# Gah. I really guess I should buy a suit or two **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [October 26, 2014, 2:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gah-i-really-guess-i-should-buy-a-suit-or-two/702572 "2014-10-26T14:51:51Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Labrador\_Deceiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7c8e57/32.png) [@Labrador\_Deceiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Labrador_Deceiver)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2014, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gah-i-really-guess-i-should-buy-a-suit-or-two/702572/21 "2014-10-26T22:36:02Z")
> [@The\_Joker\_and\_the\_Thief](#): > > I’m pretty sure he means that you have a tailor professionally take your measurements, then you plug them into one of the online MTM stores and have the suit made overseas. There’s no way that an American tailor can make a custom suit for $500; there’s just too much labor required. > > Also, if you’re considering an online suit, it wouldn’t hurt to take a look at the competitors, [black lapel](http://www.blacklapel.com/) and [knot standard](http://www.knotstandard.com/). That’s right. I’m not talking about local hand made suits here, as that wasn’t what was referenced in post #12. ---
**Author:** ![NAF1138](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/naf1138/32/3245_2.png) [@NAF1138](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NAF1138)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2014, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gah-i-really-guess-i-should-buy-a-suit-or-two/702572/22 "2014-10-26T23:11:39Z")
> [@Labrador\_Deceiver](#): > > That’s right. I’m not talking about local hand made suits here, as that wasn’t what was referenced in post #12. Ah, ok. I misunderstood. That makes more sense. ---
**Author:** ![Count\_Blucher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c5a1d2/32.png) [@Count\_Blucher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Count_Blucher)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2014, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gah-i-really-guess-i-should-buy-a-suit-or-two/702572/23 "2014-10-26T23:46:27Z")
> [@GrumpyBunny](#): > > It’s low-end here as well, but you can get an ok suit if you watch the material, details, and the tailoring. Also you can luck into some good sales. > \*\*enipla \*\*-- Macy’s has a [sale](http://www1.macys.com/shop/mens-clothing/mens-suits?id=17788&edge=hybrid)going on, if you are near one and planning to buy soon. Buy a classic 3-button banker’s suit (dark grey always looks good), don’t get wild with the tie or shirt, and you’re good to go. I NEED a new suit (actually pretty badly). The prices seem about what I had expected for a BOGO, but if you know suits & say that’s what they cost… maybe I can get by with just one. I also have a gigantic car repair bill that has almost no hope of being covered so “it is what it is”. I know that Mens Warehouse is a LOT less of a bargain than I thought. I don’t know when Joseph A Bank or Barneys go on sale (and Og Knows I’ll never live to see the inside of Savile Row…). ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2015, 5:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gah-i-really-guess-i-should-buy-a-suit-or-two/702572/24 "2015-01-11T05:48:09Z")
Thought I should follow up. And thanks for all the responses. My Wife and I went to Mens Warehouse today, and I am very pleased. I did spend a bit of money, but this is what I came back with for $2200 (and $200 store credit, they want me back I guess 🙂 ) Two suits, yet to be tailored to me. All the tailor markings are done. One navy blue with a vest, and the other a dark charcoal. A knee length black wool overcoat to wear over the suits. Love it, love it. 5 dress shirts and 5 ties. All nicely matched. Hankies for the suit pockets that match and compliment the ties and shirts. Huh, never thought about that…WAY overboard for me, but what the heck. Shoes, belts, tie clip and socks that of course match the suits. Wonderful service and pretty much just what I wanted - Help. In and out of the store in an hour and a half. Ehhh… I will always be a blue jeans and sweater kind of guy, but it’s nice to be ready when you need to be. ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2015, 10:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gah-i-really-guess-i-should-buy-a-suit-or-two/702572/25 "2015-01-11T10:20:27Z")
> [@John\_Mace](#): > > Dude, you are me. If I had an old suit, I’d give it to you!! 🙂 > > I’ve not owned a suit since my parents bought me one in High School. I do the sport coat, dress pants thing just fine. I have a few nice ones, and if people think I’m “under-dressed”, I figure that’s their problem. I hate suits. I just hate them. Don’t knuckle under-- fight the power!! This is may be a viable position. If you get yourself an online ordination, you could volunteer to officiate at those weddings; then all you’d need to get would be a robe. ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2015, 10:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gah-i-really-guess-i-should-buy-a-suit-or-two/702572/26 "2015-01-11T10:25:59Z")
