Men's suits

[nick_carraway]

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I know that interview season is a while from now but suits are recommended for my interview with my letter committee and I'm trying to be efficient when I go home.

My budget for the suit and all its fixings is $400. Which store has the best selection of modern styles? Especially for smaller sizes (14.5 shirt, 36S suit) Macy's (4th of July sale, BTW guys. A lot of stuff is half off)? Nordstrom (yikes)? Men's Warehouse? J Crew? Others?

Which store tends to have the most knowledgeable sales people who know suit/tie/shirt combos?

And most importantly, how long do stores take to tailor your suit? I have 2 weeks--3 weeks if I change my plans--and I want to make sure that I have enough time.

 

[TheRealMD]

$400? For a suit that you'll probably never want to wear again because you've sweated in it too much? Dude, go buy a cheap one for $120 or something and use that cash for something else. Why spend $400 on a look that should be just like everyone else so you won't stick out like a sore thumb (in a bad way)?

 

[nick_carraway]

Well the limit is $400. I'm hoping not to go above $200 unless a suit is truly great.

 

[rmorriso]

Nordstrom Rack if there's one in your town. Got an $800 italian suit for $200 and $35 to have it tailored.

 

[twolfbear]

I guess I got lucky, I only wore nice slacks, a shirt and tie. No suit was needed. Just because you wear a suit, doesn't mean you'll get in. They want to see that you look professional, but also see that you have character. Depending on the time of year, you may not even want to wear a jacket, because as mentioned before all you will be doing is sweating, and making you very uncomfortable. Being more comfortable will help with your interview.

 

[Depakote]

LizzyM (adcom member for those that don't know) has posted on this issue before...

Suits are not necessarily required, you can go with a blazer, slacks and a tie. The suit has become something of an interview uniform, though. If you're not wearing one, chances are, you'll be the only one. Be ready for that.... (personal observation).

If I had it to do all over again, I would not have gotten a dark navy suit. I would have picked something in a gray-scale. We do all look alike, and they do joke about the waiting room looking like a funeral parlor (LizzyM again).

 

[littlealex]

I recommend a dark gray suit (the MIB look is just a little creepy for me), no stripes. Maybe very subtle stripes, but no bold stripes that people can see from a distance.

Go for a good material, maybe a twisted wool suit in case you get nervous during the interview. You can always just wear a heavy overcoat when you're interviewing at cold places. Otherwise cashmere suits are always good.

For me I don't want to walk in looking too spiffy. No ultra-stylish suits with a tight fitting jacket or short sleeves. Go for a classic 3 button notched lapel mid vent suit. Get it taylored though, so you don't look like you're wearing your dad's jacket.


Remember, no crazy colors, no crazy material. Think old school and classy.

Lastly, its all about how a suit fits you. Think Savile Row.

In summary, get a dark suit with good material. Goto Costco or Nordstrom rack if you need to. It shouldn't cost you more than $200. Then spend 50 bucks and get it taylored. Taylor that shirt too. You'll look fat otherwise.

 

[DickyV]

Jos. A. Bank, while usually pretty expensive, has very good sales several times a year. Often, you can get a fantastic suit for less than $200.

 

[armybound]

I plan on going by Mens Wearhouse.

 

[Kfire326]

Nordstrom = very expensive, but also very very very comfortable suits that don't make you feel like you're on fire. You can bargain them down a little, too.

 

[shantster]

I plan on going by Mens Wearhouse.

If I was a guy needing a suit, that's where I'd be going. They really need to open some Women's Wearhouses because I'd like to get some nice suits for relatively cheap.

 

[Ephesus]

There's a bunch of sales going on in all the department stores in NYC right now. Also, on men.style.com they have a feature on the best suits under 500. Target and H&M are included.

 

[etf]

just remember, functional buttonholes on the sleeve are called "surgeon's cuffs" for a reason...

 

[monkeymeg2]

S&K always seems to have good sales. During some kind of sale, my boyfriend got 2 very nice suits for under $300. Every time I've been in there w/ him the people are always super helpful/nice and they put together really nice shirt/tie combinations for you. I also agree with the dark gray suit suggestion...not quite as harsh as black, but still very professional.

 

[riceman04]

Nordstrom Rack if there's one in your town. Got an $800 italian suit for $200 and $35 to have it tailored.

👍👍👍

My brother bought some Bruno Mali shoes from Nordstrom rack for $80 😱😱😱😱😱😱😱....and these were not swap meat style Bruno Mali's either...these were the real deal!

I will definitely be hitting up Nordstrom Rack when I go home to prep for interviews!

 

[Robizzle]

I see commericals for K&G superstores sellin 2 suits for 150 bucks or something.

 

[etf]

👍👍👍

My brother bought some Bruno Mali shoes from Nordstrom rack for $80 ....and these were not swap meat style Bruno Mali's either...these were the real deal!

I will definitely be hitting up Nordstrom Rack when I go home to prep for interviews!

i didn't know nordstrom sold bruno mali's...wouldn't this throw off customers looking for bruno magli?

 

[armybound]

I see commericals for K&G superstores sellin 2 suits for 150 bucks or something.

I bought my first suit from that place, paid $100 for the jacket, pants, tailoring, a shirt, and a tie.

I think the material of the suit is a little cheap, but it looks decent.

