View Full Version : Where to buy first suit?
Honey Badger282.8
06-16-2015, 16:03
I kind of feel dumb for asking but I need a suit and have no idea where to go. The last time I was in anything close to a suit was my Senior Prom Tux back in 07. I am definitely not from a suit and tie family so any help would be greatly appreciated.
Fentonite
06-16-2015, 16:08
I went to Mens Warehouse recently. I'm not a suit guy either, and didn't even know what to ask for. They were helpful, not pushy, and seemed pretty inexpensive.
Khols has a good selection of low end suits you can try on a bunch and find what fits
MW is a good choice.
K&G is decent on prices if you know what you were looking for.
Based on your location, you might want to stop in at the Outlets in Castle Rock.
K&G
Sent by a free-range electronic weasel, with no sense of personal space.
hurley842002
06-16-2015, 16:33
I would say Kohls or K&G, they've both served me well.
BushMasterBoy
06-16-2015, 16:37
I went to Kohls...
Rucker61
06-16-2015, 16:40
Do some research on fused, half-canvased and canvased construction before you go shopping. For only a bit more money than Men's Wearhouse, I found the salespeople at Nordstrom more knowledgeable and easier to work with.
Bailey Guns
06-16-2015, 16:48
I don't even think I own a shirt with buttons...except for maybe flannel. When I needed some "nice" clothes in a hurry, I went to a Goodwill store. Some of the sport jackets still had the original tags on them. I wore them for what I needed and then gave them back.
If you don't know what your doing; go to Mens Warehouse.. Really it is a great place to buy mid level suits. They kept me clothed for many years.
I own at least a half-dozen suits... unless you need more than 2, don't bother going to the mall. Jos A. Bank is "ok" if you need multiples and want to do their "buy 1, get 3 free" deal....but otherwise, there is no reason to go to any mall-attached department store. You're just overpaying.
If you only need 1 suit (black, I'd presume) and won't be wearing it all too often and it doesn't need to last until it goes out of style, just go to K&G and find one off the rack, have them tailor it (should be included in the price) and save your money. You should be in and out for under $200 at K&G, no problem.
To asmo's point, if you don't know what you're doing, you could always go somewhere, ask some questions, try on a few suits and then go to K&G... but if the service is great, you may want to pay for it, too....
XC700116
06-16-2015, 17:00
I don't even think I own a shirt with buttons...except for maybe flannel. When I needed some "nice" clothes in a hurry, I went to a Goodwill store. Some of the sport jackets still had the original tags on them. I wore them for what I needed and then gave them back.
If there's a store in an area with a heavy business presence, this is a good option if its going to be a one and done kind of suit or a once in a blue moon deal. Suits are spendy and bodies change over time and alterations only go so far.
Honey Badger282.8
06-16-2015, 17:22
Thanks for the replies. This is mainly for job interviews and such. I'm having to build an entire business casual wardrobe as well. My waist changes size more than my torso so I'd like a jacket that will last but will be easy to coordinate with future pants. I'm trying to stretch this thing as far as possible. I definitely don't need any high end fabrics but I'd like something classic and well fitting.
K&G stock comes from last years unsold from Nordstrums, Mens Warehouse, and a few other shops with nicer things. the 2 suits for 99 and tailoring is a hell of a deal. You can actually get some damn good ones for cheap.
Firehaus
06-16-2015, 18:43
I bought a Hugo Boss suit at Nordstrom Rack outlet near Park Meadows Mall. They have lots of nice suits for 1/2 price or more off and can do alterations on site. It was the first suit I bought in almost 20years so I know exactly that it's no fun. Luckily I ran into a friend who wears them daily and he helped me out.
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gnihcraes
06-16-2015, 19:44
I've recently dropped a chunk of $$ at Mens Warehouse, two for one deals, same for my Son and his first suits. Just picked up a Tux Rental for a wedding this weekend.
Always have treated me well at mens warehouse. I've never looked anywhere else. YMMV.
