Need a suit for your interview(s)? (Men)

[CedarZ4]

Not necessarily...
If you bought separates instead of a suit, then you can get pretty close with the pants. Unless you have a 100% standard body, the jacket would need to be tailored, however.

As for the length, it really depends on what kind of style you are looking for. Traditionally and for a classic fight, when you have your arm straight and down on your side, the jacket should end between your thumb and the rest of your fingers. Some would say to your thumb, but that is give or take half an inch so not really a big deal.

Another way to determine length is... the curvature of your buttocks is covered.

Again, these are for classic traditional fit. I personally like my jackets shorter for a more contemporary fit, but I think for my interview suit I'm going to go traditional.

Interview on the 27th, I don't have a suit yet. Is that bad? 😱

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[MAR89]

Cedar I wouldn't worry about. I was also worried about not finding a well-fitting suit in time, but I found a really neat one at United Colors of Benetton. Before that, I stopped by Men's Wearhouse and Jos A Banks, and they only seemed to carry very standard sized suits. If you're not built like a typical American businessman, you won't find what you're looking for there. At United Colors of Benetton and Sisley (I think they're the same company) you can find much more contemporary suits that have a much snugger fit, which is what I was looking for. Nothing looks worse than a baggy suit.

 

[Jackson-Ave-Dental]

Your shirt cuffs should end right where your wrist meets your palm.
Your jacket sleeve should be 1/4"-1/2" shorter than your shirt cuff.


Keep in mind that my opinions are highly conservative when it comes to suiting etiquette. 😉
(Actually, Barney's fit is pretty spot on)

 

[CedarZ4]

Your shirt cuffs should end right where your wrist meets your palm.
Your jacket sleeve should be 1/4"-1/2" shorter than your shirt cuff.


Keep in mind that my opinions are highly conservative when it comes to suiting etiquette. 😉
(Actually, Barney's fit is pretty spot on)

Disagree.

While I LOVE Barney's style/fit (more of a slim fit/contemporary) as I have stated before, that is not something I would strive for at an interview. It looks good, it looks fly, and it will get you the ladies. You're not trying to make a fashion statement or hit on the ADCOMS, unless, that is your strategy then props to you 👍 haha. All kidding aside, interviews are, like you said, high conservative. I don't agree that Barney's style is conservative. You wear what you want, and I wear what I want, we all have our own opinions. But the way I see it, if I go out to impress the ladies, I'm going with Barney. If I'm going to an interview and I actually want the spot, I'd go for something else.

As for Mar, I agree. I've went to Macy's and Mens Wearhouse as well. Their fit is... too "American" Hope I didn't offend anyone there! Nothing looks worse than baggy fit, so I think I'm going to say screw it, get the buy 1 get the next $100 at Mens Wearhouse, then tailor it to fit my not-so American built body. They offer life-time tailoring too... so that's a plus.

 

[Jackson-Ave-Dental]

I meant his sleeves were were they're suppose to be.

Although, I don't know... Barney would look worse if his suit wasn't as conforming. That dressing style is pretty much standard over in Europe and Asia.

 

[FLOSS UR TEETH]

Thanks guys.. my suit is not a slim fit. Another question, what's the best way to carry the suit on a plane? and can I wear a light blue shirt or should I stick to white (my tie is navy with small dots close together and suit is navy)?

 

[CedarZ4]

Sorry, I didn't know you were referring to his sleeves, in that case, I totally agree 😀 👍

With that said, while that is true, in Europe and Asia, that style would be more professional and actually the standard. However, we are in America, and despite the fact that I do like that style more (slim fit, short) from what I know is, the professional standard is the classic fit, which while is not to say should be falling off your body, but is definitely more baggy than slim fit/what Barney wears.

As for FlossUrTeeth, that's a good question. Wouldn't mind some pointers on that myself

 

[dantemac]

Get a garment bag that folds in half to carry suits. I got a Swiss Gear one with pockets for shoes and everything.

Just google "garment bag", you'll see the idea.

 

[SpringDDS]

Thanks guys.. my suit is not a slim fit. Another question, what's the best way to carry the suit on a plane? and can I wear a light blue shirt or should I stick to white (my tie is navy with small dots close together and suit is navy)?

