Buying a Suit for Work - Recommendations under $600

Tech and cars on 08/02/2017 - 16:33

Hi Guys,

So I've recently been accepted into a new role at a CA firm in the city. I've previously worked in engineering and the dress code has been quite relaxed. Smart dress pants + nice shirts + shoes. Easy.

Now that I'll be required to wear a suit as part of my day to day job - I was hoping people had some recommended brands that deliver a good cut/price/quality ratio.

I'm a skinny/medium build, 170cm, male.

I have a nice MJ Bale Navy suit from my wedding - it was tailored and set me back to roughly $800 all up.

I would ideally like two more suits - one in black and one in grey.

Do you have any recommendations on good value for money brands. I assume I'll have to set aside $150 on tailoring. So that leaves $450.00 for me to find the pants and the blazer.

Thanks all in advance.

Health & Beauty

Comments

  • dasher86 on 08/02/2017 - 16:45
    +3

    When I comes to suits I find that brands don't matter and it's all about fit.
    Noone is going to notice that Hugo Boss tag but they will notice if it doesn't fit.

    Are you planning to travel to Asia any time soon? Custom tailoring can be as little $100 USD for a suit. Just make sure you know what you want, know how to communicate it and be firm.

    • Tech and cars on 08/02/2017 - 16:58

      Agreed - I'm all about that "good cut/price/quality" ratio.

      No plans to go to Asia anytime soon.

      • sator on 13/02/2017 - 17:06
        +2

        You're on the right track with MJ Bale. Wait for a sale if necessary.
        Ignore that terrible recommendation re. 100USD tailored suit.
        Do not consider a tailored suit under $600 otherwise its probably a 100% poly suit.

        Note: Rhodes & Beckett and Herringbone has just appointed receivers

        • CMH on 01/05/2017 - 00:13

          Lots of tailors who will do a custom suit in Hoi An (Vietnam), prices will range a bit depending on the choice of cloth that you picked, but I wouldn't think you'd have to pay any more than $600.

          I got 2 made by Yaly there, made to measure. Big shop, and looks like they get a lion's share of business there. Also one of the more expensive ones, but I can't find any issues with their service. It took a few fittings to make sure everything's perfect: pants, suit and shirt. I remember paying AUD1k for 2 sets. On the expensive side, but I really liked the material I picked.

          Big plus about their service is that they kept my measurements, and if I needed anything, they could make and ship to Australia.

    • toristo on 08/02/2017 - 21:06

      +1 on fit over brand.

      Get a good super 120 wool suit made to measure if you can, or find a good priced suit that fits you as close as you can get and then get it tailored to fit. Make sure the shoulders are spot on - it will cost you $400 to fix them if you don't (i.e. not worth doing). Make sure you get 2 pairs of trousers for each suit as they wear out first and you'll get much longer wear out of the suit that way.

      Congrats on the new job.

  • [Deactivated] on 08/02/2017 - 16:46
    +1

    MJ Bale
    T.M Lewin

    • Tech and cars on 08/02/2017 - 16:58

      A suit from MJ Bale is still $800+ I've got one. It's awesome though.

  • stratbargain on 08/02/2017 - 16:48
    +1

    You could try an overseas tailor. For example I got a couple of suits made up at Tailor Pro in Thailand when I was there. Not a cheap tailor by Thai standard but very good to deal with and great quality. Plus they keep your measurements on file so you can order new ones. I had to order a second set of pants and got them delivered within a week to Melbourne.

    They also do (or at least used to do) visits to Australia where they do the measurements and fabric selection and then get them made in Thailand and send them back. Might not be worth it this time if you're in a rush but worth considering.

    https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Attraction_Review-g1210687-d4…

    [email protected]

    • Tech and cars on 08/02/2017 - 16:59

      Very cool. Maybe I can give them my other suit and they can just use that for measurements? I'll email. Thank you.

      • jellykingdom on 10/02/2017 - 12:39

        Don't know where you're based, but I used a Groupon for a company called Luxury Plus in Sydney. Ended up (with 15% off Groupon discount!) being about $250 for the suit and pants, then I bought a couple tailored shirts extra.

