Men's Interview Clothing Thread

[SouthernSurgeon]

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It's the business standard. You can dress conservatively in black and still look sharp and stylish. If you wear other colors, you may be the only one to do so. It's up to the applicant but black is more accepted in medicine, especially in the big cities. That's all I've seen during residency interviews, fellowship interviews, etc, all over the country.

On any given interview I attended, or on the tours and applicant hosting sessions, I would say at least 1/4th were in a non-black suit. It usually stood out positively, by mere virtue of the fact that they were not in black. A conservative dark blue or gray suit is perfectly appropriate.

If we all looked like Brad Pitt we could get away with wearing just about whatever we want.

 

[TopSecret]

On any given interview I attended, or on the tours and applicant hosting sessions, I would say at least 1/4th were in a non-black suit. It usually stood out positively, by mere virtue of the fact that they were not in black. A conservative dark blue or gray suit is perfectly appropriate.

If we all looked like Brad Pitt we could get away with wearing just about whatever we want.

Ah, but 75% or so were in black suits. This has been my experience as well.

 

[SouthernSurgeon]

Ah, but 75% or so were in black suits. This has been my experience as well.

Yes, but that doesn't mean it's a bad thing to be wearing non-black

 

[TopSecret]

Yes, but that doesn't mean it's a bad thing to be wearing non-black

You won't get a demerit but it's still a good thing to wear the standard wool uniform. I usually go with a black Hugo Boss suit to important interviews and most girls wear dark suits too. It's the whole interview tradition.

 

[armorshell]

You won't get a demerit but it's still a good thing to wear the standard wool uniform. I usually go with a black Hugo Boss suit to important interviews and most girls wear dark suits too. It's the whole interview tradition.

Kudos for sticking to your guns. Read any interview book (medical, business, whatever), and it will tell you a black suit is a faux pas.

Personally I don't think it really matters, but I make the point to show you the claim you're putting forth as a well known fact is actually deeply in the minority.

Wear something reasonably professional and you'll be fine. I've got a buddy who wore an olive suit and a polyester tie to all of his interviews, and he got in everywhere.

 

[Hextra]

What's the general consensus on a tan suit? I have one that's essentially what everyone here has suggested in terms of fit, style, and type, except for the color.

I know in the long run it's always nice to have a darker suit that can be used for a variety of occasions, but if I decide to go against the grain, do you think it would hurt more than help?

 

[BlueElmo]

What's the general consensus on a tan suit? I have one that's essentially what everyone here has suggested in terms of fit, style, and type, except for the color.

I know in the long run it's always nice to have a darker suit that can be used for a variety of occasions, but if I decide to go against the grain, do you think it would hurt more than help?

I'm not perfectly sure, but I think a tan suit will stand out too much. Like others said, it seems almost all people come to interviews in darker colors.

 

[armorshell]

What's the general consensus on a tan suit? I have one that's essentially what everyone here has suggested in terms of fit, style, and type, except for the color.

I know in the long run it's always nice to have a darker suit that can be used for a variety of occasions, but if I decide to go against the grain, do you think it would hurt more than help?

If I had found a tan suit that was decent quality and within my price range, I'd be wearing it for my interviews this season.

 

[FlowRate]

What's the general consensus on a tan suit? I have one that's essentially what everyone here has suggested in terms of fit, style, and type, except for the color.

I know in the long run it's always nice to have a darker suit that can be used for a variety of occasions, but if I decide to go against the grain, do you think it would hurt more than help?

Of what complexion are you? Lighter suits make people look darker. Tan suits are really nice, although not my personal choice.

 

[MegaProjectile]

What about hair? I have a hair-style like this model:

I'm debating cutting my hair but it really looks good on me. Or should I go for the clean-cut look like this model:

Thoughts?

 

[Hextra]

Of what complexion are you? Lighter suits make people look darker. Tan suits are really nice, although not my personal choice.

I have a tan complexion (not as dark as this guy), but the suit is lighter than me (same exact suit color).

 

[Poliscidoc]

Thoughts?

This one should do fine

 

[BlueElmo]

I'd say clean cut, mega.

 

[MegaProjectile]

This one should do fine

I'd say clean cut, mega.

Thanks guys 😀!! I'm gonna miss my hair (takes forever to grow black hair )

 

[Poliscidoc]

Thanks guys 😀!! I'm gonna miss my hair (takes forever to grow black hair )

Really?

 

[MegaProjectile]

Really?

Well, mine at least. Took me two years to make my hair look like that!

 

[BlueElmo]

Really?

He meant grow back hair. And I agree.

I like my long hair, I'm going to miss it.

 

[BlueElmo]

I have a tan complexion (not as dark as this guy), but the suit is lighter than me (same exact suit color).

It's up to you, but personally, I wouldn't go with it. It just sticks out too much, IMO.

 

[Aggro]

Try on different colored suits and get opinions. If the tan looks the best on you, go for it. Most people look better in a navy or charcoal suit, but if you have the right complexion, a tan suit might be perfect. Standing out is a good thing if it's in a positive away.

