much faster than the jackets)

You're correct about dry cleaning, they're never the same but then again you need to have them cleaned!

Edited to add... don't buy suits from 'fashion' retailers, there's nothing sadder than last years fashionable suit... depending on build I'd say go for a nice classic styled, slim fitting, wool, single breasted suit, two button is more modern, 3 button with split vents more trad. Feel free to go with flat fronted trousers if you're slim, pleated definitely if you aren't.
 
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Depends what your sort of style is.

Try M&S, Topman, H&M.

For £200 you could easily get a nice suit. I wouldn't bother with ordering online (Even though I hate going to shops :P) That way you can make sure it fits, suits you and all that.
 
4T5 said:
I laughed so hard I woke my Frank staffy dog up. :D

I have nothing constructive to add either which also makes me laugh. :p
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Cheers. :p

I've got at least three weddings to attend within the next couple of years, so it'll get some usage. Obviously after learning a little more, it's not one I really want to wear for everyday work if and when I venture down that path. I'll definitely be looking more towards M&S et al.

I don't mind making this 'mistake' once as I can just use it as my special occassion thingy. Regarding this thread, I'm looking more to future purchases and longevity. I don't want to be ****ing money up the wall here! :) :p
 
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kaffe said:
I work in fashion, only River Island so not exactly Gucci or whatever.
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When you say "work in fashion" does that mean working on the till at River Island or helping design the clothes or some kind of intermediary position?

EG: There are people in my industry that can say they work in Television but they are cleaners and runners and not directors, vision mixers, editors engineers etc.
 
I bought a suit from Matalan recently.

The Jacket was about £40 and 2 pairs of trousers (£15 each) to total just £70 for a suit.
It certainly looks more expensive than it is and is machine washable.

It all depends how fancy you want to go really. If I had enough £££ I would only be seen in public in several thousand pound tailor-made suits :).
 
Todge said:
When you say "work in fashion" does that mean working on the till at River Island or helping design the clothes or some kind of intermediary position?

EG: There are people in my industry that can say they work in Television but they are cleaners and runners and not directors, vision mixers, editors engineers etc.
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I'm operations so although I don't have anything to do with the design of the clothes, I put them in the right place and make them look appealing to customers.

And on the till sometimes, lol.
 
m&s are good, also slatters as they do alterations if u need them.. few online places that you get measured up in london and then its made in india, tailor made from £300 and upwards....

oddly out of my 6 suits the cheapo from asda that cost £45 all in fits the best... even though i have one that cost 10x that!
 
For the love of God don't buy from River Island or Top Man. You're least worst High Street option is still probably M&S - their suits are average and averagely priced and will last an average amount of time and you will look ... can you guess? ... average in them.

A far better return on your money is a bespoke suit or at least an off the peg from a proper suit makers. This might be difficult depending on your location. A decent suit will not detoriate in any noticeable way in the short/medium term of ownership and a good suit will show no ill effects whatsoever; in fact, it will probably last longer than you will.

If you expect to wear the suit 4 times a year then go for M&S. If you expect to use it more often and for the next several years then get fitted by someone who knows what they're doing.
 
Is that true about dry-cleaning then? Does it really knacker the clothing quickly? I was always under the impression that it was better for clothes. Shows you what I know!
 
Nix said:
Is that true about dry-cleaning then? Does it really knacker the clothing quickly? I was always under the impression that it was better for clothes. Shows you what I know!
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No, it's not true. It's only true for High Street tat that falls apart if you look at it the wrong way. Properly made suits are designed to be dry cleaned and look their best having been done so and then pressed.
 
[FnG]magnolia;19904109 said:
If you expect to wear the suit 4 times a year then go for M&S. If you expect to use it more often and for the next several years then get fitted by someone who knows what they're doing.
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I'd be happy to wear it more often as I do like it, however I can't afford to have it fall apart on me or look abused within a year if I'm wearing it once a week. I'd rather use it less and have it for longer for that cash.

How long can I expect a normal M&S suit to last, and how long should I expect this wool dry-clean only thing to last?

I know I sound like a manchild, but if I don't ask I'll never know! :p
 
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