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ITT reallytired and TJMMBuckeyes fap to c_woodson's prose

  • I am transitioning out of the academic lab world and starting a new job this fall where I will need to wear a suit every day. Since my work attire for the last 10ish years has been t-shirt and jeans, I need some help reworking my professional wardrobe.

    So how many suits do I need? Where are the best places to shop? Are there well-known sales that will occur during the summer? What price point should I be looking at? What styles, two-button vs. three button? Colors? And anything else you think I need to know.

    TIA.

    This post has been edited 2 times, most recently by c_woodson on 6/4/2012 at 4:54 PM

    c_woodson

  • Wait, you are a Michigan fan? Sorry, I'm not very familiar with Men's Wearhouse and your local thrift stores.

    magogian

  • Two button if you're 6'2" or shorter, 3 if taller.

    Modern fit if you are in shape or thin, normal if fat.

    Do not buy from Joseph a banks. They will last three weeks

    4 suits is good because you can mix and match jackets and slacks. (Navy coat with grey pants...)

    signature image signature image signature image

    @rpayne2107

    CptAUmerica21

  • aumajorpain said...

    Two button if you're 6'2" or shorter, 3 if taller.

    Modern fit if you are in shape or thin, normal if fat.

    Do not buy from Joseph a banks. They will last three weeks

    4 suits is good because you can mix and match jackets and slacks. (Navy coat with grey pants...)

    Appreciate the info.

    Reading some web sites it does seem that Jos a Banks are made for guys who only wear suits to weddings and funerals. Do you have another suggestion? I'm leaning toward starting at Brooks Brothers.

    I'm checking in at 6'1'' and 175. Seeing as I am about to start my marathon training in a few weeks I'll probably be down to 170 shortly. Sounds like two button, modern fit is what I should focus on.

    c_woodson

  • c_woodson said...

    Appreciate the info.

    Reading some web sites it does seem that Jos a Banks are made for guys who only wear suits to weddings and funerals. Do you have another suggestion? I'm leaning toward starting at Brooks Brothers.

    I'm checking in at 6'1'' and 175. Seeing as I am about to start my marathon training in a few weeks I'll probably be down to 170 shortly. Sounds like two button, modern fit is what I should focus on.

    Where do you live and what is your general style

    signature image signature image signature image

    @rpayne2107

    CptAUmerica21

  • In the spirit of TBB friendliness, much depends on your budget. But, as AU says, stay away from Joseph A. Banks, or lower, such as Men's Wearhouse.

    One big way to save money is to decide if you really need to wear a suit everyday or if you can get away with a sports coat or blazer several times a week. Sports coats/blazers plus dress slacks are significantly less expensive than suits generally.

    For quality, generally stay away from department stores. They either sell cheap crap (JC Penny, Sears, etc.) or clothing probably way out of your budget (Neiman Marcus, Saks, etc.). The one exception is Nordstrom. They have good brands and offer decent discounts throughout the year.

    A good store to try is Brooks Brothers. They offer solid quality -- mainline suits around $1000 but have good sales that can drop it quite a bit. Perhaps even more importantly, they usually have at least a few sales people that will fit you properly. This last part is very important. Plenty of people can sell you expensive stuff, but it they aren't good at fitting you (and many aren't) then you are wasting your money.

    Higher end stores such as Paul Stuart and Hickey Freeman do a great job also.

    Avoid anything too "skinny" or "tight." You may think are you being fashionable but most people will think you look like a douche.

    Also, for the love of all that is holy, don't buy square toed shoes. Buy a decent brand like Allen Edmonds, Alden, Peal, etc.

    Edit: Contrary to the other posters advice, Do NOT mix and matchthe jackets and slacks on suits. It almost never looks right. Someone who knows suits can tell, and you'll look like an idiot.

    This post was edited by magogian on 6/3/2012 at 2:44 PM

    magogian

  • magogian said...

    In the spirit of TBB friendliness, much depends on your budget. But, as AU says, stay away from Joseph A. Banks, or lower, such as Men's Wearhouse.

    One big way to save money is to decide if you really need to wear a suit everyday or if you can get away with a sports coat or blazer several times a week. Sports coats/blazers plus dress slacks are significantly less expensive than suits generally.

    For quality, generally stay away from department stores. They either sell cheap crap (JC Penny, Sears, etc.) or clothing probably way out of your budget (Neiman Marcus, Saks, etc.). The one exception is Nordstrom. They have good brands and offer decent discounts throughout the year.

    A good store to try is Brooks Brothers. They offer solid quality -- mainline suits around $1000 but have good sales that can drop it quite a bit. Perhaps even more importantly, they usually have at least a few sales people that will fit you properly. This last part is very important. Plenty of people can sell you expensive stuff, but it they aren't good at fitting you (and many aren't) then you are wasting your money.

    Higher end stores such as Paul Stuart and Hickey Freeman do a great job also.

