Suit purchasing advice for very rare suit wearer
I’m long overdue for a new suit, and was thinking of getting one from SuitSupply in-person, as they seem my best bet for a suit I’d purchase for in-person that would cost between 500 and 1000. I just don’t think I’d get a good fit by using an on-line outlet. Any other pieces of advice? I was thinking a charcoal grey in wool would be the most versatile (and I just like that color more than Navy). I would have initially gone to Men’s Wearhouse, Jos. A. Banks., Nordstrom or Macy’s, but from what I’ve read, SuitSupply offers a better range of options than those, for a better price, though I have read some negative revieews of them as well. Thanks for your assistance.
21 Replies
I have only had positive experiences with Suit Supply. I have the tropical wool lazio suit which was around $500 that I have worn a ton. If you are looking for something slighly cheaper I would look into https://discord.com/channels/1116793467654381685/1133244437372358778 which has a good reputation on the server.
Yeah, I think your plan is exactly what many here would recommend. Most suggest navy, but I'm with you and prefer charcoal.
Spier does have free returns on the first suit order
I would recommend getting measured and fitted in person. If you are near Toronto, you can visit Spier & MacKay. Otherwise, go to SuitSupply
Suit supply is probably your best option however when the sales associate tries to push you into their sausage casing fitting, reply back and ask for a larger size.
Yeah, that was a concern of mine, I want a much more classicly fitted suit vs modern slim (or however it's properly referred to).
Where are you located btw?
I'm in Maryland, NW Baltimore County suburbs specifically. I'll be trekking down to the Tysons store in NoVA.
There may be a good local shop. Could try searching for that on styleforum
I've seen a few recommended in various places, but they all target above my price range.
The shop in nyc I'm getting a MTM jacket from would be just within your price range for a suit tho I imagine that's too far
Take a look at suitsupply's website (I think their cuts are less slim nowadays)
O'Connells sells classic cut RTW suits you can order online tho you'd have to call them for measurements and the shipping/return wouldn't be cheap if it doesn't work out
H freeman and Co factory is in Westminster maryland. You can try calling them to ask if they'd sell you a RTW suit
Spier is also a good option
I think checking Nordstrom may be worthwhile.
Check Geoffrey Lewis in DC as well. They may have some RTW suits in your price range.
I've driven past the Jos A Banks offices, but didn't know HF was out there. Wikipedia is saying they moved manufacturing to Mexico?
In Westminster, English American is the custom place that gets mentioned a lot. My understanding that they're much more of a 1K plus shop. If that were my budget it would probably the place I pick.
https://www.englishamericanco.com/
Suits at Nordstrom still seem to get a bad rep vs Suit Supply and Spier and Mackay? It's the main reason I was looking to go somewhere else, otherwise it would be a much easier option for me.
Nordstrom sells a decent variety of brands and you may find one that fits you well. I think it’s worth a look.
I was under the impression Geoffrey Lewis only did custom, but yeah, they are HIGHLY respected in the District, and make true custom bespoke suits vs MTM, as I understand it.
That's a good point, I probably should still take a look. I've heard they really push their in-store Indochino service and that was also a turnoff. But looking certainly doesn't cost anything.
The website says they have RTW available so it’s worth a phone call.
Hickey freeman moved manufacturing to Mexico, not h freeman (the old hickey freeman factory in Rochester is now Rochester tailored clothing btw). H freeman is def in Westminster and I think they're owned by the same parent company as English American
A MTM h freeman suit at my MTM shop would be $950
Thanks, their website does list RTW starting at $595, so definitely worth investigating.
Ah, sorry wasn't aware of the difference, I'll look them up. I'd definitely pay $950 for a quality suit.
The cut from what I was told would be a classic sack suit. If they'd sell you a RTW suit, it should be less than $950. You can also ask them for a list of retailers in your area
And yeah, H Freeman's email has an English American domain, seems like the same parent, like you said.
If Nordstrom has MTM through Jack Victor, it may be worthwhile. That should be under a $1000. Jack Victor's suits I see online look too slim for me though they may have a classic cut block for MTM. I'd be careful tho
Rochester tailored clothing (previously hickey freeman) I was recommended the most. You can call them and ask if they have any retailers near you