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2009-03-01 5:39 PM

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Master
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Subject: Where to buy suits (business suits that is)
I'm not one to spend a lot of money.  I'm always looking for a deal and a value purchase.

I wear suits to the office and since I started triathlon, I went from 180 to 150 lbs.  During the last 2 years I have repurchased all my casual clothing from 34+ waist down to a 31 waist in jeans.

I also purchased all new dress shirts in the right size.  Now I am at a point where I have repurchased my suits also.  I was lucky that I found my size (38L) at JC Penny for the right price ($150 per suit).  Just need to get the pants hemmed up (I wear a 32x31 pants; the pants I got are 32x32 and are just a tad too long).  

I feel lucky that I was able to find three different 38L suits.  Looking online and at other stores, the size 38L simply doesn't exist.  I refuse to pay a ton for suits. I just don't think a $500 suit is worth it (read millionare next door if you want to see what real millionares purchase - it's suits at JC Penny).  

Any guys have trouble finding suits in their size (athletic cut or whatever)?  Are there places I should look online?  


2009-03-01 6:22 PM
in reply to: #1989992

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Elite
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Subject: RE: Where to buy suits (business suits that is)
I've had good luck at Men's Warehouse. The suits are cheap - the accessories are full-price. Keep that in mind. I've been to a couple of them and had a similar experience. Extremely helpful non-pushy sales people, HUGE selection, and lots of price ranges. It has regularly been one of the best companies in the country to work for - that should tell you something.

Also, don't pay full price. The suit that is $500 this week will likely go on sale next week for 50% off.

My brother swears by Brooks Brothers and Jos. A Banks. Not sure if they are in your area. My brother is a sharp dresser and always looks good in his suits. They always have big sales. Just be patient.
2009-03-01 6:41 PM
in reply to: #1989992

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Resident Curmudgeon
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Subject: RE: Where to buy suits (business suits that is)

Land's End. Certainly not high fashion, but a well-made wool suit for a reasonable price.  I wear a suit every day at work. Been buying and wearing their suits and dress shirts for over ten years.

I find them also to be one of the most customer-oriented etailers out there as well. Basically, if you're not happy with your purchase at any time for any reason, send it back for a refund or exchange. I had one run of dress shirts that all dry rotted and ripped through at the elbows after being in service for at least a year. They took 'em back without question.

2009-03-01 6:45 PM
in reply to: #1989992

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Delaware, OH
Subject: RE: Where to buy suits (business suits that is)

JC Penney should have a tailor service unless you live in a smaller town.  They should also be able to order through the catalog- you'll have your pants in about 3 days.  We also have a Friends and Family day coming up- 20% off sale prices.  It's a sunday but I'm not 100% of the date.

 I get quite a few suits at Macey's.  Counter productive to my 401k but for womens things they have a larger collection.

2009-03-01 6:47 PM
in reply to: #1990105

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Delaware, OH
Subject: RE: Where to buy suits (business suits that is)
the bear - 2009-03-01 7:41 PM

Land's End.

I use to love love love lands end.  But I found the quality to go down when they merged with Sears.  It's gonna suck when Sears/Kmart go out later on in 09.  I don't expect them to last the year.

2009-03-01 7:09 PM
in reply to: #1989992

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Champion
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Richmond, VA
Subject: RE: Where to buy suits (business suits that is)

Is there a Syms near you?  That is the way to go!

Otherwise, you can try overstock.com or bluefly.com if you don't have any men's stores near you.



2009-03-01 7:14 PM
in reply to: #1990077

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Champion
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Subject: RE: Where to buy suits (business suits that is)
D.Z. - 2009-03-01 7:22 PM

I've had good luck at Men's Warehouse. The suits are cheap - the accessories are full-price. Keep that in mind. I've been to a couple of them and had a similar experience. Extremely helpful non-pushy sales people, HUGE selection, and lots of price ranges. It has regularly been one of the best companies in the country to work for - that should tell you something.

Also, don't pay full price. The suit that is $500 this week will likely go on sale next week for 50% off.

My brother swears by Brooks Brothers and Jos. A Banks. Not sure if they are in your area. My brother is a sharp dresser and always looks good in his suits. They always have big sales. Just be patient.


X2 on Brooks Brothers. I got a really nice suit originally marked at $750 for $225 during a sale and because I opened their charge account. I paid the bill in full and closed the account right when the first bill arrived.

Lord and Taylor have similar deals. Macy's have similar promosions, but have A, B and C level stores; only the A-stores have the better merchandise. The C-stores have far less selection.

They have separates which is great for an athletic build or tall guy. I'm tall and thick, but have a relatively narrow waist. 48" chest w/ a 36" waist. You're not finding those unless you're buying separates.
2009-03-01 7:25 PM
in reply to: #1989992

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Pro
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McKinney, TX
Subject: RE: Where to buy suits (business suits that is)
I got 2 suits last year (I lost 35lbs) for $140 at Target. I didn't have to do anything to them...they fit pretty well (according to my wife and her gay coworker thought so too).