As for me, I bought my suit about 11 years ago at a Goodwill store. 25 bucks I think I paid. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2015, 11:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gah-i-really-guess-i-should-buy-a-suit-or-two/702572/27 "2015-01-11T11:25:59Z")
> [@kaylasdad99](#): > > As for me, I bought my suit about 11 years ago at a Goodwill store. 25 bucks I think I paid. I was in a Salvation Army store recently, and they had all the suit coats on one rack, and all the suit pants on another. :smack: ---
**Author:** ![Siam\_Sam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2015, 12:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gah-i-really-guess-i-should-buy-a-suit-or-two/702572/28 "2015-01-11T12:07:44Z")
I’m older than the OP and outgrew my suits years ago. Outgrew as in I am no longer as svelte as I once was. But who cares? The only people who wear suits here are high-power bankers driving around in their chauffeured limousines or politicians. It’s too hot for a suit here. ---
**Author:** ![Urbanredneck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ea5d25/32.png) [@Urbanredneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urbanredneck)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2015, 12:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gah-i-really-guess-i-should-buy-a-suit-or-two/702572/29 "2015-01-11T12:17:49Z")
> [@John\_Mace](#): > > Dude, you are me. If I had an old suit, I’d give it to you!! 🙂 > > I’ve not owned a suit since my parents bought me one in High School. I do the sport coat, dress pants thing just fine. I have a few nice ones, and if people think I’m “under-dressed”, I figure that’s their problem. I hate suits. I just hate them. Don’t knuckle under-- fight the power!! No, dont listen to that advice. Their is a time and place to be a rebel and show individuality. A family wedding or a funeral is not one of them. Insisting that “it’s their problem” just makes you a jerk and a loser. Show respect. Get one decent suit, tie, and a pair of good leather shoes. You will still be who you are inside and that’s what matters. ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2015, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gah-i-really-guess-i-should-buy-a-suit-or-two/702572/30 "2015-01-11T14:30:01Z")
Go to Men’s Wearhouse, tell them your budget and that you want something in charcoal grey. In your situation I think you can get by fine with one suit. Use a darker tie for funerals, a brighter tie for weddings. mmm ETA: Whoops, I now see you already made your purchase. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2015, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gah-i-really-guess-i-should-buy-a-suit-or-two/702572/31 "2015-01-11T14:46:20Z")
> [@Urbanredneck](#): > > No, dont listen to that advice. Their is a time and place to be a rebel and show individuality. A family wedding or a funeral is not one of them. Insisting that “it’s their problem” just makes you a jerk and a loser. > > Show respect. > > Get one decent suit, tie, and a pair of good leather shoes. > > You will still be who you are inside and that’s what matters. This is how I feel. Day to day, I’m very casual and comfy. But I’m lucky in that it’s very accepted where I work and live. I sadly don’t have much family left on my side, but my Wife does. Very lucky in that I love them all dearly. One of her brothers always looks like he stepped off the cover of GQ. For hanging with him and havin a beer it’s just jeans, but for his sons wedding, well, a bit more is required. It’s gonna be a class act, I know it. And then another wedding coming up for a niece. And sadly, nobody is getting any younger. It’s good to be prepared for such things. ---
**Author:** ![JRDelirious](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jrdelirious/32/9531_2.png) [@JRDelirious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JRDelirious)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2015, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gah-i-really-guess-i-should-buy-a-suit-or-two/702572/32 "2015-01-11T15:10:48Z")
> [@enipla](#): > > Thought I should follow up. And thanks for all the responses. > > My Wife and I went to Mens Warehouse today, and I am very pleased. I did spend a bit of money, but this is what I came back with for $2200 (and $200 store credit, they want me back I guess 🙂 ) As one 53 year old to another, that sounds pretty good. Weddings and funeral well covered, heck, throw in a Papal audience or an invitation to address the General Assembly 😉 ---
**Author:** ![seal\_cleaner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e274bd/32.png) [@seal\_cleaner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/seal_cleaner)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2015, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gah-i-really-guess-i-should-buy-a-suit-or-two/702572/33 "2015-01-11T17:35:08Z")
I got a suit at JC Penneys a few years ago. They had a rack of jackets, and a rack of matching pants, so fit was less of a hassle. Not sure if they still do it this way. ---
