Member of the Month

KilaTsunami
October, 2024

Online

Welcome to the Newschoolers forums! You may read the forums as a guest, however you must be a registered member to post. Register to become a member today!

Anyone ever bought a suit?

profile picture
spruitm
Posts: 2221 - Karma: 1,069
i need to get a suit and theres some real cheap ones online, but i dont really know how the sizing works.  im 5'10 and around 150 pounds, average to skinny build
would a 38 regular sound right?
anyone bought one recently?
Apr 15 2009 1:23PM
0 0
profile picture
soulskier
Posts: 17806 - Karma: 3,841
i've actually bought quite a few

a size 38 means your chest is 38 inches around, get out the measuring tape
Apr 15 2009 1:29PM
0 0
profile picture
OhMyBosh
Posts: 5056 - Karma: 171
...measure your chest, leg length, waist, arm length maybe... it should have all the measurements of the suit on the site...
Apr 15 2009 1:31PM
0 0
profile picture
pmills
Posts: 7162 - Karma: 59
head over to men's warehouse, have them size you up, try some shit on then not buy anything
Apr 15 2009 1:36PM
0 0
profile picture
Owen.
Posts: 1134 - Karma: 13
What's your budget? There are so many things to consider when you buy a suit... it doesn't just fit in the chest, you have to hem the pants, the waist, the sleeves of the jacket, how it fits across your back, etc. etc. etc....

If you're just looking for a jacket/pants kind of thing and don't really care how well it fits just go get a cheap one off the racks at Gap or something.... depends on your budget....
Apr 15 2009 2:38PM
0 0
profile picture
SEABURN
Posts: 4859 - Karma: 2,751
1 go to Nordstrom's/men's warehouse
2 get fitted for a suit that you won't afford for years
3 at least you know your size, and you can buy a cheap suit online
Apr 15 2009 2:41PM
0 0
profile picture
cmeriptahoe
Posts: 1785 - Karma: 12
If you live on the west coast go to Nordstrom Rack. They have suits that are cheap as fuck and nice. If you are 5'10 a 38 regular will fit in the arms for sure. if you are skinny then it will fit in the chest too.
Apr 15 2009 2:44PM
0 0
profile picture
Mr_Papageorgio
Posts: 1271 - Karma: 117
or jos. a bank

but maybe actually buy one after you get fitted. a good suit is a solid investment for real
Apr 15 2009 2:44PM
0 0
profile picture
Dosh
Posts: 1818 - Karma: 14
you have to get a suit fitted or else it really doesnt work out
Apr 15 2009 2:53PM
0 0
profile picture
pmills
Posts: 7162 - Karma: 59
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Apr 15 2009 3:41PM
0 0
profile picture
factory81
Posts: 3967 - Karma: 63
I went to Macy's in Grandville and bougth a Calvin Klein suit, shoes, and the whole 9 yards. Ran like $400, then went to a tailor and had it fitted for another $20-30.

It's rather easy. People do the suit thing all day at Macy's so they measure you up with something pretty damn close, but alterations are almost a must. Macy's does alterations for you as well, I forgot if they charge.

There are tons of places to go in Grandville / Grand Rapids. Jos. A. Banks and Mens Warehouse had kind of gumpy looking suits you might find 49 year old bald guys wearing.

You can definitely find a suit for a good deal in this economy I am sure.
Apr 15 2009 3:49PM
0 0
profile picture
An10a_Eng
Posts: 2505 - Karma: 26
i got me a nice armani
Apr 15 2009 3:51PM
0 0
profile picture
uni-corn
Posts: 13846 - Karma: 651
Claim.
Apr 15 2009 3:53PM
0 0
profile picture
OhMyBosh
Posts: 5056 - Karma: 171
i bought a volcom suit online... only suit ive ever bought online... shit quality but its kinda cool looking, bit too baggy though. you should never buy a suit online unless its really really cheap.
Apr 15 2009 5:13PM
0 0
profile picture
Balto
Posts: 25985 - Karma: 4,404
get fitted! suits are like ski boots. i have 2 and im very glad i got fitted
Apr 15 2009 5:17PM
0 0
profile picture
J.D.
Posts: 21362 - Karma: 5,142
Or if you know suit measurements to the 1/2 inch.

