Hey Snappy Dressers: I need my first suit, help?

So far so good on advice from you all. Well most anyway.:p

Yes, the suit Hutch put up is probably something I want to look at, like a charcoal wool suit. Or Navy (not my first choice though). Gotta see what looks better.

Looks like we have a Nordsrom Rack pretty close so that is where I will start and get fitted. I will only get a suit from a person that makes it fun and makes me look good. Black shoes are planned. Luckily I have nice access to SLC's Delta Crown Room and have them shine my puppies up (I got stuff if I need to do it, have Bostonian wingtips upstairs, but have seen better days). Have black and navy and grey new socks. New black belt, never been worn, waiting for suit. I think I must have planned in my head already getting a grey wool suit.

My wife will help with a few new ties, but yes, I still want to "pop" somtimes too. I know what you are saying. I have some colored shirts/JG ties I will take in with me, but wear a white shirt. I have one really nice white dress shirt and will get a few more it looks.

Need to also check on if the Brooks Bros Outlet in Park City is still there as a back up.

Skiguide, if you can find that info, please PM or email to me. I am not opposed to going to TMW if I can find quality.

I want some black shiny shoes with the squarish toe. I think they look sharp.


Lastly, pleats or no. The slacks I wear with a nice shirt or my company shirt for trade shows are pleated and I like the fit. You see a little gut, but not a lot.

So for the suit, what do YOU think? Those that have seen me and my Sponsored by Natty Light tummy.

I will also get my wife's opinion of course, I have no choice there ;) , and also the suit fitter/salesperson.


Main goals: Look good!! Look professional!! Look snazzy and/or snappy!!


Thanks so far. Buying a suit, for this 33 year old jeans/tshirt/birkenstock wearing dude is quite a task. :biggrin:

Pleated slacks, all the way; especially if your skier legs are anything like mine. I hate no-pleats suits. They're too tight in the thighs.

Oh, and I would go with the gray rather than navy. Anything goes with gray where navy tends to have some color restrictions.

Start out with the conservative colors like people have said...dark grey, dark blue. Also agree with the quality shoes...in my experience they not only look nicer but last forever. With those two suits, you can really spice things up with different shirts, ties, and socks. I'm in the crazy socks category...shit, you're wearing a suit, might as well get as wild as you can. If you want to get a little more modern on the suit's style and cut, try Ted Baker. They specialize in selling durable, anit-wrinkle, British fashion-forward style, but priced at reasonable prices. The fabric isn't the greatest but you'll be looking at some sweet suits at $500.

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Originally Posted by Buzzworthy

I want some black shiny shoes with the squarish toe. I think they look sharp.

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I would consider going with a classic cap or split toe lace up. Excessively square toed shoes are... probably more appropriate for a fraternity formal.

Also, as the 666 mentioned, Ted Baker is rad.

I'd go against the square shoes as well....but that's my opinion.

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Originally Posted by skier666

I'm in the crazy socks category...shit, you're wearing a suit, might as well get as wild as you can.

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If you really want to get crazy, do what I do and buy your dress socks at your local bike store.

Buzz, You may find Allen Edmund shoes at Nordstrom Rack typically for $100 or more off. Have a looksie, eh?

As for my comments- it has been a few years since I've purchased a suit- mostly sport jackets for work and more casual nights out. But I have about 3 or 4 suits in the closet. Gray is always safe (followed by navy blue)- works for funerals, weddings (unless you are the groom or best man), work or where ever you go. 2 button is pretty traditional and will last- 3 button may loose fashion in a short period - it has stayed longer than some would have predicted- as well as things like double breasted, etc. So if you want to invest in a good suit that will last you more than a few years before it is off to the good will or thrift shop stay with 2 buttons. Also mostly wool will wear the best and is better than poly or other fabric - unless you are in a really hot section of the country like the south or Arizona, etc.

Pants need to fit- I like no pleated more these days, but I am also thin and have pleated pants too. If you are heavy then stay away from pleated that will make you look even heavier. Cuffed or no cuffs your choice for the bottoms too today seems to be out there. (Traditionally shorter legged guys went for no cuffs.)

