EBAY suits

**Storer50** · 11-12-2009, 12:46 AM

I know I'm probably going to get laughed at, but I'm a poor college student. Does anyone know if these suits for $100-$200 on ebay are any good? thanks

**dwnwrdishvnwrd** · 11-12-2009, 05:08 AM

Suits are one of those thing you really have to try on first before you buy. If you need one and don't wanna drop the dough for one then I'd suggest going to a Goodwill or other large box thrift store and trying on the jackets and slacks from there. I've bought a couple of jackets that only needed a bit of altering and a dry cleaning and they've performed awesomely. You can't beat $15 plus tailoring fees for an awesome jacket.

**thirdeye** · 11-12-2009, 05:20 AM

Goodwill or Salvation Army is a great suggestion. You have to take a little time to go through the racks but you can find items that are just about brand new. It really is amazing what you can find there and you can beat the prices.

**red71veloce** · 11-12-2009, 05:55 AM

Originally Posted by Storer50

I know I'm probably going to get laughed at, but I'm a poor college student. Does anyone know if these suits for $100-$200 on ebay are any good? thanks

No flames here! Although I have not personally bought from this eBay individual, he has been given a thumbs up on more than one style forum (try askandy). The eBay store name is "the wizard of ahhs". He has suits in several price ranges, and as I said he has good reviews away from eBay. But again, I have yet to buy from him. If I were to buy from eBay, and not buying a designer name like Ralph Lauren or Calvin Klein, this would be my choice. If you want a standard designer brand, Overstock.com usually has a decent selection for that price range. Either of these choices would still need to at least have the pants tailored. A good tailor can make a $200 suit look like a much more expensive purchase.

Hope this helps.

Tracy

**RightAJ** · 11-12-2009, 05:59 AM

You can get a decent suit, taylored, for less than $200 easily. Go to Boscovs or JC Penny's or something and find a coupon. I don't think its wise to order a suite online at all, let alone ebay. It needs to fit you, so make sure you get any needed alterations

aj

**WhosYerBob** · 11-12-2009, 06:05 AM

Goodwill and Salvation Army are possibilities. Also look into consignment shops, which I've had better luck with when I was hard up for money and needed new clothes.

Generally the consignment shops have better clothes in top condition because both the owner of the shop and the person wanting to get rid of the clothes have an interest in seeing them actually sell, so most shops require that the inbound clothing be freshly laundered or dry cleaned, no stains, no wrinkles, etc. About the same price as Goodwill or SA, or maybe a little more - but the quality can't be beat.

**mliguori** · 11-12-2009, 06:48 AM

Although I would also suggest second hand stores, I would say look from smaller ones rather than salvation army of goodwill if you can. Ones privately owned or owned by hospitals/churches are a lot more picky about what they sell. When I was first doing professional interviews and needed a suit I was able to pick up two nice looking, great fitting suits for $20 a piece from one attached to a local hospital.

**Andy** · 11-12-2009, 07:09 AM

I have brought from Lucky86 a few times, excellent service and fast delivery even to Oz.
I recently picked up a tux (w/tails) including vest, pants and dress shirt for under AU$250 shipped.

I don't have any affiliation with this seller, I am just a happy customer.

**cthip** · 11-12-2009, 08:30 AM

Originally Posted by red71veloce

No flames here! Although I have not personally bought from this eBay individual, he has been given a thumbs up on more than one style forum (try askandy). The eBay store name is "the wizard of ahhs". He has suits in several price ranges, and as I said he has good reviews away from eBay. But again, I have yet to buy from him. If I were to buy from eBay, and not buying a designer name like Ralph Lauren or Calvin Klein, this would be my choice. If you want a standard designer brand, Overstock.com usually has a decent selection for that price range. Either of these choices would still need to at least have the pants tailored. A good tailor can make a $200 suit look like a much more expensive purchase.

Hope this helps.

Tracy

i have bought from this same seller based on the same forum recommendations. it is by far the highest quality suit i own, and probably one of the best suits available for under $300. that being said, the recommended lines that he carries (m.valentino and daniele by baroni) are still somewhat above the OP's price range. it should be noted that the same seller has consistently and reliably handled transactions outside of ebay at a 15%-20% discount. i purchased my suit outside of ebay and had no issues whatsoever.

as mentioned, the number one priority (especially at that price range) is going to be finding a suit that fits properly. the OP should be aware that some tailoring is required for almost any suit that he buys, and should reserve somewhere between $50 and $100 of his budget for tailoring, depending on the amount of alterations that need to be done. so, at a budget of $100-$150, thrifting is a good option--if he knows what to look for and has the time, desire, and patience to do that. keep in mind that a lot of what's left at thrift stores might be somewhat dated and might not look good to a young student (wide lapels, big shoulder pads, fuller cuts, pleated pants).

one viable alternative that is routinely suggested on menswear forums is to search out more affordable retailers (h&m, zara, target). just make sure that whatever you buy from them is 100% wool, fits well around your shoulders, and feels/looks good when you wear it (no excess bunching or pulling of the fabric). spend the rest of your budget at a good tailor who does a lot of suits/menswear and you should be set. just keep in mind that for us young guys a properly-fitted suit "feels" different than our casual clothes. pants should fit snug (but not tight!) and be worn up at your true waist, not riding low on the hips.