These are the basic measurements for a suit, copied and pasted from elsewhere:

Chest: Armpit seam to armpit seam across the front with the buttons done up except the bottom one. This will usually wind up being 2 to 4 inches larger than the "suit size" (ie a sz 40 suit will have a 44" chest).

Shoulders: from seam to seam across the back of the jacket at the top below the collar.

Length: From the top of the collar down the back to the bottom of the jacket.

Sleeve length: from the shoulder seam to the end of the sleeve.

Pants waist: self-explanatory

Pants inseam: likewise

Thigh: From the crotch seam to the outer seam with the pants laid flat.

Hem: across the leg opening at the bottom of the pants laid flat.

If you find a suit that fits you somewhere, and then take measurements of all those things from that suit, you will know what measurements to look for. These are usually provided on ebay and etc for buying online. The problem is finding a suit that fits you, because most people don't know what that looks like and think a suit that's a full size too big is fitting them properly.
Apr 15 2009 5:21PM
0 0
profile picture
Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
.
Apr 15 2009 5:33PM
0 0
profile picture
spruitm
Posts: 2221 - Karma: 1,069
thanks everyone.  i think i'll get sized up, buy it online, and then have it fitted.  do you know how long them hemming takes?  i need it in a little over a week
Apr 15 2009 5:36PM
0 0
profile picture
Dan.
Posts: 7201 - Karma: 1,126
JD pretty much summed it up as best possible. I just want to add, be glad you aren't a 36 short. sales people will laugh at you when you ask for their selection in said size.
Apr 15 2009 5:55PM
0 0
profile picture
J.D.
Posts: 21362 - Karma: 5,142
If you need a decent suit and are a 36S consider going to thickasthievesla.com and sending an email to Jason. Awesome product, reasonable price, but only if you know exactly what you want.
Apr 15 2009 6:02PM
0 0
profile picture
Dan.
Posts: 7201 - Karma: 1,126
damn those are way reasonable, i think i'm gonna order a 2 button in the house cut of the grey herringbone he has.. most probably unlined because i need something for summer. do they do jackets by themselves as well?

to everyone in this thread, completely custom for under 500 bones is outrageous.
Apr 15 2009 6:24PM
0 0
profile picture
Dan.
Posts: 7201 - Karma: 1,126
oh and JD, my 19cm are nearing the end of their life. do you have any experience with APC? I'm thinking either the PBJ xx-010, APC new cure, or a new pair of the 19cm, but in indigo instead of black. or if the rumors of 17cm existing are true, a pair of those but i have heard too often that they are just fakes.
Apr 15 2009 6:30PM
0 0
profile picture
J.D.
Posts: 21362 - Karma: 5,142
APC has gotten really hyped and as their popularity has increased quality has declined quite a bit. Not that they suck now they're just not on par with 5 years ago. PBJ is great as long as you're comfortable sizing shrinktofit jeans. I know nothing of the 17cm, I have never seen a pair. Have you considered Ande Whalls? Probably the Grifters. For the price, I think they're the best quality jeans available right now. Also Wings + Horns denim; I sometimes think I play them up too much but they can't seem to do anything wrong and are my favourite jeans at the moment.
Apr 15 2009 6:46PM
0 0
profile picture
Dan.
Posts: 7201 - Karma: 1,126
called out son!
Apr 15 2009 10:19PM
0 0
profile picture
blong131
Posts: 2193 - Karma: 59
make sure it fits in the shoulders...a good tailor can basically do anything you want to a jacket as long as it fits in the shoulders

a good way to do this is put the jacket on and go sideways up against a wall with your shoulder if that makes sense...if the suit hits the wall before your shoulder it doesnt fit
Apr 15 2009 10:21PM
0 0
profile picture
Mooserz
Posts: 2945 - Karma: 32
speaking of mall suits. I walked into Express men the other day and they actually have a lot of legit stuff. and its not bad looking. If you want budget suit though walk into H&M. You could prob get a whole suit for under $150. may not be the best but it works
Apr 15 2009 10:28PM
0 0
profile picture
blong131
Posts: 2193 - Karma: 59
thats sick dude, thanks for the link, ++k to you
Apr 15 2009 10:32PM
0 0
profile picture
jayo.
Posts: 5015 - Karma: 34
when i first read this i honestly thought it said, "has anyone ever bought a slut" and that you went on to talk about purchasing them online
Apr 15 2009 11:09PM
0 0
profile picture
gbirrd
Posts: 1475 - Karma: 20
man i say just go in and get yourself taylored(measured). then buy it. dont try to guess it
Apr 15 2009 11:14PM
0 0
profile picture
chapz
Posts: 10182 - Karma: 66
this.