        I'm exceptionally happy with the fit, and the suit is really good quality. And the best part is, its exactly what you want because you pick the colour, the pattern, the lapels, the pockets, etc. It actually makes it a pretty fun experience. I'm pretty picky about my suits so I asked a few questions about the fabric quality etc. The only downside was the leadtime of 2-3months, which I was a bit annoyed about

        The shirts are Ok, they're a bit thin (not like a TM Lewin shirt), but the fit is perfect and not bad for $40 each really.

        So you don't have to goto Thailand just to get a good suit. This was run by a couple indian guys

  • Sage on 08/02/2017 - 16:50

    I got an MJ Bale last week, pretty happy with it and got it half price from $900.
    They had a sale section with a limited range, about 4 options in my size.
    The sale was a further 25% off the reduced items. Might still be going.

    • Tech and cars on 08/02/2017 - 17:00

      Very nice. I'll have a look - ideally would like another MJ bale for under $500, and allow $150 for tailoring on top of it.

      Thank you for making me aware.

  • altomic on 08/02/2017 - 17:16
    +2

    Check out Myer. Durring sales they have some great suits. Also, don't under estimate the wool suits from target as a spare. The $35 price error suits from them was an awesome score.

    As others have said - it's about the fit.

  • the-mal on 08/02/2017 - 17:20

    At $600 a suit you'll definitely be able to get a made to measure suit from one of the Asian suit makers. Many of them do regular trips to Syd/Melb and will do measurements usually at hotels in the cities.

    I've previously used Manit and his team here: http://www.phukettailor-instyle.com

    He travels to Aus for measurements a few times a year however you can also send measurements yourself if you can find a tailor to measure you. You can check his ratings on TripAdvisor, they're really solid.

    Each suit I've had done through them has lasted years with several still going and they fit perfectly (way better looking than off the rack tailored).

    $600 would get you one of their medium quality wool suits.

    • Tech and cars on 13/02/2017 - 17:11

      Thank you - will give this a look. I prefer to stick to mainstream brands and not take any risks though.

  • dasher86 on 08/02/2017 - 17:39
    +1

    I use a tailor in Bangkok called Crown Tailor.

    http://www.crowntailor.com/

    And he will be in Brisbane on the 15th of Feb.

    Suits are from $389.

  • chumlee on 08/02/2017 - 17:44
    -1

    I spent less than half that much on my wedding suit. Gee times have changed

  • sparkles on 08/02/2017 - 17:53
    +3

    This might not be your cup of tea but perhaps go around all your local op shops, the bigger, the better. You can get some pretty nice mens suits for $25 or less, some worn once, if at all. It's quite common to see brands like Peter Jackson and nice Italian brands. You might just luck out. I recently helped someone dress for an event with a $10 suit plus $8 for a high-end shirt. It would have easily cost $500+ for the same in the shops. There was a surprising amount of choice given the prices. In Melbourne though, this is easier given there is an op shop on every corner.

    • John Kimble on 08/02/2017 - 18:03
      +1

      Marge Simpson did this once.

    • theguru1 on 09/02/2017 - 07:06

      I seen some great high quality suits at Op shops. Some look like they haven't been worn. Well worth checking out.

    • Tech and cars on 13/02/2017 - 17:12

      Good advice. Thank you!

  • [Deactivated] on 08/02/2017 - 18:06
    +1

    I fondly remember the day one of our network guys tried to pass off black tracksuit pants with rest of a suit. It was mid morning until we twigged.

  • dsp26 on 08/02/2017 - 18:08

    Agreed with some of the posts above. Brand doesn't matter.

    Personally, I prefer buying cheaper no brand suits and spending the real cash on getting them tailored/fitted properly.

    Nothing beats a clean sharp fitted look.

    • Tech and cars on 13/02/2017 - 17:13

      Agreed - but I require good material (wool) as a base from what I've read/understand. Generally brands give this 'guarantee' that it's going to be good quality material.

