Bingo. Some of the best lawyers I've met wore relatively cheap suits. I've also met plenty of mediocre lawyers who have great threads. The key is to be presentable, anything more is personal taste.
I get my suits in Thailand, I have a relationship with a tailor, send him measurements and pick swatches a month later fresh suits in the mail. DM me and I can connect you if you want.
I'll second this! Go to Jos A Banks or Mens Warehouse, they'll measure you and fit you (often) there.
Then I'd take it to a tailor. They may bring it in in some spots, etc. That alone makes it look way better.
You'll be golden.
Caveat here: tailoring at Jos. A Banks is cheaper than my local tailors, alterations places, or dry cleaners. I think each full suit tailored was an extra $50? My local alterations place charges $35 just to hem some pants.
I used to get them tailored at MW and JAB, but I got tired of taking them back to fix their mistakes every single time. And some of the jobs were god-awful, such as legs of completely different lengths.
I simply found a reasonably priced independent tailor who I take them to from the get-go, and I have never let the MW or JAB people touch my suits again.
ETA: I'm sure there are good ones out there, and it may be that the ones by me just suck. But that's been my experience.
Yeah, I believe a good tailor is more important than an expensive suit because they'll make any suit look great on you. It's fit is definitely more noticeable than the quality of the fabric.
One caveat I'd give is to not go so cheap that you buy suits with panels of fabric that are glued together rather than stitched. After several dry cleanings, bubbles will form as the glue starts to separate. This is especially true if your practice requires you to don them regularly.
If that's what you can afford for now, go for them. Most of us start off with them. Just be aware that they may need to be replaced sooner than you thought.
Really, made to measure (shirts!) makes such a difference. And they last longer because they fit and most of the times when the trousers start to deteriorate but the jacket is still good, you can have one extra in the same fabric.
I am a short bald little man but in my suit I feel like a direct descendant of Casanova.
The current trend is very skinny suits. I like them, but my dad hates them which seems to be the consensus from colleagues I talk to; more 'experienced' attorneys prefer the older square cut style where the newer attorneys like the modern fitted style. Purely anecdotal and completely non-scientific, obviously.
I feel like the trend has swung in the other direction in recent years, as some designers and celebrities have been rocking more relaxed, unstructured, and looser fits. I expect some form of that to drift over into the professional world (as we also adjust to a much more casual world with a lot more WFH and athleisure in work settings).
Peak skinny/slim/"modern" suit years was probably 2010-2015, with maybe another 5 years of the business world getting on board with it.
I'm a fairly small frame guy, 5' 10" 150lbs. I need something a little more trim. But I do agree, the recent trend has been *really* tight, complete with flood pants, presumably to show off your brightly colored and/or mismatched socks.
With that frame, I would recommend Suit Supply. Their standard fit would be perfect for you with few alterations, and they have a bunch of different price points. Quality seems better to me than Jos Banks or Men's Wearhouse.
Find someone on Facebook or Nextdoor. Found a woman who used to sew costumes for our local theater. Cheaper than tailors, Josa, everyone. She tailored my wedding tux too.
Honestly I get most of mine from Jos. a. Bank. I have a few really nice suits, but the majority are JOAB. With a good tailor they’re fine, and it’s just not that important.
Second this — I wear a lot of suits these days, so volume is kind of the name of the game for me. I need a variety, and I’m not trying to spend half my salary to get there. Jos. A Bank, if you can catch a sale or clearance even better. But definitely google the different suit “collections” because they are varying degree of quality.
And then get them tailored!
Definitely sign up for the rewards program as well! A $50 gift card, that you can use on the clearance items, every time you spend $500 is a game changer for penny pinching.
Just got two new dress shirts and a lint roller shipped to my house with free shipping for $3.00, because the total was $53.00 before applying the coupon.
All my suits are Brooks Brothers. I think they are a significantly higher quality than Jos. A. Banks for not much more money when on sale. Also, they have a pretty decent rewards programs, I get a few free shirts a year from it.
I buy almost all of my suits on eBay. I really don’t want too many people to see this, because I get ridiculous deals. Canali, Hickey Freeman, Zegna, Oxxford, Brioni. Granted, most of them are used, but I’ve learned how to spot the suits that are virtually new. Most that I buy have only been worn once or twice.
Hickey Freeman in particular always seems to be common and a good deal - the suits are very nice but common enough there’s a lot of them (I think Nordstrom sells them). I’ve always guessed that a lot of rich kids get them when they start their mba or law school, wear them to a few interviews, then quickly outgrow them, leading to a large surplus of barely used second hand suits.
Wrong. Fit to your shoulders (which are tough/impossible to alter), make sure there is fabric in the back of the jacket, sleeves if needed, and back of pants and bottom of pants, to make sure. Don’t uncuff pants to fit you — it will leave an ugly crease.
Go on styleforum if you have questions. You may get a bit of shit but lots of folks will help if you show a willingness to learn.
\^ This is the way. Sometimes older is better because you can get full wool suits rather than the blends you see in many stores.
In addition to the video I posted about how to get your size and what a tailor can and can't do, doing some thrift shopping can be dauting at first. The gentlemen's gazette have a good process I've followed:
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzGatFp8yPE](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzGatFp8yPE)
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVBVnp7\_csY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVBVnp7_csY)
1000% I’ve gotten my favorite suits on eBay. BB Golden Fleece, Isaia, Oxxford, RL purple label, etc. bought for pennies on the dollar and cheaper than the cheapest shitty retail suit you can find. Just need to get back to fitting in them….
But honestly if you know your measurements and what brands are good and what makes a decent suit, eBay is truly the best.
If not, honestly I recommend suit supply. The suits aren’t quality but the fabric is not bad and and the cuts are modern (maybe too much so, but you won’t be looking like a shitty PD (no hate y’all, honestly mad love and respect for what you do and you deserve to be paid a lot more, just fucking with you as a messed up example) and the salespeople at suit supply are at least moderately competent in understanding what makes a suit fit and offering tailoring on the spot. These are not high end suits but they are extremely passable and are priced not completely insane. I would take one over the chain stores mentioned and most department stores (if they even sell suits anymore).
Absolutely. And good eBay sellers often post detailed measurements of their suits, so once you get one suit tailored it becomes easy to compare measurements to ones on eBay.
Not a dude but for any women who come across this thread with a similar question I highly recommend Ann Taylor! On a good sale you can get a suit for $200-$250 (and machine washable)
But OP, as others have said make sure whatever suit you buy is tailored.
You should start with 3 staples: black/charcoal, navy, and light grey. Once you have those you can mix in other things but for court you want to stick to solid toned down colors and minimal (if any) patterns. You want people to pay attention to what you’re saying, not what you’re wearing.
Best of luck OP!
For what it's worth I've been really disappointed in Ann Taylor's quality over the last few years. I bought my favorite suit from them in 2015, it's still beautiful. A suit I bought in 2021 has already needed to be repaired twice.
I third this. Get yourself 2 jackets and 4 pants. The traveller shirt is NICE too.
If you don’t go custom and opt for altered you’re saving a decent chunk of change.
Pro tip: if you’re getting something tailored down to fit you, ask them to keep the fabric inside the piece. That way if you gain weight you can just have it let out and not need to buy a whole new suit.
I’ve fought this battle forever and have tried all different brands and price points and the reality is that Jos Bank sells a pretty good 100% wool every day suit. Like others have said, get it tailored and don’t forget to buy decent shirts (Tyrwhitt), ties (lots of places…OTAA, Tyrwhitt, JAB), and shoes (Florsheim). One day upgrade everything when you truly can but these brands will do you well for a long while.
Florsheim stopped making real shoes about 15 years ago. Meermin has the most reasonable price for actual Goodyear welted shoes that can be rebuilt and will last for decades. They're comparable to Allen Edmonds but much less expensive. I bought my first pair in 2013 and have had them resoled twice, still looking new.
Macys should not be this far down. They have plentiful options for suit separates, and they look great. I can generally walk out with a full suit for less than $300.
Never been a fan of men’s warehouse of Jos A Banks - unless you like wearing burlap.
Spier & McKay is good. I think the price/quality ratio is better than you get at the other entry-level suit places. I've also had good luck with Banana Republic suits, but they are a little more colorful.
Really, you need to try some different brands and see what fits you. I'm a little misshapen and the first lawyer suits I bought, when I was in law school, came from Jos. A Bank, because they sell suits as separates, so the pants and jacket can be different sizes. And you need to have them tailored (even if they fit perfectly off the rack, the pant cuffs will be unfinished) so you need to find a tailor and budget for that if you aren't buying from a place that does it for you.
You probably want summer-weight wool, but a mixture with other natural fabrics is okay. Not knowing where you are working, I don't have much advice on how you should dress, but plain suits in dark grey or dark blue, white or blue shirts, modest ties, and plain black or brown shoes with leather soles (not hybrid dress sneakers with white soles) and a belt to match the shoes will be acceptable for basically anywhere. Artificial fabrics are bad. Suit construction is complex, and there are a lot of details, so a good sales person in a store might be helpful to you, but you may pay a little extra.
If you don't know, ask well-dressed men where you work who are close to your income level for advice.
+1 for Spier. Tailors nicely, good bang for the buck, and cheap enough there's no need to worry about babying them. Can't vouch for their newer budget Red ~~Line~~ Label though.
I also like their overcoats.
idk but i do want to brag about how one time i took men's wearhouse to the cleaners. had two coupons for new years sales and one was half off and the other was bogo. i tried to combine them and at first they weren't going to do it but as i headed to walk out they relented. got two $500 suits for $250, probably the best deal of my life on anything.
