I agree with Ian but I think a wool blue suit is appropriate for most occasions.
With Ian's suggestions, you can purchase a blue blazer and you have expanded your wardrobe considerably.
Nice topic Ian.
+1 to the blue (dark) suit notion.
I agree with Ian but I think a wool blue suit is appropriate for most occasions.
With Ian's suggestions, you can purchase a blue blazer and you have expanded your wardrobe considerably.
Nice topic Ian.
Living in the Philippines has its disadvantages... namely it's hotter than New Orleans here in the Summer months. I'm looking into getting a Seersucker Suit mainly for church and casual party dress. Back 20 years ago and long before that Linen was popular for suits here but I don't know about pulling off the look. Having come from Florida linen suits evoke images of Miami Gangsters and Don Johnson (SHUDDER!). The real question in my mind is I am suit size 60L (yeah I'm fat, wanna fight about it?). If I sport a seersucker I don't want to look like an idiot... Opinions? Oh yeah I'm 6'2" tall if that helps.
BrSpiritus
If I only had one suit, I would go grey, single breasted. Keep the cut conservative.
I have been in sales for most of my life and I used to struggle to buy good suits. I know have Brooks Brothers, Italian suites, and hand-tailored suit from Singapore and France. The Singapore suits are made of light weight Scotish worsted wool. This is because I discovered thrift stores. I don't think I paid more that $35 (plus tailoring) for any of them, and all were in like-new conditions. Go to thrift stores in nice areas. People generally save their best suites for special occasions, so they don't get much wear. People also get fatter or thinner, and they know have no use for these suites, so they donate them. I am so picky now. If it isn't a suit that would retail for over $1000, I will not touch it.
I like nice things, but I am not a rich man. I won't let that stop me!
Dave
Dave
I have to wear a suit every day for work. I have chosen my verbiage carefully: I GET to shave every day. I HAVE to wear a suit every day.
If I could only buy one suit it would be ANY of the following solid colors (these are opinions, not hard and fast rules). I think it all comes down to personal preference. I think either two or three button is fine. Two is considered slightly more traditional, but three is acceptable in any situation. The most important thing is that the suit fits you well. Never get anything with more than three buttons, unless you're singing behind Gladys Knight or are a Beatle.
Charcoal Grey
Black
Navy Blue
I can't think of any suit that would be one tenth as appropriate for the Philippine climate as a good barong tagalog!
Funny enough among Filipinos the Barong is falling out of style. I have a traditional one woven from Pina fiber that I was married in but it's not really appropriate evening wear or even to a wedding unless you're a Ninong (Godfather) at the wedding and I'm too young for that. SOOOOO long story short my barong sits in the closet because it's really the eqivalent of a tuxedo and just too dressy for casual parties and such. I see more Filipinos wearing wool (!?) suits these days and among the expats... well I won't get into that but most of them have no fashion sense at all and will dress like it's a day at the beach (Short shorts, flip flops and a t-shirt or polo) when attending an evening dinner or party. Hey if its casual come as you are I have no problem with it but there's a time and a place for everything.
BrSpiritus
I stopped at MW tonight just to browse (not to buy. seriously) and the salesman told me that 2 button suits traditionally come with pleated pants and 3 button with flat fronts. am I missing something here or was he just blowing smoke up my butt?
No argument from me Ian, just a dark blue/true navy would be my choice.
I am a thrift store guy as well. I have found that Burlington coat factory has a nice variety of suits at good prices. I wear mine to church, and church events throughout the week, and like dressing up for events.
I have a dark green Double brested, a gray striped 3 button, and a new dark gray pinstripe 2 button. I also have a brown sport coat.
I think the other thing to consider is, that you need to wear the suit once in a while, or something other then a funeral. Make sure you have a nice pair of shoes, shirt etc. I have been to a lot of funerals, and you can tell the dude that is wearing a suit for the first time.
Marty
Two button is actually a bit dated. I have a couple left around, but prefer the newer 3 & 4 buttons, personally.
Two button is actually a bit dated. I have a couple left around, but prefer the newer 3 & 4 buttons, personally.
Four buttons? Those will be dated in a few years. And stay away from black as one of your basic suits. Navy, charcoal or mid grey.
I guess you might be able to infer that I am somewhat traditional to my approach to suiting.
Why does everyone say to avoid black?