+1 Nordstrom Rack.
For the interview, get a blue blazer, gray pants, white long sleeve shirt and silk tie (blue, green, red, etc). Don't forget shoes, belt and socks.
The blue blazer will go with just about any pant from jeans to khakis to slacks.
ZERO THEORY
06-16-2015, 20:18
If you're in good shape, Jack Threads is the way to go. Their stuff is all modern length and style, and slim cut for a hell of a lot cheaper than anywhere else. It's mostly startup boutique brands trying to get a hold in the market. For use only at interviews or a one-time occasion, it's the way to go. Buying a full-on, high-quality $400+ wool suit to wear once is silly. Polyester or blended materials will be fine if you're not the suit-wearing type (which apparently you aren't if you've only worn one at HS prom).
This jacket is $90, and the pants are $40: https://www.jackthreads.com/goodale/blazers--vests/navy-seersucker-blazer/products/168388
Learn how to measure yourself here: http://www.artofmanliness.com/2010/07/27/measuring-the-man-how-to-measure-yourself-for-clothing-plus-a-bonus-personal-sizing-card/
H&M is another good option for a cheap suit, and they have stores at the mall. Got myself a super sharp looking wool suit off the out-of-circulation clearance rack for $75 dollars. Seriously.
Lastly, find yourself a good tailor. This will be invaluable in all of your endeavors.
SideShow Bob
06-16-2015, 20:24
If you don't know what your doing; go to Mens Warehouse.. Really it is a great place to buy mid level suits. They kept me clothed for many years.
This, they will fit you on the first day, and have it tailored & back to you on the third day.
Brooks brothers store at the outlet in castle rock... those guys will walk you through everything..a lil pricy compared to other options, but so worth it
Stevensje
06-16-2015, 20:38
Go to men's warehouse and get fitted. Do not look sloppy with a suit that kinda fits. A properly tailored suit is a must for an interview.
Aloha_Shooter
06-16-2015, 21:40
I like Jos. A. Bank when they're having a sale. They have good instructions online on how to measure yourself so you can order exact fit online and have it delivered to your door.
Honey Badger282.8
06-16-2015, 21:56
Brooks brothers store at the outlet in castle rock... those guys will walk you through everything..a lil pricy compared to other options, but so worth it
I was at the outlets for something else so I stopped in. They guy was really helpful but a non-tailored suit, shirt and tie would be about $390.
I'm a men's warehouse vote. Great quality, treated me well, amazing fit, I'm very happy with everything I bought there. Well worth the $$
Those outlets are expen$ive. Not worth it.
If you're getting a suit for job interviews, don't count on finding something from the thrift stores- people are re-discovering them and it's a crap shoot as to whether you'll luck out and find something that looks professional.
Ah Pook had great advice- for the price of a suit, you could purchase a couple of jackets, some slacks, a few nice ties and a button-down shirt or two. Unless it's an interview that basically requires a suit (a governmental job, Lockheed-Martin, Pinkerton's, etc.) I'd suggest going the jacket-and-slacks route.
If I remember correctly, you're just getting out of the military? Here's some unsolicited advice! :)
- A blue or navy jacket in a classic cut will last you a long time and will serve you well. Make sure you purchase one that does not wrinkle at the drop of a hat, is cut in a trendy style, or made from a limiting fabric such as linen.
You can dress it up or down by wearing it with grey slacks, navy or black dockers, or blue or black jeans, depending on the dress code at your new job. You can also seriously dress it up by wearing a pocket square as well as a tie- provided the two do not match. Pocket square occasions: weddings, promotional/retirement ceremonies, bar mitzvahs, christenings, or other important celebrations.
-You can't go wrong with grey trousers. You CAN go wrong with the cut- I've noticed there are a couple of different styles that can be misfortunate choices. Do NOT purchase trousers that have cuffs on the bottom. If they have slash pockets, make sure they don't gape. If they have pleats on the front, make sure they don't number more than four. Going with a classic flat-front trouser in a grey shade will provide you with an excellent start, should your new job require full-on business attire. Don't get grey trousers with any sort of pattern to them; go with plain grey. Patterns are snazzy, but limit your options.