DanteMac's idea is a good one if you find a good deal on one. Alternatively, just check Youtube, and there are plenty of videos showing you how to fold a suit for travel. I prefer a method where:

Jacket:
1) Turn one sleeve inside out
2) Pull the other sleeve through the inside out sleeve.
3) Make sure the combined shoulder area is still well formed
4) Stuff some underwear or t-shirts in that area to keep the shoulder well formed (this doesn't go into the sleeve, it stays where your shoulder is to keep the shape).
5) Fold the sleeve in and roll the shoulder down to make a sleeping bag style roll.

Pants:
1) These are less fussy, so you can fold them any which way. I've not found a big improvement unless you do a terrible job of folding them.

Either way, hang the suit jacket up right when you get to your location, and if there are any wrinkles, consider hanging it in your bathroom when you're in the shower. The steam should get rid of the wrinkles.

 

[FLOSS UR TEETH]

Get a garment bag that folds in half to carry suits. I got a Swiss Gear one with pockets for shoes and everything.

Just google "garment bag", you'll see the idea.

is the 40" wally bag with pockets good? is this what you are talking about? too small, too big, just right?

 

[YoonS]

Bump

 

[FLOSS UR TEETH]

yeah i bought that one and its really good! you can actually fit a few suits in it (so plenty of room inside) and it has pockets for shoes and ties.

 

[CedarZ4]

Just went to my first interview today. Opted out of the bag, didn't want to spend $150 for a bag (that's what they were selling for at Men's Wearhouse)...

I just rolled everything up. Not a single fold or wrinkle. It was even a checked baggage and not a carry-on. So among all the throwing, it made out 👍

 

[Double Bonded]

I know it's not very conservative but what do you guys think about this color tie for an interview?

 

[CedarZ4]

I know it's not very conservative but what do you guys think about this color tie for an interview?

I'm no expert but my opinion...
NO

Love the color, fantastic tie overall. I'd definitely wear it... but not to an interview.

Like you said, it's not very conservative because of two reasons 1) the color, obviously and 2) the strips, not only go in one directions but TWO. Don't want to make the interviewer dizzy by going wooo-wooo-wooo left and right left and right. You get the point.

 

[PreDent321]

I know it's not very conservative but what do you guys think about this color tie for an interview?

I like the stripes and it would be ok from pattern standpoint but not the color.

 

[Ghostface17]

Bump....I got my interview coming up so heading out to buy a suit today. This thread definitely helped me out. Thanks guys

 

[montreal1]

Is there a consensus for how to pack a suit into one of those small roller luggages? I need to pack tomorrow...

 

[MrAvicii]

Is there a consensus for how to pack a suit into one of those small roller luggages? I need to pack tomorrow...

you dont pack the suit you are gonna crease it and when you take it out its gonna look like toilet paper. You must buy one of those carry cases (as seen on the posts above) and carry that onto your plane (along with 1 more free carry on like a small suitcase or duffel bag) you can then fold that suit carry case in half and then put it up top with your other carry on. When you get into your hotel it should be fine enough and there should be zero creases. That same suit carry on case will hold your dress shirt and tie. This way nothing gets creased. The worst thing to see is someone first thing in the morning of their interview in a suit that looks like its been worn for the last 3 days.

the end.

 

[DentalGunner]

you dont pack the suit you are gonna crease it and when you take it out its gonna look like toilet paper. You must buy one of those carry cases (as seen on the posts above) and carry that onto your plane (along with 1 more free carry on like a small suitcase or duffel bag) you can then fold that suit carry case in half and then put it up top with your other carry on. When you get into your hotel it should be fine enough and there should be zero creases. That same suit carry on case will hold your dress shirt and tie. This way nothing gets creased. The worst thing to see is someone first thing in the morning of their interview in a suit that looks like its been worn for the last 3 days.

the end.

Or, you could just be safe and pack your suit properly and steam in the bathroom. Garment bags often have to get checked in because they're too bulky. Wouldn't want to be that guy.

 

[dmdluffy]

I like the stripes and it would be ok from pattern standpoint but not the color.

Stripes going in two directions is because of how it's tied, not because the tie itself is like that. Stripes are a pretty conservative pattern and okay for interviews.

 

[MrAvicii]

Or, you could just be safe and pack your suit properly and steam in the bathroom. Garment bags often have to get checked in because they're too bulky. Wouldn't want to be that guy.

you are that guy, the guy that jumps on EVERY post I write.

OP do you really want to steam the morning off and risk ruining your suit? dont be THAT GUY. Just buy that carry on bag for suits or get a free one from a wardrobe store like Century 21 or Macys (thats what I did) it was convenient and kept my suit sharp and crisp.

