Men's Suits: Professional suit for an interview, looking for advice (1 Viewer)

[NotRealNameNoSir]

Alright party people. Oceanographers wear Hawaiian shirts to present to each other. I am looking to upgrade for a job interview that won't be luau-adjacent and will be for a more serious analyst position.

What: I currently have an off the rack grey suit bought for a wedding, and a black boxy suit for funerals. I need a nicer navy suit ready by March 30th, something I can wear for lots of occasions but will look professional for a final in-person interview.

Budget: happy to pay $400-600 for a suit that can last a long time. Can stretch that for real quality but not looking to pay $1000+, I'm not that pretty and it would be lipstick on a pig.

Where? Men's Wearhouse comes to mind because that's where we get wedding rentals. I am looking up some places in the area but I am pretty clueless and don't know what to look for.


Can I get some advice on where to look, and what to look for? Does Men's Wearhouse fit the bill, or should I be looking for a non-chain store?

 

[merkong]

Our son went to the Men’s Wearhouse recently and they did right by him. Get the cut you’re looking for with the tailoring but make sure you get a hard stop on when it’ll be ready. They do most of their stuff in house but double check since you’re getting up on your timeline.

Good luck with the interview.

Don’t mention poker until you land the position.

 

[Cratty]

IMO - Jos A Bank/Mens Warehouse aren't worth it (Same parent, quality isn't there vs price).

If looking at your pricepoint, I'd go w/ something like Calvin Klein from Macy's and getting it tailored.

 

[JeepologyOffroad]

If looking at your pricepoint, I'd go w/ something like Calvin Klein from Macy's and getting it tailored.

+1 on this

 

[dmoney]

I’d second men’s wearhouse and Jos A Bank - lots of sizes and styles available, and it’s what they do. Should be fine for most general needs, and at reasonable speed and cost. I have gotten several MW suits (including my wedding suit) that still serve me well.

I’d think most department stores could be decent fallbacks for similar reasons.

I personally would not be comfortable buying from an online source because I’d want to try it on first (fit, feel, quality reasons). If one of the online places has a great and easy return policy, buying several different options and just returning what you don’t want might be an option as well, if you can swing it.

 

[NotRealNameNoSir]

Good luck with the interview.

Don’t mention poker until you land the position.

Thank you! Lol they brought it up over the phone. On my resume under skills I have "Poker Tournament Supervisor and Dealer- Founded an annual charity poker tournaments, with $2,000+ raised for juvenile diabetes research." Just an eye-catcher after all the serious stuff.

After all the formal questions she sprung the question. Since the role was all about synthesizing technical ideas/findings to non-technical audiences I took a chance and explained it as probability! Good enough to get me into an in-person.

 

[merkong]

Thank you! Lol they brought it up over the phone. On my resume under skills I have "Poker Tournament Supervisor and Dealer- Founded an annual charity poker tournaments, with $2,000+ raised for juvenile diabetes research." Just an eye-catcher after all the serious stuff.

After all the formal questions she sprung the question. Since the role was all about synthesizing technical ideas/findings to non-technical audiences I took a chance and explained it as probability! Good enough to get me into an in-person.

Who’d have thought?

We’re all sitting on some seriously employable skill sets.

“Sir, how’s your ability to control your emotions and stay calm under pressure?”

“Have you ever been check-raised with second best?”

“Hire this man!”

 

[dpeks13]

Indochino is a good thought for a cheaper custom suit, but I don't think you can get it by the 30th

 

[UnicornFlash]

IMO - Jos A Bank/Mens Warehouse aren't worth it (Same parent, quality isn't there vs price).

If looking at your pricepoint, I'd go w/ something like Calvin Klein from Macy's and getting it tailored.

+1 on this

Agree 100% and this is what I do. I'd also add that fit is the most important piece by a wide margin in my opinion. A "cheap" suit can look great as long as it has been tailored and the suit type works well on you. I'd get some opinions if possible on if the suit type is appropriate for you before purchasing if you can. For example, I know pleated pants look terrible on me, so I avoid them. Slim fit suits look and fit me better, so I lean into those. You get the idea.

 

[Mixed_Degen]

Finally, something I may be able to actually assist with. Suit size and hair color if your comfortable sharing that. 2 button jacket with non pleated pants made of wool. For the kind of money your talking you can get several complete outfits on shop.goodwill.com to cover everything from interviews to anniversaries/weddings and the like.

 

[BKisback]

Again, tailoring trumps all. A cheap suit that fits well looks a million times better than an expensive one that fits poorly. Interviews call for a conservative look, so opt for something in a plain, medium-weight wool that is suitable for three seasons. Half or full canvassing is nice but can probably only be had at a higher price point unless you really luck into something. I don't have navy but would give you a NWT one of mine if you're a 54L or so.