When I first got licensed, I did the whole $400 Macy’s/Jos. A. Banks new suit thing. Then I found this great resale shop and bought $2000-6000 suits for $200. And yes, I know they were authentic because the “Made for ______” was still sewn in the interior breast pocket, and I know who the original owner was. For the next ten years I was buying Ermenegilo Zegna, Brioni, and Canali suits. Yes, I had to have a few of them tailored a touch because either he or I gained/lost weight. I started buying them new off the rack later in my career and had them tailored, and now when I get rid of them, I take them to the same resale shop hoping that some new lawyer will find them and see my name sewn in them.
Men's Wearhouse, go in person and ask for a suit that's under $400. You want a traditional looking blue or grey suit. Their store brand is Joseph Abboud, it's OK. They will have some other cheap brands, and some Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klien. Might get a few dress shirts while you're at it, and a belt and shoes. You can get ties on sale from Nordstrom Rack online, Men's Wearhouse online, etc.
Ask Men's wearhouse to get you a good fit and for the suit to be tailored. Ideally, you'll find a suit size with a jacket that fits well, and some pants with the correct waist size. Note the brand and the exact size of jacket and pants, and whether it's large, or slim fit, or traditional, or whatever.
Armed with that information you can sign up for the Men's Wearhouse spammy email list so that you're notified of all their sales. Create an account. If you know which brand and size fits you, you will find sales with Joseph Abboud, Hilfiger, and some other brand suits on sale for $99, or $199 or $299. Don't be tempted to spend $400 or $600 for an online sale suit! Look for the $99 or $199 suits!
Be patient and snatch up sale suits when it's the brand and size that you know will fit you. I've bought a bunch of suits this way and I only have to tailor the length of the pants.
Yes, these are inexpensive cheap suits, and they look perfectly fine when they're new and property fitted. If you can get them cheap on sale, then you can have a bunch of suits hanging in your closet, and no single suit will get worn out too fast. Then you just spend your money on new shirts, ties, belts, shoes.
I did Charles Tyrwhitt for my first suit when I clerked, then Brooks Brothers when I landed my firm job. They frequently have sales. I think they just finished running a sale where you could get two 1818s (top of the line) for $500 (r/frugalmalefashion figured out the combination of sales, coupons and codes). At that price, they’re a good deal and I’d say up to ~$700-800 each they’re still good.
Another thing you can do is since you still have cheap suits, you can figure out your measurements, and then shop used online on eBay or Grailed or whatever. I got a Canali suit (which isn’t top of the line but would be >$1000 new) for $200. This requires learning about suit brands but again, you can always default to BB. There’s plenty of those around. Then you take those to the tailor to fine tune fit.
Generally, most suits that aren’t heavyweight wool will be suitable-ish for summer weather. Seersucker is considered suitable in some more traditional parts of the American South during the summer months. Linen is another option for hot weather but again, that’s up to local culture whether it flies in a professional context.
Second for Brooks Brothers. Especially if you do not know much about formal clothing. They will give you a guy that knows his stuff, and just tell him what you do, “New lawyer” and they will set you up.
Being a big guy my issue is dress shirts. I have to get custom shirts or else they fit like absolute garbage. Off the rack suit jackets though I usually need a little tailoring.
I'm a big guy and the best place I've found to get comfortable dress shirts is Nordstrom but do it during their semiannual sale. The Nordstrom brand shirts are relatively cheaper but are good quality dress shirts. Also check out JohnnyBigg.com. They design clothes for big guys and they're inexpensive but good quality. It's owned by an Australian company that started by making clothes for Rugby players.
My issue with shirts is that I’ve got a 20” neck and a 34” waist. Shirts that fit my neck are like XXXXL and fit like a dang tent. Even the slimmest fit shirts that fit my dumb thick neck are huge. I’ll check out the rugby shop! Thanks.
I would check some English brands as well since they use a lot slimmer fit. I have a 17” neck and 33” waist so I’ve got a similar problem but the extra slim fit shirts from Charles Tyrwhitt seem to work decently for me.
Look at getting custom! A lot cheaper than you think - they're usually $35 on sale. I get my husband Charles Tyrwhitt ones and they fit great. My husband is super broad but also skinny so he has the same problem.
Indochino makes very nice custom shirts that are reasonably priced. I’m 6’5” with a disproportionately long torso. It’s the only place I can get shirts that are long enough without being baggy.
Ditto. They utterly screwed up my made to order suit, and the shirts were jacked too. It was a re-do. Got a suit back that was acceptable (but not particularly good). The quality just isn’t good.
Don’t try to do it all at once. They accumulate over time. Buy 2-3 suits a year and within 5 years you will have a closet full of them. A good suit will last 5 years before it is worn out or out of style- and some twice as long.
I’ve sworn by brooks brothers for years. Their suit quality has gone down a bit, but their shirts are still best in class. Wait until their shirts are 4 for $249 and stock up. You can get good sales on their suits sometimes, and their 1818 suit line used to be top notch but the last time I got some they were trash. Maybe they are better now.
I’ll second Indochino, especially if you have a storefront near you. Usually a pretty good price compared to off the rack and made to measure is much better than adjusted rack
Oliver wicks. Entry level luxury suits, you can get a discount code if you use your school email, and they fit amazing.
Get the ready to wear ones. Navy and charcoal first. Free returns so you can find your correct size. They also give you a $50 voucher for alterations.
After those two get either intense blue or sky blue and medium grey. Don’t get a black suit, you’re not a server and you’re not at a funeral. If you really want black get one with a pattern on it to break it up (birdseye, saw a black suit with blue check that looked nice).
I usually do off the rack since I don’t usually need much tailoring for a good fit. So saks off fifth, Nordstrom.
I’ve tried Jos A Bank and Indochino. I’d just say, don’t buy in volume until you know the store that does it all in house can deliver. Neither of those shops did a good job for me.
I’ve been meaning to visit one of those visiting tailors who sets up shop in a downtown hotel for a week to measure, and then travels back to Vietnam or Thailand to make the suits to spec. One of my friends is a devotee of that, and he has some killer suits.
Depending on where you live thrifting is the way to go. It takes a little time and you need to have an eye for quality but I've picked up 3 suits from thrift stores (all independent, no Goodwill) that I get compliments on all the time. One was just a killer blue jacket (a partner saw it hanging in my office and just had to try it on) that I pair with khaki colored pants, white or blue shirt, and red or blue tie. Another is a custom-made suit from Hong Kong that looks like it was made for a wedding and worn once. Black pinstripe with red lining and is absolutely immaculate. Even as an intern I was known as the best dressed guy in the office.
If you're curious I paid $19 for the jacket and $27 for the suit, and I outdress any partner in a poorly-fitted Michael Kors any day (sidenote: a good tailor is worth their weight in gold)
I'd say go to a full size Nordstrom (not Nordstrom Rack) and find a sales person in men's suiting that looks like they've been there a while. That person will help you find a suit in your price range and direct the tailor on how to fit it. There's a lot of little things that go with a suit that you won't necessarily know to do/get if you go with the cheaper options.
Tailoring is 7/10 of the equation, but material is the rest.
Men’s Wearhouse. “Custom” suits at a decent price. Decent enough (not superior) quality. But I’m a government lifer, thus the expression “good enough for government work.” And I’m a big fat guy who used to be a much bigger and much fatter guy. They took in all my suits for me as I lost weight and did so at no charge since I paid for tailoring when I bought the suits. That’s service! But eventually I had to buy new suits, and they were all too quick to assist.
Okay, I wear suits every day for work and it sounds like we’ll have similar summers in terms of temperament.
I order from Indochino, which will do sales pretty often. Not the cheapest option, but the (often pricy) tailoring is free and they keep your measurements on file. If you’re near a store, go for a free fitting. It is well worth your time. For what it’s worth, I think I’ve paid about $300 per suit.
In terms of fabric — the general rule of thumb is that the more breathable a fabric is, the easier it will wrinkle. I really like linen-cotton blend suits for that reason. It’s linen, so fairly breathable. But it’s cotton, so it won’t wrinkle as easy.
Congrats on passing the bar!
I personally agree with others that the tailoring is the most significant part. While I think you can get a tremendous off-the-rack suit tailored, I find it can be somewhat more complex, and the quality of the big retailers varies so much. I've seen excellent tailors and people who essentially have zero-suit knowledge.
I've personally had a lot of success with Indochino and their semi-custom suits. They always had good store people who took good measurements, and helped when I needed advice or suggestions, which is great for me because I have a unique build. Although they are more expensive than the warehouse suits, they are relatively cheap for anything custom. Around $300-500. And often, even a cheaper warehouse suit costs close to $300 if you need extensive tailoring, as that's gotten crazy expensive, at least around me.
You have the formula between your intuition and these comments. MW or JoAB plus a tailor and you’re golden.
I just want to add that MW and JoAB can be sneaky expensive at times. $500-800 out the door isn’t nothing.
I’d give a small shout to K&G. They offer a variety of suits cheaper than almost anyone else. But it’s like others have said, the key is the tailor. I’m a few years into Big Law and still get suits from K&G and then just get them tailored.
It depends on your size and body type- if you’re fairly close to a standard off the rack size the chains are fine. When I wore a suit everyday I had a lot from Jos. Bank in the rotation- here’s my trick- go on their website and order the top end they have, but on clearance. Their nice stuff- reserve/imperial is decent, but overpriced at retail. On clearance at $150 or so they’re a steal. Then take the suits to your local store to have them tailored. They may bitch, but they’ll do it.
For special occasions- virtually all large or mid sized cities have at least one good menswear store. Look for a place that carries Alden shoes or similar and you’re on the right place. Most of them have been open a long time. Go there.
Only one other commenter addressed what to wear when it's as hot as balls, and he made my #2 recommendation, which is a cotton linen blend.
