It may be time for a suit.

[A3M0N]

So, I'm 30 years old and don't own a suit. My dressy clothes include 2 pairs of khakis and a handful of polo/golf shirts. I haven't had a suit since I was about 8 years old, so I have no idea where to start! I was thinking somewhere with a relatively low price, like Khols, and then have it altered appropriately. I don't have a bottomless wallet, it’s actually quite shallow, but what am I looking for to purchase a new, modern suit? My only dress shoes are my military low quarters, so I will probably need shoes as well.

Thanks for your guidance and examples of modern gentleman's suits.

[Isaac]

Men's Warehouse treated me pretty well for my suit at the time. They have some pretty good deals as well. Jos A Banks is another store that usually has some killer deals with great products.

[Penguinetti]

I've heard over and over and over again Men's Warehouse and the clearance rack for Jos A. Bank (and I do mean over and over again) so I would say to go ahead and check those out. Another I looked at (and I might be sending you in the wrong direction in terms of detailed quality) is Express for men. They have suits that are pretty cheap compared to others.

[Doc4]

Find out what suit size you are, first. This is how. Go to a couple men's stores ... whether you can afford them or not ... and tell the clerk that you are looking for your first suit & need help. He'll suggest a size for you. Try it on. Try on one size smaller, too ... sales clerks notoriously put you in a suit that's a bit too big. Thank him for his help, tell him you need to sleep on it because this is your first suit, get his card (or his name if he doesn't have a card), and then go repeat the process at another store. Soon, you'll have a good feel for what a suit should feel like on you, and a good idea of what your size is.

Then, you can buy with confidence.

Consider second-hand stores, especially in larger cities (where the selection & quality can be much better.)

My only dress shoes are my military low quarters, so I will probably need shoes as well.

What sort of shoes are those? (... asks the guy who never was in the military.)

[A3M0N]

Thanks for the tips fellas!

Doc, tradionally they are patent leather dress shoes, but there are also models that don't need polishing and look like mirrors - and also very fake. I just polish my leather ones when needed. Here is a pic I found from a search:

[Doc4]

Thanks for the tips fellas!

Doc, tradionally they are patent leather dress shoes, but there are also models that don't need polishing and look like mirrors - and also very fake. I just polish my leather ones when needed. Here is a pic I found from a search:

Ah, thanks.

I'd say patent leather is too shiny for wearing with a suit ... okay for tuxedo and military dress parade, but too shiny for regular suit-wearing. (Actually that photo doesn't look too bad, but I'm sure you are familiar with how patent leather is noticeably shinier than regular leather ... for a suit you want the 'regular' leather rather than patent leather.)

If your shoes are 'regular' leather that you just polish really really well ... they should be fine. You may or may not feel comfortable dialling the polish level down a notch or two to look a little more 'civilian', but that's up to you.

[eliev]

Too bad Syms went out of business, because I would have recommended them. This might be more than what you are willing to pay, but Brooks Brothers often has sales. It might be worth it if you are planning to wear the suit often. I am on a tight budget, but I decided to go for a Brooks Brothers suit on sale. I'm glad I did.

[Penguinetti]

Thanks for the tips fellas!

Doc, tradionally they are patent leather dress shoes, but there are also models that don't need polishing and look like mirrors - and also very fake. I just polish my leather ones when needed. Here is a pic I found from a search:

Personally, I always liked my lq's, and I completely agree with you; the corfam shoes always looked like they were.... well, plastic.

Ah, thanks.

I'd say patent leather is too shiny for wearing with a suit ... okay for tuxedo and military dress parade, but too shiny for regular suit-wearing. (Actually that photo doesn't look too bad, but I'm sure you are familiar with how patent leather is noticeably shinier than regular leather ... for a suit you want the 'regular' leather rather than patent leather.)

If your shoes are 'regular' leather that you just polish really really well ... they should be fine. You may or may not feel comfortable dialling the polish level down a notch or two to look a little more 'civilian', but that's up to you.

Thanks for this, as I was completely unaware that shoes could be 'too shiny' for a suit. I always thought the shinier they were, the cleaner they looked, the nicer they were.

[PS27]

Without knowing what you will be using the suit for, or how often you'll wear it, it's hard to make the best recommendation. But here are a couple of thoughts.

If it's just the rare wedding or funeral or night out that puts you in a suit three or four times a year, wait for a good sale at Khol's and look at the suits or maybe better, the suit separates, and get a deal on a dark blue one or maybe a dark grey, depending on what the wife likes.

It's good you mentioned alterations, because they are the only way you'll get a good fit. Off the rack will get you in the ball park but won't get you a suit that fits -- and fit is everything. It's what makes you look decent or like crap in it. Off the rack is not made for you, it's made for "everybody". You're better off taking it to a tailor/alterations shop outside the store usually.

If you’re your going to be wearing it a good bit more but not so often, Jos Banks and Men's Wearhouse or a maybe a local men's shop could be a good bet. You'll spend a bit more and still get just an OK suit for the money. But still, get alterations, always get alterations.