 

[Kam]

Agree with all of the above. Where-ever you end up going, better to go somewhere that has an in house tailor. That way you go in, get something off the rack that ‘fits’ and then they markup/pin for a tailored fit and you can usually get a rush order and they can tailor in a few days.

I’ve also taken sport coats etc to independent tailors, but it takes a bit more time.

Check out the ‘newer’ indochino options. You don’t want ‘bespoke’ suits that are custom made in asia for you, not enough time. You want a ‘tailored’ suit where they adjust an existing suit to you.

GL and have some run good in the interview.

 

[Kam]

Also, are you selling action? Like selling a % of the suit and if you get the job we all get a cut?

 

[DrStrange]

A mid-range Brooks Brothers suit is ~$1,000. That should come with a degree of fitting, but it isn't a custom fitted suit. Not mentioned, but your shoes, belt, accessories and tie might add $500 to the bill.

Fitting is more important than the price point in many cases. Much depends on your body. The less perfect your body is, the more you need professional tailoring. Plenty of people have a sharp eye for the quality / cost of clothing. They also judge you quickly based on your appearance.

It is critical to know the expected dress code. In my profession, that $1,000 Brooks Brother suit is about the cheapest thing I could prudently wear. A tailor-made suit would be better, bordering on required if I were hoping to move beyond an entry level position.

Original poster's needs could be different. If the office standard is Tommy Bahama, we might expect a different sort of standard. A silk shirt and pants plus suitable shoes could also be pretty ouchy. Office tropical doesn't mean cheap.

Think of this as an investment. You WILL need upgraded clothes somewhere in your future. Sometimes low-price decision actually cost more than buying the better clothes.

 

[NotRealNameNoSir]

Also, are you selling action? Like selling a % of the suit and if you get the job we all get a cut?

Lord, I am so down for this gamble. Is it like I'm buying insurance lol? Alright, I keep suit but if I get job, everyone gets a taste of my moving stipend.


"Yes sir, can we get a bank account for the $2,200 moving stipend?"
"Cash is fine. Do you validate parking?"

 

[Rieguy]

Doubt y'all have Dillards up there, but here they regularly have insane specials/deals for like 30% off of 50% and the like. Have gotten Hart Schaffner Marx and Hickey Freeman suits from there for roughly ~$500 (give or take $50-$150) on pretty much all of them. Granted the last one I bought there was like 4 years ago; I just get them tailored every year or so.

I bet you can probably find something that is both high quality and a great price at Saks off 5th in NJ though, I would just make sure you get your measurements before going. Only place I would assume you have up there that I could recommend. See if they have coupons/specials too, as it's pretty regular at their stores here. (Edit - Just looked it up and looks like they are having even better deals now as they're closing a majority of their stores. I would say definitely worth checking out.)

 

[buffalojim]

I've gotten a couple nice suits from Goodwill, no joke, looked brand new. Look next to the 8-track players.

 

[upNdown]

Wow, I’m shocked to see people recommending men’s warehouse. In my experience, they sell overpriced garbage. And I’m not completely opposed to garbage - I once bought a suit on clearance at kohls and it was acceptable.
I’ve always liked Milton’s, but that might be regional. Take a look at Macys if they’re having a sale.

I’m not opposed to a $1,000 Brooks brothers, if you’re wearing suits every day. But if you’re a job interview, weddings and funerals suit guy, I’d say that’s a waste of money because it will be out of fashion before you wear it five times.

 

[upNdown]

BTW, the last time I was in a men’s wear house, I saw Jason Veritek there. And I thought what the hell is Tek doing here? Then I put on the Sox game a few days later and was reminded that they’re a big sponsor of the Red Sox. So maybe the coaches get free suits?

 

[NotRealNameNoSir]

All good information.

I like the idea of getting a suit from somewhere like Macy's and getting it tailored, but they won't have someone there giving advice. I am not a fashionable guy hence the thread, and MW has the person there that can at least lie to me. We'll see, I'm bouncing around for a bit and will see if anything jumps out. Have a few weeks before I need it.

@Mixed_Degen I'm an athletic shmedium with brown hair + some salt. Wildly attractive, Pisces.

 

[Mixed_Degen]

All good information.

I like the idea of getting a suit from somewhere like Macy's and getting it tailored, but they won't have someone there giving advice. I am not a fashionable guy hence the thread, and MW has the person there that can at least lie to me. We'll see, I'm bouncing around for a bit and will see if anything jumps out. Have a few weeks before I need it.

@Mixed_Degen I'm an athletic shmedium with brown hair + some salt. Wildly attractive, Pisces.

Any of the Blue/Navy suits would look great on you. Take someone who will not lie to you and you should be good to go. Everyone staying get a tailor is 1000% correct. Buying something worth getting tailored is my point here. Quality will last you forever in this instance. Just my thoughts....

 

[BukNaked36]

https://www.indochino.com/

Do you have an Indochino near you? Couple of friends have had suits made for them. Very customized at a reasonable price.

 

[croatan]

Personally, I'd stay away from Men's Warehouse, Jos. A. Bank, etc. If you have to buy a suit or a tuxedo you're only going to wear once, they're fine, but they aren't quality garments you'd want to wear over and over. As someone mentioned, Brooks Brothers is generally safe, or if you have a Saks Off 5th, Neiman Marcus Outlet, or something similar close, you can often find a quality suit (have bought Zegna, Armani, Boss, others there) for a fraction of retail, and they usually still have in-house tailors (or just find your own--as others have said, a proper fit and tailoring is the most important thing).

Oh, and don't cheap out on the shirt and tie!

 

[CardRally]

Find a local tailor and see if they can complete the job in time and how much time they will need.
Shop Saks off 5th or Nordstrom Rack if they are in your area. Athletic schmedium shouldn’t be that hard to find. Slightly too big is always better than slightly too small. Find something that fits your shoulders and it can be easily adjusted through the middle.
Or if the tailor tells you they only need a week, shop those stores online and it should arrive in time.
I am also of the mind that Jos a Bank and Men’s Wearhouse are shit. I was in clothing for 15 years and am trained as a tailor. Their stuff is a ripoff. And you don’t need their salesman. You can post your pictures here and WE can lie to you. Haha
@Mixed_Degen is right, get a blue suit. Especially since you have grey and black.

 

[ukas]

SuitSupply if there's one around in your area. They tailor it in house as well.

 

[chippitydoodah]

 

[NotRealNameNoSir]

I'm an athletic shmedium with brown hair + some salt. Wildly attractive, Pisces.

Not sure why @ChipFinderSK is laughing at this, thought we had some male positivity going in this thread.

Thanks all! Definitely going Navy. Found a local store and he was happy I chose him for something other than a wedding. He's tailoring it himself and I'll get back to you guys with brand. Took all your advice, going with Navy and getting it tapered n all that. Got a nice white shirt n Navy tie too.

Pics may happen. If I get the job, everyone on here gets $2 on Venmo as part of the advice rakeback program. Plus @FestiveKnight who DM'd me separately.

 

[Coyote]

I’m not opposed to a $1,000 Brooks brothers, if you’re wearing suits every day. But if you’re a job interview, weddings and funerals suit guy, I’d say that’s a waste of money because it will be out of fashion before you wear it five times.

Classic style never goes out of fashion.

A monochrome dark blue or charcoal grey suit, in fine "cool wool" Super120 or Super 150 fabric will last for ages and is suitable for all days (with an overcoat in winter) except hot summer days down South.
Pin-stripes make it even more business-like (make you look as if you had another suit too ) but once the trousers are worn out, you won't be able to combine the pin-stripe jacket whith chinos or jeans.

Normally, when buing a luxury good like a suit you don't economize.
You go for at least a customizable high-quality fabric suit, with some size margin for you getting fatter with age, ideally a VEST, and TWO pairs of trousers, both reinforced inside on what we in Greece call the "situation", i.e. the part of the trousers that meets your genitals and inside of your thighs, and hence is much more prone to wear.

That would cost around 2,500E or $3,000 in Athens, Greece, in the TOP store offering semi-custom and full-custom suits.
Italian fashion brands are even more expensive.
Income in Greece is generally 1/3d of that in the US.

 

[ChipFinderSK]

Pisces.

Laughing bc I knew you were a fish; posting for the $2 rake back.

In all seriousness, GL with the interview

 

[btbmason]

Missed most of this thread already but agree with buying retail and getting it tailored, and glad you found your solution!

Agreed with @upNdown that every experience I’ve ever had at Men’s Warehouse was atrocious.

However, there is a discount store here (owned by the same parent as Men’s Warehouse) called K&G that sells discount suits and suit separates for stuff that is out of season, overstock, or just didn’t sell in their main stores. The layout is more like a retail store where you can go in and browse, and salespeople are far less aggressive. I picked up matching Calvin Klein suit separates ($129 jacket, $59 pants) that would have been $300 at Macy’s (honestly still not terrible, and their staff was nicer) and got it tailored.

This is also advice from a potato-shaped man that rarely dresses up so take that for what it’s worth.