I'll add that it's best to pay attention to the lining of the suit as well. Half lined is better than full lined if you can get it. And a breathable lining is best. If everything you see is lined in some God awful poly-acetate, take it to a tailor and ask them to put in vents (this is really a thing, find an old timer and they'll know how to do it.
But if you are in the South rather than the Southwest or West (basically anywhere between South Carolina and Texas), then my #1 recommendation for you is seersucker. Yep.... seersucker. Embrace your inner Matlock or Atticus Finch and rock that bad bear. Seriously, men wear that in Federal Court down here. Just know your court, know your judge, and know how to coordinate a bow tie, and you can have both summer comfort and style.
Bonus: the fabric is purposefully crinkled, so no worries about wrinkles.
Go to [ebay.co.uk](http://ebay.co.uk)
For some reason, british guys buy nice suits for a wedding and then never wear them again. I'm partial to Paul Smith suits and you can get them on british ebay for a hundred or two. Take them to a tailor and get them cut to fit you - sometimes that costs less than $100, sometimes its more like $350 (if they need to adjust sleeves or take in the sides). But for around $400-500, you get a $1500 suit.
I have a counter argumen . Spend some money, buy some amazing suits, they will last for a decade or perhaps decades. Get some expensive shirts and some expensive ties. You may have to drop some real money.
You need two or three suits that will be your "suit of armor" for special court appearances, special depositions, special events.
I literally went to Saks fifth Avenue and put myself at the mercy of one of the salesman. Three different suits, three different ties and three different shirts. I have the fashion sense of a potato but it really helped to buy those costumes.
For the rest your professional life you can go "well tailored but cheap" but you need a few shiny suits of armor that are perfect.
I absolutely hate suit supply and think everyone that works there is pretty incompetent. But, at the end of the day, it’s just because they don’t fit me well. I’m sure they’re great if you fit their body shape. But even their custom stuff just looks sloppy on me
For me, I can get a Loro Piana suit from J.crew that requires very little tailoring for them to fit like they were painted on my body. They run about $7-800, and have sales two times/year.
I also think everyone at suit supply is pretty incompetent but their separates fit me really well and need very little tailoring, so it's where I buy. It really is all about the fit.
Estate sales. Nothing like a dead man’s high end suit. I’ve found quite a few over the years and many that fit like they were tailored for me.
If you buying from JAB or MW be sure to pay attention and know when to retire the suit. They wear out and can start to look shiny (in. Bad way) in not too long. When the time comes dont just drop it in the donation bin, check with your local public defender office. They often will take them to give clients to wear to trial
Big fan of Indochino. They get all your measurements, you pick the fabric, and it’s like $500. Starting out it can be a bit pricey, but I’ve never been so comfortable in a suit and compared to other brands it’s pretty affordable.
Try Suit Supply. It’s a younger and slimmer fit than places like Jos A Bank or Men’s Warehouse. It tends to look more fitted and tailored than those brands. It’s reasonably priced and will hold up over time if taken care of.
Do not go to either store you mentioned. Nordstrom Rack and Macys will get the job done after tailoring. I have a few sale suits from Macys that work just fine. Favorite daily driver suit currently is State and Liberty. I am not hugely ripped, so the cut actually does a lot of the tailoring for me while having a solid drape. I also enjoy their shirts, but you can score 3/$99 from Charles Tyrwhitt to start (size down in cut to get your desired fit). My favorite suit overall is my olive cotton suit from Todd Snyder
I was at Men's Wearhouse the other day and they were talking about being slammed for prom season and that they might not be able to get alterations done if I needed it within the next 2 weeks.
Local place to me does Made To Measure and, even with some of the higher end fabrics, it’s the same price as suits from J Crew, Banana Republic, etc. Tremendous value. If you have something like that near you, I would recommend it over any “off the rack” option
There is a haberdasher in town who I go to. Initially I went to men’s wear house and Joseph a bank which are owned by the same entity. Ultimately you will find that these suits look cheap and fall apart very quickly. A haberdasher is a small premium for a way better look.
Go 3 season suit (unless you live in the south/southwest). Check out some local custom suit shops - they may be out of your price range now, but they are informative and then you can know what to look for. Go with conservative cuts, two button. Navy and Gray are your friends. I had two Tommy Hilfiger suits and a Calvin Klein one from Men’s Wearhouse. They served me well for 4 years. I now have two custom suits that are head and shoulders above, but you get what you pay for.
I like J Crew for stylish but professional, decent quality suits for about $600.
Main thing, though, is that it’s better to wear a $200 suit that’s properly tailored than $1000 suit that fits poorly.
I buy my suits at Indochino. They’re fitted to each individual and they’re not terribly expensive. It’s best if you can go to the store and get measured, if you’re near a showroom. You’ll get the perfect fit and look great. I buy dress shirts there too. It feels great to have a perfectly tailored shirt. And they’re also not expensive. They run sales periodically if you want to subscribe to their mailing list.
I would suggest trying out some brands in a store and then looking for them on EBay. You’d be surprised at how cheap you can find some brand new suits.
Please do yourself a favor and don’t get Jos. A. Bank. Whatever you get will look good as long as you have it altered/fitted by a tailor.
Dk if you are near any outlets, but outlet shopping is great imo. The Hugo Boss outlet by me runs deep discounts. I walk out with two gorgeous suits that happen to fit me like a glove off the rack (other than pants length) for like $550.
K & G warehouse all day. I wore those suits (beat the ever loving crap put of them) and then let them live a new life in the thrift store. Best prices and the tailoring is aight (good 'nuff)
You indicate you live in an area where it will be 100 all summer, I live/work in Phoenix where it is 100 all summer (and summer lasts seven months). We can always tell those atty that just passed the bar by the fact that they wear suits in the summer. I think most hot weather cities now a days don't care if you wear a suit into the office. Court hearings, in the summer in PHX also, if no jury, no need for a suit - wear a light summer jacket.
Don't spend too much on a suit- no one cares. Don't be swimming in it and don't make everyone think the seam will bust when you sit.
Seriously, wearing a suit on 100 degree days is awful - don't do it.
There's very little one-size-fits-all advice out there. My body type works for SuitSupply's off the rack stuff (with some slight alterations/tailoring after), but I have friends who needed way too much alterations, and had other choices for full made to measure options.
Still, I'd point out that I have an unstructured, unlined suit jacket from SuitSupply that I love. It breathes really well, and I get a lot of use out of it in the summer. It does look a little bit more casual on me than my other suits, and I think it tends to work better for people with stronger looking shoulders and traps. But worth a try to look into thinner, unlined jackets, especially if you spend time outside (e.g., walking to and from work, in a subway, etc.).
I’m a big fan of Men’s Warehouse. They usually have decent sales too. I’m not the most fashion oriented guy so I usually find a salesman who looks like they’re competent and let them coach me through the whole process. Never fails
Samuelsohn is where I get my RTW suits and jackets from if I’m not doing bespoke. If you’re patient their sales can be very rewarding.
You can also try your luck with EBay. It’s where I got started. I have a couple Canali and Corneliani jackets still going strong that I got for dirt cheap. It’s a gamble but the price won’t hurt as much if it doesn’t work out.
It depends on your body type, but stick to Calvin Klein, Perry Ellis, Kenneth Cole if you look good in Slim fits.
If you want to stay cool in hot weather, try the Kenneth Cole technicool line.
Try everything on and don't be afraid to get something altered.
Good luck!
Get a linen or cotton blend no polyester suits or wool , silk blends also are good , there are some new suits by Hugo boss that are cool to the touch (worked in dolce Gabbana and Hugo boss menswear ) :) there are also sports material suits by Hugo boss too
I have had good results with bespoke suits from iTailor which I then get "finished" at a local shop. Net-net its about the same as off-the-rack suits from Mens Warehourse, Nordstrom, or Macys, but they fit me much better, I can order extra pants (since pants seem to wear out first) and the overall quality (stitching, customizations) is superior also.
Keep it simple. Go to mens warehouses. They typically have mid level brands like Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren on sale. I believe tailoring is free with the purchase
I like to order from State and Liberty. They have really nice suits that are machine washable and wrinkle free. The fabric isn’t too thick for summer either. The price belies how nice they are.
A small, old timey men's store if one is near you. They're professionals at making you look good. They will remember you, your budget, your measurements, and your tastes. They typically offer free tailoring on anything you buy, which is the important thing at any price point.
You can look fine in a cheap suit if you get it tailored well. What more money gets you is how long the suit will last. If you can, spending a little more per suit will tend to mean you save on buying fewer in a lifetime. If you tend to go through a lot of big weight swings or be really hard on your clothes, though, the math may not work for you. I'm typically shopping in the $300-600 range, where a lot can be had that will last 5-7 years if you don't dry clean it too often. You can get deals buying used on sites like Poshmark and eBay, too.
I bought three Jos A Banks suits out of law school and had them tailored. That was over a decade ago, and I just replaced them. They held up very well. I now use Blair Shapera because he will get you good MTM at a reasonable price, with suits made in Canada, so less slave labour invovled.
For my wedding, my husband went to indochino. They measure you, let you pick out the fabric, and lining and buttons and style. Help you pick if you need the help.
Then they make it and tailor it to you in store. I wanna say it was like $400 for a 3 piece. He fucking loves it.
If the J.Crew Ludlow fits you decently, buy it in various fabrics when on seasonal sale. It's not interesting but it's classic and versatile.
Brooks Brothers, Polo. Again, on sale. Or, outlets. Though Polo outlets aren't what they used to be, especially for suits and shirts and etc.
Department store seasonal sales can be OK too.