  • [Deactivated] on 08/02/2017 - 19:34
    +1

    if your interested to learn more about what to look for I find this guy very knowledgeable on all things gentlemanly

    https://gentl.mn/suit-differences-full-guide

    https://www.youtube.com/user/thegentlemansgazette

    since I don't ever buy more than 1 suit every 1-2 years. I generally will try to hit up David Jones for 50% or greater off a Hugo Boss suit when their sales are on. The last one I got was a grey 3 piece RRP $1399 i got for sub 650 last year. The additional vest also makes it a good suit to wear to weddings etc for no "extra outlay". The tailoring was about $90 in Sydney CBD

    I don't own any MJ Bale suits but a co-worker of mine wears only them and they are all very nice as well

    • PlasticSpaceman on 09/02/2017 - 08:58

      Heh. I did the same thing at DJs a while back, although in my case managed to score a Zegna. It cost me a lot more than your Boss, but by gum it was/is nice and a third the original price. Unlikely to ever happen again, sigh. FYI I get my Boss suits from their outlet now - hassle to get there but worth it.

      • [Deactivated] on 09/02/2017 - 20:05

        Im embarrassed to say I did not know Boss had an outlet! thanks for the tip! wow that Zegna score sounds awesome I think finding those one off bargains that are also your size are the ultimate

    • Tech and cars on 13/02/2017 - 17:13

      Thank you. I watched a couple videos. Very nice link. Thank you.

  • eve on 08/02/2017 - 20:15
    +2

    http://www.mjbale.com/suits/blue-label-suit-multibuy-1/
    https://www.herringbone.com/pages/2-suits-for-1200-7th-july

    MJ Bale often has 2 suits for $1000 and Herringbone will have 2 suits for $1200.

    If you were in Perth, there's a tailor I'd recommend who offers a personal shopping service and tailors the suits you purchase from the stores for one price (approx $250 from memory).

    • cimrak on 10/02/2017 - 15:09

      I'm in Perth, would love to hear your recommendation as I'll be in the market myself shortly.

      • eve on 10/02/2017 - 19:59
        +1

        Anthony Van Pham in London Court. For a set fee, he measures you up, suggests suits in your budget and tailors them for you. =) we did this a couple years ago for my hubby.

        • cimrak on 17/02/2017 - 15:57

          Thankyou so much for this, I will check him out!

    • Tech and cars on 13/02/2017 - 17:14

      Thanks! I might get the 2 for $1k. I'm just seeing if I can get away with less.

  • [Deactivated] on 09/02/2017 - 07:21
    +1

    TM Lewin

    If you know your starting measurements You can also mix and match any trousers to jacket online which may mean less tailoring

    • Tech and cars on 13/02/2017 - 17:14

      They have epic shirts always on sale! Will check out their suits.

  • mingofmongo on 09/02/2017 - 07:43
    +1

    Charles Tyrwhitt. Great quality suits. I picked up two 3-piece suits a while back for $800 delivered (yes, I like waistcoats). They fit well, great quality wool, and seem to be wearing well.

    • Tech and cars on 13/02/2017 - 17:14

      Starting to push the budget at $800 a piece.

  • PlasticSpaceman on 09/02/2017 - 08:47
    +2

    Hugo Boss - go to their factory warehouse/outlet for a good deal. Don't think you mentioned which city you are in, but there's an outlet in Melbourne and Sydney at least. They also have a sale once or twice a year where you get further discounts - a suit that would cost over $1k selling for under $300 is not unheard of (I know because I got one). I'd get one suit and use that and what you have for now, then get another when the sales come. Way back when I had to wear a suit all the time I just used to get a new one each year and drop the oldest one off at StV's.

    • jellykingdom on 10/02/2017 - 12:40

      Second that. DFOs are a good place to try

    • Tech and cars on 13/02/2017 - 17:15

      Will look at the DFO outlet.