As for where to purchase- budget can be some guide for you. Our sort of local mens store (regional chain) that I used to get quite a bit from- especially when they had a sale, quit carrying my size that fit off the rack most times (38 long) and so I shop the close-out stores as well as JC Penney's for some stuff. My size is not available at many stores (40 long and up) so unless the regular fits in the sleeves, then an issue is getting a taylor to lengthen them, not aways easy to do depending on the cut of material to work with. All the funeral directors and some of the lawyer's too were really sad the day the men's store anounced their closing. Any store that has a knowledgeable sales person that will work with the fitting could be worth time in, unless they are way outside your budget and you would be wasting their time for ever making a sale. Then you can decide if a name brand label vs some regular label (like say a store brand or Haggar, etc.) is worth it or not.

The label is not everything if it does not fit you then don't purchase it. (Unless the store has an excellent taylor that knows what they are doing.) Keys are no bunching in and around the back by the shoulder blades/neck and near the arms, but at the same time no bulging seams either indicating too tight and nothing worst than restricting movement.

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Originally Posted by mitch buchannon

I would consider going with a classic cap or split toe lace up. Excessively square toed shoes are... probably more appropriate for a fraternity formal.

Also, as the 666 mentioned, Ted Baker is rad.

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Hippy dude no comprendo. Wanting lace up semi squared toe style. I have wingtips and they are toooo pointy. Should I be looking at something in between?

I like these:

http://www.shoes.com/productimages/SHOES_IS58816.JPG

Little dressier?
http://www1.istockphoto.com/file_thu...ress_shoes.jpg



Pic(s) of what you are thinking?

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Originally Posted by Viva

If you really want to get crazy, do what I do and buy your dress socks at your local bike store.

Buzz, You may find Allen Edmund shoes at Nordstrom Rack typically for $100 or more off. Have a looksie, eh?

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Allen Edmonds are awesome. Handmade in 'Merica, and when they wear out, you can have them rebuilt by the company on the original last. Quality pair of kicks.

^^ I like the second pair much better than the first.

Something along these lines is what I was thinking:
http://www.allenedmonds.com/wcsstore...ParkAvenue.jpg

I have to say that with the exception of Rear Admirals and David Letterman, I think double brested suits..... not so en vouge these days. (mayhaps you high falooten guys could disagree)

Also the same goes for the LOW two button suits that give you the viewpoint of a huge v from your neck down.

With your double breasted suit you can rock your brick phone

http://www.grooveking.com/blog/uploa...s/g-738997.jpg

Not a whole lot to add here, lots of good advice. I take exception to a few things that were said though:

1) Black suits are not just for funerals. Black is a bit more formal, but for a nice evening out a black suit with a white shirt looks great.

2) Your socks should always match your pants.

3) You should probably wear pleated pants. They're more comfortable and will look OK with a 'less than trim' build.

4) Wearing a suit without a tie was once a no-no but is no longer.

5) European, trim-cut suits are for trim people. Wearing one with a gut will not look good.

Also, find a nice suit store and get to know the manager or knowledgable employee. Spend some time shopping with him/her - their job is to make you look good. Once you find this person, shop with them a lot. Offer a healthy tip for their service. Take their card and call them when you have a question.

Finally, enjoy yourself! Wearing a nice suit you'll walk a a bit taller, you'll get better treatment from just about everyone, and you'll feel great.

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Originally Posted by mitch buchannon

http://www.allenedmonds.com/wcsstore...ParkAvenue.jpg

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^^ Seconded on the shoes. Those are pretty much identical to what I wear.

This is the one time that at TGR that I'm glad to know nothing on the subject.

Oh, and never button the bottom button on a 3 button jacket.

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Originally Posted by BLOOD SWEAT STEEL

Oh, and never button the bottom button on a 3 button jacket.

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Never button the bottom button of any suit or sports jacket.

So I showed up for work one time wearing the most garish lime green and orange plaid suit with a Jerry Garcia tie. My boss confronted me about it and I had to confess, "I told my wife to go to Cox's and get me a searsucker suit. But she went to Sears and got me a cocksucker suit."

BadumBUMP! :biggrin:

I think that one was by Rodney RIP

NEVER button your pants.

Makes it harder for the secretary.

2 vs. 3 button: yes, 2 button is safer. 3-button can work if the buttons are lower and closer together...it's the ones that button waaaaay up high that go in and out of fashion. Mostly it's tall guys who can do 3-button, but don't rule it completely out if it makes you look good. Odin makes a good point that the extra-low 2-button is bad, too (unless you're astoundingly short). Basically you don't want anything extreme or "stylish" on either end.