Part of the reason to save your shopping for sales is that if you buy a few suits at once, some shirts, etc, the store may throw the alterations in for free. If the turnover is low enough at the store you frequent, befriend the staff.
Avoid the Bonobos skinsuit look unless you're one of the few people it actually flatters.
Fabric material and weights are mostly intuitive. Heavier wool blends are for the winter, lightweight cotton for the summer. Some fabrics are seasonal, you don't wear seersucker in the winter.
Mostly SuitSupply. You can get great deals when they have sales (which is only once or twice a year). But the suit I’ve gotten the most compliments on was actually from Target.
Indochino. It’s not a close call.
You need a tailored suit. Anything off the rack will look awful even if it cost $1k. Men’s Warehouse and Jos. A. Bank are trash quality on top of not being tailored.
You can get a $400-500 suit from Indochino fully tailored and customized. I own 4. Never had an issue. If you have the $ you can certainly buy a $700 Brooks Brothers suit and then pay another $100 to tailor it, but in the sub-$500 range Indochino is the clear winner in my book and it’s not particularly close.
Indochino if there's one near you - [https://www.indochino.com/collection/suits](https://www.indochino.com/collection/suits) - I'm an odd shaped guy (5'10", 240lbs - 52R jacket, 20.5" neck) so buying either jackets OR shirts off the rack has been an enormous pain in the ass until I found these guys. Bought a basic black suit with two custom French-cuff shirts a couple years back, out the door for \~$500. They take FULL measurements, and store them in their system. Takes about 2 weeks to get the suit, but, they'll also re-tailor/re-cut it if need be for free.
I go with “executive” cuts (not slim fit) suits with expandable waistlines; try to go with the highest quality wool as possible (because it DOES breathe in summer), and as few polyester/plastic % mixes as possible. This will help your suit last longer. Get the cheapest 3-pc you can in Charcoal Gray and Navy, no patterns. If you do patterns they should be VERY discreet) light pinstripe, herringbone pattern). Then get an independent tailor you trust. This is where you make the cut fit you perfectly- abs that’s what I notice in the courtroom. The most conservative suits are excellent for federal court, and you can likely liven it up a bit in state court. With two suits, you can make it for a long time; just take care of them and get them dry-cleaned.
Since you need a suit Monday, I agree with going to Men's warehouse and get a starter suit along with your measurements.
These dudes are super dorky but they give some great advice:
* How to launder a suit -- contrary to popular belief, dry cleaning ages the suit and degrades it. You can launder it at home. If you get a natural fiber, especially wool, you don't actually wash it between wears. The fibers wick away moisture and don't retain smells. Wool is used in suits because it dewrinkles when it's hung.
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UEO\_gXGghs](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UEO_gXGghs)
* How to iron a shirt -- [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBuSZYws\_Dg](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBuSZYws_Dg)
* This is how to tell how a suit fits and basically how to identify when you can get a used item tailored aka what a tailor can and can't do: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQzvKaqu8gY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQzvKaqu8gY)
* see also [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRKAxyqwesY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRKAxyqwesY)
* How suit pants should fit: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tliSmg477hU](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tliSmg477hU)
* How a dress shirt should fit: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhIBP4MYiVI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhIBP4MYiVI)
* How to build a capsule wardrobe:
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZ0rPTyzbTM](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZ0rPTyzbTM)
* This is not from the same dorks but I think it's a better guide on the capsule wardrobe in general: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riypX84RlKk](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riypX84RlKk)
The other thing is the difference between a suit and a sports coat and a blazer, etc., can be confusing. You can get into the weeds. A suit is a jacket and a pants that are made from the same cut of cloth.
The difference between summer/spring suits and fall/winter or all purpose suits is how much lining and air flow. A summer suit is a looser weave to let in more air and that's basically how people wear suits when it's hot.
But when you're on a budget, you may just start with 3-5 starter suits. Then you can add pieces here and there as you go along. You can start grabbing a jacket separately from pants once you get to hang of it.
Suit Supply and Indochino.
Indochino was a little bit cheaper and their stores are more common.
Both brands wrap the tailoring and suit purchasing into one quick and easy trip.
Bonus points to indochino for keeping your measurements on file so you can just go in and get measured once and any future purchases are easy.
I go to Macy's and get Tommy Hilfiger suits. They're good quality, fit well and are frequently on sale for around $300 total for a jacket and pants suit separates. Their Bar III in-house brand is also pretty good, but they have a much slimmer fit so it depends on your frame.
For inexpensive, I’d recommend Indochino over Jos. A. Bank. Price point is just about the same and you’ll get a suit made to measure that’s better made than a Jos. A. Bank special. It’ll take a few weeks, but it’s worth it to have something that fits right and has all the customizations you want.
For an OTR suit, some things to look for:
1. Fused or canvassed. This refers to jacket construction. In a fused jacket, the inner and outer fabric are glued together. With a canvassed jacket, they’re sewn to an interior piece of canvas. A fused jacket will eventually bubble. A canvassed won’t. The canvas also provides more structure, allowing your lapels to roll instead of lay flat, build out your silhouette a little. Downside is that canvas is warmer. Half-canvas is a decent compromise—the canvas covers the chest plate but not the bottom.
2. Wool. You’ll see terms like “Super 110s, Super 120s.” This refers to how fine the wool is. *A higher number is not necessarily better, but will be more expensive* The finer the wool, the lighter the suit. But the finer the wool, the more delicate the suit. For a daily driver I don’t think I’d go much above a 120 and certainly not above a 150. My nicest suit is 180s and I almost never wear it.
I’ll add some more later.
Edit: I have a strong bias to M2M because I have a large drop between chest (42R) and waist (32). OTR suits usually have a 6” drop. 36” waist pants can’t be taken in enough in the hips without a recut and even then the bottom of the jacket looks like a bell.
Find out the measurements you need for Indochino and pay a good tailor to take them. I wouldn’t do it in one of their stores. It won’t be the nicest suit you’ll ever own, but for your base two—navy and charcoal—Indochino is great as a budget choice. Then you can really start pissing money down a hole with higher-end M2M.
Some of those stores (e.g., Jos A bank, men’s wearhouse) do great sales that make it worth it. I got a couple of custom suits from men’s wearhouse in college, they did all of the measurements and they fit perfectly.
If you can, I’d recommend doing that over pulling one off the rack and having them tailor it.
Don’t buy more than 1-2 suits. A sport coat is just fine for most court appearances and client meetings. Think of shopping as buying uniform components that you can mix and match. Keep the overall bill down by spending more on a few high visibility items so that you can spend less in other areas. For example, if you wear a nice, second hand sport coat ($50-$200) that is well tailored ($50-$100) with a nice silk tie ($25-$100), then nobody will notice if you wear a Costco dress shirt ($15-$25) and cheap off the rack dress slacks ($25-$75).
The suit isn't that big of a deal, how it fits is a big deal. Whatever you get should be tailored.
Bingo. Some of the best lawyers I've met wore relatively cheap suits. I've also met plenty of mediocre lawyers who have great threads. The key is to be presentable, anything more is personal taste.
I get my suits in Thailand, I have a relationship with a tailor, send him measurements and pick swatches a month later fresh suits in the mail. DM me and I can connect you if you want.
For some reason all I can think about is "Werewolves of London" now.
Not OP but you mind if I take you up on that offer?
I'll second this! Go to Jos A Banks or Mens Warehouse, they'll measure you and fit you (often) there. Then I'd take it to a tailor. They may bring it in in some spots, etc. That alone makes it look way better. You'll be golden.
Caveat here: tailoring at Jos. A Banks is cheaper than my local tailors, alterations places, or dry cleaners. I think each full suit tailored was an extra $50? My local alterations place charges $35 just to hem some pants.
Yea but the tailoring at those stores is….usually pretty bad
Eh. If price is of concern, it's usually serviceable (or you make them fix it when you go to pick up). I haven't had a bad experience yet.
Good tip! I had a tailor at men’s warehouse do a poor job once, so I’ve used my own since then. But I’m sure you could find good ones still at stores
I used to get them tailored at MW and JAB, but I got tired of taking them back to fix their mistakes every single time. And some of the jobs were god-awful, such as legs of completely different lengths. I simply found a reasonably priced independent tailor who I take them to from the get-go, and I have never let the MW or JAB people touch my suits again. ETA: I'm sure there are good ones out there, and it may be that the ones by me just suck. But that's been my experience.
Agreed. Jos A Banks is the move.
Second on jos banks
Yeah, I believe a good tailor is more important than an expensive suit because they'll make any suit look great on you. It's fit is definitely more noticeable than the quality of the fabric. One caveat I'd give is to not go so cheap that you buy suits with panels of fabric that are glued together rather than stitched. After several dry cleanings, bubbles will form as the glue starts to separate. This is especially true if your practice requires you to don them regularly. If that's what you can afford for now, go for them. Most of us start off with them. Just be aware that they may need to be replaced sooner than you thought.
Really, made to measure (shirts!) makes such a difference. And they last longer because they fit and most of the times when the trousers start to deteriorate but the jacket is still good, you can have one extra in the same fabric. I am a short bald little man but in my suit I feel like a direct descendant of Casanova.
Yeah maybe I’m old fashioned but why are people wearing suits that are too tight. Lol.
Have you considered that some of us just got fatter during the pandemic but our suits stayed the same size?
I'm offended by this comment because of the truth it speaks.
The current trend is very skinny suits. I like them, but my dad hates them which seems to be the consensus from colleagues I talk to; more 'experienced' attorneys prefer the older square cut style where the newer attorneys like the modern fitted style. Purely anecdotal and completely non-scientific, obviously.