Along with grey trousers, make sure you have socks in the following colors: navy, black, grey, and brown. With grey trousers, you can wear black, grey, or brown shoes. Do not wear boots- you won't need to run somewhere for an interview. ;)
Button-down shirts are everywhere, but they are not all created equal. Extremely thin material means that the shirts are cheaply made and they LOOK cheap. Look at the tag- many decent quality shirts are now wrinkle-resistant and are a little thicker. There are many different cuts as well, so be sure to try them on and see how they fit. There is a cut called "slim" or "modern" fit that works well on men that are slender, but if you are thicker through the trunk, you're not going to be able to raise your arms without untucking your shirt. A plain white shirt is advisable, and you'll want to think about getting a backup shirt (I'd suggest a light background with some sort of pinstriping) in case you have a coffee accident on the day of your interview.
Belt- Get a leather belt. The rules for men still demand that your belt match your shoes (unless they are grey- or white, Never wear white shoes and a matching belt, unless you are in Florida.) If you can find a reversible belt (black leather on one side, brown leather on the other), grab it! A square or rectangular buckle is preferable, but not mandatory.
Ties- Grab a few different colors: blue, green, red. Go for the more subdued patterns- my husband says you can break out the cooler patterns after you're hired. If you go with ties that have no pattern, but are instead a solid color, a tie tack or a small American Flag pin would not be out of place.
Kohl's has good selections, as do the department stores. K & G is a good one, and Men's Wearhouse has good selections. One thing I've noticed: the markup on button-down shirts at department stores and the "men's suits" stores is absolutely terrible. A button-down shirt should not cost $50 on up! Hit Kohls for your shirts, socks, and ties.
It's all unsolicited advice- take it or leave it. ;) YMMV.
Bailey Guns
06-17-2015, 05:32
You need to take TheGrey shopping with you...
The blue blazer will go with just about any pant from jeans to khakis to slacks.
Yep, a navy blue blazer will dress up almost anything and goes with many colors of pants. A must-have.
hurley842002
06-17-2015, 07:28
Those outlets are expen$ive. Not worth it.
If you're getting a suit for job interviews, don't count on finding something from the thrift stores- people are re-discovering them and it's a crap shoot as to whether you'll luck out and find something that looks professional.
Ah Pook had great advice- for the price of a suit, you could purchase a couple of jackets, some slacks, a few nice ties and a button-down shirt or two. Unless it's an interview that basically requires a suit (a governmental job, Lockheed-Martin, Pinkerton's, etc.) I'd suggest going the jacket-and-slacks route.
If I remember correctly, you're just getting out of the military? Here's some unsolicited advice! :)
- A blue or navy jacket in a classic cut will last you a long time and will serve you well. Make sure you purchase one that does not wrinkle at the drop of a hat, is cut in a trendy style, or made from a limiting fabric such as linen.
You can dress it up or down by wearing it with grey slacks, navy or black dockers, or blue or black jeans, depending on the dress code at your new job. You can also seriously dress it up by wearing a pocket square as well as a tie- provided the two do not match. Pocket square occasions: weddings, promotional/retirement ceremonies, bar mitzvahs, christenings, or other important celebrations.
-You can't go wrong with grey trousers. You CAN go wrong with the cut- I've noticed there are a couple of different styles that can be misfortunate choices. Do NOT purchase trousers that have cuffs on the bottom. If they have slash pockets, make sure they don't gape. If they have pleats on the front, make sure they don't number more than four. Going with a classic flat-front trouser in a grey shade will provide you with an excellent start, should your new job require full-on business attire. Don't get grey trousers with any sort of pattern to them; go with plain grey. Patterns are snazzy, but limit your options.