Buzz: No square toe shoes like those in the picture. The shoe on top is not a business shoe and says "I am a security guard, ignore me". The bottom shoe is OK if you have several pairs and can choose appropriate to the occasion, but for your only shoe, mitch is absolutely correct -- a classic cap toe oxford will never go out of style. Ditto for Allen-Edmonds (expensive) or Johnston and Murphy (a bit cheaper but still legit).

For shirts, don't just get multiple white shirts. Light blue and/or French blue are always legit. Other patterns and shades tend to go in and out every few years, like ties. If you need to wear a suit often enough to need more than a couple dress shirts, you may have to resign yourself to buying shirts and ties every few years.

Get the sleeves and body of your dress shirts tapered to fit you. This costs about $15 at Nordstrom and will make you look good.

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Originally Posted by The Reverend Floater

This is the one time that at TGR that I'm glad to know nothing on the subject.

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Why do you think I am posting this??? I don't know much either. But now you will know.:p



With my narrow feet and heel, I think this style is what really will end up working:

http://www.allenedmonds.com/wcsstore...ParkAvenue.jpg

I think the second ones I posted look nice and "stylish" but again, I am not putting several hundreds down on shoes that go out of style, I need long lasting, comfortable dress shoes.

I hope Allen Edmonds fit well, I am really liking what I see online.



Thanks 2P. Your honest opinion of my less than trim body is what I need to get the suit style right. I already knew no Yurp style for me.




Honestly, I am looking forward to looking super sharp. Work is changing and they want me in front of more customers and not just at my desk monkeying with software code. I had a "this is what we want to potentially do with you" meeting and it was all good.


And this will be the first suit of about 2-3 more that I will aquire over the next 6-12 months. So all your help and opinions are very appreciated.

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Originally Posted by Spats

Get the sleeves and body of your dress shirts tapered to fit you. This costs about $15 at Nordstrom and will make you look good.

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I second this emotion. Too much shirt material makes good suit look bad.

I have recently become a fan of the Brooks Brothers "trim fit" shirts of the non-iron variety. No tailoring needed, suits slide on and button nicely. No expensive laundering needed.

If this is going to be your standard outfit for a while, don't skimp on the shoes. A good pair can last you more or less forever. I have a black pair of dress shoes that are 11 years old, were resoled once, need another resoling and still look fantastic, and they are comfortable, especially now when they have formed well to my feet. I spent about $200 back when I bought them, I think they're about 400 now, and I never regretted getting them.

Really, you should have 2 pairs of shoes so they get to rest a little bit, but that can come later.

And get a good pair of cedar shoe trees for the dress shoes. It helps getting the stink and moisture out of your shoes at the end of the day, and it helps them retain their shape.

Land's End has very nice shirts, well priced. Check out their dressware specialty catalog. They also offer semi-custom shirts at very reasonable prices.

Oh yes, and have your tailor give you your exact shirt measurements. This way you don't have to figure out in the store if you are a 16 or 15 1/2 or whatever you might be.

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Originally Posted by Twoplanker

Never button the bottom button of any suit or sports jacket.

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Did not know this either, why?

It's a look factor.

Clearly you would never just button the bottom of the jacket and leave the top undone, the jacket would blouse out creating the impression of two things.

1. a larger v from your chin down making your chest look fat and expansive
2. a closed pencil look at the bottom.

While we're on it, with a two-button jacket, button only the top button while standing and when it's appropriate. When you sit down, undue the button. The jacket bunches up too much otherwise and having it unbuttoned is the accepted norm. Also, if you're standing and the discussion gets more casual, having the jacket unbuttoned is appropriate.

Jesus, I can't believe this thread's still alive. And that I'm in the middle of it. I need to examine my priorities.

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Originally Posted by Stu Gotz

I second this emotion. Too much shirt material makes good suit look bad.

I have recently become a fan of the Brooks Brothers "trim fit" shirts of the non-iron variety. No tailoring needed, suits slide on and button nicely. No expensive laundering needed.

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Yep, I third this. Thanks Spats and the man who got me back on skis a few years ago!!

Odin, explanation sounds good, I'll buy that. And yes, going to get all measurements. Well, not ALL, but you know...

Rune, good call on the cedar thingy. I remember pops having these too now. Especially if my $175 shoe budget ends up more a $300+ budget.

