Thrifted/Second-hand tailoring?
Have a couple weddings coming up in the summer, and was considering finding a suit second hand - not necessarily because of budget restraints, mainly because I think it could be a fun way to find some unique pieces (although saving money wouldn't hurt). I figured there are likely some people who are more well versed in that area on this server, does anyone have any tips on what to look out for/how to find something worth purchasing? Brands to buy/avoid, red flags, materials, where to look (thrift stores, vintage stores, ebay), etc.?
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I am aware that I would have to bring it to a tailor for adjustments as well - especially since I'm fairly slim (28 in waist, 36 in chest, 32 in inseam) but on the taller side.
this is an often recommended ebay filter for "quality" suits, further filter by vague size/colour requirements : http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=10&pub=5574968505&toolid=10001&campid=5336852872&customid=&icep_uq=%28Boglioli%2C+%E2%80%9CCanali+Kei%E2%80%9D%2C+%E2%80%9CCanali+1934%E2%80%9D%2C+%E2%80%9CZegna+Milano%E2%80%9D%2C+Cifonelli%2C+Lardini%2C+Partenopea%2C+Isaia%2C+Kiton%2C+Attolini%2C+Rubinacci%2C+%E2%80%9CBrunello+Cucinelli%E2%80%9D%2C+%E2%80%9CLuciano+Barbera%E2%80%9D%2C+%E2%80%9CRalph+Lauren+Purple+Label%E2%80%9D%2C+Sartorio%2C+Brioni%2C+Suitsupply%2C+Eidos%2C+%22Ring+Jacket%22%2C+%E2%80%9COrazio+Luciano%E2%80%9D%2C+Caruso%29+%28suit%2C+sport+coat%29&icep_sellerId=&icep_ex_kw=&icep_sortBy=12&icep_catId=1059&icep_minPrice=&icep_maxPrice=&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229466&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg
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Always ask for actual measurements, not tag size, you can generally take fabric away but not add it, getting shoulders right is quite important. If you have a suit that fits well measure it and compare to the measurements you request. Don't be afraid to ask for more photos. You'll probably swing and miss on a couple before getting something perfect.
Being similar measurements (and quite tall) you're probably going to have a harder time as IME our sizes just aren't as common secondhand - but if you've got time on your side you'll probably throw up a few things.
for in person thrifting - generally you need to figure out when your local thrifts restock and go there on that day as often as possible and live with the fact you're unlikely to find anything very often but might strike gold once over the course of months (unless you happen to be in very specific places where these dynamics might change [more good stuff] but you're also fighting lots of other people/resellers for the stock, often in wealthier parts of big cities).
Awesome, thank you for all the recs and tips. Much appreciated! And yes, cyclist build is a blessing and a curse lol - not a whole lot out there.
+1 to everything chopper said
material choice depends on your needs - linen, seersucker, hopsack and cotton blends are common lightweight options if you run hot
if you already own a suit/have gone suit shopping, many of the things to look for still apply and depend on your preferences - single va double breasted, two button vs three button, how much canvassing (lining) is present, how much shoulder padding is present, lapel size, pattern, etc
the link chopper posted is a good primer for brands and will often catch vintage suits (especially brooks brothers and ralph lauren) but also:
- hart schaeffer and marx, churchhill, and haspel are good vintage brands
- orvis, pendleton, patagonia and levi's all made tailoring in the past
- a random no-name brand may also be a good find despite lacking name recognition, just because they got bought out
aside from measurements the main thing to check for are moth holes or odd stains that you don't want to try and remove. many other things can be fixed (tears in the lining) or replaced (broken buttons) but that's up to you
in addition to local thrift stores/ebay, check fb marketplace and estate sales. you can likely find interesting stuff but you'll need to be diligent in getting measurements because there's less recourse if anything is wrong
having a very good tailor that you trust is also really important. Being able to adjust the jacket and trousers is really important for tailoring in general since your body changes but it's what can take a decent suit you found to a great one
Sweet! Ty for sharing some knowledge :).
Yeah, thats something I have to find. There are a couple in the area with some good reviews on google and stuff but I'd imagine it could be a bit of a trial and error process hey.