Along with grey trousers, make sure you have socks in the following colors: navy, black, grey, and brown. With grey trousers, you can wear black, grey, or brown shoes. Do not wear boots- you won't need to run somewhere for an interview. ;)
Button-down shirts are everywhere, but they are not all created equal. Extremely thin material means that the shirts are cheaply made and they LOOK cheap. Look at the tag- many decent quality shirts are now wrinkle-resistant and are a little thicker. There are many different cuts as well, so be sure to try them on and see how they fit. There is a cut called "slim" or "modern" fit that works well on men that are slender, but if you are thicker through the trunk, you're not going to be able to raise your arms without untucking your shirt. A plain white shirt is advisable, and you'll want to think about getting a backup shirt (I'd suggest a light background with some sort of pinstriping) in case you have a coffee accident on the day of your interview.
Belt- Get a leather belt. The rules for men still demand that your belt match your shoes (unless they are grey- or white, Never wear white shoes and a matching belt, unless you are in Florida.) If you can find a reversible belt (black leather on one side, brown leather on the other), grab it! A square or rectangular buckle is preferable, but not mandatory.
Ties- Grab a few different colors: blue, green, red. Go for the more subdued patterns- my husband says you can break out the cooler patterns after you're hired. If you go with ties that have no pattern, but are instead a solid color, a tie tack or a small American Flag pin would not be out of place.
Kohl's has good selections, as do the department stores. K & G is a good one, and Men's Wearhouse has good selections. One thing I've noticed: the markup on button-down shirts at department stores and the "men's suits" stores is absolutely terrible. A button-down shirt should not cost $50 on up! Hit Kohls for your shirts, socks, and ties.
It's all unsolicited advice- take it or leave it. ;) YMMV.
I'm saving this for future reference!
jhirsh5280
06-17-2015, 07:35
Just go to Men's Wearhouse. Hit the location in Cherry Creek if you can, the guys there know their stuff and wont mess around.
I do TV work on Root Sports for the Rockies and that's where everyone (males) on the broadcast team go to get their suits/shirts/ties/shoes etc. They do a phenomenal job and its not outlandishly priced.
Just my $0.02
Honey Badger282.8
06-17-2015, 09:21
Some very good info in this thread. Thanks everyone!
SouthPark
06-17-2015, 12:30
Ah, advice from non suit guys is a bit risky.
I wore custom made stuff because of my size and my profession. If you are only going to have one suit, make it look like it's quality. Cheap suits look like cheap suits. I second Nordstrom's. Of importance is finding a sales clerk who looks good; typically they have great taste and will make you look good on your budget. Have fun!
funkymonkey1111
06-17-2015, 12:42
Ah, advice from non suit guys is a bit risky.
I wore custom made stuff because of my size and my profession. If you are only going to have one suit, make it look like it's quality. Cheap suits look like cheap suits. I second Nordstrom's. Of importance is finding a sales clerk who looks good; typically they have great taste and will make you look good on your budget. Have fun!
The suit department at the park meadows Dillards is actually pretty good, too.
The suit department at the park meadows Dillards is actually pretty good, too.
I forgot all about Dillards. They also have a great shoe department for men.
I purchased most of my suits from Dillards, Foleys, Macys, and Nordstrom a looooong time ago. This used to be a good time because everything was on sale. I don't remember buying anything that wasn't at least 50% off. However, I found the most expensive part of the whole thing was getting them fitted. Suits that aren't fitted correctly look terrible regardless of quality.
Edit: Right after Christmas was another good time to buy because of the clearance sales.
james_bond_007
06-17-2015, 14:15
Those outlets are expen$ive. Not worth it.
...
Belt- Get a leather belt. The rules for men still demand that your belt match your shoes (unless they are grey- or white, Never wear white shoes and a matching belt, unless you are in Florida.) If you can find a reversible belt (black leather on one side, brown leather on the other), grab it! A square or rectangular buckle is preferable, but not mandatory.
...