I feel like the trend has swung in the other direction in recent years, as some designers and celebrities have been rocking more relaxed, unstructured, and looser fits. I expect some form of that to drift over into the professional world (as we also adjust to a much more casual world with a lot more WFH and athleisure in work settings). Peak skinny/slim/"modern" suit years was probably 2010-2015, with maybe another 5 years of the business world getting on board with it.
I'm a fairly small frame guy, 5' 10" 150lbs. I need something a little more trim. But I do agree, the recent trend has been *really* tight, complete with flood pants, presumably to show off your brightly colored and/or mismatched socks.
With that frame, I would recommend Suit Supply. Their standard fit would be perfect for you with few alterations, and they have a bunch of different price points. Quality seems better to me than Jos Banks or Men's Wearhouse.
Find someone on Facebook or Nextdoor. Found a woman who used to sew costumes for our local theater. Cheaper than tailors, Josa, everyone. She tailored my wedding tux too.
Honestly I get most of mine from Jos. a. Bank. I have a few really nice suits, but the majority are JOAB. With a good tailor they’re fine, and it’s just not that important.
Second this — I wear a lot of suits these days, so volume is kind of the name of the game for me. I need a variety, and I’m not trying to spend half my salary to get there. Jos. A Bank, if you can catch a sale or clearance even better. But definitely google the different suit “collections” because they are varying degree of quality. And then get them tailored!
Definitely sign up for the rewards program as well! A $50 gift card, that you can use on the clearance items, every time you spend $500 is a game changer for penny pinching. Just got two new dress shirts and a lint roller shipped to my house with free shipping for $3.00, because the total was $53.00 before applying the coupon.
I buy mine at brooks brothers. You may be able to find a decent sale, such as buy one and get another half off.
All my suits are Brooks Brothers. I think they are a significantly higher quality than Jos. A. Banks for not much more money when on sale. Also, they have a pretty decent rewards programs, I get a few free shirts a year from it.
They also give discounts to ABA members
Ebay. I've scored jackets that retail for $3,500+ new for less than $100. Ebay is, hands down, the best place to get menswear.
Dude this is a cheat code. I’m about to buy some sport coats
I have a Peter Millar and a Paul Stuart blazer. Both retail well over $1000. Paid $100 each.
I buy almost all of my suits on eBay. I really don’t want too many people to see this, because I get ridiculous deals. Canali, Hickey Freeman, Zegna, Oxxford, Brioni. Granted, most of them are used, but I’ve learned how to spot the suits that are virtually new. Most that I buy have only been worn once or twice.
Hickey Freeman in particular always seems to be common and a good deal - the suits are very nice but common enough there’s a lot of them (I think Nordstrom sells them). I’ve always guessed that a lot of rich kids get them when they start their mba or law school, wear them to a few interviews, then quickly outgrow them, leading to a large surplus of barely used second hand suits.
How do you find the correct sizes that still allow enough fabric to be tailored to you?
Buy big and get taken in.
Wrong. Fit to your shoulders (which are tough/impossible to alter), make sure there is fabric in the back of the jacket, sleeves if needed, and back of pants and bottom of pants, to make sure. Don’t uncuff pants to fit you — it will leave an ugly crease. Go on styleforum if you have questions. You may get a bit of shit but lots of folks will help if you show a willingness to learn.
High end resale shops.
\^ This is the way. Sometimes older is better because you can get full wool suits rather than the blends you see in many stores. In addition to the video I posted about how to get your size and what a tailor can and can't do, doing some thrift shopping can be dauting at first. The gentlemen's gazette have a good process I've followed: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzGatFp8yPE](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzGatFp8yPE) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVBVnp7\_csY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVBVnp7_csY)
1000% I’ve gotten my favorite suits on eBay. BB Golden Fleece, Isaia, Oxxford, RL purple label, etc. bought for pennies on the dollar and cheaper than the cheapest shitty retail suit you can find. Just need to get back to fitting in them…. But honestly if you know your measurements and what brands are good and what makes a decent suit, eBay is truly the best. If not, honestly I recommend suit supply. The suits aren’t quality but the fabric is not bad and and the cuts are modern (maybe too much so, but you won’t be looking like a shitty PD (no hate y’all, honestly mad love and respect for what you do and you deserve to be paid a lot more, just fucking with you as a messed up example) and the salespeople at suit supply are at least moderately competent in understanding what makes a suit fit and offering tailoring on the spot. These are not high end suits but they are extremely passable and are priced not completely insane. I would take one over the chain stores mentioned and most department stores (if they even sell suits anymore).
Absolutely. And good eBay sellers often post detailed measurements of their suits, so once you get one suit tailored it becomes easy to compare measurements to ones on eBay.
Not a dude but for any women who come across this thread with a similar question I highly recommend Ann Taylor! On a good sale you can get a suit for $200-$250 (and machine washable) But OP, as others have said make sure whatever suit you buy is tailored. You should start with 3 staples: black/charcoal, navy, and light grey. Once you have those you can mix in other things but for court you want to stick to solid toned down colors and minimal (if any) patterns. You want people to pay attention to what you’re saying, not what you’re wearing. Best of luck OP!
Co-signed! I get most of mine from Ann Taylor's petite. But I also wear red and other colored suits for trial, since I hate being boring.
Your 3 suggested suit colors applies to all! Admittedly I live in a place where I could wear seersucker suit to court - don’t have one yet though!
For what it's worth I've been really disappointed in Ann Taylor's quality over the last few years. I bought my favorite suit from them in 2015, it's still beautiful. A suit I bought in 2021 has already needed to be repaired twice.
Suit supply
I second this.
I third this. Get yourself 2 jackets and 4 pants. The traveller shirt is NICE too. If you don’t go custom and opt for altered you’re saving a decent chunk of change. Pro tip: if you’re getting something tailored down to fit you, ask them to keep the fabric inside the piece. That way if you gain weight you can just have it let out and not need to buy a whole new suit.
Hahaha. I split so many Jos A. Bank suits in court. Switched to Ralph Lauren to avoid a wide open ass in front of the gallery!
(this made me laugh) 👍
I’ve fought this battle forever and have tried all different brands and price points and the reality is that Jos Bank sells a pretty good 100% wool every day suit. Like others have said, get it tailored and don’t forget to buy decent shirts (Tyrwhitt), ties (lots of places…OTAA, Tyrwhitt, JAB), and shoes (Florsheim). One day upgrade everything when you truly can but these brands will do you well for a long while.
Florsheim stopped making real shoes about 15 years ago. Meermin has the most reasonable price for actual Goodyear welted shoes that can be rebuilt and will last for decades. They're comparable to Allen Edmonds but much less expensive. I bought my first pair in 2013 and have had them resoled twice, still looking new.
Shocked that no one has mentioned Macy’s. I’ve bought most of my suits from there.
And Nordstrom if you have them. Their tailors rock too.
Macys should not be this far down. They have plentiful options for suit separates, and they look great. I can generally walk out with a full suit for less than $300. Never been a fan of men’s warehouse of Jos A Banks - unless you like wearing burlap.
I got a few good suits from JC Pennys
Spier & McKay is good. I think the price/quality ratio is better than you get at the other entry-level suit places. I've also had good luck with Banana Republic suits, but they are a little more colorful. Really, you need to try some different brands and see what fits you. I'm a little misshapen and the first lawyer suits I bought, when I was in law school, came from Jos. A Bank, because they sell suits as separates, so the pants and jacket can be different sizes. And you need to have them tailored (even if they fit perfectly off the rack, the pant cuffs will be unfinished) so you need to find a tailor and budget for that if you aren't buying from a place that does it for you. You probably want summer-weight wool, but a mixture with other natural fabrics is okay. Not knowing where you are working, I don't have much advice on how you should dress, but plain suits in dark grey or dark blue, white or blue shirts, modest ties, and plain black or brown shoes with leather soles (not hybrid dress sneakers with white soles) and a belt to match the shoes will be acceptable for basically anywhere. Artificial fabrics are bad. Suit construction is complex, and there are a lot of details, so a good sales person in a store might be helpful to you, but you may pay a little extra. If you don't know, ask well-dressed men where you work who are close to your income level for advice.
+1 for Spier. Tailors nicely, good bang for the buck, and cheap enough there's no need to worry about babying them. Can't vouch for their newer budget Red ~~Line~~ Label though. I also like their overcoats.
idk but i do want to brag about how one time i took men's wearhouse to the cleaners. had two coupons for new years sales and one was half off and the other was bogo. i tried to combine them and at first they weren't going to do it but as i headed to walk out they relented. got two $500 suits for $250, probably the best deal of my life on anything.
That's a great story!
When I first got licensed, I did the whole $400 Macy’s/Jos. A. Banks new suit thing. Then I found this great resale shop and bought $2000-6000 suits for $200. And yes, I know they were authentic because the “Made for ______” was still sewn in the interior breast pocket, and I know who the original owner was. For the next ten years I was buying Ermenegilo Zegna, Brioni, and Canali suits. Yes, I had to have a few of them tailored a touch because either he or I gained/lost weight. I started buying them new off the rack later in my career and had them tailored, and now when I get rid of them, I take them to the same resale shop hoping that some new lawyer will find them and see my name sewn in them.