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Originally Posted by Buzzworthy

Well, not ALL, but you know...

.

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D00d C0ck measurements are VITAL to a good suit.

Just remember,

If you aren't showin', the deal aint goin.

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Originally Posted by GoldMember

Jesus, I can't believe this thread's still alive. And that I'm in the middle of it. I need to examine my priorities.

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Know what it is? I asked snappy dressers to post here. Apparently you all are full of yourselves. :p


Odin: Thought that was only for thin slacks at strip clubs.

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Originally Posted by Buzzworthy

Know what it is? I asked snappy dressers to post here. Apparently you all are full of yourselves. :p

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nah, we're just a bunch of working stiffs, stuck in office jobs having to deal with customers, etc... Welcome to our world, sucka!

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Originally Posted by GoldMember

nah, we're just a bunch of working stiffs, stuck in office jobs having to deal with customers, etc... Welcome to our world, sucka!

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I have been in your world for many years now. Just always was able to squeak by with nice slacks and shirt and tie (company logo shirt). Now they pay me the big bucks so I gotta look it. :biggrin:

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Originally Posted by release

And buy a decent suit.You can't come in here looking like this.
Go to Morty Sills. Tell him I sent you.
Yes, sir. Thank you, Mr Gekko. Thank you for the chance. You will not regret this.
You're with a winner.

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Wall Street. Took me a bit.

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Originally Posted by Buzzworthy

Odin: Thought that was only for thin slacks at strip clubs.

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I prefer slacks with wicking capability, that way the moisture gets shed....

:FIREdevil

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I hope Allen Edmonds fit well, I am really liking what I see online.

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Another good thing about the Allen Edmonds is that once you find a size that you like you can order anything and the fit is always the same. Great shoes.

One suggestion about where to shop: I found a great suit at the Hugo boss outlet store. Men's Warehouse tried to fit me into something way too big and have it altered (as many have stated, the majority of their salesmen don't have a clue). But the Nordstrom's (sp?) fitting, shop elsewhere (factory stores) worked well for me.

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Originally Posted by Buzzworthy

Did not know this either, why?

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Who knows? I don't make the rules.

:cool:

Also, cedar shoe trees (also called horses) are a must to retain shoe shape and resist stank. Sand them a bit to freshen them up; expect to pay $20 for them. Buy shoe cream not polish and use it weekly. Get the shoes professionally maintained by a cobbler whenever you can and they'll last forever.

I never knew there were so many metrosexuals on TGR.

This topic is so FUN!

If commuting, don't drive while wearing your coat. The tail of the coat will get fucked, and I've ripped buttons off the coat by being lazy.

http://www.cantstopthebleeding.com/img/irvin1225.jpg

Just ask yourself, WWMIW?

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Originally Posted by Spats

2 vs. 3 button: yes, 2 button is safer. 3-button can work if the buttons are lower and closer together...it's the ones that button waaaaay up high that go in and out of fashion. Mostly it's tall guys who can do 3-button, but don't rule it completely out if it makes you look good. Odin makes a good point that the extra-low 2-button is bad, too (unless you're astoundingly short). Basically you don't want anything extreme or "stylish" on either end.

Buzz: No square toe shoes like those in the picture. The shoe on top is not a business shoe and says "I am a security guard, ignore me". The bottom shoe is OK if you have several pairs and can choose appropriate to the occasion, but for your only shoe, mitch is absolutely correct -- a classic cap toe oxford will never go out of style. Ditto for Allen-Edmonds (expensive) or Johnston and Murphy (a bit cheaper but still legit).

For shirts, don't just get multiple white shirts. Light blue and/or French blue are always legit. Other patterns and shades tend to go in and out every few years, like ties. If you need to wear a suit often enough to need more than a couple dress shirts, you may have to resign yourself to buying shirts and ties every few years.

Get the sleeves and body of your dress shirts tapered to fit you. This costs about $15 at Nordstrom and will make you look good.

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If you are looking for a nice fit on dress shirts and are thin- try the athletic or fitted shirts. JC Penney's Stanford shirts (order through the internet if the store does not have selection) and 3 or 4 other companies make them-Clayborne (watch some do not have a traditional left shirt pocket if that matters to you), Geoffrey Beanne, Van Heusen, and John Ashford are some brands. They are for a thinner waist by a few inches- nothing worst than 3 inches of extra material stuffed in around your waist of a regular cut shirt.