    Avoid anything too "skinny" or "tight." You may think are you being fashionable but most people will think you look like a douche.

    Also, for the love of all that is holy, don't buy square toed shoes. Buy a decent brand like Allen Edmonds, Alden, Peal, etc.

    Edit: Contrary to the other posters advice, Do NOT mix and matchthe jackets and slacks on suits. It almost never looks right. Someone who knows suits can tell, and you'll look like an idiot.

    Brooks Brothers has started to go cheap and if he is young... he should go to DKNY, J.Crew, or Hugo Boss.

    This post was edited by CptAUmerica21 on 6/3/2012 at 2:45 PM

    signature image signature image signature image

    @rpayne2107

    CptAUmerica21

  • magogian said...

    In the spirit of TBB friendliness, much depends on your budget. But, as AU says, stay away from Joseph A. Banks, or lower, such as Men's Wearhouse.

    One big way to save money is to decide if you really need to wear a suit everyday or if you can get away with a sports coat or blazer several times a week. Sports coats/blazers plus dress slacks are significantly less expensive than suits generally.

    For quality, generally stay away from department stores. They either sell cheap crap (JC Penny, Sears, etc.) or clothing probably way out of your budget (Neiman Marcus, Saks, etc.). The one exception is Nordstrom. They have good brands and offer decent discounts throughout the year.

    A good store to try is Brooks Brothers. They offer solid quality -- mainline suits around $1000 but have good sales that can drop it quite a bit. Perhaps even more importantly, they usually have at least a few sales people that will fit you properly. This last part is very important. Plenty of people can sell you expensive stuff, but it they aren't good at fitting you (and many aren't) then you are wasting your money.

    Higher end stores such as Paul Stuart and Hickey Freeman do a great job also.

    Avoid anything too "skinny" or "tight." You may think are you being fashionable but most people will think you look like a douche.

    Also, for the love of all that is holy, don't buy square toed shoes. Buy a decent brand like Allen Edmonds, Alden, Peal, etc.

    Edit: Contrary to the other posters advice, Do NOT mix and matchthe jackets and slacks on suits. It almost never looks right. Someone who knows suits can tell, and you'll look like an idiot.

    Its actually very stylish and classic to mix. You just have to have the balls to do it.

    signature image signature image signature image

    @rpayne2107

    CptAUmerica21

  • aumajorpain said...

    Brooks Brothers has started to go cheap and if he is young... he should go to DKNY, J.Crew, or Hugo Boss.

    DKNY and Boss are mostly cheap overpriced "stylish" clothes. Boss sells good quality at their very high end, but it is still overpriced.

    OP, basically avoid any "designer" brand and you will be OK. A few designers are OK for their mid-level, but most is overpriced crap. In other words, to actually get good quality from a designer brand you have to spend several thousand at least and you can get similar quality from others for far less.

    This post has been edited 2 times, most recently by magogian on 6/3/2012 at 2:50 PM

    magogian

  • aumajorpain said...

    Where do you live and what is your general style

    I live in Chapel Hill, NC. I'm not one for baggy clothes or anything like that. Usually nice jeans and some type of penguin shirt, untucked, when going out at night. I tend to just wear basic jeans and tshirts to the lab because I'm not too interested in spilling anything on my nice clothes.

    c_woodson

  • aumajorpain said...

    Its actually very stylish and classic to mix. You just have to have the balls to do it.

    Lol seriously? Let me guess, you also wear brown belts with black shoes and wear black suits to events other than funerals or formal events?

    magogian

  • magogian said...

    DKNY and Boss are mostly cheap overpriced "stylish" clothes. Boss sells good quality and their very high end, but it is still overpriced.

    OP, basically avoid any "designer" brand and you will be OK. A few designers are OK for their mid-level, but most is overpriced crap. In other to actually get good quality from a designer brand you have to spend several thousand at least and you can get similar quality from others for far less.

    As someone who studied men's fashion in Italy, I have to laugh at this statement.

    signature image signature image signature image

    @rpayne2107

    CptAUmerica21

  • magogian said...

    Lol seriously? Let me guess, you also wear brown belts with black shoes and wear black suits to events other than funerals or formal events?

    No way in hell would I ever. I can guarantee I know more about this stuff than you especially when it comes to younger people.

    signature image signature image signature image

    @rpayne2107

    CptAUmerica21

  • aumajorpain said...

    As someone who studied men's fashion in Italy, I have to laugh at this statement.

    If you actually studied in Italy, you would never recommend DKNY and Boss. You would recommend Canali, Zegna, and the like.

    This post was edited by magogian on 6/3/2012 at 2:52 PM

    magogian

  • magogian said...

    In the spirit of TBB friendliness, much depends on your budget. But, as AU says, stay away from Joseph A. Banks, or lower, such as Men's Wearhouse.