They are decent quality but the selection wasn't the best. Standard black and a navy pinstripe.

Best of luck to you.


2009-03-01 7:30 PM
in reply to: #1989992

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Veteran
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Subject: RE: Where to buy suits (business suits that is)
Other option is Kohl's...gotten some great deals there...
2009-03-01 7:35 PM
in reply to: #1989992

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Champion
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Nashville, TN
Subject: RE: Where to buy suits (business suits that is)
It takes a bit of digging and a number or drive bys but I have good luck with TJ Maxx, Marshalls  and Filiene's Basement.  I am willing to say that I haven't paid over $250 for a designer suit in over 5 years.  I remember finding a Hilger suit with two different pairs of pants for $125.   
2009-03-01 9:07 PM
in reply to: #1989992

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Elite
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Subject: RE: Where to buy suits (business suits that is)
I have bought my last few from Bachrach.  They have great sales regularly, and I got a couple at half off.  Nice quality.  Their shirts are great too, but are around $50 and don't seem to go on sale like the suits do.


2009-03-01 9:39 PM
in reply to: #1989992

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Champion
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Brooklyn, NY
Subject: RE: Where to buy suits (business suits that is)
I'll add another recommendation for Brooks and also suggest looking at Banana Republic and J. Crew. BR in particular has some nice stuff. If you have a Macy's near you,you might look at Tommy Hilfiger as well.

As someone who works in the industry, I feel obliged to point out though that as with anything, you kind of get what you pay for. Paying a little more for a suit buys you more than just a designer's name on the label. Suits made of better fabric (i.e. better, higher-twist wools) and made with better construction and tailoring fit better and, more importantly, look better for longer than the less expensive stuff you buy at places like Target, which are often fused (glued together) in key places, rather than stitched. You'll find those things-- hand stitching, better fabrics, etc. at a place like BB or BR, but probably not at Target or Mens Wearhouse (at least not MW's lower-priced collections).

As with anything, you should decide what your budget is and what's important to you, but buying a suit is a little like buying a bike. No one, not even a FOP-er, "needs" to spend $20,000 for the full-custom Javelin Lugano, but sometimes spending a little more (for Shimano 105, say, rather than Tiagra) can pay off in the long run in terms of durability and cost of maintenance. No one "needs" to spend $3,500 for a Tom Ford or Armani suit, but going in for a few extra dollars for a better quality Brooks Brothers suit rather than something you pick up at a big box store can save you money in the long run.

Edited by jmk-brooklyn 2009-03-01 9:44 PM
2009-03-02 8:21 AM
in reply to: #1989992

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Master
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Subject: RE: Where to buy suits (business suits that is)
I've got a closet full of suits that run a gamut in terms of price...Yes, I can tell the difference when I'm wearing one of the good ones...

I think the Jos Banks suits are pretty good value - you can get out of there with a 120, inclu. the tailoring, for maybe $350.

In Atlanta, H.Stockton at Lenox sells suits on a par with Brooks Brothers but with more personal attention, ie more like getting a custom suit.

ETA, I believe someone already mention this but I too have been told Filene's Basement sometimes has super low prices on good stuff.

Edited by alltom1 2009-03-02 8:23 AM
2009-03-02 8:42 AM
in reply to: #1989992

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Extreme Veteran
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W. Michigan
Subject: RE: Where to buy suits (business suits that is)

X2 on Jos. A Banks.  But with a kicker. 

Go to the store on your own and it seems a bit pricey.  Buy some socks or something and when you check out they'll ask for address & email.  Give it to them and it seems like you'll get 50% off  or 2-for-1 coupons sent to you every week or two.  I love their stuff, but won't ever pay full price for it.

2009-03-02 8:54 AM
in reply to: #1989992

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Champion
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Richmond, VA
Subject: RE: Where to buy suits (business suits that is)

A few years ago when Brooks Brothers was bought by a large clothing company, I saw a significant drop in the quality of their products.

I went from wearing only Brooks Brothers to now the only thing I purchase there are shirts.

BB suits are overpriced and of questionable quality IMO.  And don't even bother buying a suit from the outlet (436 Brand name) - that is a total waste of your money.

I have 3 Brooks Brother suits I bought in the late 90s that I still wear on a regular basis.  But 5 other Brooks Brother suits purchased in the last few years, a couple from the outlet, have been "retired" as they were total carp!

