where do you purchase suit from?

[tank you]

for interviews, that is. im thinking of going to Express Men and buying one from there. also, does it have to be black suit? what do most guys wear?

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[Code Brown]

for interviews, that is. im thinking of going to Express Men and buying one from there. also, does it have to be black suit? what do most guys wear?

Great question. From last years interview trail, I can give you the following rough estimate of what I noticed (8 interviews).

About 60% were blue, about 20% black, about 10% grey and about 10% brown/olive.

The suits ranged from Salvation Army to Sachs. My guess is that the average suit ran around $300.

I think it's actually more important to have a nice tie and a good shirt that fits you properly if money is an issue. Too many people have decent suits and crappy shirts or ugly ties.

I went to Nordstroms, which was on the expensive side, but I also plan on using the same suit to my residency interviews in a few years and I had the money for it.

 

[LabMonster]

I think it's actually more important to have a nice tie and a good shirt that fits you properly if money is an issue. Too many people have decent suits and crappy shirts or ugly ties.

I agree. I'll probably get a decent 500 suit, but I'll put most of the effort into finding great ties and shirts.

My vote is for black. 👍

 

[stoleyerscrubz]

excuse my ignorance but what makes for a "crappy shirt"?

 

[LabMonster]

excuse my ignorance but what makes for a "crappy shirt"?

I think he's referring specifically to the cut: loose neck, tight neck, sleeves too long, etc...

No one would get that far and wear a flannel shirt....

 

[Medikit]

I got my suit from the men's wearhouse. Very few guys were wearing colours that that were not close to black. Some people had stripes, others did not.

Whoah. Men's Wearhouse. I do believe that is the first time I got the pun.

 

[crys20]

dont do black!!! navy blue or dark gray for guys for sure! good shirt and conserv good matching tie...if you have some $$ to spare you NEED a good suit as a guy so make the investment..if not, do what you can...but yeah, no black! 🙂

 

[hardy]

What's the difference between a $200 and a $500 suit? I honestly can't tell...

 

[91Bravo]

In my opinion, navy blue is a good choice. I like black. But practically everyone at my interviews wore black, and none of them looked distinctive. A few wore brown which is a big no..no. Brown should never be worn for business or important functions. Before Reagan wore brown in the '80's, absolutely no one dared wear it during the day. Wearing brown just shows ignorance with respect to proper men's fashion.

An important thing to remember is to have your suit properly tailored. The men with "off the rack" suits were easy to spot.

No one has mentioned that last major accessory: shoes. I was shocked to see otherwise well-dressed men in shoes that were either unpolished, or even worse, cheap ones with rubber soles.

 

[xxbruinxx]

come on....i think u guys are taking this too far

i completely agree that you need a decent suit, and look professional, but as to the nit picky...i think i'd rather rely on my application/personality to wow them (if i'm not being too optimistic here), not my shoes

 

[shiraz84]

come on....i think u guys are taking this too far

i completely agree that you need a decent suit, and look professional, but as to the nit picky...i think i'd rather rely on my application/personality to wow them (if i'm not being too optimistic here), not my shoes

In a perfect world, how good you looked wouldn't matter. Unfortunately, this is far from a perfect world, so having a great looking suit will make a better impression. Like others have said, it's not necessarily wearing a $500 suit instead of a $300 one, it's how it fits and how well the colors agree with the shirt, tie, shoes, your skin tone, etc.

 

[myodana]

for interviews, that is. im thinking of going to Express Men and buying one from there. also, does it have to be black suit? what do most guys wear?

as far as experess men goes, it's a good store, but you'd better be tall and thin if you're going to look good in their clothing, from what i've seen (my roommate shops there constantly). honestly, i saw everything from black suits, to high fashion pinstripes, to a tan suit with a bright red shirt at my interviews, and i TOTALLY don't think it matters, as long as you look presentable. if you don't have a lot of money, and you think that a black suit will be the best investment, buy one, and wear it with something beautiful like a light blue shirt and a good tie. but don't stress out over it. i really don't think it's as much of an issue as people here make it out to be.

 

[samenewme]

What's the difference between a $200 and a $500 suit? I honestly can't tell...