 

[nick_carraway]

Try on different colored suits and get opinions. If the tan looks the best on you, go for it. Most people look better in a navy or charcoal suit, but if you have the right complexion, a tan suit might be perfect. Standing out is a good thing if it's in a positive away.

Yeah, most people will show up in navy, charcoal, or black suits (contrary to what some have been saying, black is only preferred by young people). Regardless, espresso brown suits or other dark colored suits that you think you're all so smart for choosing will look just as dark as black does on the Fall/Winter interview days.

A tan suit or light gray suit looks fine, but really is a seasonal thing. It looks great in the summer or late Spring, but not in the darker months.

 

[halekulani]

fact: most people don't show up in a black suit for a med school interview

i wore pinstripe, others wore a gray, charcoal, or navy blue, and i've seen a texas person with a tan suit. i don't think suit colors correlate to medical acceptances. just make sure it looks GOOD (properly tailored, fits right - personal pet peeve is someone wearing a suit too big for them).

 

[2014MD]

has anyone ever tried those suit carriers? I don't want to use one since I think the suit would get all wrinkled?


What do you think?

 

[TopSecret]

fact: most people don't show up in a black suit for a med school interview

i wore pinstripe, others wore a gray, charcoal, or navy blue, and i've seen a texas person with a tan suit. i don't think suit colors correlate to medical acceptances. just make sure it looks GOOD (properly tailored, fits right - personal pet peeve is someone wearing a suit too big for them).

Were any of the candidates wearing non-black suits accepted?

 

[SouthernSurgeon]

I have a tan complexion (not as dark as this guy), but the suit is lighter than me (same exact suit color).

since most med school interviews are in the fall and winter, I would say it's not very seasonally appropriate. Something darker can be worn year round.

 

[Hextra]

since most med school interviews are in the fall and winter, I would say it's not very seasonally appropriate. Something darker can be worn year round.

I can understand that, but what if my interview is next week 😉

 

[MCP1]

All you need to know about interview suits:

http://www.styleforum.net/showthread.php?t=39469&highlight=interview+suit

http://www.styleforum.net/showthread.php?t=59812&highlight=interview+suit

http://www.styleforum.net/showthread.php?t=42467&highlight=interview+suit

http://www.styleforum.net/showthread.php?t=130955&highlight=interview+suit

 

[FlowRate]

All you need to know about interview suits:

http://www.styleforum.net/showthread.php?t=39469&highlight=interview+suit

http://www.styleforum.net/showthread.php?t=59812&highlight=interview+suit

http://www.styleforum.net/showthread.php?t=42467&highlight=interview+suit

http://www.styleforum.net/showthread.php?t=130955&highlight=interview+suit

Just for everyone to note, styleforum is a bit more fashion-forward than places like Ask Andy, so their recommendations for interview suits will probably be on the more extreme end of what you should wear. In other words, what they recommend should be about right. =)

 

[MCP1]

Just for everyone to note, styleforum is a bit more fashion-forward than places like Ask Andy, so their recommendations for interview suits will probably be on the more extreme end of what you should wear. In other words, what they recommend should be about right. =)

I thought Ask Andy might be a bit too "trad" for young people. Styleforum gives pretty good advice, especially about how a suit should fit.

 

[halekulani]

Were any of the candidates wearing non-black suits accepted?

absolutely

 

[FlowRate]

I thought Ask Andy might be a bit too "trad" for young people. Styleforum gives pretty good advice, especially about how a suit should fit.

I agree.

I regularly post on Ask Andy because I think the old dudes are nicer and it's easier to get advice. =) Too bad I don't have the $$$ to really contribute outfits or even buy much stuff.

 

[locus000]

I went to my interview back in March using one of these

which really stood out. 😀

I just wanted to thank some of the people on here since i listened to some of your advices and picked out a nice suit for my interview. I went with Black suit to be on the safe side.

 

[Postal Blowfish]

Like 30% of this thread is COMEDY GOLD.

 

[Postal Blowfish]

I'm just going to pull one of these and hope for the best

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bj1DZKOeZhI[/YOUTUBE]

 

[Steeler7588]

Hey guys, thanks for a very informative and, at times, incredibly amusing thread.

So I'm built pretty small, a little over 5'7" and 120 on a good day (I don't gain weight). My jacket is a 36S, and I'm having a hard time finding many options in that size. Do any of you have suggestions for stores I should check out? Slim suits would be ideal since I'm pretty skinny, but I get the impression those are pretty hard to find and/or out of my budget.

Oh, when I get it tailored, what all do I need to make sure fits well?
- sleeve length to right below thumb's muscle
- not too loose at waist
- pant length
Anything else?

 

[SouthernSurgeon]

Hey guys, thanks for a very informative and, at times, incredibly amusing thread.

So I'm built pretty small, a little over 5'7" and 120 on a good day (I don't gain weight). My jacket is a 36S, and I'm having a hard time finding many options in that size. Do any of you have suggestions for stores I should check out? Slim suits would be ideal since I'm pretty skinny, but I get the impression those are pretty hard to find and/or out of my budget.

