Advice on buying a suit?

[Armueller2001]

I'm looking at buying a suit or two as I start job hunting. Looks like Jos A Bank has some pretty good deals. Any advice while looking for suits?

2 button or 3 button?

Pinstripe or regular black?

I'm not sure what the etiquette is with these and I don't want to go in looking like a doofus!

[Asa Samuel]

Get a suit like this and no one would turn you down for a job!

[Mark Latimour]

You want a 3 button single breasted suit. I would suggest, if its your first suit, getting a dark charcoal or grey colour or a dark navy (although personally, grey or charcoal). You do not want pinstripes on your only suit. Why? Well they are distinctive, a nice subtle dark suit will blend in, no one will "notice" the suit, they will look at your shirt and tie, meaning you can wear the same suit to two different interviews in a row with a different shirt and tie. A pin stripe suit is less versitile in that regard.

If you are heavy set, you might want to think about a two button double breasted, but generally speaking, young guys wear 3 button single breasted. In terms of presenting yourself, the rule with doing up the buttons, from top to bottom: "Sometimes, always, never".

Make sure your beld and shoes match and with your shirt and tie keep the patterns simple and not clashing. Wearing a striped shirt? Have a simple tie. Having patterned tie? Wear a simple shirt etc.

Edit: Do not get black as a first suit. You will look like you are going to a funeral or a wedding. Businessmen very rarely wear black suits unless it is a patterned black material, which will probably be out of "first suit" price range. Cheap patterned black material always looks cheap. Stick with a plain charcoal IMO.

[timmbass]

I agree. Solid charcoal gray. Make sure your shirt sleeves are long enough and your suit sleeves are not too long. Hold on to your shirt sleeves when you put the suit coat on to pull them through.

Make sure your belt matches your shoes, make sure your belt is long enough but not too long, make sure your shoes are polished and not scuffed up, and make sure your socks are darker than your suit.

Take a nice copy of your resume on nice paper with you. You would be amazed at what resumes look like by the time they get to me. And the ones I see are even not from the original applicant. They instead have been retyped by some type of employment service and are full of errors.

Be willing to start anywhere they want to start you and show that you are eager to learn and want to stay with their company a long time. I am always interested in how willing someone is to do what ever needs to be done and and how eager they are, the older guys around here always want to pick someone they think will stay around for a while.

[hover]

Just resist the urge to buy the matching pin-stripe beanie.

[cheezewiz]

Originally Posted by Mark Latimour

You want a 3 button single breasted suit. I would suggest, if its your first suit, getting a dark charcoal or grey colour or a dark navy (although personally, grey or charcoal). You do not want pinstripes on your only suit. Why? Well they are distinctive, a nice subtle dark suit will blend in, no one will "notice" the suit, they will look at your shirt and tie, meaning you can wear the same suit to two different interviews in a row with a different shirt and tie. A pin stripe suit is less versitile in that regard.

If you are heavy set, you might want to think about a two button double breasted, but generally speaking, young guys wear 3 button single breasted. In terms of presenting yourself, the rule with doing up the buttons, from top to bottom: "Sometimes, always, never".

Make sure your beld and shoes match and with your shirt and tie keep the patterns simple and not clashing. Wearing a striped shirt? Have a simple tie. Having patterned tie? Wear a simple shirt etc.

Edit: Do not get black as a first suit. You will look like you are going to a funeral or a wedding. Businessmen very rarely wear black suits unless it is a patterned black material, which will probably be out of "first suit" price range. Cheap patterned black material always looks cheap. Stick with a plain charcoal IMO.

EXACTLY what Mark said. I prefer navy blue over gray, but either way works.

[sarcastro83]

Originally Posted by Mark Latimour

You want a 3 button single breasted suit. I would suggest, if its your first suit, getting a dark charcoal or grey colour or a dark navy (although personally, grey or charcoal). You do not want pinstripes on your only suit. Why? Well they are distinctive, a nice subtle dark suit will blend in, no one will "notice" the suit, they will look at your shirt and tie, meaning you can wear the same suit to two different interviews in a row with a different shirt and tie. A pin stripe suit is less versitile in that regard.

If you are heavy set, you might want to think about a two button double breasted, but generally speaking, young guys wear 3 button single breasted. In terms of presenting yourself, the rule with doing up the buttons, from top to bottom: "Sometimes, always, never".

Make sure your beld and shoes match and with your shirt and tie keep the patterns simple and not clashing. Wearing a striped shirt? Have a simple tie. Having patterned tie? Wear a simple shirt etc.

Edit: Do not get black as a first suit. You will look like you are going to a funeral or a wedding. Businessmen very rarely wear black suits unless it is a patterned black material, which will probably be out of "first suit" price range. Cheap patterned black material always looks cheap. Stick with a plain charcoal IMO.