If you can't tell, bring someone shopping with you who can. Here are some tips

You want sleeves to be set smoothly (no puckers or dimples at the shoulder), pocket flaps/slits to be neat and even, good fit even from the back (you need a trusted friend for this), you can stoop and sit and stand in the pants and they hang well.

Grab a handful of the fabric (particularly in the pants or skirt where it's not heavily lined) and give it a good squeeze for several seconds. If you can't brush the wrinkles out, keep looking. You're going to sit and stand and sit and stand a lot, and you don't want to look like a rag bag by the end of the day.

There is a subtle different in color and texture, too, but in a muted neutral shade that doesn't show so much. If you look at very cheap suits and then very expensive suits, you can then discern the difference when you look at the moderately priced suits, but it's not such a big deal.

If it's wrinkle-free, fits well, and doesn't look cheap, you've won.

 

[IgweEmeka]

My girlfriend thinks I look absolutely irresistible (her words, i swear) when I wear my pink tie with my black suit and white shirt. Is the pink tie pushing it with adcoms? hey maybe there are a few fashion conscious members or females who would appreciate a manly guy like myself wearing a pink tie.

 

[aragonh]

Get an interesting tie. It could work for as a good ice breaker.

I wore a pink tie and i told the story (wore it when i stood at my friends wedding) when an interviewer asked about it.

 

[nockamura]

Whatever price you pay, get it tailored to fit you perfectly. A good-fitting $200 suit is better than a poor-fitting $500 suit.

 

[You'reCrazy]

excuse my ignorance but what makes for a "crappy shirt"?

Since you'll be going on an interview and you have no idea whether you'll get some old traditional doctor or not it's bet to go with traditional interview attire. Wearing a pink shirt or tie can have an affect (positive or negative) so why not just go with something simple so you can have your personality shine and not your clothes.

Also, on business interviews its customary to wear an oxford type shirt that is either white or powder blue. Ties should NOT be extravagent and have lots of detail. If you want to add some color try a red and blue colored tie.

In fact, a good example of how to dress during an interview is to go look at the political debate clothes of W and Kerry during their debates. You don't need to go spend as much $$$ as they did but look at their color ties and shirts. If you think about it, they were interviewing for the entire country and had to dress APPROPRIATELY.

But overall, work more on your interview skills (mock interviews) than anything.

 

[uwalum]

I recommend wearing one of those t-shirts with a tuxedo printed on the front and a black g-string. i think it would make you stand out. good luck!

 

[Revolution]

The main thing you should be trying to express with your clothing, at an interview, is your respect for the process and your interviewer. Don't be too concerned with the expense of the suit, but be sure to get a black or dark blue suit that is tailored to fit you well. Places like Express, that deal in fashionable suits, often taper the cuts of their suits to make them more stylish, which looks silly on certain body types. You'll be better off shopping at a department store or Brooks Brothers if you want a classic, modest-looking suit. The sales staff at these stores should also be better at steering you in the right direction.

Wear polished black shoes and a black belt. It's not a good thing to get asked about your clothes in an interview--it means they're being flashier than you are.

 

[tank you]

anyone else have any suggestions??

 

[nockamura]

You don't need to stand out. Chances are that if they remember you because of your outfit, then you failed miserably at your interview and/or looked weird. They only remember the wackos.

 

[gujuDoc]

I think Indian guys look good in pinstripe suits and a simple tie. But that's my opinion. Oh and I disagree with the person that said don't go with black. Black is a color that is both professional and suitable on almost all people. On the other hand, gray is a color only some can pull off.

I wouldn't wear white or brown. navy blue might be good too.

I'll agree with what Myodona said about Express men. I'm female, so go to Express for females, but feel the same can be said of their men's and women's store.

They are not for everyone, but a certain type of people. There are better stores dedicated solely to men. Can't think of names off the top of my head, but if I go to the mall in the near future, I'll try to get a hold of some of the names.