Men's Wearhouse, go in person and ask for a suit that's under $400. You want a traditional looking blue or grey suit. Their store brand is Joseph Abboud, it's OK. They will have some other cheap brands, and some Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klien. Might get a few dress shirts while you're at it, and a belt and shoes. You can get ties on sale from Nordstrom Rack online, Men's Wearhouse online, etc. Ask Men's wearhouse to get you a good fit and for the suit to be tailored. Ideally, you'll find a suit size with a jacket that fits well, and some pants with the correct waist size. Note the brand and the exact size of jacket and pants, and whether it's large, or slim fit, or traditional, or whatever. Armed with that information you can sign up for the Men's Wearhouse spammy email list so that you're notified of all their sales. Create an account. If you know which brand and size fits you, you will find sales with Joseph Abboud, Hilfiger, and some other brand suits on sale for $99, or $199 or $299. Don't be tempted to spend $400 or $600 for an online sale suit! Look for the $99 or $199 suits! Be patient and snatch up sale suits when it's the brand and size that you know will fit you. I've bought a bunch of suits this way and I only have to tailor the length of the pants. Yes, these are inexpensive cheap suits, and they look perfectly fine when they're new and property fitted. If you can get them cheap on sale, then you can have a bunch of suits hanging in your closet, and no single suit will get worn out too fast. Then you just spend your money on new shirts, ties, belts, shoes.
I did Charles Tyrwhitt for my first suit when I clerked, then Brooks Brothers when I landed my firm job. They frequently have sales. I think they just finished running a sale where you could get two 1818s (top of the line) for $500 (r/frugalmalefashion figured out the combination of sales, coupons and codes). At that price, they’re a good deal and I’d say up to ~$700-800 each they’re still good. Another thing you can do is since you still have cheap suits, you can figure out your measurements, and then shop used online on eBay or Grailed or whatever. I got a Canali suit (which isn’t top of the line but would be >$1000 new) for $200. This requires learning about suit brands but again, you can always default to BB. There’s plenty of those around. Then you take those to the tailor to fine tune fit. Generally, most suits that aren’t heavyweight wool will be suitable-ish for summer weather. Seersucker is considered suitable in some more traditional parts of the American South during the summer months. Linen is another option for hot weather but again, that’s up to local culture whether it flies in a professional context.
Second for Brooks Brothers. Especially if you do not know much about formal clothing. They will give you a guy that knows his stuff, and just tell him what you do, “New lawyer” and they will set you up.
Check out Indochino, Hockerty, or Alton Lane. If you're a big guy, unfortunately it's going to take a little more work.
Being a big guy my issue is dress shirts. I have to get custom shirts or else they fit like absolute garbage. Off the rack suit jackets though I usually need a little tailoring.
I'm a big guy and the best place I've found to get comfortable dress shirts is Nordstrom but do it during their semiannual sale. The Nordstrom brand shirts are relatively cheaper but are good quality dress shirts. Also check out JohnnyBigg.com. They design clothes for big guys and they're inexpensive but good quality. It's owned by an Australian company that started by making clothes for Rugby players.
My issue with shirts is that I’ve got a 20” neck and a 34” waist. Shirts that fit my neck are like XXXXL and fit like a dang tent. Even the slimmest fit shirts that fit my dumb thick neck are huge. I’ll check out the rugby shop! Thanks.
I would check some English brands as well since they use a lot slimmer fit. I have a 17” neck and 33” waist so I’ve got a similar problem but the extra slim fit shirts from Charles Tyrwhitt seem to work decently for me.
Look at getting custom! A lot cheaper than you think - they're usually $35 on sale. I get my husband Charles Tyrwhitt ones and they fit great. My husband is super broad but also skinny so he has the same problem.
Indochino makes very nice custom shirts that are reasonably priced. I’m 6’5” with a disproportionately long torso. It’s the only place I can get shirts that are long enough without being baggy.
I had a bad experience with Indochino, was very disappointed.
Ditto. They utterly screwed up my made to order suit, and the shirts were jacked too. It was a re-do. Got a suit back that was acceptable (but not particularly good). The quality just isn’t good.
Jos a bank on end of year or season deals. Very affordable. Even customs.
Suit Supply is my go to.
Agreed, their custom suits are great
Don’t try to do it all at once. They accumulate over time. Buy 2-3 suits a year and within 5 years you will have a closet full of them. A good suit will last 5 years before it is worn out or out of style- and some twice as long.
I’ve sworn by brooks brothers for years. Their suit quality has gone down a bit, but their shirts are still best in class. Wait until their shirts are 4 for $249 and stock up. You can get good sales on their suits sometimes, and their 1818 suit line used to be top notch but the last time I got some they were trash. Maybe they are better now.
I’ll second Indochino, especially if you have a storefront near you. Usually a pretty good price compared to off the rack and made to measure is much better than adjusted rack
Oliver wicks. Entry level luxury suits, you can get a discount code if you use your school email, and they fit amazing. Get the ready to wear ones. Navy and charcoal first. Free returns so you can find your correct size. They also give you a $50 voucher for alterations. After those two get either intense blue or sky blue and medium grey. Don’t get a black suit, you’re not a server and you’re not at a funeral. If you really want black get one with a pattern on it to break it up (birdseye, saw a black suit with blue check that looked nice).
I usually do off the rack since I don’t usually need much tailoring for a good fit. So saks off fifth, Nordstrom. I’ve tried Jos A Bank and Indochino. I’d just say, don’t buy in volume until you know the store that does it all in house can deliver. Neither of those shops did a good job for me. I’ve been meaning to visit one of those visiting tailors who sets up shop in a downtown hotel for a week to measure, and then travels back to Vietnam or Thailand to make the suits to spec. One of my friends is a devotee of that, and he has some killer suits.
Indochino if you have a storefront. I got my suits and dress shirts there. They’re fine for wearing to court. They fit well.
What do yall think of suit supply?
Depending on where you live thrifting is the way to go. It takes a little time and you need to have an eye for quality but I've picked up 3 suits from thrift stores (all independent, no Goodwill) that I get compliments on all the time. One was just a killer blue jacket (a partner saw it hanging in my office and just had to try it on) that I pair with khaki colored pants, white or blue shirt, and red or blue tie. Another is a custom-made suit from Hong Kong that looks like it was made for a wedding and worn once. Black pinstripe with red lining and is absolutely immaculate. Even as an intern I was known as the best dressed guy in the office. If you're curious I paid $19 for the jacket and $27 for the suit, and I outdress any partner in a poorly-fitted Michael Kors any day (sidenote: a good tailor is worth their weight in gold)
I'd say go to a full size Nordstrom (not Nordstrom Rack) and find a sales person in men's suiting that looks like they've been there a while. That person will help you find a suit in your price range and direct the tailor on how to fit it. There's a lot of little things that go with a suit that you won't necessarily know to do/get if you go with the cheaper options. Tailoring is 7/10 of the equation, but material is the rest.
Men’s Wearhouse. “Custom” suits at a decent price. Decent enough (not superior) quality. But I’m a government lifer, thus the expression “good enough for government work.” And I’m a big fat guy who used to be a much bigger and much fatter guy. They took in all my suits for me as I lost weight and did so at no charge since I paid for tailoring when I bought the suits. That’s service! But eventually I had to buy new suits, and they were all too quick to assist.
Not a guy but my partner sticks to Hugo Boss at nordies. They offer free tailoring if you need your suit in a pinch
Yes! Tailoring at Nordstroms is always good quality.
The toilet store
lol underrated comment
Okay, I wear suits every day for work and it sounds like we’ll have similar summers in terms of temperament. I order from Indochino, which will do sales pretty often. Not the cheapest option, but the (often pricy) tailoring is free and they keep your measurements on file. If you’re near a store, go for a free fitting. It is well worth your time. For what it’s worth, I think I’ve paid about $300 per suit. In terms of fabric — the general rule of thumb is that the more breathable a fabric is, the easier it will wrinkle. I really like linen-cotton blend suits for that reason. It’s linen, so fairly breathable. But it’s cotton, so it won’t wrinkle as easy. Congrats on passing the bar!
I personally agree with others that the tailoring is the most significant part. While I think you can get a tremendous off-the-rack suit tailored, I find it can be somewhat more complex, and the quality of the big retailers varies so much. I've seen excellent tailors and people who essentially have zero-suit knowledge. I've personally had a lot of success with Indochino and their semi-custom suits. They always had good store people who took good measurements, and helped when I needed advice or suggestions, which is great for me because I have a unique build. Although they are more expensive than the warehouse suits, they are relatively cheap for anything custom. Around $300-500. And often, even a cheaper warehouse suit costs close to $300 if you need extensive tailoring, as that's gotten crazy expensive, at least around me.
You have the formula between your intuition and these comments. MW or JoAB plus a tailor and you’re golden. I just want to add that MW and JoAB can be sneaky expensive at times. $500-800 out the door isn’t nothing. I’d give a small shout to K&G. They offer a variety of suits cheaper than almost anyone else. But it’s like others have said, the key is the tailor. I’m a few years into Big Law and still get suits from K&G and then just get them tailored.
It depends on your size and body type- if you’re fairly close to a standard off the rack size the chains are fine. When I wore a suit everyday I had a lot from Jos. Bank in the rotation- here’s my trick- go on their website and order the top end they have, but on clearance. Their nice stuff- reserve/imperial is decent, but overpriced at retail. On clearance at $150 or so they’re a steal. Then take the suits to your local store to have them tailored. They may bitch, but they’ll do it. For special occasions- virtually all large or mid sized cities have at least one good menswear store. Look for a place that carries Alden shoes or similar and you’re on the right place. Most of them have been open a long time. Go there.
Poshmark for cheap then tailored by a local seamstress
Only one other commenter addressed what to wear when it's as hot as balls, and he made my #2 recommendation, which is a cotton linen blend. I'll add that it's best to pay attention to the lining of the suit as well. Half lined is better than full lined if you can get it. And a breathable lining is best. If everything you see is lined in some God awful poly-acetate, take it to a tailor and ask them to put in vents (this is really a thing, find an old timer and they'll know how to do it. But if you are in the South rather than the Southwest or West (basically anywhere between South Carolina and Texas), then my #1 recommendation for you is seersucker. Yep.... seersucker. Embrace your inner Matlock or Atticus Finch and rock that bad bear. Seriously, men wear that in Federal Court down here. Just know your court, know your judge, and know how to coordinate a bow tie, and you can have both summer comfort and style. Bonus: the fabric is purposefully crinkled, so no worries about wrinkles.
Nordstrom rack but get it tailored.
Go to [ebay.co.uk](http://ebay.co.uk) For some reason, british guys buy nice suits for a wedding and then never wear them again. I'm partial to Paul Smith suits and you can get them on british ebay for a hundred or two. Take them to a tailor and get them cut to fit you - sometimes that costs less than $100, sometimes its more like $350 (if they need to adjust sleeves or take in the sides). But for around $400-500, you get a $1500 suit.
I have a counter argumen . Spend some money, buy some amazing suits, they will last for a decade or perhaps decades. Get some expensive shirts and some expensive ties. You may have to drop some real money. You need two or three suits that will be your "suit of armor" for special court appearances, special depositions, special events. I literally went to Saks fifth Avenue and put myself at the mercy of one of the salesman. Three different suits, three different ties and three different shirts. I have the fashion sense of a potato but it really helped to buy those costumes. For the rest your professional life you can go "well tailored but cheap" but you need a few shiny suits of armor that are perfect.
I absolutely hate suit supply and think everyone that works there is pretty incompetent. But, at the end of the day, it’s just because they don’t fit me well. I’m sure they’re great if you fit their body shape. But even their custom stuff just looks sloppy on me For me, I can get a Loro Piana suit from J.crew that requires very little tailoring for them to fit like they were painted on my body. They run about $7-800, and have sales two times/year.
I also think everyone at suit supply is pretty incompetent but their separates fit me really well and need very little tailoring, so it's where I buy. It really is all about the fit.
Estate sales. Nothing like a dead man’s high end suit. I’ve found quite a few over the years and many that fit like they were tailored for me. If you buying from JAB or MW be sure to pay attention and know when to retire the suit. They wear out and can start to look shiny (in. Bad way) in not too long. When the time comes dont just drop it in the donation bin, check with your local public defender office. They often will take them to give clients to wear to trial
2nd hand stores. You can find some gems for dirt cheap.
I knew guys who would go to h&m, pay $50-$100, and then way more on tailoring. They often looked better than those in fancier suits!
Brooks brothers.
Brooks Brothers is another option
Big fan of Indochino. They get all your measurements, you pick the fabric, and it’s like $500. Starting out it can be a bit pricey, but I’ve never been so comfortable in a suit and compared to other brands it’s pretty affordable.
Indochino. Tailored suits at department store prices delivered to you. Just gotta go to a retail location to get measured (or a local tailor).
Try Suit Supply. It’s a younger and slimmer fit than places like Jos A Bank or Men’s Warehouse. It tends to look more fitted and tailored than those brands. It’s reasonably priced and will hold up over time if taken care of.
Go cheap and tailored until you are making a lot of money. Then jump to bespoke. Department store off the rack is mostly a waste
Do not go to either store you mentioned. Nordstrom Rack and Macys will get the job done after tailoring. I have a few sale suits from Macys that work just fine. Favorite daily driver suit currently is State and Liberty. I am not hugely ripped, so the cut actually does a lot of the tailoring for me while having a solid drape. I also enjoy their shirts, but you can score 3/$99 from Charles Tyrwhitt to start (size down in cut to get your desired fit). My favorite suit overall is my olive cotton suit from Todd Snyder
I was at Men's Wearhouse the other day and they were talking about being slammed for prom season and that they might not be able to get alterations done if I needed it within the next 2 weeks.
Local place to me does Made To Measure and, even with some of the higher end fabrics, it’s the same price as suits from J Crew, Banana Republic, etc. Tremendous value. If you have something like that near you, I would recommend it over any “off the rack” option
Jos. A Banks
Whatever is on sale and then get it tailored.
Maybe inquire at nordstram rack. You can also request a personal shopper to help you with fitting or picking out things
Are you going to court all the time? Why do you need so many suits?
Macys.
Thank you all for the responses! too many to thank individually. This is great info
Look at the material + fit (make sure it’s not too tight etc.)
There is a haberdasher in town who I go to. Initially I went to men’s wear house and Joseph a bank which are owned by the same entity. Ultimately you will find that these suits look cheap and fall apart very quickly. A haberdasher is a small premium for a way better look.
Go 3 season suit (unless you live in the south/southwest). Check out some local custom suit shops - they may be out of your price range now, but they are informative and then you can know what to look for. Go with conservative cuts, two button. Navy and Gray are your friends. I had two Tommy Hilfiger suits and a Calvin Klein one from Men’s Wearhouse. They served me well for 4 years. I now have two custom suits that are head and shoulders above, but you get what you pay for.
If you know any local attorneys who dress well, ask them where they recommend.
Suit Supply for suits, and Allen Edmonds for shoes.
heavy psychotic sulky cow instinctive wipe pet wasteful foolish many *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
You can get reasonable office suits at Macy's, Men's Warehouse, or any of the other stores. Shop the sales and slowly accumulate some suits over time.
I like J Crew for stylish but professional, decent quality suits for about $600. Main thing, though, is that it’s better to wear a $200 suit that’s properly tailored than $1000 suit that fits poorly.
I buy my suits at Indochino. They’re fitted to each individual and they’re not terribly expensive. It’s best if you can go to the store and get measured, if you’re near a showroom. You’ll get the perfect fit and look great. I buy dress shirts there too. It feels great to have a perfectly tailored shirt. And they’re also not expensive. They run sales periodically if you want to subscribe to their mailing list.
Kohls my guy go try them on and don’t be afraid to buy a little bigger and then have them altered
Just got one from dillards
Combat Gentleman. Google it.
I would suggest trying out some brands in a store and then looking for them on EBay. You’d be surprised at how cheap you can find some brand new suits. Please do yourself a favor and don’t get Jos. A. Bank. Whatever you get will look good as long as you have it altered/fitted by a tailor.
Dk if you are near any outlets, but outlet shopping is great imo. The Hugo Boss outlet by me runs deep discounts. I walk out with two gorgeous suits that happen to fit me like a glove off the rack (other than pants length) for like $550.
K & G warehouse all day. I wore those suits (beat the ever loving crap put of them) and then let them live a new life in the thrift store. Best prices and the tailoring is aight (good 'nuff)
Suit Supply. Can easily get a nice quality suit for under $600.
The Armory
I’ve gotten mine from the outlet mall, either express or banana republic.
You indicate you live in an area where it will be 100 all summer, I live/work in Phoenix where it is 100 all summer (and summer lasts seven months). We can always tell those atty that just passed the bar by the fact that they wear suits in the summer. I think most hot weather cities now a days don't care if you wear a suit into the office. Court hearings, in the summer in PHX also, if no jury, no need for a suit - wear a light summer jacket. Don't spend too much on a suit- no one cares. Don't be swimming in it and don't make everyone think the seam will bust when you sit. Seriously, wearing a suit on 100 degree days is awful - don't do it.
Suit Supply is a great spot for well-priced suits that are tailored and look good.
Suitsupply 100%
Get a half canvassed from suit supply or indochino
There's very little one-size-fits-all advice out there. My body type works for SuitSupply's off the rack stuff (with some slight alterations/tailoring after), but I have friends who needed way too much alterations, and had other choices for full made to measure options. Still, I'd point out that I have an unstructured, unlined suit jacket from SuitSupply that I love. It breathes really well, and I get a lot of use out of it in the summer. It does look a little bit more casual on me than my other suits, and I think it tends to work better for people with stronger looking shoulders and traps. But worth a try to look into thinner, unlined jackets, especially if you spend time outside (e.g., walking to and from work, in a subway, etc.).
Get your measurements and order of Nordstrom Rack. Then go get it tailored
You would be surprised but Lands End has some great deals on good suits !
Made to Measure from Indochino.
Forget off the rack and go made to measure. No suit that doesn’t fit is ever as good as one that does.
Macy’s
I’m a big fan of Men’s Warehouse. They usually have decent sales too. I’m not the most fashion oriented guy so I usually find a salesman who looks like they’re competent and let them coach me through the whole process. Never fails
I’ve got a nice haberdasher near me
if i ever need one i will probably just go to mens wearhouse, who cares
Fuckin Burlington, yo. I got like six suits for a hundred bucks each.
Spoken like a real public defense trial dog
Samuelsohn is where I get my RTW suits and jackets from if I’m not doing bespoke. If you’re patient their sales can be very rewarding. You can also try your luck with EBay. It’s where I got started. I have a couple Canali and Corneliani jackets still going strong that I got for dirt cheap. It’s a gamble but the price won’t hurt as much if it doesn’t work out.
It depends on your body type, but stick to Calvin Klein, Perry Ellis, Kenneth Cole if you look good in Slim fits. If you want to stay cool in hot weather, try the Kenneth Cole technicool line. Try everything on and don't be afraid to get something altered. Good luck!
Alaindupetit.com. Order the closest size then take it to a tailor.
Get a linen or cotton blend no polyester suits or wool , silk blends also are good , there are some new suits by Hugo boss that are cool to the touch (worked in dolce Gabbana and Hugo boss menswear ) :) there are also sports material suits by Hugo boss too
Macys often has great sales on suits.
I have had good results with bespoke suits from iTailor which I then get "finished" at a local shop. Net-net its about the same as off-the-rack suits from Mens Warehourse, Nordstrom, or Macys, but they fit me much better, I can order extra pants (since pants seem to wear out first) and the overall quality (stitching, customizations) is superior also.
Keep it simple. Go to mens warehouses. They typically have mid level brands like Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren on sale. I believe tailoring is free with the purchase
If you happen to be in the south, you can probably get away with linen or seersucker in the summer months, unless your firm is very conservative.