Excellent advice... though I'd shoot for a two button, but that's my preference. Absolutely stick with a good charcoal grey or a nice, dark, navy blue.

[Phalex]

All the clothing stores employ people with "fashion sense" to help you out. Listen to them.

[Visirale]

Ralph Lauren, Zegna, Versace, Hugo Boss, Armani... All good starting points.

Might have to sell a kidney though .

[lamarjones]

bought pants and coat at banana republic for 350, great for uppity functions and also looks great when I got to hang out with friends and we have to dress up for some reason.

All black is for people who have no style at all. Or for certain occassions that aren't fun....

[MakiSupaStar]

So far some good advice. However, don't get a purple one. No matter how much you might think you're a pimp you're not.

[Phalex]

Originally Posted by MakiSupaStar

So far some good advice. However, don't get a purple one. No matter how much you might think you're a pimp you're not.

This is the very reason I let the sales people pick out matching pieces and simply pay them when they get it all together.

[sarcastro83]

Also, watch the shoulders... You don't want to get a jacket that's too big in the shoulder area... you'll wind up looking like Morris Day... oh-wee-oh-wee-oh...

[jambassist]

I come from a family of tailors so here's what I suggest. Look for a charcoal gray or navy blue pinstripe. A solid black suit is too intimidating. The pinstripes will give you the professionalism you seek without intimidating the people you're going to be speaking with. If you can afford it, get one of each. For material, you're going to want a mid weight 100% worsted wool. That's pretty much a year around suit. Two button/three button is a stylistic thing that comes and goes. Three button suits are waning right now, but it's not going to make that much of a difference. A vested suit is also a nice idea as it gives you the option of wearing a three piece suit. The pants should be lined at least halfway down the leg. I prefer cuffs, but you can go either way.

The single most important consideration is the fit. Once your size is determined, the tailor has to decide if the required alterations are possible. Depending on the cut of the suit, it's quite possible that the alternations necessary to make it fit properly are too involved. For example, if there's too much gather at the shoulders, taking it in will require altering it to the point that it won't drape correctly. If you're standing at the three way mirror with the tailor and he asks you what you want done or how you want it to fit, leave the store. I'm serious about this. A good tailor is going to ask you one question: Do you want cuffs or not? The rest of the time, he's measuring and marking. It's his job to make the suit look good on you and your job to shut up and let him do his job. Anything other than that is not the sign of a good tailor.

You're going to need shirts. 80's 2 ply pinpoint oxford 100% cotton in white is what you want. Have them measure your neck and sleeve if you don't know your size. Chances are they're going to have spread, tab, straight, and button down styles. Go with the straight collar. have them professionally washed and pressed and remember to take out the collar stays before you send them out. If you know what you're doing with an iron, you can do them yourself, but if you don't, let the cleaner do it. You can make a real mess of the shirt otherwise.

If you don't have an eye for accessorizing, have the salesman pick out a couple of ties in 100% silk. If you don't know how to tie a tie, have them teach you. Two knots: full Windsor and half Windsor. Getting the length right is trial and error so you'll get lots of practice. Full grain leather belts in black or cordovan and black socks should pretty much complete everything. If you have a nice overcoat or raincoat, that's a plus, but you can get away without it. For shoes, again, good quality leather in either loafer style or lace up. Black or cordovan is fine. The classic Florsheim penny loafer is tough to beat. If you can afford it, get two pair of shoes and alternate them.

Go for the best quality you can afford and go for traditionally styled corporate clothing. Why? Doesn't go out of style. Unless you have a really big bank account, trendy designer labels change styles too frequently. Once you have the job, you'll tailor your wardrobe to what your expected to wear in the office. Good luck with everything.

[guy n. cognito]

Another issue to consider: be sure that you get some "break" in the pants. Personally, I prefer a full break, but a slight break is acceptable for keeping you from looking like you're expecting the next great flood.

[Armueller2001]

Dude you guys are awesome, thanks!!!

Originally Posted by guy n. cognito

Another issue to consider: be sure that you get some "break" in the pants. Personally, I prefer a full break, but a slight break is acceptable for keeping you from looking like you're expecting the next great flood.

Stupid question - what are you referring to when you say "break"?

[Mark Latimour]

Originally Posted by Armueller2001

Dude you guys are awesome, thanks!!!



Stupid question - what are you referring to when you say "break"?

The way the trousers hits your shoes.

[burk48237]

Originally Posted by Visirale

Ralph Lauren, Zegna, Versace, Hugo Boss, Armani... All good starting points.

Might have to sell a kidney though .