and then buy your shit online!
Apr 15 2009 11:20PM
0 0
profile picture
RICK_ROSS
Posts: 6983 - Karma: 3,343
36 long here, i went to a all boys prep school in 9th grade. i got a LOT of suits
Apr 15 2009 11:21PM
0 0
profile picture
An10a_Eng
Posts: 2505 - Karma: 26
you can say what you want but its the nicest fucking suit ive ever seen and you would wear it too if you had it
Apr 15 2009 11:23PM
0 0
profile picture
J.D.
Posts: 21362 - Karma: 5,142
Re: Klazo... Armani Le Collezioni is better than the junk a lot of people buy, it's above mall brand quality and can be found on sale. Still it's not great, it's often fused, just the styling and cut are better than most of the stuff you see below the real players. The brand's best line is the black label that retails over 2500 a suit and CANNOT be found on sale (if you did it wouldn't be below 1500)... it's very well made and on par with Isaia.

My suits are a recent 3/2 roll in espresso by Dunhill, a PRL by Corneliani 2b dark beige nailhead from about 6-7 years ago and a charcoal nailhead 2 button by Helmut Lang circa 2004. I need a solid navy suit, but can't afford one right now.

Polo Ralph Lauren, made in italy, is probably the best "name brand" you can buy for a suit that's easy to find for under 1000$.
Apr 16 2009 12:00AM
0 0
profile picture
0123456789
Posts: 9226 - Karma: 148
damnnnn i love the suit i have, but tis a cheapish one, was like 300 i think. it fits me pretty decently. but def get fitted/taylored or its gonna fit super awkward.
Apr 16 2009 12:04AM
0 0
profile picture
Dan.
Posts: 7201 - Karma: 1,126
3/2s always look strange to me, I've only seen one or two that i've liked, when the 3rd hole is right on the roll so its perpendicular to your body? maybe thats just me.
Apr 16 2009 12:31AM
0 0
profile picture
sklermang
Posts: 2981 - Karma: 1,954
good ananlysis
Apr 16 2009 12:37AM
0 0
profile picture
J.D.
Posts: 21362 - Karma: 5,142
I love the 3/2 roll. I dunno if I like it better than the 2 button for a suit but I definitely prefer it for a more casual jacket, I have a thick 50/50 silk/wool herringbone that is awesome in the fall and winter. My Dunhill is actually more of a 3 2 1/2 roll, the roll is higher than halfway between the first and second button which is somewhat uncommon. I hate the pure 3 button where the lapel rolls above the top button, it's extremely dated and the lapels always look too wide and short. A longer smoother roll just plain looks better. This is what a 3/2 should look like:

Click for larger image
Apr 16 2009 1:03AM
0 0
profile picture
Dan.
Posts: 7201 - Karma: 1,126
that jacket looks great, I always see ones where the third hole is already on the lapel, so it just looks like a random slit.
Apr 16 2009 1:39AM
0 0
profile picture
Silence
Posts: 16030 - Karma: 150
If you ever head to Singapore, (or actually many other places in SE asia) use it to your advantage..

There are suit tailors everywhere there, and if you find the really good and professional ones then you hit the jackpot.

The fabrics they use are still the same super 80/100/120 that you will find in an armani or a boss suit, but you are getting a perfect fit - plus the price is right. You are looking at around S$500 (Around US$350-400) for a fully tailored suit with a second pair of pants (PLEASE buy 2 pairs of pants if you want the thing to last, remember, you will wear pants 5 x as much as the jacket, so they will wear out twice as fast)

Now that the tailor has my measurements, I can get sent different fabric samples and order straight away and have the suit at my doorstep in a matter of a week or so.

Works out well.

Carefuil paying through the ear for boss suits - they aren't anything special.

Look into Ted Baker - nice stuff
Apr 16 2009 2:22AM
0 0
All times are Eastern (-5)