**Author:** ![Urbanredneck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ea5d25/32.png) [@Urbanredneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urbanredneck)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2015, 5:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gah-i-really-guess-i-should-buy-a-suit-or-two/702572/34 "2015-01-12T05:40:45Z")
> [@enipla](#): > > This is how I feel. Day to day, I’m very casual and comfy. But I’m lucky in that it’s very accepted where I work and live. I sadly don’t have much family left on my side, but my Wife does. Very lucky in that I love them all dearly. One of her brothers always looks like he stepped off the cover of GQ. For hanging with him and havin a beer it’s just jeans, but for his sons wedding, well, a bit more is required. It’s gonna be a class act, I know it. > > And then another wedding coming up for a niece. And sadly, nobody is getting any younger. It’s good to be prepared for such things. I remember when we got married I was annoyed that some people came to the reception in shorts and t shirts. Hey jerk! We are spending $50 per person - show some damn respect! This wasnt no damn backyard barbecue! I have heard of weddings and receptions, especially those costing over $200 per plate, that not just suits but tuxedos were REQUIRED for all men including children. ---
**Author:** ![Tom\_Tildrum](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e95f7d/32.png) [@Tom\_Tildrum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tom_Tildrum)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2015, 5:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gah-i-really-guess-i-should-buy-a-suit-or-two/702572/35 "2015-01-12T05:54:47Z")
> [@kaylasdad99](#): > > As for me, I bought my suit about 11 years ago at a Goodwill store. 25 bucks I think I paid. Did they take it off the dead guy for you, or did you have to do that yourself? 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2015, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gah-i-really-guess-i-should-buy-a-suit-or-two/702572/36 "2015-01-12T21:01:29Z")
> [@Fear\_Itself](#): > > I was in a Salvation Army store recently, and they had all the suit coats on one rack, and all the suit pants on another. :smack: Suit separates. Not all that uncommon, even for new suits because not everyone with a given chest size has the same waist size. I’ve looked at suits, pulled the coat labeled as my size off, looked at the pants size & immediately hung them back up because I knew they wouldn’t work for me because they’re 2-3" different than my waist size. Altering them that much will usually affect how they look. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2015, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gah-i-really-guess-i-should-buy-a-suit-or-two/702572/37 "2015-01-12T21:28:59Z")
> [@Spiderman](#): > > Suit separates. Not all that uncommon, even for new suits because not everyone with a given chest size has the same waist size. I’ve looked at suits, pulled the coat labeled as my size off, looked at the pants size & immediately hung them back up because I knew they wouldn’t work for me because they’re 2-3" different than my waist size. Altering them that much will usually affect how they look. A little more problematic at SA though, as there is usually only one coat and one pair of pants that match. Good luck hunting through dozens of separates to match them up. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2015, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gah-i-really-guess-i-should-buy-a-suit-or-two/702572/38 "2015-01-12T21:33:12Z")
The closest thing I own to a suit is a pair of black slacks and white shirt from Wal-Mart, along with a jacket that I bought at a thrift shop for $10 and is a little tight in the shoulders. I usually wear it with a red ascot. I haven’t had any complaints. ---
**Author:** ![Siam\_Sam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2015, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gah-i-really-guess-i-should-buy-a-suit-or-two/702572/39 "2015-01-13T03:25:55Z")
That’s one of many things I loved about living in Hawaii. Notices without fail would say “Aloha attire requested.” Funerals, weddings, didn’t matter. I doubt I saw a single suit during that time. ---
**Author:** ![LiliesOfTheField](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c0e974/32.png) [@LiliesOfTheField](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LiliesOfTheField)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2015, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gah-i-really-guess-i-should-buy-a-suit-or-two/702572/40 "2015-01-14T01:13:00Z")
I hate to ask this after you’ve done your shopping, but is this investment intended to be pretty much your last suit investment? Because over the next thirty years styles can change, even for menswear. It may behoove you to remember that this may not be your last suit and keep it in the budget somewhere. Also about your age, your weight probably won’t change a lot, but if you get an illness, you may gain or lose some weight. I don’t know much about men’s wear, but do they leave enough fabric for further alterations down the line? I think you did well on price for a couple of nice suits that you intend to wear over the long term. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gah-i-really-guess-i-should-buy-a-suit-or-two/702572.md?page=1)