Men's Interview Clothing Thread

Started by Handy388
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should I get it tailored then?

In my previous post (look above, with that pink envelope thing), people thought it was too big.

Since then, I've lost alot of fat, but I gained some muscles, so even though I went from 195 lbs to 165, I don't look that much thinner.

Maybe I should get pants shortened though? I noticed the waist was way too big for me, and it's a little long

It looks to me like that suit is wearing you, not you wearing the suit. Looks big. I'd get it tailored.
 
It looks good.

I think a thicker tie might do you justice. Just my opinion though.

As far as the suit, it looks pretty good, it could be more shapely in the jacket but like previous posts have stated, a baggier jacket is kinda a normal American style.

The pants are what will get you into trouble with an old traditional adcom. It is DEFINITELY considered sloppy to have a bunch of pant leg bunched up at your ankle. The break is where the pant leg bends just above the ankle. The bigger the break, the baggier the look. For a full break, the back of the pants hits the top of the shoe heel. A medium break hits between the top of the heel and the top of the shoe back. A light break just hits the back of the shoe.
 
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K I'll get it tailored then. It'll probably cost more than the suit it self (cheap JC Penny suit), but I'll need it for more than just the interview so it'll be worth it.
 
Okay, what about his?

yfyf20080321rekl5.jpg

Killer (especially if you have the personality to match)...but not for medical school interviews.
 
your tie is a little off center. wear the pin on the left side...it just makes things more kosher. be sure to button both suit buttons, or none at all. it seems like the suit coat may be a tad big on you....but other than that it looks fine👍

I'm kidding, it looks a-ok

Can't tell if you are kidding or not, but you never button both suit buttons. In a 2 button, its always the top and in a three button, its always the top two.

Suit looks way too big. Have it brought in the waist, sleeves shortened to show some cuff, and pants really need o be shortened to only have a little break.
 
K I'll get it tailored then. It'll probably cost more than the suit it self (cheap JC Penny suit), but I'll need it for more than just the interview so it'll be worth it.

IMO, if the tailoring needed to make a suit fit is going to cost more than the suit itself...you might want to considering just getting a better fitting suit to start with (size down at JCP, Target, or even H&M if you're feeling fanciful on a budget...). You can probably make due with bringing the sleeves up and hemming the pants so that they have the right break.

Unfortunately, the whole jacket is noticeable large on you. The shoulders and chest are just too wide, which gives the impression that the tie is too small. There's not much you can do about that without just getting a new suit though. Taking in the shoulders and chests are very difficult jobs and will be expensive if not impossible.

The shirt and the tie are lovely though (the knot and the dimple look great).
 
K I'll get it tailored then. It'll probably cost more than the suit it self (cheap JC Penny suit), but I'll need it for more than just the interview so it'll be worth it.

If you get the suit tailored it should make a big difference and you'll be ready to rock your interviews. It's pricey, mine ran me $90 for tailoring, but it's an investment that you can wear during your years in med school. Good luck!
 
What do you all think about having a beard while interviewing? I currently have a full beard and am contemplating whether or not it is necessary to shave.

Do almost all guys go with completely clean shaven?
 
Clean-shaven or very neatly trimmed is the order of the day. Personally, I'd say eff it and go clean-shaven, but facial hair is okay as long as it's properly groomed (which may well necessitate a trip to a barber).
 
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I went to get a qoute and it's $140, done within 10 days.

I think I'm just gonna buy a new suit, this suit costed me $120 total at JCP 2 years ago. I'll save this one, JUST IN CASE if I become fat again, I'm hoping that won't happen in med school.


One last thing, are the shoes ok?
 
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What's the rule for your suit buttons when seated? Everyone I see on TV, news/sports anchors are seated and have their suits buttoned. It's probably not a good call to take hints from ESPN, but I had to start somewhere. What's the rule?

And what kind of cut do you guys prefer on your sleeve? Mine shows plenty of cuff when my arm is any position but perfectly straight. But when it is straight the sleeves are exactly long enough to cover the cuff. It blows, i might get it tailored but was wondering how most of you guys have yours cut.
 
I went to get a qoute and it's $140, done within 10 days.

I think I'm just gonna buy a new suit, this suit costed me $120 total at JCP 2 years ago. I'll save this one, JUST IN CASE if I become fat again, I'm hoping that won't happen in med school.


One last thing, are the shoes ok?

Mens Warehouse will tailor your suit for free if you buy it there, pretty sweet deal.
 
What's the rule for your suit buttons when seated? Everyone I see on TV, news/sports anchors are seated and have their suits buttoned. It's probably not a good call to take hints from ESPN, but I had to start somewhere. What's the rule?

And what kind of cut do you guys prefer on your sleeve? Mine shows plenty of cuff when my arm is any position but perfectly straight. But when it is straight the sleeves are exactly long enough to cover the cuff. It blows, i might get it tailored but was wondering how most of you guys have yours cut.

I was told to leave my bottom button unbuttoned.
 
Unbutton when you sit down.

All of them? Just kick it with my jacket hanging open?

I'm fine with that if it's protocol. Sorry, i'm a little anal about not doing anything that could possibly screw me over.
 
All of them? Just kick it with my jacket hanging open?

I'm fine with that if it's protocol. Sorry, i'm a little anal about not doing anything that could possibly screw me over.

The jacket will bunch up if you do not unbutton it upon sitting. You would avoid this with a double breasted suit, but I think those look horrible.
 
What's the rule for your suit buttons when seated? Everyone I see on TV, news/sports anchors are seated and have their suits buttoned. It's probably not a good call to take hints from ESPN, but I had to start somewhere. What's the rule?

And what kind of cut do you guys prefer on your sleeve? Mine shows plenty of cuff when my arm is any position but perfectly straight. But when it is straight the sleeves are exactly long enough to cover the cuff. It blows, i might get it tailored but was wondering how most of you guys have yours cut.

You should unbutton your jacket when sitting down, and should keep it buttoned when standing.

For cuff, usually it is somewhere between 0.25 (subtle) to 0.5 inches of cuff show when you stand with your arms at your side.

Hope this helps
 
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I've taken a fancy for three piece suits, i think vests look pretty sharp if done correctly. Think this is correct interview attire?

example:

00003f.jpg


probably sans the flashy tie, and without the strange creepy grimace this man is sporting.
 
I 'm no expert, but that suit is too light in color regardless of 3-piece or not. Regarding a vest: don't see a major problem, just that it does seem a little overboard.
 
Does this look ok?


img0093ve9.jpg

Unfortunately, this is too big. Most tailors will not be skilled enough to fix the shoulders, the torso, shorten the skirt, raise the button stance.

The best they will be able to do for you is shorten the sleeves and shorten the pants.

Unfortunately, you need a smaller jacket. By shortening the sleeves, the suit will only look worse since the quarters (aka, the skirt) is too long and by shortening the sleeves, it only makes a long skirt look longer.
 
your tie is a little off center. wear the pin on the left side...it just makes things more kosher. be sure to button both suit buttons, or none at all. it seems like the suit coat may be a tad big on you....but other than that it looks fine👍

I'm kidding, it looks a-ok

Never button the bottom button on any multibutton suit. That's the safe rule for every suit. I don't want to get into the real rule.
 
What's the rule for your suit buttons when seated? Everyone I see on TV, news/sports anchors are seated and have their suits buttoned. It's probably not a good call to take hints from ESPN, but I had to start somewhere. What's the rule?

And what kind of cut do you guys prefer on your sleeve? Mine shows plenty of cuff when my arm is any position but perfectly straight. But when it is straight the sleeves are exactly long enough to cover the cuff. It blows, i might get it tailored but was wondering how most of you guys have yours cut.

A properly fitted button stance will allow you to sit with the correct buttons buttoned without it bunching. If you button the bottom button, it will always bunch regardless of number of buttons the suit contains. If the buttons are too low (too low button stance) then it will bunch even if you have the proper buttons buttoned. If the buttons are too high, you will look goofy while standing. In the suit previously shown that is now agreed upon to be too big, the buttons are too low.

Partly aesthetics but more importantly, these features are required so that the suit is comfortable and allows free range of motion.
 
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I've taken a fancy for three piece suits, i think vests look pretty sharp if done correctly. Think this is correct interview attire?

example:

00003f.jpg


probably sans the flashy tie, and without the strange creepy grimace this man is sporting.

