Where to buy suit?

[Keiki]

Hey, I have some job interviews comin up and I need some advice on where to buy a suit. I'll probably need a tie, dress shirt to go with it as well.

So where are some good places to buy these things? My budget I guess would be around $300 - $400 (maybe a little more), I don't know how much these things typically go for.

Also, how long would it take for them to make it?

Thanks in advance for the advice :)

Also, probably worth mentioning, I'm in the Markham/Scarborough region :)

[DeimosBeros]

Go to Tom's Place in Kensignton Market. I got an average suit with tailoring for $350 taxes in. Ask for an elderly chap named Tom (not THE Tom), he was nice.

[Keiki]

Try a search of these boards...but with a budget like that, I'd probably just head to Moore's...unless you were going to be wearing your suit more often than twice a year, in which case it's worth while to invest a little more in your suit (around 700-1000).

You don't be getting a custom made suit for anything around your price range, so the salesman will fit you for an off-the-rack size, and then will see if any adjustments need to be made to the sleeve length, the shoulders, etc. The pants will definitely need to be hemmed.

Which is better, Moores or Tip Top? With my budget I think I'm going to try to go to those places.

Go to Tom's Place in Kensignton Market. I got an average suit with tailoring for $350 taxes in. Ask for an elderly chap named Tom (not THE Tom), he was nice.

Thanks for the suggestion but I live uptown so goin downtown is a hassle for me. =P

[icedtee]

I don't know if you go to the states much but i've found there's some places (like the premium outlets or nordstrom rack) where you can get a nice suit at a decent price.

[scoobydoo]

I've never actually shopped at Tip Top, but Moores will certainly do for an entry-level suit. If you have time, price them both out. If you find a suit you like at Moores, say you'll think about it and them to hold it for you. Then head on over to Tip Top and see what they have that is comparable.

My personal opinion is for an interview, get a dark suit, but not black. You aren't going to a funeral. If navy is too colourful for you, go with charcoal. And try to steer clear of synthetic fibres in the fabric. Wool or wool/silk or wool/linen or wool/cashmere (maybe a little warm for summer) is the way to go.

Why should someone not have synthetic fibers in a suit? Does it ruin it's longevity?

[drunag]

around your budget you might also want to consider The Bay. I've never bought any from them but they have similar stuff to moore's and tiptop (not the same amount though, obviously) and they constantly have sales.

[xstatik]

Which is better, Moores or Tip Top? With my budget I think I'm going to try to go to those places.



Neither...

If you have to go low end, go with The Bay..

Otherwise, go to the outlets at Niagara USA where you can get $1,000 (Harry Rosen Prices) suits for $400-$600

[tamper]

Why should someone not have synthetic fibers in a suit? Does it ruin it's longevity?

Polyester (microfibre) tends not to breathe. You get more sweaty under synthetic suits because the water doesn't evaporate through. They can also look cheap if the fabric doesn't look like wool.

Poly blends do have benefits, they are cheap, and they don't wrinkle, are naturally stain resistant because the fibres don't take up water. But its not worth it. Natural fibres are best.


I'd also go with dark gray or navy with a white shirt and contrasting tie with either a plain stripe or small geometric pattern.

Remember you'll need dress shoes and a matching belt to complete the outfit if you don't have something already.

[ssuba]

If you plan on going to the Montreal area sometime soon, you can go to Mayeu Gerard. I got a MTM suit there for about $500. They also have a lot of great fabrics from companies like Ermenegildo Zegna. They take about 2 weeks to make.


Well worth the price I paid in my opinion.

[flip114]

Don't forget matching, dark colored/black socks. Do NOT wear white socks, looks tacky. The rule of thumb I follow in general is socks match the pants, and belt matches the shoes.

[JamieO]

If you plan on going to the Montreal area sometime soon, you can go to Mayeu Gerard. I got a MTM suit there for about $500. They also have a lot of great fabrics from companies like Ermenegildo Zegna. They take about 2 weeks to make.


Well worth the price I paid in my opinion.

Wow, $500 for a MTM suit is pretty good and 2 weeks is really fast. Do you have pics of the suit btw?

[Keiki]

Hey guys, thanks for all the input. I ended up going to Tip Top for a suit and for an entry level suit it's not really that bad.

Went for a grey colour suit and also got a sort of metallic bluish shirt to go with it. It doesn't look too bad really. The suit ended up costing <$300 but I also bought a few shirts and ties, etc and they added up.

[osc]

Hey guys, thanks for all the input. I ended up going to Tip Top for a suit and for an entry level suit it's not really that bad.

Went for a grey colour suit and also got a sort of metallic bluish shirt to go with it. It doesn't look too bad really. The suit ended up costing <$300 but I also bought a few shirts and ties, etc and they added up.

Don't be afraid to have a tailor take in the sides (waist). Off the rack suits usually fit men well in the chest and shoulders (as long as they are sized properly). The waist is always unique with each body type and should be fitted as well. It does not have to be aggresive - this is up to your discretion.

The most important aspect of a suit is fit.

For future care, the usual standard is to dry clean your suit only a few times a year. I know a lot of folks who only do it once a year to ensure the longevity is maintained and to minimize the suit becoming shiny. In order to be able to follow this though, you would probably need to do the following basic things:
1. Do not wear the same suit on successive days. Allow at least 24-48 hours in between wearings for the suit to breath.
2. If there are wrinkles in the suit, you can steam them yourself with a steamer OR just hang it in the bathroom while you are showering, this removes the wrinkles too. It also helps keep the garments fresh.
3. Always hang the jacket and trousers immediately after each wearing, this prevents further wrinkling.

[flip114]

2. If there are wrinkles in the suit, you can steam them yourself with a steamer OR just hang it in the bathroom while you are showering, this removes the wrinkles too. It also helps keep the garments fresh.


Neat tip. How effective is it?

[osc]

Neat tip. How effective is it?

Works well if you take hot showers and your bathroom is not that large.