 

[ShyRem]

I saw some really nice brand-name men's suits at Burlington Coat Warehouse. Also, don't count out eBay or estate sales. I'm female, but got some absolutely GORGEOUS wool suits on ebay for literally less than $10 each. Two of them were perfect, three needed small work like buttons, a new zipper, etc. But all were clean, classic, classy, and far far better quality than anything I had seen in any store. Granted, there are a lot more places to buy a man's suit than a women's, but eBay might be worth a look to save some money.

 

[Rzarecta]

anyone else have any suggestions??

Yo, I went with the expressmen's dark grey suit and loved it! It is true that the suit fits very nicely if you are thin , more on the skinny side. I had to get the sleeves tailored because they were so long, but the cut was exquisite. I have owned a few suits in my time, and this cheapy is probably the one that looks best on me. I usually wore a white shirt, and a stronger tie with brilliant color, such as the classic Tommy Hilfiger. I used to hate dressing up, but after the interview season, I actually have developed a liking for it.

 

[freaker]

I'm really not a fan of Express' suits. The fabric they use on a lot of them isn't as high of a quality as what you should be getting for the money (have seen some exceptions). The finish just isn't there, and they come across as a little dull. At least those acceptable to wear at an interview. A lot of their others suits are a bit too fashion-forward for an interview.

Brooks Brothers offers a more traditional fit, though you'll pay for it. I'm really not a fan of vents in the back and would prefer something with a bit more edge to it, so I don't suit shop there. You might want to start there just to see what's available.

I ended up buying mine in a department store and having it altered. I've also found some great deals off of ebay, but you have to know your dimensions and know them well. With my dimensions, it's impossible for me to find suits there unless I piece them together separately. You'll also need to now your sleave length and ideally length between your shoulders.

Technically, you're not supposed to wear a black suit to a job interview. Black is very formal, and you're not supposed to outdress your interviewer. I'm not sure this really mattes for medical school, but that's the rule in the b-world.

For women, J.Crew and Ann Taylor make excellent suits, often having suit pants with lower cuts, yet still very professional.

I saw a lot of guys with really crappy ties that should not have been worn to interviews. Seriously, go to Brooks Brothers and look at their ties. These are what you SHOULD be wearing to interviews. You don't have to buy them there, as they're expensive, but stripes or simple patterns are considered professional.

 

[45408]

Bachrach has some reasonably priced suits, and they hemmed/cuffed the pants and let the waist out a little for me - included in the price. I got a black suit with a subtle chalkstripe for $300. No, it's no custom-tailored suit like my dad has an affinity for, but I think it looks pretty decent.

 

[MrTee]

You don't need to stand out. Chances are that if they remember you because of your outfit, then you failed miserably at your interview and/or looked weird. They only remember the wackos.

Totally true. No need to blow a grand on a suit and a few bills on shoes. Just make sure you look sharp in what you have, and don't wear anything too outstanding in any way. Ask yourself if taking a chance by standing out with a pink shirt or tie is worth it (in case you get an old, traditional doc)...probably not, because what's the best that will happen if your interviewer actually likes it? And what's the worst that could happen if he/she doesn't like it? The downside outweighs the upside, so don't take chances on attire. As long as the suit fits/is wrinkle free, and your shoes are shiny, you're good to go.

 

[KingTutATL]

anyone else have any suggestions??

You probably couldn't tell the difference between a $300 suit and a $1200 one from 5ft away. The shirt and tie do make a difference. You really would't want anything that stands out too much. The tie and shirt must go together. Either wear white, a french blue, or some light color. Tying a good knot in the tie could also help. I see so many young guys with a half ass tied tie. A good Windsor knot should look large and crisp and fill up most of the neck area. my 1 cent and the other cent i get from my girlfriend.

 

[KingTutATL]

I saw a lot of guys with really crappy ties that should not have been worn to interviews. Seriously, go to Brooks Brothers and look at their ties. These are what you SHOULD be wearing to interviews. You don't have to buy them there, as they're expensive, but stripes or simple patterns are considered professional.

This guy knows what I'm talkin about

 

[Shredder]

mens wearhouse. youre going to like the way you look--i guarantee it. ah, effective advertising, sticks with me through all these years.