Nice suit but not suitable (eh? you like?) for interviews.

And that's not a flashy tie.

Make sure the bottom button on the vest is not buttoned. And the top button is usually buttoned. Unlike in the photo.

This is a good example of the way shoulders should fit.
 
What do you guys think of wearing something like Kobe wore last night (ignore that it's Kobe and ignore Britney Spears....it's just what I've been thinking about wearing)

WMcapt.20620af3389b43da8b2ed7d4bf6e9a5b.2008_mtv_video_music_awards__cakv153.jpeg.pjpeg
 
thx guys.

Are the shoes and this hair ok?

Someone earlier said no square toes but I can't stand the pointy ones + I already bought my current pair. I'm utterly broke due to spending 7 grand now pre-interview.
 
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^^ Haha sorry this was a quick shot. I will make sure I look "professional" during the interviews.

What did you think of the tie?
 
What do you guys think of wearing something like Kobe wore last night (ignore that it's Kobe and ignore Britney Spears....it's just what I've been thinking about wearing)

WMcapt.20620af3389b43da8b2ed7d4bf6e9a5b.2008_mtv_video_music_awards__cakv153.jpeg.pjpeg

You should actually try to imitate Kanye West. The fit was perfect. The fabric, however, probably not appropriate for an interview. But do get one with a ticket pocket. If any of you are going to get a new suit, get one with a ticket pocket. In the photo below, it is the small pocket above the normal pocket. It only appears on one side.

kanye_west_82708477_getty.jpg


The problem with Kobe's suit is the peak lapels are too wide. And why didn't his shirt fit him? With all that money, he can't find a shirt that fits? His quarters were also too long and something was wrong with his vents and it made his ass look like that of a middle age obese woman. His quarters were also too long. Horrible... for a rich man. He looked like he was at his high school junior prom... if he went to the Corky Institute for Differently-Abled Individuals.

kobe-bryant-82706652_getty.jpg
 
thx guys.

Are the shoes and this hair ok?

Someone earlier said no square toes but I can't stand the pointy ones + I already bought my current pair. I'm utterly broke due to spending 7 grand now pre-interview.

img0096co8.jpg

When we say "pointy", we don't actually mean it comes to a point. Rounded shoes are preferred to squared ones. To be completely honest with you, this is one of those affectations where aesthetics was dictated by function. The square toe was pushed on consumers not because it was good looking or it was something new to capture consumer's need for newness.

The square toe is cheaper to produce and mass manufacture on machines. The rounded toe is tougher and requires a bit of handwork.

By rounded, we mean something like this (this is what I own and will be wearing to interview):

6900-646225-p.jpg


If you don't mind me asking, what did you spend $7k on?
 
hey captainnerd, what do you think?

Suit is a dark dark charcoal. Flat front pants with no cuff properly tailored with medium break. Light black pinstripe shirt, black shoes, gold/white detailed check tie.
 

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You should actually try to imitate Kanye West. The fit was perfect. The fabric, however, probably not appropriate for an interview. But do get one with a ticket pocket. If any of you are going to get a new suit, get one with a ticket pocket. In the photo below, it is the small pocket above the normal pocket. It only appears on one side.

kanye_west_82708477_getty.jpg


The problem with Kobe's suit is the peak lapels are too wide. And why didn't his shirt fit him? With all that money, he can't find a shirt that fits? His quarters were also too long and something was wrong with his vents and it made his ass look like that of a middle age obese woman. His quarters were also too long. Horrible... for a rich man. He looked like he was at his high school junior prom... if he went to the Corky Institute for Differently-Abled Individuals.

kobe-bryant-82706652_getty.jpg

Sorry captainnerd, I didn't mean his exact outfit haha. I was more asking about the use of the sweater vest....is that appropriate?
 
hey captainnerd, what do you think?

Suit is a dark dark charcoal. Flat front pants with no cuff properly tailored with medium break. Light black pinstripe shirt, black shoes, gold/white detailed check tie.

Nice, very nice.

Your shoulder is a smidgeon too large but it is not important. Button stance is perfect, cuff is showing nicely.

