buying suits at Banana republic, mexx, etc. type stores

[montytown]

Any opinion/experience on buying men's suits at these stores vs. traditional suit stores like Tom's, Korry's, Moores?
BR suits seem more expensive than some suit places.

Do stores like banana republic/mexx have someone on hand who helps with suit alterations/suggestions like traditional suit places(Tom's or Moores) does?

[rapsrealm]

With Banana Republic what they will usually do is help you with the alterations and then send you to the mall's Sew It location to get it actually altered.

[Song]

Actually with all regular-priced BR gear, you get free alterations. This is the case whether you are buying really nice formal pants or a pair of jeans. I'm not sure what their policy is on jackets since it's harder to measure for alternations of that nature (ie. shoulders, length of sleeve or length overall) without having a tailor on site to do it.

Knowledgeable service may be hit or miss depending on the sales staff who happens to be on duty that day. I've been told that BR's tailoring may not be up to par with a dedicated men's store like Harry Rosen but it's fabrics are much better quality.

Tip: I always asked to take my stuff home first and then bring it in after a couple of washes to get altered..saves the worry about shrinkage post-alteration!

[1azymf]

Not true. Alterations aren't free. They can help take measurements and figure out how you might want to wear it, but they do not cover the costs of alterations.

[dp]

I've been window shopping lately for mens wear. I don't need them for work just formal events. I've been to the Bay, Moores, George Richards, Harry Rosen, Tom's Place, Spiros and Suits & More (Syd Silver). The next suit I am going to buy is going to be from Suits & More on Wingold Avenue. They have some nice looking suits for $300 dollars. When I go to place like Harry Rosen I just don't think its worth it for off the rack. You can get custom suits at Spiros for that Rosen's prices. So I won't shop at Rosens and I don't need the custom tailoring b/c its not for work.

[jp06]

If Banana Republic does send you to "Stitch It" in the mall, i suggest you go elsewhere even if they give you a discount. Those places are garbage. They don't even double-check to make sure they stitched properly and just move onto the next customer's garment. So when you go to pick it up and find that it's falling apart, they'll make you wait another 10-15 mins to fix it.

[Song]

Hm perhaps BR's policy on alterations has changed then? I used to work at the Yorkdale location and that was always the case.

[1azymf]

Hmmm...I used to too. Freaky deaky. Hemming is already $10 for pants and $12 for cuffs.