 

[deuist]

My girlfriend thinks I look absolutely irresistible (her words, i swear) when I wear my pink tie with my black suit and white shirt. Is the pink tie pushing it with adcoms? hey maybe there are a few fashion conscious members or females who would appreciate a manly guy like myself wearing a pink tie.

There is a difference between looking sexy for your girlfriend and trying to get an adcom to be attracted to you. Above all else, keep in mind that you want to be remembered for what you say during an interview, not what you wear.

 

[KingTutATL]

There's a place here in Atlanta called K & G Men's Store and they have a lot of designer suits that you can get for a lot less that Nordstroms or any department store.

 

[deuist]

I can't believe that no one has mentioned J.C. Penny's yet. The staff will measure you completely and help you pick a good fitting suit. Also, the prices are very cheap---usually less than $200.

 

[HoyaMax]

I would definetly consider Nordstrom's, the store may be a bit pricier than other places, but the customer services is unparalleled. You well have a well-tailored suit as well as the satisfaction of knowing that you will look nice. The salespeople are knowledgable of the industry too. As for style, my suggestion is to look as much like a presidential/polictical candidate as you can... i.e. no pinstripe or very light pin dark suit, white/light blue shirt, red or blue designed tie, and clean fit.
As for Nordy's I know that they are having their Men's Half-yearly sale starting soon, as well as the Anniversary sale, which are both great deals.

 

[AggieJohn]

I'm curious, all I've ever owned was a black suit. What kind of tie do you wear with a navy blue suit? White shirt I presume? Also, I was checking online, and a lot of places have 3 peice suits (ie the vest). What do ya'll think? Too 1930's?

 

[KingTutATL]

Yeah. The vest may be overdoing it a bit. If you're wearing a dark navy blue suit you should have a white shirt and then a tie that is somewhat the same shade of color as the suit. Obviously not a dark blue.

 

[it.]

what about something like this

 

[doc05]

You probably couldn't tell the difference between a $300 suit and a $1200 one from 5ft away.

of course you can tell the difference.

The shirt and tie do make a difference. You really would't want anything that stands out too much. The tie and shirt must go together. Either wear white, a french blue, or some light color. Tying a good knot in the tie could also help. I see so many young guys with a half ass tied tie. A good Windsor knot should look large and crisp and fill up most of the neck area. my 1 cent and the other cent i get from my girlfriend.

you should wear a white shirt. blue is not such a good choice. A windsor knot reeks of pomposity -- just go with 4-in-hand and don't be sloppy.

 

[doc05]

I'm curious, all I've ever owned was a black suit. What kind of tie do you wear with a navy blue suit? White shirt I presume? Also, I was checking online, and a lot of places have 3 peice suits (ie the vest). What do ya'll think? Too 1930's?

3-piece suits were huge in the business world in the 1980s. They are just beginning to become popular again but right now I would avoid it. 2-button single breast suit. no vest.

you should wear a white shirt and a red or yellow tie.

 

[lakersfan]

for interviews, that is. im thinking of going to Express Men and buying one from there. also, does it have to be black suit? what do most guys wear?

I remember you go to UCI so if you do interview at east coast schools, consider getting an overcoat. Its frigging cold there.

From the interviews I went to, most people wore either black or blue. A few people wear grey but I think its best to go with black/blue...and I agree with the second poster a nice shirt and tie goes a long long way.

 

[45408]

you should wear a white shirt. blue is not such a good choice. A windsor knot reeks of pomposity -- just go with 4-in-hand and don't be sloppy.

I think you should just wear what looks good on you - blue is way better on me than white is.

 

[riceman04]

for interviews, that is. im thinking of going to Express Men and buying one from there. also, does it have to be black suit? what do most guys wear?

No, buy one from Men's Warehouse

 

[Dr2010]

when u get a dress shirt, make sure its not some button down collar, imo that just looks alot less calassy

 

[synapse]

For women, J.Crew and Ann Taylor make excellent suits, often having suit pants with lower cuts, yet still very professional.