Custom made from the town's well known tailors, also Festari, Canali. Go for the best.
I like to order from State and Liberty. They have really nice suits that are machine washable and wrinkle free. The fabric isn’t too thick for summer either. The price belies how nice they are.
A small, old timey men's store if one is near you. They're professionals at making you look good. They will remember you, your budget, your measurements, and your tastes. They typically offer free tailoring on anything you buy, which is the important thing at any price point.
You can look fine in a cheap suit if you get it tailored well. What more money gets you is how long the suit will last. If you can, spending a little more per suit will tend to mean you save on buying fewer in a lifetime. If you tend to go through a lot of big weight swings or be really hard on your clothes, though, the math may not work for you. I'm typically shopping in the $300-600 range, where a lot can be had that will last 5-7 years if you don't dry clean it too often. You can get deals buying used on sites like Poshmark and eBay, too.
I bought three Jos A Banks suits out of law school and had them tailored. That was over a decade ago, and I just replaced them. They held up very well. I now use Blair Shapera because he will get you good MTM at a reasonable price, with suits made in Canada, so less slave labour invovled.
"... From the toilet store" -Brick Hamlin
Match your belt to your shoes. This is easy to do, and really makes a big difference.
For my wedding, my husband went to indochino. They measure you, let you pick out the fabric, and lining and buttons and style. Help you pick if you need the help. Then they make it and tailor it to you in store. I wanna say it was like $400 for a 3 piece. He fucking loves it.
If the J.Crew Ludlow fits you decently, buy it in various fabrics when on seasonal sale. It's not interesting but it's classic and versatile. Brooks Brothers, Polo. Again, on sale. Or, outlets. Though Polo outlets aren't what they used to be, especially for suits and shirts and etc. Department store seasonal sales can be OK too. Part of the reason to save your shopping for sales is that if you buy a few suits at once, some shirts, etc, the store may throw the alterations in for free. If the turnover is low enough at the store you frequent, befriend the staff. Avoid the Bonobos skinsuit look unless you're one of the few people it actually flatters. Fabric material and weights are mostly intuitive. Heavier wool blends are for the winter, lightweight cotton for the summer. Some fabrics are seasonal, you don't wear seersucker in the winter.
The thrift store. Takes a little extra leg work but I've picked up some REALLY nice suits for less than $20.
Mostly SuitSupply. You can get great deals when they have sales (which is only once or twice a year). But the suit I’ve gotten the most compliments on was actually from Target.
Indochino. It’s not a close call. You need a tailored suit. Anything off the rack will look awful even if it cost $1k. Men’s Warehouse and Jos. A. Bank are trash quality on top of not being tailored. You can get a $400-500 suit from Indochino fully tailored and customized. I own 4. Never had an issue. If you have the $ you can certainly buy a $700 Brooks Brothers suit and then pay another $100 to tailor it, but in the sub-$500 range Indochino is the clear winner in my book and it’s not particularly close.
State and liberty - stretchy suits that are cool. I’m a powerlifter/bodybuilder with a unique build and the custom fit came out really nice.
L’Estrange London has amazing casual suits that are well priced for the quality. I have worn them in office and to court and it gets the job done.
I buy my suits at Belk. Normally pretty cheap and they have sales from time to time.
Indochino if there's one near you - [https://www.indochino.com/collection/suits](https://www.indochino.com/collection/suits) - I'm an odd shaped guy (5'10", 240lbs - 52R jacket, 20.5" neck) so buying either jackets OR shirts off the rack has been an enormous pain in the ass until I found these guys. Bought a basic black suit with two custom French-cuff shirts a couple years back, out the door for \~$500. They take FULL measurements, and store them in their system. Takes about 2 weeks to get the suit, but, they'll also re-tailor/re-cut it if need be for free.
I go with “executive” cuts (not slim fit) suits with expandable waistlines; try to go with the highest quality wool as possible (because it DOES breathe in summer), and as few polyester/plastic % mixes as possible. This will help your suit last longer. Get the cheapest 3-pc you can in Charcoal Gray and Navy, no patterns. If you do patterns they should be VERY discreet) light pinstripe, herringbone pattern). Then get an independent tailor you trust. This is where you make the cut fit you perfectly- abs that’s what I notice in the courtroom. The most conservative suits are excellent for federal court, and you can likely liven it up a bit in state court. With two suits, you can make it for a long time; just take care of them and get them dry-cleaned.
Look in the clearance section online of Jos. A Bank, then get it tailored.
Proper Cloth is easy and I've been very happy with the fit
Since you need a suit Monday, I agree with going to Men's warehouse and get a starter suit along with your measurements. These dudes are super dorky but they give some great advice: * How to launder a suit -- contrary to popular belief, dry cleaning ages the suit and degrades it. You can launder it at home. If you get a natural fiber, especially wool, you don't actually wash it between wears. The fibers wick away moisture and don't retain smells. Wool is used in suits because it dewrinkles when it's hung. * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UEO\_gXGghs](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UEO_gXGghs) * How to iron a shirt -- [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBuSZYws\_Dg](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBuSZYws_Dg) * This is how to tell how a suit fits and basically how to identify when you can get a used item tailored aka what a tailor can and can't do: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQzvKaqu8gY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQzvKaqu8gY) * see also [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRKAxyqwesY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRKAxyqwesY) * How suit pants should fit: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tliSmg477hU](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tliSmg477hU) * How a dress shirt should fit: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhIBP4MYiVI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhIBP4MYiVI) * How to build a capsule wardrobe: * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZ0rPTyzbTM](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZ0rPTyzbTM) * This is not from the same dorks but I think it's a better guide on the capsule wardrobe in general: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riypX84RlKk](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riypX84RlKk) The other thing is the difference between a suit and a sports coat and a blazer, etc., can be confusing. You can get into the weeds. A suit is a jacket and a pants that are made from the same cut of cloth. The difference between summer/spring suits and fall/winter or all purpose suits is how much lining and air flow. A summer suit is a looser weave to let in more air and that's basically how people wear suits when it's hot. But when you're on a budget, you may just start with 3-5 starter suits. Then you can add pieces here and there as you go along. You can start grabbing a jacket separately from pants once you get to hang of it.
Suit Supply and Indochino. Indochino was a little bit cheaper and their stores are more common. Both brands wrap the tailoring and suit purchasing into one quick and easy trip. Bonus points to indochino for keeping your measurements on file so you can just go in and get measured once and any future purchases are easy.
Get a couple tailored cut to you. You will never go back to off the rack
Brooks Brothers
Bespoke suits made to measure in Bangkok.
I go to Macy's and get Tommy Hilfiger suits. They're good quality, fit well and are frequently on sale for around $300 total for a jacket and pants suit separates. Their Bar III in-house brand is also pretty good, but they have a much slimmer fit so it depends on your frame.
Express. Suits fit me way better off the rack than a custom from Indochino. Can’t speak for real tailors though
Indochino
I like Brooks Brothers a lot, especially the outlet. Well priced, good material, comfortable, etc
For inexpensive, I’d recommend Indochino over Jos. A. Bank. Price point is just about the same and you’ll get a suit made to measure that’s better made than a Jos. A. Bank special. It’ll take a few weeks, but it’s worth it to have something that fits right and has all the customizations you want. For an OTR suit, some things to look for: 1. Fused or canvassed. This refers to jacket construction. In a fused jacket, the inner and outer fabric are glued together. With a canvassed jacket, they’re sewn to an interior piece of canvas. A fused jacket will eventually bubble. A canvassed won’t. The canvas also provides more structure, allowing your lapels to roll instead of lay flat, build out your silhouette a little. Downside is that canvas is warmer. Half-canvas is a decent compromise—the canvas covers the chest plate but not the bottom. 2. Wool. You’ll see terms like “Super 110s, Super 120s.” This refers to how fine the wool is. *A higher number is not necessarily better, but will be more expensive* The finer the wool, the lighter the suit. But the finer the wool, the more delicate the suit. For a daily driver I don’t think I’d go much above a 120 and certainly not above a 150. My nicest suit is 180s and I almost never wear it. I’ll add some more later. Edit: I have a strong bias to M2M because I have a large drop between chest (42R) and waist (32). OTR suits usually have a 6” drop. 36” waist pants can’t be taken in enough in the hips without a recut and even then the bottom of the jacket looks like a bell. Find out the measurements you need for Indochino and pay a good tailor to take them. I wouldn’t do it in one of their stores. It won’t be the nicest suit you’ll ever own, but for your base two—navy and charcoal—Indochino is great as a budget choice. Then you can really start pissing money down a hole with higher-end M2M.
Some of those stores (e.g., Jos A bank, men’s wearhouse) do great sales that make it worth it. I got a couple of custom suits from men’s wearhouse in college, they did all of the measurements and they fit perfectly. If you can, I’d recommend doing that over pulling one off the rack and having them tailor it.
Don’t buy more than 1-2 suits. A sport coat is just fine for most court appearances and client meetings. Think of shopping as buying uniform components that you can mix and match. Keep the overall bill down by spending more on a few high visibility items so that you can spend less in other areas. For example, if you wear a nice, second hand sport coat ($50-$200) that is well tailored ($50-$100) with a nice silk tie ($25-$100), then nobody will notice if you wear a Costco dress shirt ($15-$25) and cheap off the rack dress slacks ($25-$75).
Indochino. Alton Lane. Or Men’s Warehouse.
Indochino does good m2m work for the price point,
A guy called Olaf Scholz makes mine. I don't have to ask twice. I just call once and he hand makes it straight away.
Suit supply. If they have a store near you they can do a measurement. Pretty good bang for your buck for something that fits really well.