In regards to belts, I have noticed that many department store belts, in the $20-$40 range are junk.
I bought 3-4 of these, some name brands, from Kohls to Nordstroms.
The ones I got looked great, but were cardboard with thin leather coverings.
Lasted almost 1-year each and were noticeable worn after 3-4 months.
I had to go to a gunshop, like Jensen Arms, in Loveland, the get a 'solid' leather belt that looked like a dress belt.
I've had it for 6 years...still looks like new, and I wear it almost every day.
funkymonkey1111
06-17-2015, 14:22
If you want a good tailor for fitting, try BP Tailor (no known relation to BP Tactical).
http://www.bptailor.com/
the suit places or dept stores will hem the pants or taken in a snip here or there, but a tailor will get the suit looking right.
wctriumph
06-17-2015, 15:04
Men's Warehouse. Always helpful and they are willing to toss in extras sometimes to make the deal.
james_bond_007
06-17-2015, 16:14
Is that the same as Tactical Tailor (http://www.tacticaltailor.com/) ?
[facepalm]
If you want a good tailor for fitting, try BP Tailor (no known relation to BP Tactical).
http://www.bptailor.com/
the suit places or dept stores will hem the pants or taken in a snip here or there, but a tailor will get the suit looking right.
SideShow Bob
06-17-2015, 16:33
Is that the same as Tactical Tailor (http://www.tacticaltailor.com/) ?
[facepalm]
you can always ask Bert, he used to do leather goods. Ask him about the leather pants he did for a friend of his wife........
In regards to belts, I have noticed that many department store belts, in the $20-$40 range are junk.
I bought 3-4 of these, some name brands, from Kohls to Nordstroms.
The ones I got looked great, but were cardboard with thin leather coverings.
Lasted almost 1-year each and were noticeable worn after 3-4 months.
I had to go to a gunshop, like Jensen Arms, in Loveland, the get a 'solid' leather belt that looked like a dress belt.
I've had it for 6 years...still looks like new, and I wear it almost every day.
That's a great point. I've gotten so that I flex the daylights out of any belt that I'm interested in buying; many times it is cardboard covered with cheapo leather. You definitely want a leather belt that's going to stand up to life in general! I did luck out and find a great belt at Kohl's, about a year ago. I can't remember the brand name on the belt, but it was solid leather. It never occurred to me to check a gunshop! Thanks for the tip.
One of the places I have had great success in finding real leather belts is at thrift stores.
james_bond_007
06-17-2015, 17:40
you can always ask Bert, he used to do leather goods. Ask him about the leather pants he did for a friend of his wife........
Ausgezeichtnet !!!
I'm in the market for a new pair of Lederhosen to use when one of my bands plays at Oktoberfest (coming up in August in LoDo area).
I may call BP Tactical Tailor
Ach du lieber !!!
59090
GoldFinger
06-17-2015, 17:51
I agree with the jacket mentality over a whole suite; pretty much everything Hurley said. One additional consideration is if your buying these for a job, or something else, that requires a good amount of travel. I've found it more convenient to bring along a jacket, or two, and then match a few pairs of slacks / shirts, so you can cut down on the amount of clothing to pack. If you're flying frequently you want to be able to bring everything carry-on, if you need to pack 4 full suits that gets challenging, plus you can dress-down a jacket with jeans for social events.
Good luck.
You may want to hit Kohls. The women in my house are always buying something, and always tell me "Kohl's is having a sale." I can only hope that's true...
funkymonkey1111
06-18-2015, 10:56
If you can wait, or just put it on your calendar for later, Dillards has a huge suit sale on Jan 1 every year.
Honey Badger282.8
06-18-2015, 11:51
Thanks for the help everyone. I ended up with a nice fitting suit from MW for $229 out the door including tailoring. I decided to go this route because I probably wouldn't wear a sport coat very often, if ever. I was able to find some very nice sport coats at the various thrift stores I went to but didn't have any luck on suits there so I'll keep that in my pocket in the future.
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