**DavidMGunther** · 11-12-2009, 09:04 AM

Jos A Bank and some for in that price range and they're running great deals lately. If you have a friend that's a similar size as you maybe you just ask him if you can borrow his.

gone down south · 11-12-2009, 10:22 AM

+1 on the Jos A Bank - they've been running huge sales lately, I'm worried they might not be around much longer. I got 2 suits about a month ago (1st half off, 2nd 75% off!) that fit wonderfully.

I think this week they're running a buy one get one free plus 2 free shirts and 2 free ties. Most suits there are in the $250-400 range, so you you should be able to get a great deal.

**Bobtrumpet** · 11-12-2009, 11:22 AM

Originally Posted by gone down south

+1 on the Jos A Bank - they've been running huge sales lately, I'm worried they might not be around much longer. I got 2 suits about a month ago (1st half off, 2nd 75% off!) that fit wonderfully.

I've been hearing their radio commercials for their sales for years, so I don't think they are in any danger. I do feel a little for those who buy off-sale.

**richmondesi** · 11-12-2009, 11:28 AM

Originally Posted by thirdeye

Goodwill or Salvation Army is a great suggestion. You have to take a little time to go through the racks but you can find items that are just about brand new. It really is amazing what you can find there and you can beat the prices.

Seriously, Goodwill or Salvation Army is a good suggestion. They have some pretty nice finds on occasion, and the prices can't be beat. I don't own any now, but in college, I did what I had to do.

We used to have to wear a suit when we flew to away games, and several of us would sport Goodwill specials. If you do buy online, make sure you have a good alteration person to fit the suit to you, and you will be just fine.

**gaseousclay** · 11-12-2009, 11:49 AM

I also second the goodwill, salvation army or thrift store suit selections. you really have to know what you're looking for but if something works then it works. I scored a Brooks Brothers suit for $40 a few weeks ago...just got it back from the tailor today. In all, it cost me about $100 for the suit and tailoring and it fits like a glove. consignment stores can be a mixed bag. I went to one by my house and thought their prices were ridiculous. yes, they sold designer brands but the majority of stuff I found, with the exception of suits, could be found at other thriftstore outlets for a fraction of the cost. the consignment suits I came across were practically priced new. now why the hell would I buy a used suit for the price of a new suit? I think some of these consignment stores don't have a firm grip on reality. I tend to use ebay for smaller accessory purchases like ties because I can get a 3 to 4 ties for the cost of one marked at half price at Macy's. if you do go with a thrift store suit purchase I highly recommend going to a tailor

**Monkeydad** · 11-13-2009, 08:24 AM

Originally Posted by DavidMGunther

Jos A Bank and some for in that price range and they're running great deals lately. If you have a friend that's a similar size as you maybe you just ask him if you can borrow his.

Them or Burlington Coat Factory (great source for dress clothes) or even Boscovs/JC Penney.

I would never trust a suit bought online to fit, you at least have to try the jacket on. Pants can be adjusted more easy.

**LeverTime** · 11-13-2009, 07:28 PM

I'm going to go against most people and say that if you know your size and you are patient, you can do well on eBay. I've bought two used suits on eBay (one Brooks Brothers, one Paul Stuart), both for under $100, and they fit perfectly.

**Storer50** · 11-13-2009, 07:39 PM

I am going to go out "thrift shopping" tomorrow. If I don't find anything, I might just try an ebay suit. I do know my sizes. 48R coat (I'm a portly fellow). I do have to have a tailor take the sleeves up about half an inch. Pant size is 38x30, so the ebay suits have me a bit nervous. They all come with 42 inch pants andd thats alot of waist to take in.

**rickboone1** · 11-13-2009, 07:42 PM

You can find brand new suits for less than that at places like TJ Maxx and Burlington Coat Factory, Hamrick's, etc.

**leighton** · 11-13-2009, 11:28 PM

Originally Posted by Storer50

I am going to go out "thrift shopping" tomorrow. If I don't find anything, I might just try an ebay suit. I do know my sizes. 48R coat (I'm a portly fellow). I do have to have a tailor take the sleeves up about half an inch. Pant size is 38x30, so the ebay suits have me a bit nervous. They all come with 42 inch pants andd thats alot of waist to take in.

I would suggest trying a 48S. Not entirely sure what else the "short" means, but the sleeves are shorter.

**Abdiel** · 11-14-2009, 04:04 AM

Also see if you have a Ross store nearby. I'm a big guy so their selection in my size is a bit more limited but I see tons of stuff for average sized guys in my local Ross store. They buy from stores that close, styles that are being discontinued, factory seconds (though I've never noticed any flaw on ones labeled as such), etc. Just last night I saw a 250 dollar suit jacket for 30 bucks.

Also around season changes check the big box stores such as JC Pennys and Dillards. I have gotten AMAZING deals at Dillards from their mark down rack, just because the specific style of shirt was being phased out. I'm talking 50-60 dollar shirts for 5-10 dollars and 70+ dollar slacks for 15. Not a thing wrong with them other then the store needed space for the newer stuff. Last time I walked out of there with four nice button down shirts and three pairs of nice dress pants for 55 bucks, not a single item was originally priced below 50.