    One big way to save money is to decide if you really need to wear a suit everyday or if you can get away with a sports coat or blazer several times a week. Sports coats/blazers plus dress slacks are significantly less expensive than suits generally.

    For quality, generally stay away from department stores. They either sell cheap crap (JC Penny, Sears, etc.) or clothing probably way out of your budget (Neiman Marcus, Saks, etc.). The one exception is Nordstrom. They have good brands and offer decent discounts throughout the year.

    A good store to try is Brooks Brothers. They offer solid quality -- mainline suits around $1000 but have good sales that can drop it quite a bit. Perhaps even more importantly, they usually have at least a few sales people that will fit you properly. This last part is very important. Plenty of people can sell you expensive stuff, but it they aren't good at fitting you (and many aren't) then you are wasting your money.

    Higher end stores such as Paul Stuart and Hickey Freeman do a great job also.

    Avoid anything too "skinny" or "tight." You may think are you being fashionable but most people will think you look like a douche.

    Also, for the love of all that is holy, don't buy square toed shoes. Buy a decent brand like Allen Edmonds, Alden, Peal, etc.

    Edit: Contrary to the other posters advice, Do NOT mix and matchthe jackets and slacks on suits. It almost never looks right. Someone who knows suits can tell, and you'll look like an idiot.

    The job is political in nature and I am expected to wear a jacket and tie daily. I greatly prefer a suit to the navy blazer and khakis look, but perhaps there is a middle ground I can find.

    I would like to buy something that is quality, but not too fashionable as I plan on keeping it for a significant amount of time.

    c_woodson

  • aumajorpain said...

    No way in hell would I ever. I can guarantee I know more about this stuff than you especially when it comes to younger people.

    If this changes answers at all, I am 33.

    c_woodson

  • c_woodson said...

    I live in Chapel Hill, NC. I'm not one for baggy clothes or anything like that. Usually nice jeans and some type of penguin shirt, untucked, when going out at night. I tend to just wear basic jeans and tshirts to the lab because I'm not too interested in spilling anything on my nice clothes.

    You can't go wrong with J.Crew suits. They are all hand made in Italy. They also have nice dress shoes... no square toes... don't ever wear those. They're dress shirts are all third party Thomas Mason creations.

    They make two styles, one is slightly more fitted than the other.

    Just check it out

    signature image signature image signature image

    @rpayne2107

    CptAUmerica21

  • aumajorpain said...

    You can't go wrong with J.Crew suits. They are all hand made in Italy. They also have nice dress shoes... no square toes... don't ever wear those. They're dress shirts are all third party Thomas Mason creations.

    They make two styles, one is slightly more fitted than the other.

    Just check it out

    Thanks for the advice. There is a high-end mall nearby with a Nordstroms, JCrew, etc. I will check it out.

    c_woodson

  • aumajorpain said...

    You can't go wrong with J.Crew suits. They are all hand made in Italy. They also have nice dress shoes... no square toes... don't ever wear those. They're dress shirts are all third party Thomas Mason creations.

    They make two styles, one is slightly more fitted than the other.

    Just check it out

    Dude, seriouly! I'm haven't paid much attention to J. Crew suits, so I just checked them out. They are $425. You simply can't get a real hand-made suit from Italy for that price. You really have no idea what you talking about.

    magogian

  • OP, you probably have little basis to determine what is good or advice or not. So, I'd suggest that if you are really interested buy something like Allen Flusser's Dressing the Man. It is a classic.

    Or check out Styleforum.net. There is a lot of good info on that site. Plus, a lot of people post what they are weaing and many of them have good style and actually know what they are talking about, unlike my ill-informed friend here.

    magogian

  • Can we please not turn this thread into a "Who is the next Mugatu" contest?

    If you need 4 suits, what 4 colors would you get?

    c_woodson

  • Navy, Navy pin/chalk stripe, Charcoal, Charcoal pin/chalk stripe.

    Or substitute one of the charcoal suits for an additional navy, but with maybe a herringbone weave, etc.

    Do not get a black suit. Some people seem to think it is OK to wear a black to places other than funerals (or to a formal event where you are too cheap to get a tux or too dumb to wear navy instead). It isn't OK.

    This post has been edited 4 times, most recently by magogian on 6/3/2012 at 3:06 PM

    magogian

  • I'd go to foot locker and look into a nice Charles Woodson jersey. Depending on where you currently live, you can go with the m*chigan jersey, Oakland or Green Bay. It's much better than a suit, and it shows that you are part of a team.

    btw, try Amazon if Foot Locker is too expensive.

    signature image

    ECU grad, tOSU fan for life. Father since 1/12/13.

    Murrdawg69

  • c_woodson said...

    Can we please not turn this thread into a "Who is the next Mugatu" contest?

    lol

    signature image signature image signature image

    NoVaNoles

  • aumajorpain said...

    As someone who studied men's fashion in Italy

    '

    signature image signature image signature image

    NoVaNoles