Spec me a Suit

MajorMaccas

MajorMaccas

MajorMaccas

Associate
Joined
20 Oct 2005
Posts
1,900
Location
Suffolk, UK
I'm after a new suit, not particularly familiar with brands or what to look for (weight of material etc).

Basically just after a sharp looking 2 button suit, plain black no pinstripe. I have a 3 button suit at the moment but I dislike how high the lapels meet, just accentuates how slim I am :rolleyes:

So, general tips on what to look for, suggested brands, general advice all welcome :)
 
How much do you want to spend?

One thing I don't like about suits is having them dry clean only. I was in Burton last week and saw an inexpensive machine washable black suit. These are obviously very easy maintenance, but the problem is the material doesn't look as good as a high end suit.

Rgds
 
Username / request irregularity.

A plain black suit is generally a dreadful idea unless you're going to a funeral. A grey (slate, marble, light or dark) or dark blue will give you far more options with shirts and events to which to wear it. Don't be afraid of pin or chalk stripes either!

Lapels can be adjusted and your 3 buttons can become 2 if you so wish, just get a decent tailor to do a decent job.

The easier option is to just go bespoke. The difference is noticeable and you will get a far better end result.
 
I'm after a high end suit, so something like £300, maybe more if its exactly what I'm after.

Dry clean only is fine, machine washable suits, as you quite rightly said, just don't compare.

I'm after a few good fit, my 3 button suit is "off the hanger". I may save a bit more and go tailor made yet, want a pin-sharp look that you just can't get off the hanger, so will need to be from a shop that can make alterations or tailor made. hmmm
 
Go into a shop and try some on. Just go with what you think looks good on you. Some suit shops are nice enough to suggest things for yourself.
 
[FnG]magnolia;17165022 said:
Username / request irregularity.

A plain black suit is generally a dreadful idea unless you're going to a funeral. A grey (slate, marble, light or dark) or dark blue will give you far more options with shirts and events to which to wear it. Don't be afraid of pin or chalk stripes either!
Click to expand...

I have a plain pretty dark grey shirt, slim fit, looks fantastic, not sure if it would go with pin stripes on a suit, or even a dark grey suit...
 
My current 3 button was from debenhams. Its pretty nice, but slightly oversized. Perhaps bespoke is the way to go so I'm completely satisfied :rolleyes:

As a reference, I quite like the suit/outfit Jim Carrey wears in the penultimate act from "Fun with Dick and Jane", in the Grand Caymen Bank:

flip-a.jpg


funwithdickandjane.jpg



Actually, looking at it, I think that might be charcoal, not black...
 
Last edited:
Get down to Slaters, get measured and try their selection. Their Glasgow and Aberdeen shops have loads. Glasgow holds a World record for largest selection of suits in the World or something like that. Imagine their other shops will have an equally impressive selection.
Don't get plain black, it's too stuffy. Get a dark dark navy or a dark grey suit.
2 buttons are a lot sharper. Get a waistcoat too, and remember you don't button the bottom button!
 
The last couple of suits I've bought have been Jeff Banks. Both Mum & little Sister think I look smart in both.
 
Ahleckz said:
Get a waistcoat too, and remember you don't button the bottom button!
Click to expand...

Got one, but will get another matching the suit colour, probably dark (dark) grey I'm thinking.


And the number of the weathermen and general people I see walking around in suits with all the buttons buttoned! I saw someone in the same suit I had (wasn't wearing it at the time), with all 3 buttons buttoned, just looked ridiculous. I think that's another reason why I want to stray from high-street brands and get something unique to me, so there's no chance of meeting someone in the same one. Embarrassing. :(
 
Ahleckz said:
Get down to Slaters, get measured and try their selection. Their Glasgow and Aberdeen shops have loads. Glasgow holds a World record for largest selection of suits in the World or something like that. Imagine their other shops will have an equally impressive selection
Click to expand...
I got my latest suit from Slaters in Aberdeen, a Ted Baker for £200 including adjustment.
 
The_Sophisticate said:
I'm after a high end suit, so something like £300, maybe more if its exactly what I'm after.
Click to expand...

No offence mate but £300 is not high end. For that kind of money I'd say either Marks and Spencer who do some really good suits in that kind of price range, imo better than anything else you will find or pop down to a outlet shopping place like Bicester Village and have a look around there. Saw some nice Hugo Boss suits for around £350 there.
 
I was in M&S looking around, but their Autograph range is the top line that did slim fit, all the higher ones (ultimate etc) were regular fit.

Yeh, thinking of spending more that that now, more like double, after seeing what's available.
 
I'd probably go with M&S, they are of fairly good quality for the price and certainly better than some of the designer labels that retail for higher prices. The most important factor however is how the suit fits on you, so try a number on and find one that fits you well in the shoulders and neck. The rest of it can be altered by a competent tailor if necessary.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom