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

**runethechamp** · 10-02-2007, 12:04 AM

Buy a dark grey or charcoal solid colored suit if it's the only one. 2 or 3 buttons, no stripes.

You might need pleats to go go with your beergut

175 for a good pair of shoes isn't really that much.

If you want nice and cheap ties, check out sierratradingpost.

Macy's is a good place to look for deals, so is Nordstrom Rack if you have one nearby.

And don't listen to Cliff Huckable. You DO NOT match your socks to your tie. They should be as neutral as possible unless you think you're Fred Astaire. And you can wear a suit with no tie, it just depends on the suit and yourself and the occasion.

Squatch · 10-02-2007, 01:14 AM

Hutch, Odin, and Rune have it. First suit: dark grey. Black is for funerals. Get some really nice shirts, and rich, but not loud ties. I am younger, and overall pretty good looking, so I like to "pop" a little more. [That sounded gay, but whatever.] Do it within reason, and wear what looks good on you.

Make sure your shoes look immaculate. Shine them. If you have any friends in the military, look at their dress shoes. There is a reason why chicks dig the uniform.

Socks should not be the same color as the suit (it looks weird because they're never the same color exactly) but shouldn't really be that noticed. So, for a grey suit, go with black socks. Easy.

Good suits tend to fit better, hang better, and look better. Good, knowledgeable salespeople can mitigate this, but don't expect to get in and out with $200.

**Spats** · 10-02-2007, 02:40 AM

What Hutch said.

My previous advice on this same subject:
http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/s...3&postcount=63

To that, I add that 2 or 3 button are both acceptable. Try on both and see which looks better on you.

**hemas** · 10-02-2007, 05:06 AM

What hutch, squatch, spats rune and odin have said.

Aslo, one thing to remember is that a suit will cost money. You can get a cheap one,if you only foresee a few uses a year (ie. a black suit for a funeral). But the more you plan on using said suit, the more you need to put money on it (cheap suits will wear out really fast, making them expensive in the long run).

Medium to dark grey is a perfect color for business suits, and defo get one made out of wool.

**RockyTheBlackDog** · 10-02-2007, 06:26 AM

http://www.askandyaboutclothes.com/T...icWardrobe.htm

**Caucasian Asian** · 10-02-2007, 06:48 AM

I got a suit from these guys a few years back:

http://www.mooresuit.com/english/moores.htm

Treated me well, made sure everything matched when I walked out. Got two different shirts that both went with the suit, as well as a few ties to change the apearance of the suit, so I could wear it for different occasions.

**Rontele** · 10-02-2007, 07:17 AM

Originally Posted by Squatch

Hutch, Odin, and Rune have it. First suit: dark grey. Black is for funerals. Get some really nice shirts, and rich, but not loud ties. I am younger, and overall pretty good looking, so I like to "pop" a little more. [That sounded gay, but whatever.] Do it within reason, and wear what looks good on you.

Make sure your shoes look immaculate. Shine them. If you have any friends in the military, look at their dress shoes. There is a reason why chicks dig the uniform.

Socks should not be the same color as the suit (it looks weird because they're never the same color exactly) but shouldn't really be that noticed. So, for a grey suit, go with black socks. Easy.

Good suits tend to fit better, hang better, and look better. Good, knowledgeable salespeople can mitigate this, but don't expect to get in and out with $200.

this is hilarious. hitting up Big and Tall anytime soon?

**Obstruction** · 10-02-2007, 07:34 AM

Originally Posted by hemas

What hutch, squatch, spats rune and odin have said.

Aslo, one thing to remember is that a suit will cost money. You can get a cheap one,if you only foresee a few uses a year (ie. a black suit for a funeral). But the more you plan on using said suit, the more you need to put money on it (cheap suits will wear out really fast, making them expensive in the long run).

Medium to dark grey is a perfect color for business suits, and defo get one made out of wool.

I'll jump on this bandwagon and add;

No pleats are better than pleats especially if you have a few extra pounds.

Same goes for two button being better than three for the amply framed man about town.

Should be easy to get a good pair of Johnson and Murphy or such like shoes on sale for $175.

Macy's should do just fine but make sure you catch one of their sales. They are forever running asshole one day sales on Friday or Wednesday to make you feel like a chump if you buy on Monday.

Don't expect to get a 4 season suit you'll be happy wearing all year. Three seasons (fall, winter, spring or spring, summer, fall) will work but you will be uncomfortable or look out of place at some point during the 4 seasons.

FIT IS EVERYTHING, Good salesman and good tailors are critical. Know how the suit ought to fit and bring someone along you trust to help with the call.

Blue or gray are the cornerstones look for other colors as you build out the quiver.

(As far as black suits go I can only quote Will Smith in MIB "You know what the difference is between you and me? I make this look goood.")

Finally, google the subject and click on GQ or Esquire refences.

**Viva** · 10-02-2007, 07:57 AM

Buzz, go with a suit color that complements your skin tone and your overall look. There needs to be a certain...synergy.

**SKISC** · 10-02-2007, 08:42 AM

Charcoal or dark gray for the suit, white shirt, nice tie, and Allen Edmonds shoes. Teh shoes are a little expensive but will last you a lifetime if you get the ones that can be sent back and have the factory put on new soles and strip and polish. They get more comfy each time you send them back.

Squatch · 10-02-2007, 08:50 AM

Originally Posted by Rontele

this is hilarious. hitting up Big and Tall anytime soon?

Only if they guarantee that the wool in their suits wasn't sheared off your back.

**runethechamp** · 10-02-2007, 08:59 AM

Make sure the eyes of your girlfriend matches the color of your Porsche.

**Grange** · 10-02-2007, 09:08 AM

As a person who recently went through the same situation I ended up going to Men's Warehouse. I wanted to go to JC Penny as they were much cheaper for the same type and in some instances the same suit. They also did basic tailoring. The reason I didn't was they didn't have my size.

I ended up going with a 2-button navy blue suit with subtle pin stripes. This will be my only suit so I needed something that is multipurpose and works any time of the year. The tie that was picked out for this suit is the best part of the suit. I went with a fairly inexpensive suit, but have received compliments just how damn good I make that suit look.

Well, maybe it's the suit that makes me look good.

I had to have at least one vent (?) in the back and tried to find a suit with two, but couldn't find any in my size and price range that I liked. Jackets with out the vent were not as comfortable when walking as the others.

**GoldMember** · 10-02-2007, 09:20 AM

I'm kind of assuming that your customers are a little bit conservative and so, I would go with something very similar to this one already posted:

Black dress shoes, black or darker gray socks, conservative ties, white shirts, and I would definitely stick with a two-button jacket (going against the grain here). Three-button jackets are okay but if you want a style that's going to last a long time, go two-button. All in all, sort of bland but professional. Don't get too flashy, customers want to believe you're successful but not flamboyant at all.

edit: Oh yeah, irul got this but I will reiterate. Polish your shoes. Nothing worse than seeing someone wandering around with pee-spray drops all over the tops of their shoes.

**irul&ublo** · 10-02-2007, 09:22 AM

First...decide how much you want to spend.

Second...what is your shape? Lean/athletic, you can go w/ euro. cut suits.
Bigger, more traditional.

Two vs. three button...never been a big fan of the three, but, its what looks good on you.

Gonna wear it year round...spend some more and get a super 100s or 150 wool. A good store will know what this is.

Single suit? Charcoal or dark navy, plain or muted stripe, you can wear for businees, weedings, funerals. Stay away from the distictive chalk stripes, they're ok, but not as versatile, same with patterns such as glen plaid or nail head.

Ties...buy at least one plain color and one stripe to go w/ your Wavy Gravy Jerry ties.

Is there a Brooks Bros. near you? Quality stuff, good prices...not cheap.

Very versatile...black sport coat. black...not navy.

And for god's sake polish your shoes, get a good belt and don't buy shiorts you can see through. And if i see you wearing braces. I'll kick your ass.

**Buzzworthy** · 10-02-2007, 11:19 AM

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

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.

**GoldMember** · 10-02-2007, 11:27 AM

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.

**skier666** · 10-02-2007, 11:32 AM

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.

**mitch buchannon** · 10-02-2007, 11:33 AM

Originally Posted by Buzzworthy

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

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.

**skier666** · 10-02-2007, 11:43 AM

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

**Viva** · 10-02-2007, 11:45 AM

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.

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?

**RShea** · 10-02-2007, 11:55 AM

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.

**Buzzworthy** · 10-02-2007, 12:01 PM

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.

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:

Little dressier?

Pic(s) of what you are thinking?

**mitch buchannon** · 10-02-2007, 12:01 PM

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?

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:

**Odin** · 10-02-2007, 12:02 PM

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.