 

[Mayday]

I'd go with Men's Warehouse - they seem to have the best service. From their website:

24-hour tailoring is available upon request for those last-minute emergencies.

We'll hem your pants while you wait, for added convenience.

We re-alter any previously altered seam free of charge. Because you never know when you're going to gain or lose a few pounds.

We'll press your Men's Wearhouse clothing for free at any location nationwide. Perfect for when you're on the road.

If you lose a button or need any type of minor repair, we'll be glad to help.

And when I went to help my fiancé pick out a suit, they had a good selection and were extremely helpful and pleasant.

 

[spanamit]

Get your dad's/brother's old suit. Get it dry cleaned and tailored.

Total Cost: $40.

 

[nick_carraway]

Thanks! I totally forgot about Nordstrom Rack. I'm going to go check it out this afternoon.

As for H&M and others, I don't think I have those stores near me. Closest is in SF... What's K&G?

 

[2008orbust]

I love it there. Tell them what it's for, what your budget is, what you hope to avoid (looking like you are going to a funeral or the MTV music awards) and they pull the whole thing together for you.

Get your shoes on EBAY!!! Some great deals to be found on mens shoes there.

 

[riceman04]

i didn't know nordstrom sold bruno mali's...wouldn't this throw off customers looking for bruno magli?

show's you how much I know! I've never purchased a pair myself...My brother just told me that he bought them.

I'm glad you laughed at my expense!!!!😳😳😳😉😛😀

 

[etf]

show's you how much I know! I've never purchased a pair myself...My brother just told me that he bought them.

I'm glad you laughed at my expense!!!!😳😳😳😉😛😀

just be sure they weren't marked down because of blood stains...they could be o.j.'s

 

[trichomoniasis]

don't know if you have outlet stores near you, I got mine at Brooks' Bros outlet for ridiculous cheap, and it's snazzy.

 

[littlealex]

So I'm curious. What is the craziest suit people are wearing to the interview? Or have heard people wear to interviews and gotten in?

I heard if you walk into the interview with a gray suit, the committee thinks you're hip. If you're wearing a bold pinstirpe suit, you might as well be going with a clown suit...

 

[trichomoniasis]

I took my styling cues from Dr. Robert Rey

 

[Depakote]

My lil bro just got his first job interview... so where did he go to get a suit?

Goodwill.

I'll be damned if he didn't come back with two nice looking suits.

 

[riceman04]

just be sure they weren't marked down because of blood stains...they could be o.j.'s

 

[nick_carraway]

LizzyM (adcom member for those that don't know) has posted on this issue before...

Suits are not necessarily required, you can go with a blazer, slacks and a tie. The suit has become something of an interview uniform, though. If you're not wearing one, chances are, you'll be the only one. Be ready for that.... (personal observation).

If I had it to do all over again, I would not have gotten a dark navy suit. I would have picked something in a gray-scale. We do all look alike, and they do joke about the waiting room looking like a funeral parlor (LizzyM again).

Why wouldn't you have chosen a navy suit? I just got back from Macy's and I like a navy textured suit more than a black pinstripe one.

 

[etf]

Why wouldn't you have chosen a navy suit? I just got back from Macy's and I like a navy textured suit more than a black pinstripe one.

actually, in the business world, navy and charcoal are considered standard interview wear - black is considered too fashion-forward. anyway, it's not about the suit; it's about the resume inside of the matching leather portfolio...

 

[nick_carraway]

actually, in the business world, navy and charcoal are considered standard interview wear - black is considered too fashion-forward. anyway, it's not about the suit; it's about the resume inside of the matching leather portfolio...

Right. I'm not too concerned with the color scheme since what I liked going into Macy's was definitely not what I liked coming out, but I was curious why depakote wouldn't choose navy again.

The Nordstrom Rack near me doesn't have many 36S suits and Nordstrom was unhelpful so Macy's is the best choice right now. I still need to visit a few others though over the next few days.

And to answer my own question on turnaround times for alterations, it's between same-day (Nordstrom) to one week (Macy's).

 

[Depakote]

Why wouldn't you have chosen a navy suit? I just got back from Macy's and I like a navy textured suit more than a black pinstripe one.

The problem is, my Navy suit almost looks black in low light and it definitely looks like everybody elses. I'm not saying that you need to dress to stand out, but by the end of my interviews... I was pretty conscious of the fact that every guy in the room looked exactly the same.

 

[notdeadyet]

Go Men's Wearhouse. Good suits for cheap.

Their sales folks are usually pretty good about matching with shirts and ties as well. Also, there are Men's Wearhouses in most cities and you can get your suit pressed for free for the life of the suit. This can be handy when you're interviewing.

Go with a style that suits you and your personality. Get a black suit/white shirt/red tie if it's you . You can wear a pinstripe navy 3 button with a purple shirt matching tie if you want as well. As long as it's tasteful, it's fine.

 

[63768]

$400 for a suit is a lofty budget. go to macy's or men's warehouse.

 

[ChristianJames1]

A suit is something you will have for a long time. I say if you are going to buy a suit, spend the extra cash to get something you really like, I promise it will get used for lots of other things besides the interview.

 

[searun]

A suit is something you will have for a long time. I say if you are going to buy a suit, spend the extra cash to get something you really like, I promise it will get used for lots of other things besides the interview.

I bought a high quality suit and I am glad that I did...I plan to wear it for residency interviews in a few years.