Oh, when I get it tailored, what all do I need to make sure fits well?
- sleeve length to right below thumb's muscle
- not too loose at waist
- pant length
Anything else?

Unfortunately, you're probably going to have a hard time finding stores that carry that size in stock. However, most men's stores should be able to order something in for you since you know the size. The two I'd recommend are Jos. Banks and Brooks Brothers (dependent on price). Both have a "slim cut" line (the Joseph suit and the Regent suit, respectively) that is probably the best for a skinny person (although alternatively, you may not want to highlight your skinniness with too slim a suit). Brooks will be substantially more expensive than Jos Banks.

I recommend both of those b/c I've had great customer service there - I think Jos Banks is a big step up from Men's Wearhouse and the like in terms of quality, and when their stuff is on sale it is a very good deal.

 

[MCP1]

I think Brooks Brothers slimmer suit is the 1818 Fitzgerald (narrower lapels than the regent and dual vents).

 

[SouthernSurgeon]

I think Brooks Brothers slimmer suit is the 1818 Fitzgerald (narrower lapels than the regent and dual vents).

The Fitzgerald is supposed to be a kind of "throwback" suit - as you say, thin lapels, also higher armholes, diminished shoulders, flat front pants. Very "Mad Men" if you will.

The Regent is a slim cut, but more contemporary in terms of the rest of it.

 

[FlowRate]

Hey guys, thanks for a very informative and, at times, incredibly amusing thread.

So I'm built pretty small, a little over 5'7" and 120 on a good day (I don't gain weight). My jacket is a 36S, and I'm having a hard time finding many options in that size. Do any of you have suggestions for stores I should check out? Slim suits would be ideal since I'm pretty skinny, but I get the impression those are pretty hard to find and/or out of my budget.

Oh, when I get it tailored, what all do I need to make sure fits well?
- sleeve length to right below thumb's muscle
- not too loose at waist
- pant length
Anything else?

Check out Jos A. Bank (online or in person) during one of their 60-70% off "sales." (only buy from them during a sale!). For the price point, they're hard to beat and have a great selection of sizes.

 

[Steeler7588]

Hey guys, thanks for the help. I've checked out Jos. A. Bank instore and online, and their smallest size seems to be 38S. I'll check out Brooks Brothers though.

I don't want to highlight my skinniness, I just don't want to look like I'm swimming in the suit, you know?

 

[SouthernSurgeon]

Hey guys, thanks for the help. I've checked out Jos. A. Bank instore and online, and their smallest size seems to be 38S. I'll check out Brooks Brothers though.

I don't want to highlight my skinniness, I just don't want to look like I'm swimming in the suit, you know?

That's why I said in stock might be tough - I'm pretty sure Jos Banks can order extended sizes that they don't regularly carry. I may be wrong, but I'd call and ask about specifically that.

 

[FlowRate]

Hey guys, thanks for the help. I've checked out Jos. A. Bank instore and online, and their smallest size seems to be 38S. I'll check out Brooks Brothers though.

I don't want to highlight my skinniness, I just don't want to look like I'm swimming in the suit, you know?

How's your frame in relation to your shoulders? If you have broader than average shoulders (either by musculature or bone structure), then you could possibly get a 38 and have it tailored down. However, finding a 36 would most probably be the best bet.

Brooks is an excellent clothing manufacturer and generally seems to be the store of choice for those "in the know." They're a little pricier than Jos Bank and such.

 

[Steeler7588]

Ended up finding a pretty nice 36S, slim cut. Thanks for the help, guys.

 

[TopSecret]

Ended up finding a pretty nice 36S, slim cut. Thanks for the help, guys.

36S?

It's time to hit the weights.

 

[bamtuba]

So my question is, assuming I can find something relatively quickly, how long will it take for me to get a suit tailored to fit?

 

[Poliscidoc]

So my question is, assuming I can find something relatively quickly, how long will it take for me to get a suit tailored to fit?

A few days... Not to hard as long as its not custom made and fitted

 

[bamtuba]

A few days... Not to hard as long as its not custom made and fitted

Can you get a suit tailored and then taken in a few months later if you lose weight? Or is it best to just get a new suit at that point?

 

[SteinUmStein]

What do people use to carry their suits to the interview when flying? Something like these?

http://www.nextag.com/travel-suit-bag/search-html

Any recommendations from people who've been to interviews and seen how wrinkled or not wrinkled suits get when placed in a travel garment bag?

Thanks for your help!

 

[Steeler7588]

36S?

It's time to hit the weights.

Indeed, working out is pretty much my only hope for gaining weight, I have the most ridiculous metabolism ever.

 

[SteinUmStein]

Indeed, working out is pretty much my only hope for gaining weight, I have the most ridiculous metabolism ever.

Haha, same here, I could eat nothing but junk food every day and I probably wouldn't gain a pound. 😛

 

[BlueElmo]

Indeed, working out is pretty much my only hope for gaining weight, I have the most ridiculous metabolism ever.

Haha, same here, I could eat nothing but junk food every day and I probably wouldn't gain a pound. 😛

You guys are so lucky. I'm so jealous.