PS What your saying is a LIE! Garment bags DO NOT NEED to be checked in. You are allowed 2 free carry ons at any airline. 1 would be your duffel or suitcase and 2 would be the carry on suitbag.

I know because I did this 5 TIMES!

 

[DentalGunner]

you are that guy, the guy that jumps on EVERY post I write.

OP do you really want to steam the morning off and risk ruining your suit? dont be THAT GUY. Just buy that carry on bag for suits or get a free one from a wardrobe store like Century 21 or Macys (thats what I did) it was convenient and kept my suit sharp and crisp.

PS What your saying is a LIE! Garment bags DO NOT NEED to be checked in. You are allowed 2 free carry ons at any airline. 1 would be your duffel or suitcase and 2 would be the carry on suitbag.

I know because I did this 5 TIMES!

1) Calm down. Stop playing victim 24-7. Everyone is not out to get you. Merely showing the OP another option.

2) You steam it the night you get into your hotel...why would you wait until morning? Let's use our common sense here.

3) Suddenly it's apparent that you either don't fly that often, or haven't interviewed much this cycle. I've seen people on several occasions, who have had to check in garment bags at the gate, because the plane was full and the overhead bins were crammed; or the gateperson deemed their garment bags too bulky, in general (the garment bag would be the one to be checked in, because it's typically smaller than the other carry-on item). Doesn't happen every single time, but it's good for the OP to know the risk he/she is taking with your "the end" demands. Or, if you're in a commuter plane for a short transfer, they could make you do sky check-in, so unless your garment bag is the size of a purse, have fun with all the rollers being piled on top of your suit in the cargo below.

 

[crax]

PS What your saying is a LIE! Garment bags DO NOT NEED to be checked in. You are allowed 2 free carry ons at any airline. 1 would be your duffel or suitcase and 2 would be the carry on suitbag.

I know because I did this 5 TIMES!

a lie is an intentionally mistelling of the truth, perhaps a mistake.
and my last flight, i was charged $40 for my ONLY carry on. i was in schock..

 

[MrAvicii]

1) Calm down. Stop playing victim 24-7. Everyone is not out to get you. Merely showing the OP another option.

2) You steam it the night you get into your hotel...why would you wait until morning? Let's use our common sense here.

3) Suddenly it's apparent that you either don't fly that often, or haven't interviewed much this cycle. I've seen people on several occasions, who have had to check in garment bags at the gate, because the plane was full and the overhead bins were crammed; or the gateperson deemed their garment bags too bulky, in general (the garment bag would be the one to be checked in, because it's typically smaller than the other carry-on item). Doesn't happen every single time, but it's good for the OP to know the risk he/she is taking with your "the end" demands. Or, if you're in a commuter plane for a short transfer, they could make you do sky check-in, so unless your garment bag is the size of a purse, have fun with all the rollers being piled on top of your suit in the cargo below.

I flew out more than 5 times and I always checked in everything for free. (I said this up top but you stopped reading) I came early and I made sure I had enough bin space.

I had no problem. OP - Steam = Potential way to ruin your suit. Just get a carry on suit bag and you will be more than fine.

 

[MrAvicii]

a lie is an intentionally mistelling of the truth, perhaps a mistake.
and my last flight, i was charged $40 for my ONLY carry on. i was in schock..

was it a discount flight? you know like a southwest. I dunno man, I was not charged anything for my flights.

 

[crax]

was it a discount flight? you know like a southwest. I dunno man, I was not charged anything for my flights.

probably was, i think i bought it through expedia and chose the lowest quote. was pretty pissed when i tried printing out my confirmation @ 3am lol.

 

[MrAvicii]

probably was, i think i bought it through expedia and chose the lowest quote. was pretty pissed when i tried printing out my confirmation @ 3am lol.

sorry to hear bud. i was gonna book one of those and then I noticed the little (*) and I read the fine print. They were gonna give me a cheaper flight but then I had to pay for carry ons. So net-net it turned out to be the same thing as a flight w/o carry on charge. I booked the latter. I can't wait for Dec 1st. I hope i'm done with flights, i'm tired of them both financially and physically lol

 

[dantemac]

Or, you could just be safe and pack your suit properly and steam in the bathroom. Garment bags often have to get checked in because they're too bulky. Wouldn't want to be that guy.

My garment bag was always a free carry-on. The flight attendants even gave me my own luggage compartment to lay it flat.