Your watchband is a bit slack? Try to tighten it enough so it doesn't move when you twist your wrist. Your watchface should always sit on top of your wrist and never to the side.

Also, don't be afraid to break the rule about spread collars and big tie knots. I like a 4 in hand with spread collars (like Robert Downey Jr in Iron Man). Don't be afraid to show parts of the tie that aren't suppose to be seen such as the two parts that go around your neck (the part that goes underneath the collar can be seen in spread collars, it is acceptable and very conservative and British).
 
Sorry captainnerd, I didn't mean his exact outfit haha. I was more asking about the use of the sweater vest....is that appropriate?

No, you might accidentally look like one of your professors interviewing you. Try not to look old. I only say this to be safe.

But sweater vests can be cool if done right. Stick with very thin fabrics, cashmere and wool/silk blends. Single color, no design, argyle, stripes, border stripes, nothing, simple plain, single color works best.

The problem with complicating things is this: if you risk things by going complicated, any one element will make everything worse. For example, if you are wearing a mediocre suit, adding a sweater vest only makes it more plain that you are wearing a mediocre suit. If you are wearing a horrible fitted shirt and suit, the vest only makes things worst.

Imagine if a guy wore a horrible fitted suit? Then he added a pocket square, a collar pin, and gaudy shoes? Now imagine if he was simply wearing the horribly fitting suit with plain shoes and no pocket square and collar pin, doesn't this sound better?

To conclude, a sweater vest can be done. But the suit and all other details must be immaculate.

I forgot the last rule: the suit and outer layer must always be darker than the sweater vest. The sweater vest must be darker than the shirt. Kobe has a black vest under a gray suit jacket. He looks old in that photo.

For some reason, I keep thinking of Mr. Belevedere when I see a dark sweater vest over a white shirt and tie.
 
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thx guys.

Are the shoes and this hair ok?

img0096co8.jpg

Sorry, your shoes and your hair don't match. Just kidding. I'm only making fun of how the question was asked. Try thinning your hair with thinning scissors. And then comb it without using a comb. Just use your hands. My hair style is exactly like yours, nice and boring and conservative. Except it is all about technique.
 
Burnt orange dress shirt, silver tie, black suit, black leather shoes.
 
I had to delurk just because of this thread.

I'm not an expert my any means, but many of you are being far too rigid and closeminded in your options. Style is something that necessarily entails a certain amount of personal leeway, the way you dress should convey something about who you are. Wearing a black suit with a blue tie and a blue shirt just says you are afraid to take a chance.

There is a gradient that runs from boring to gaudy. It seems as though most people are afraid they will look gaudy, and are thus fleeing to the other end of the spectrum. You can look good, conservative, and professional, all without becoming a sheep.

A few bullet points that stick out to me-

1) The suit matters. I've owned suits from $75 to $800 dollars, and while very few have been what I would call "bad", there is definitely a trend wherein you get what you pay for. All suits need to be tailored, but a good suit usually needs to be tailored less, and will look better given the exact same alterations. Other than that, there are a few differences that a high end suit offers, but these will only people noticed by people who know suits. Hand attached sleeves, horn buttons, stitching, pattern matching etc. Everyone else will be impressed, but they won't be able to pinpoint why exactly they are impressed.

2) From above, all suits do need to be tailored, at least a little bit. For everyone the specific alterations are different, but at the very least the trousers will need to be hemmed. For something small like that, a department store tailor will do a fine job, but for anything large, I would recommend an out of house professional tailor. A great tailor can make an average suit really shine, but conversely a poor tailor can ruin a very nice suit. Anything that involves the structure of the suit itself I would have done outside.

3) Again off the first point- while there is a correlation between price and quality, you want to avoid just looking at a high end label and thinking- oh this is a good suit. Each designer cuts to their own shape, and the shape they use may not work on your body. Armani and Paul Smith make very nice suits, but they just are not cut for my frame. This does not apply to just high end suits, no matter what your price range, shop around and try on many different labels. Eventually you will find something that fits you well.

4)Colors. Personally I'm not a fan of black, I think it's too heavy, too formal, and too depressing. Nor am I a fan of navy, as it just seems to be everyones go-to color. Greys are very nice, particularly light greys. Others have said tans and browns are unacceptable, and here I have to disagree. A tan or brown suit is a great choice, provided the fabric is nice.