For a bout $260 or so you can order a nice Made in USA suit from what I think is a great online site I have used called menssuitseparates.com. (No connection/satisfied customer.) Carl at menssuitseparates.com has really great, friendly customer service, prices, payment options and quality suits. I don’t wear suits every day but I know people who do and who are very satisfied with what they get here. They are US made, quality suits but not high end suits by any means. But they are great value, I think. I like the suits with pants that are half lined, YMMV.

They also have great blue blazers to go with those khakis.

But, ordering online is not a good idea unless you have an idea of your size. They will take suits back but you don’t want the hassle of going back and forth. I agree you should go to places and get measured. I agree that salespeople will usually not give you the fit you need. You can go to a Taylor/alterations place and spend about $15 to get all your measurements. That will help online. Still, buying online you'll definitely want alterations.

Then there are the pricey suits I see no point in unless you're going to really work it hard or just like spending or are really into clothes.

We'll, more than a couple of thoughts, but I hope it helps. I don't know much but have been around the same block. As for the shoes, if they really look like the ones pictured they are fine. But if they are the shiny patent leather, push them to the back of the closet until you have to rent a tux when your daughter gets married.

And thank you for your service.

[slugg77]

I wear a suit 6 days a week in fall and winter, a sport coat otherwise. I am admittedly hard on my suits in the sense that I wear them so frequently, so take this with the proper seasoning. My last two suits and three shirts from Men's Warehouse were falling apart within 6 months.

This is probably not a big deal for occasional use, but my two cents.

[pdillon]

I would not go to men's wearhouse. I can't personally speak to Jos A Bank, but I have not heard good things about it either. At Men's Wearhouse I had a very bad experience. Sales people were very bad, the suit was not a good deal, and the fit ended up being very baggy. I really regret my purchase there.

Check this out:
http://putthison.com/post/1201026741...ed-me-what-the

Read around on the entire site. It is great info.

[duotone]

Feel the fabric, chances are the ones that feel nicer to the touch will be more expensive, but a lesser name cheaper brand that fits well is better than a poorly fitting expensive designer suit. If I was buying one new suit (which I did last year) I would go for a dark grey.

[john parker]

I bought my latest suit at Jos A Banks and have been pleased. Reasonable price, nice fabric and a good fitting. I do not wear a suit more than once a month, and this one is most adequate. Went the "suit separates" route to get a good fit. Salesman was very good at indicating necessary alternations and their tailor good at making them. I do suspect that the sales experience and tailoring will vary from store to store, Jos A Banks or others.

[fantasticpants]

If you can afford it, get a custom suit. Find someone in your area who makes them. If there isn't anyone, travel to the closest place where there is someone. It's not as expensive as you might think -- I'm in NYC and I've paid as little as $500. A suit that actually fits is a rare and wonderful thing for most men.

[A3M0N]

This would be a very occasional suit. At church I usually just wear polos and khakis, but a sportcoat w/shirt and tie wouldn't be too bad I don't think for more frequent wearings.

I'll probably go w/a dept store suit like Khols and have it fitted for a decent look for a few times a year wear.

[Sawblade]

Get stationed in Korea. There's tailors everywhere. I just had a blue pinstripe suit made up in Itaewon this week. Now I just need something to wear it to.

[strop]

Salesman was very good at indicating necessary alternations and their tailor good at making them. I do suspect that the sales experience and tailoring will vary from store to store, Jos A Banks or others.

The salesman is the key to the suit, not the store. I've had generally good luck at Jos Bank as has my father, but the last time I went in the "salesman" didn't even know where the tuxedos were in the store, had on a very ill fitting suit, shirt and tie. Pants were packed into the racks so tightly that there were permanent creases in the wrong places. I walked out and haven't been back to that store. I've had mixed results at MW as well. It really is all about the salesman and the tailor.

[Penguinetti]

You should wear it everywhere.

I love a pinstripe suit. Like the ones worn in Inception by Joseph Gordon Levitt in the htel scene of Inception. I'd rock that to work. And I don't even have a 'suit-type' job...

[flanman]

You could also check second-hand stores like Goodwill for suits and the like for any styles you may want to try. If you like, you can take it to a tailor to get it fitted. Older shoes can be restored at a shoe/boot repair shop. Much more affordable and quick, imo. If you want the utmost quality, I'd go with the suggestions from above.

[PS27]

I agree there's a lot to be said for checking thrift stores from time to time. Why not? I've gotten a few perfect dress shirts and a couple of ties for next to nothing. Never found a suit though, but I'm hoping one day I'll be the guy that gets lucky on a classic. Most of my dress shirts are either good brands from Goodwill or new from LL Bean. I'd rather spend the the $2 when I can for a work-a-day dress shirt than the $45 or so, but I think the $45 Bean is a long-lasting, good value that's worth it when needed.