  • Eeep on 09/02/2017 - 09:45
    +1

    Check out any trade secrets , I picked up a politix one yesterday for $107 , think the most expensive one was close to 200ish and that was CK

    • Tech and cars on 13/02/2017 - 17:15

      Woah, that's pretty decent. I have a few politix casual blazers. Very nice stuff. Not so sure about their suits, but happy to try it!

  • LaProblematique on 10/02/2017 - 12:44
    +1

    The J Crew Ludlow is great for skinny/slim guys that require very minimal tailoring. They've got tons of different material options and can be regularly had for <$200 a pop when you wait for the 40% off sale items sales that they do every month or so. Definitely worth keeping an eye out for if you're wanting a second suit that offers huge value when on sale.

    • Tech and cars on 13/02/2017 - 17:11

      Thank you! Will have a look!

    • Tech and cars on 13/02/2017 - 17:17

      Any stores in Brisbane ? or are they purely online?

      • LaProblematique on 13/02/2017 - 17:18

        Only in America and Canada with some smaller locations in Hong Kong and Europe.

  • hotmustardsauce on 14/02/2017 - 14:48
    +1

    Go MJ Bale since you are familiar with the sizing.

    Get it on the 2 for $1000 deal. Other decent options are Rhodes and Beckett and Herringbone (Their suits on sale can go for as low as $300)

    Avoid the black suit. Get a mid grey and a dark grey/charcoal. Navy/Grey/Charcoal are the 3 staple colors for suits.

    Avoid Hugo Boss, Politix etc. like the plague. TM Lewin is OK but their suits tend to have more padding in the shoulders making it look a bit more old fashioned (IMO).

    • Tech and cars on 14/02/2017 - 15:00

      Thanks for the tips.

      I've got the Navy. You make a valid point regarding the colours! Thank you.

      What's your reasoning for avoiding politix/hugo boss? I've always assumed they make decent wool suits too?

      • hotmustardsauce on 14/02/2017 - 15:05
        +1

        Quality is terrible, cheaply made and leveraging the brand (hugo boss) to sell their products.

        One of the most popular suit shops in US/EU is suitsupply (http://suitsupply.com/). I believe they are setting up a shop in April in Sydney. Buying from their online store offers free shipping and returns. Their quality/style is a notch above MJB/Herringbone/RnB IMO.

        Remember you should factor in $100-200 of tailoring costs.

  • esty on 17/02/2017 - 15:00

    Oxford suits go for about $300-$350. Spend $100-$150 to get it fitted, itll look like a $1000.

    No point spending heaps on suits that are worn everyday, they get worn our quickly…

    • Tech and cars on 17/02/2017 - 15:03

      I've heard oxford suits aren't worth spending on - I've read mixed opinions about this.

      But you do make a good point that they get worn out quickly.

      • esty on 17/02/2017 - 15:27
        +1

        They are good for daily beaters.

        Also, like to add, they are what they are, cant expect $300 suit to be the same as $600 European one.

        Many people tend to forget to keep in mind cost to quality ratio.

        • Tech and cars on 17/02/2017 - 16:34

          Do people claim suits as part of their tax / work attire?

        • bazza1980 on 18/02/2017 - 07:35

          @Tech and cars:

          No, strictly not allowed. The only possible loophole being if the suit has a company logo, which in this case I'm guessing is a no.

  • randombrick on 20/02/2017 - 14:37

    Any recommendations for tailoring in Melbourne? Live in the East but anything close to the city is fine.

    • hotmustardsauce on 21/02/2017 - 10:48

      Oscar Hunt. Had a suit made there, excellent service

      • randombrick on 21/02/2017 - 12:33

        Do they tailor suits bought elsewhere? Or do you have to buy suits from them?

  • 203132 on 28/02/2017 - 23:44

    I bought two suits (including pants) for $1000 at David Jones in the city during their sale. If you get their DJ platinum AMEX card, you will get free tailoring for the year. Pants and Blazer tailoring would cost roughly upwards of 100 per pair.

    I found the DJ staff to be very helpful. They listen to what you want and are very patient. Give them a try.

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