5) Shirts- Stay with pale colors. Clean, crisp white is great and hardly ever fails, but don't be afraid to deviate. I would recommend very pale greens, pinks and blues. But make sure they really are pale, I'm talking so light as if they simply look like a tinted white. I'm not against patterns, but it's hit and miss, so I would be careful and get an opinion on the individual shirt.

6) Ties- Just stay classy is the best advice. Nothing horribly loud or shouty. You can go with a plain solid color, or a pattern, just so long as it stays rather conservative. I personally am a fan of larger knots, but it really depends on the size of your collar.

7) Cufflinks- 90% of my shirts are cufflinked. I really do not think it's a problem, and I doubt your adcom will think are pretentious for wearing them.

8) Socks- Match them to the pants.

9) Belts and Shoes- Always match the shoes to the belt. A plain stainless steel buckle with a brushed finish is a solid bet. Laced shoes, pointed toes.

And just to show you that you can look conservative without looking like a clone, here's what I plan on wearing when I start interviewing. As you can see the suit is brown, the shirt is a woven pattern( I would actually go with a smooth shirt at the interview, but it's what I saw in the closet), the tie is patterned and done in a large knot, and there are cufflinks.
065c01ef.jpg


Closeup of the fabrics
4da6803b.jpg


I apologize for the filthy mirror and the myspace style pictures.😀
 
And just to show you that you can look conservative without looking like a clone, here's what I plan on wearing when I start interviewing. As you can see the suit is brown, the shirt is a woven pattern( I would actually go with a smooth shirt at the interview, but it's what I saw in the closet), the tie is patterned and done in a large knot, and there are cufflinks.
065c01ef.jpg


Closeup of the fabrics
4da6803b.jpg


I apologize for the filthy mirror and the myspace style pictures.😀

Looks nice. If the jacket wasn't so long, it'd almost look like a European cut, which I'm a HUGE fan of. When you wrote that people can be impressed by a suit, I immediately though of a guy I saw in downtown Vancouver wearing a European-style suit.
 
Looks nice. If the jacket wasn't so long, it'd almost look like a European cut, which I'm a HUGE fan of. When you wrote that people can be impressed by a suit, I immediately though of a guy I saw in downtown Vancouver wearing a European-style suit.

This one actually is a european cut, I picked it up in London about 2 years ago. The jacket length is slightly exaggerated in that picture, the quarters end just below my first knuckle.
 
065c01ef.jpg


Closeup of the fabrics
4da6803b.jpg


D

Who is the maker? When I think London, all I can think of are the fine tailors of Savile Row in Mayfair. Are those surgeon's cuffs? What would be your opinion about leaving surgeon's cuffs open for an interview?
 
whats thinning scissors? Where can I buy one?

.

Next time you get your hair cut, ask them to thin it. They will use a pair of scissors that have "teeth" which allows half of the hairs to go in between the teeth and not get cut and half of them will be cut by the teeth. They will cut your hair like normal with normal scissors. Then they will thin your hair with thinning scissors.

By the end, you'll end up looking like this guy:

brad_pitt.jpg
 
Who is the maker? When I think London, all I can think of are the fine tailors of Savile Row in Mayfair. Are those surgeon's cuffs? What would be your opinion about leaving surgeon's cuffs open for an interview?

It's just a Hugo Boss off the rack, sleeves let out about 3/4 in. and pants hemmed. Not quite at the bespoke level yet.:laugh:

Cuffs are regular cuffs, just designed to look like surgeon's. In any case, if they were real I would leave them closed. As much as I want some, they really are just a conversation piece, and I would find them a bit pretentious for an interview.

BTW I really like both of the suits you posted, would you mind saying who they are by?
 
It's just a Hugo Boss off the rack, sleeves let out about 3/4 in. and pants hemmed. Not quite at the bespoke level yet.:laugh:

Cuffs are regular cuffs, just designed to look like surgeon's. In any case, if they were real I would leave them closed. As much as I want some, they really are just a conversation piece, and I would find them a bit pretentious for an interview.

BTW I really like both of the suits you posted, would you mind saying who they are by?

WW Chan and Sons. From Hong Kong.
 
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