My last few suits have been Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein and Burberry (purchased at Syms and Barney's Outlet store) - and I've been very happy.  (except for the fact that none of them fit anymore)

2009-03-02 11:10 AM
in reply to: #1990077

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Master
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Fulton, MD
Subject: RE: Where to buy suits (business suits that is)

D.Z. - 2009-03-01 6:22 PM I've had good luck at Men's Warehouse. The suits are cheap - the accessories are full-price. Keep that in mind. I've been to a couple of them and had a similar experience. Extremely helpful non-pushy sales people, HUGE selection, and lots of price ranges. It has regularly been one of the best companies in the country to work for - that should tell you something. Also, don't pay full price. The suit that is $500 this week will likely go on sale next week for 50% off. My brother swears by Brooks Brothers and Jos. A Banks. Not sure if they are in your area. My brother is a sharp dresser and always looks good in his suits. They always have big sales. Just be patient.

Another vote for Men's Warehouse.  I find their suits to be decent looking and very reasonably priced.



2009-03-02 8:34 PM
in reply to: #1989992

Elite
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Subject: RE: Where to buy suits (business suits that is)

 

Look for 2 for 1 specials at Men's Wearhouse or Brooks Brothers (esp. their outlet if there is one near you.)

 

2009-03-03 10:33 AM
in reply to: #1989992

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Extreme Veteran
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Carlsbad, CA
Subject: RE: Where to buy suits (business suits that is)

I recently went to a sale at Jos A. Banks where it was buy 1, get two free.  Great deal on three new suits for under $700!  First-time buyer there and I'm happy with the suits so far.  I also like Brooks Brothers, and I love Land's End for ease-of-use ... I travel a lot, but I know my sizes with Land's End and it's really nice to be able to order online and have the suit delivered to the hotel I'm heading to.  Great in a pinch!

Also wanted to mention Ralph Lauren.  Some stuff can get pretty pricey, but if you have access to one of their outlet stores (I can walk to one from work!), there are some fantastic deals on basic navy blue, grey and pinstripe suits.  Seem to be decent quality, and I really like the fit.

2009-03-03 10:35 AM
in reply to: #1993974

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Sensei
Sin City
Subject: RE: Where to buy suits (business suits that is)

I generally find decent deals AND my size (I'm difficult) at Men's Warehouse.  That's were I go now.

However, back in my poorer days, I have gotten suits at Burlington Coat Factory that were decent.

2009-03-03 11:06 AM
in reply to: #1989992

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Extreme Veteran
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Frisco, Texas
Subject: RE: Where to buy suits (business suits that is)

X2 For Syms if you have one near you.  Sadly the only thing worth wearing is brand name stuff.  I hate to be like that generally speaking, but suits matter.  Ask anyone that wears suits regularly.  Look for Calvin Klein, Tommy, Boss etc.

These can be found at Men's Wharehouse as well but as someone else mentioned stay away from the acessories as they are grossly overpriced. 

2009-03-03 1:08 PM
in reply to: #1989992

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Expert
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Douglaston, NY
Subject: RE: Where to buy suits (business suits that is)

I've had my best luck with Filene's Basement, Nordstrom Rack and the Brooks Brother's outlet ($90 for a full suit there makes their recently reduced quality a little less of a concern ).  I'm a 46 long and these places always seem to have more of what I want at a better price than the Department Stores, often in the $200-$300 range for name brand suits that even my impaired knowledge of fashion recognizes.

I'll also second (third or fourth) the notion that suit quality matters for me (perhaps becuse I am much bigger).  I commute to my job on public transportation and in my earliest days after college tore up a couple of Burlington Coat Factory suits within weeks of getting them.  On the other hand, the ones I spent a little more on at Filene's Basement (thankfully!) lasted me for years of hard use.



2009-03-03 1:27 PM
in reply to: #1989992

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Elite
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Raleigh
Subject: RE: Where to buy suits (business suits that is)

Alright, I will weigh in and give you someone good. I wear suits everyday for work and I spend good money on them and they last. There is nothing like the feel of a good quality suit that is made to fit you.
Stay away form TJ maxx, marshalls, all of the over run places...
If you buy a suit that costs $200, you will look like you are only worth $200... Something you wear EVERYDAY to work and you use to make a impression (remember that thing about first impressions), dont cheapen your image by buying a cheap suit.

http://www.jmichaelsclothiers.com/home.php This is the link to where I buy all of my suits, 2 times a year they have a deal where you get 3 simi tailored suits for $2,100 dollars or 4 tailored suits for $600.

They are in Nashville but my guy (ask for Michael B) travels to Chattanooga all the time, you may be able to work out a meeting place.

They have great suits, ties , links etc...

on a side note, I was like you and lost a lot of weight when I started tri training. Take the suits you have that you want to still wear and have them REBUILT to your new size. A lot of semtress people will take in the waiste only and when you put the pants on, the hem line of your pants (line down the front of the pant) will not be correct.... So BE CAREFUL



Edited by trigods 2009-03-03 1:28 PM
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