Formal suite shopping for idiots?

[Nate]

Well, I need a formal suite. I want one, and I want it to be multi function. I have no idea what to do, where to go, or what it will cost.

Needs to be presentable at a wedding, funerals, interviews, and other formal functions. I know there's alot out there, and different things work for different people. I am 5'8", 38 chest, regular arms, 34" inseam, regular legs. Apparently darker colors work well with me, but I dont want to look like a bus boy.

Colors?
Buttons?
Belts?
Undershirts?
Ties?
$$$?
I have no idea what I'm getting into.

Thank you!
~Nate

[MTI]

When looking for a suite, it's whatever suits you,

I would suggest a solid charcoal grey or navy suit, which would be neutral enough to accent with ties, pocket squares or shirts to do duty in a range of events.

[buffa98]

Jos A Bank. It is a clothing Chain similar to the mens warehouse. Figure about $300 -$600 depending on Quality.
X2 on the Charcoal gray maybe with subdued pinstripes. Then you mix and match the shirt tie combos for the look(celebration of sorrow)

[Pooka]

Start shopping in this order.....

Hart, Shaffner and Marx. $950

Hicky Freeman $1500

Brooks Brothers $2300

Zegma $2850 to $4000 (the price varies a great deal with Zegma because they also make 'made to measure' suits.)

Armani $3000 and up.

All of these suits will, with proper care, last about 20 years.

In all cases 100% wool is the only fabric to consider. If the lining is rayon that's OK as it will help keep you cooler.

You don't want a formal suit (a tuxedo), you want a nice conservative business suit. Dark blue or grey, White or light colored shirts (with french cuffs, depending on formality), good quality silk tie (and matching pocket cloth, if you wish). Matching, good quality dress socks and good quality oxford/wing tip shoes. Tie clip and cuff links, appropriate watch, no cell phone holders in sight. Allow plenty of time for the tailor to do his thing and bring the correct shoes to the fitting.

[buffa98]

Originally Posted by Craig

You don't want a formal suit (a tuxedo), you want a nice conservative business suit. Dark blue or grey, White or light colored shirts (with french cuffs, depending on formality), good quality silk tie (and matching pocket cloth, if you wish). Matching, good quality dress socks and good quality oxford/wing tip shoes. Tie clip and cuff links, appropriate watch, no cell phone holders in sight. Allow plenty of time for the tailor to do his thing and bring the correct shoes to the fitting.

The only thing I would add is don't skimp on the dress shirts!!! Figure you will pay about 50-100 per shirt.

Originally Posted by buffa98

The only thing I would add is don't skimp on the dress shirts!!! Figure you will pay about 50-100 per shirt.

Agreed, you can ruin the look of a $2000 suit with a $20 shirt.

[Yak]

Single breasted navy or charcoal gray.

Wool, don't go cheap on material based on "two for one" offers.

Standard recommendation is pleats + cuffs; no pleats = no cuffs.

"Younger" guys get a recommended deeper "break" (how the pants break or "wrinkle" over your shoes) older guys a shallower break.

"No iron" shirts sound great in theory, don't wear really well in practice. Plan on 2 -3, at least one basic white, and colors for however flamboyant you want to be. LL Bean has basic colors, good quality, mostly button downs. Try on both "fitted" or athletic cut and regular shirts.

Make sure you have the shoes you're planning on wearing when you're being fitted. Black is easy. Shoe with laces, not loafers.

Got a girlfriend, mom, sister or female co-worker? Take your mom out to lunch and ask her opinion. Try on styles and colors. Plan on 2 hours or more to pick one and get fitted. Remember, you're spending a few hundred $$ and you're going to be in it at formal events.

Mens Wearhouse, Joseph Banks, etc are okay. But don't discount your local Penneys. They have similar quality and reasonable prices. MAKE SURE YOU ASK ABOUT TAILORING BEFORE YOU COMMIT TO BUY.

[Ara T.]

You sound like a slim guy so you want to get a "fitted" dress shirt as well.. this will get rid of the huge amount of fabric on your sides that will make you look like a baloon. If you find a non-fitted shirt you like you can always get it tailored too.

[Hatterasguy]

Originally Posted by Pooka

Start shopping in this order.....

Hart, Shaffner and Marx. $950

Hicky Freeman $1500

Brooks Brothers $2300

Zegma $2850 to $4000 (the price varies a great deal with Zegma because they also make 'made to measure' suits.)

Armani $3000 and up.

All of these suits will, with proper care, last about 20 years.

In all cases 100% wool is the only fabric to consider. If the lining is rayon that's OK as it will help keep you cooler.

Zegna not Zegma!

I really like Brooks Brothers and Zegna.

I have one of each that I don't wear anymore, IMHO the Italian ones are a bit more flashy, er well can be. I also enjoy Zegna shirts.

If your looking for something more traditional you will never be under dressed with anything from Brooks Brothers. As for shoes since your younger I'd recomend Cole Haan over Allen Edmonds, your not 50 don't dress like it.

There should be people at the store if its any good who will tell you what you need. I know zip about clothing and quite frankly really don't care, I rather wear a $5 t shirt. But a good store pays people who do and they will take care of you.

Whatever you buy get it fitted by a good tailor, if you don't it will look horrible. More so if your a thin guy, you don't want to be swimming in it.

Allen Edmonds doesn't just make geezer shoes, although most of mine are in that category:

http://www.allenedmonds.com/aeonline/cati_Shoes_1_40000000001_-1?searchOccassion=123802&searchSize=&searchWidth=&searchStyle=&searchColor=&searchShoe+Leather=&searchShoe+Sole=&searchShoe+Last=&currentpage=1&pageView=image&sort=

[Pooka]

Zegna is correct. Just a typo on my part earlier.

I forgot about the shoes! Everyone should start with those since you MUST be fitted to your suit in the shoes you will be wearing.

I like Allan Edmonds myself. If you take care of them they will last for five to seven years. If you don't wear them but for 'dressy' things they can last much longer.

Originally Posted by Pooka

Zegna is correct. Just a typo on my part earlier.

I forgot about the shoes! Everyone should start with those since you MUST be fitted to your suit in the shoes you will be wearing.

I like Allan Edmonds myself. If you take care of them they will last for five to seven years. If you don't wear them but for 'dressy' things they can last much longer.

I just had two pair refurbished, I'm sure they are over 10 years old.

[Pooka]

If the prices of high quality suits is too much for you then there is another way. It is called Goodwill or Salvation Army.

A friend of mine is a multi-multi buck real estate mogul who buys all his suits there and then takes them to a tailor and has them altered. He works out for about two hours a day and his body is really buff. This makes it very hard to find a suit that fits short of a tailored one.

So he knows all the good brands and buys something that fits him OK. After the alterations it looks like it was made for him.

As long as he starts with a 100% wool suit from a quality brand he will get good results for about $200.

He also buys his shoes off of Ebay. Allen Edmond Cordovans are about $650 retail. He finds them on Ebay for about $150.

As the old saying goes... Dress like a million on somebody else's million.

[Skid Row Joe]

Navy or Black

I don't wear suits, or sportcoats, or ties. The last dress clothes I bought were 20+ years ago. Dressing for others is a thing of the past for the last 25 years for me. I certainly don't need to "look" a part to earn money, or look a certain way socially for anyone, anymore. I spend my time taking care of my body working out exercising and eating right. It tells the story more about you, than any amount of money you will ever spend on 'clothes.'

If I had to come up with a formal suit or sportscoat, dress shirt and tie, shoes/socks on short notice, I'd try Penney's and be certain that what I bought was all wash and wear apparel.