I would add Cannalli and Armani to that list. Also for the record I have never seen a conservative business suit with a Versace label in it. Another couple of brand names you might look for are Andrew Fezza and Jahane Barnes, both make some nice suits for a little less bread. Also don't be afraid (especially after Christmas) to walk into a Neiman Marcus or a Sacs. A lot of the time they are closing out exceptional suits for darn close to the prices for an cheaper pseudo designer like Perry Ellis that you'll see in stores like Macys. Good suits retail for 12-2500$, but many times you can find them on sale for 250$ to 500$. And their is a big difference between fit and finnish of the nicer suits. Also I second the comments about a shirt and tie. A great shirt and tie can make a mediocre suit look good. A good shirt and tie can make a great suit look mediocre. The good thing is they go on sale after Christmas too.

[Andrew.Glose]

Originally Posted by jambassist

I come from a family of tailors so here's what I suggest. Look for a charcoal gray or navy blue pinstripe. A solid black suit is too intimidating. The pinstripes will give you the professionalism you seek without intimidating the people you're going to be speaking with. If you can afford it, get one of each. For material, you're going to want a mid weight 100% worsted wool. That's pretty much a year around suit. Two button/three button is a stylistic thing that comes and goes. Three button suits are waning right now, but it's not going to make that much of a difference. A vested suit is also a nice idea as it gives you the option of wearing a three piece suit. The pants should be lined at least halfway down the leg. I prefer cuffs, but you can go either way.

The single most important consideration is the fit. Once your size is determined, the tailor has to decide if the required alterations are possible. Depending on the cut of the suit, it's quite possible that the alternations necessary to make it fit properly are too involved. For example, if there's too much gather at the shoulders, taking it in will require altering it to the point that it won't drape correctly. If you're standing at the three way mirror with the tailor and he asks you what you want done or how you want it to fit, leave the store. I'm serious about this. A good tailor is going to ask you one question: Do you want cuffs or not? The rest of the time, he's measuring and marking. It's his job to make the suit look good on you and your job to shut up and let him do his job. Anything other than that is not the sign of a good tailor.

You're going to need shirts. 80's 2 ply pinpoint oxford 100% cotton in white is what you want. Have them measure your neck and sleeve if you don't know your size. Chances are they're going to have spread, tab, straight, and button down styles. Go with the straight collar. have them professionally washed and pressed and remember to take out the collar stays before you send them out. If you know what you're doing with an iron, you can do them yourself, but if you don't, let the cleaner do it. You can make a real mess of the shirt otherwise.

If you don't have an eye for accessorizing, have the salesman pick out a couple of ties in 100% silk. If you don't know how to tie a tie, have them teach you. Two knots: full Windsor and half Windsor. Getting the length right is trial and error so you'll get lots of practice. Full grain leather belts in black or cordovan and black socks should pretty much complete everything. If you have a nice overcoat or raincoat, that's a plus, but you can get away without it. For shoes, again, good quality leather in either loafer style or lace up. Black or cordovan is fine. The classic Florsheim penny loafer is tough to beat. If you can afford it, get two pair of shoes and alternate them.

Go for the best quality you can afford and go for traditionally styled corporate clothing. Why? Doesn't go out of style. Unless you have a really big bank account, trendy designer labels change styles too frequently. Once you have the job, you'll tailor your wardrobe to what your expected to wear in the office. Good luck with everything.

Excellent advice.

Excellent.

Too often does a man avoid the necessary details in buying a suit.

[Deacon_Blues]

Originally Posted by Andrew.Glose

Excellent advice.

Excellent.

Too often does a man avoid the necessary details in buying a suit.

IDK, all advice here so far seems to be favoring high-end expensive choices. Unless the job you're applying for really demand a top-notch suit, I wouldn't really put that much money into it. Find a good basic suit that fits well and get a really nice quality shirt and tie instead. The difference between a cheap shirt ($20) and expensive shirt ($100-150) is IMO way more significant than the difference between a $150 and $1000 suit. If you're lucky you can find a great looking suit for much less than that after christmas.

Coming to a job interview dressed in a lousy low-quality suit would likely prevent you from getting the job, but if it looks like you've at least put some effort in looking good on the interview, it won't matter if you spent $200 or $2000. Other aspects play far more significant roles in whether you get the job or not.

While speaking about appearance, no-one have mentioned the hair yet. Keep your hair in a shape that goes well with the suit and make sure there won't be any dandruff on your shoulders...

Also the age matters. I could imagine the appearance requirements on a 50 year old businessman on a job interview will be higher than for the 25 year old looking for his first full-time office job... If you're young, you can use this to your advantage. I guess a cheap suit will be more accepted on a young person.