👍 gotta agree that J.Crew has really nice and professional suits!! i'm female and i got my black skirt suit at J.Crew and got tons of compliments! 👍

i didn't really like express for women because the material felt too cheap. if you grab the material and it wrinkles, that's not a good sign.. cuz u don't want to be all wrinkled after just sitting down.. imho.

banana republic is also very nice, but very expensive... but then again, it's definitely worth it to buy one nice suit that you will probably be wearing even after interviews..

bring a lint remover (those rollers).. they come in handy!

oh yea, women, make sure you buy matching blazers and pants/skirts.... don't mix and match. you will look weird and feel weird.. (like i did on my first interview until i got the matching piece later)

 

[evade]

for interviews, that is. im thinking of going to Express Men and buying one from there. also, does it have to be black suit? what do most guys wear?

I'm a chick. I bought my suit from Macy's. Mine was very dark brown with an ecru stripe. Most of the guys at my interviews wore black suits, some wore grey, fewer wore blue or brown, and one guy had a green suit (very dark green, and pretty cool!). The only tips I would give for suit purchasing are as follows:

1) Don't go with black suit + white shirt + red or blue tie. This is superboring.
2) Don't be super weird either. A noisy shirt, tie, or obviously cheap/ill-fitting suit indicates that you don't really care.
3) If you gain weight easily, especially when stressed, make sure you've got a bit of ease when you buy your suit. I didn't do this. I felt like I was going to pop the button on my skirt by my last (and 14th) interview.

Lastly, 4) Don't listen to everyone who says to buy a $500 suit and that nothing less will cut it. Buy one that you really like and that looks good on you. Don't feel obligated to go with a certain color just because you think everyone else is doing it. In the end, a suit is not even necessary. My best friend from high school is an M1 at Yale, and she never bought a suit for interviewing. Sure, it probably cut down her chances a little bit. . .some interviewers hated the fact that she wore no suit, but some of 'em loved it. So don't worry. Anything goes. 🙂

 

[xSTALLiONx]

come on....i think u guys are taking this too far

i completely agree that you need a decent suit, and look professional, but as to the nit picky...i think i'd rather rely on my application/personality to wow them (if i'm not being too optimistic here), not my shoes

at one of my interviews... a kid wore a suit with nice shirt and tie.. but had trendy steve madden shoes on.. totally didn't match and everyone including the 2nd year med students kept looking at him like an idiot..

the choice of a suit is not to stand out.. but to look good and normal so they don't focus on that instead of your application

 

[xSTALLiONx]

In the end, a suit is not even necessary. My best friend from high school is an M1 at Yale, and she never bought a suit for interviewing. Sure, it probably cut down her chances a little bit. . .some interviewers hated the fact that she wore no suit, but some of 'em loved it. So don't worry. Anything goes. 🙂

Yale people are generally ugly.. no article of clothing could help her.. so that's not a valid point..

 

[stoleyerscrubz]

I'm all for conforming to the interview dress code but this is a bit silly, because not everyone has the knowledge and not everyone has the money.

this comment is not directed directly at xStallionx

at one of my interviews... a kid wore a suit with nice shirt and tie.. but had trendy steve madden shoes on.. totally didn't match and everyone including the 2nd year med students kept looking at him like an idiot..

 

[dca_55]

I went to SYMS to buy my suit. It's like a TJMaxx or Marshalls, but for more formal wear like suits and tuxedos. They had a lot of great name brands and large selection of fits and sizes in the $200-300 range. I got my suit, shirt, tie, dress shoes, alterations for all under $300. Staff were friendly and knew a lot about fits and styles, I would have looked horrible if I bought a suit completely on my own since this was my first suit. I went with a navy-black shade that had a very subtle shadow stripe. I'd agree with sticking to navy or black suit. I don't think interviewers are so picky that they are going to base a decision on whether youre wearing a particular color, but some will notice things like shoes not being shined or if you wear a suit that has an improper fit. Some may take it as a reflection as to how serious you are to getting into medical school. My friend who did student interviews when he was a fourth year was instructed to take notice if the applicant's shoes were shined or not, so some of the details do matter.

 

[ambrosia]

Ann Taylor for the girls!
I got mine there last year, it was a dark blue (almost black) suit with little pin stripes, and then a blue-green collared shirt. Looked very nice, and I stood out a little from all the people in solid black.