(Note: this post was originally published in October. Macy’s does a “one day sale” about once every 4-5 weeks. Many department store sales can be, at best… lukewarm. Macy’s One Day Sale is not. It’s honestly a great deal for the average consumer. That and their Alfani Red line is affordable, cut incredibly well, and unlike finding a deal on the internet you can actually go and TRY IT ON before you buy it. But don’t procrastinate. December 2009’s one day sale is December 8-9. After that the prices go back up.)
Macy’s Alfani Red Suits – 1 Day Sale Price – $210
I was once asked at a charity function if I was wearing: “One of those new tight fit suits.” Mind you the guy who was asking me this was in his late 50s and wearing a classic American Sack Suit. An American Sack Suit is called what it’s called because it’s worn by Americans, and when they put it on, they look like they’re wearing a large sack.
You don’t want to look like that. Better look like you’re wearing a can than a sack. —– >
Now that’s individualism that cannot be replicated.
What I WAS wearing, was a suit that’s very similar to an Alfani Red 2-Button Athletic Cut suit. Alfani is a Macy’s house brand. The Alfani Red line leans younger, has a slimmer cut, and stays away from the sack-suit look.
Back to the “tight fit” comment. My suit wasn’t tight at all. It just FIT. Look for these Alfani Red suits on sale at Macy’s, especially when they get marked down for a 1-Day sale. The 1-day sales at Macy’s are actually two days. A ‘preview day” and then the actual day. Each day is identical. Don’t ask. It’s all marketing.
The suits are a terrific value, and they’re cut in a way that’s a great template for a tailor to work with. He or she should bring in the sides of the jacket just a little more to fit you perfectly.
Some labels make it impossible to tailor well. The inexpensive Polo by Ralph Lauren’s can be a real pain. Trust me, I’ve made that mistake. You won’t have this problem with Alfani, as long as it’s their Red Label.
Don’t have it tailored through Macy’s. They’ll offer, but politely decline. Find a tailor that will become your tailor. Don’t be shy, ask questions, and get him or her to bring it in on the sides. It has to fit your body type, and they should… SHOULD know how to make that work. I prefer women tailors because they’re not afraid to tell a guy what a woman likes a man to look like. Always remember, you’re wearing the suit, it’s not wearing you. Men (even tailors) forget that. A lot.
For more on how a suit should fit, check out this Dappered article.
Oh, and… you don’t need the hat. Ne-Yo (the guy in the suits) can rock the hat, but… he’s also a record producer with a strong track record for success in show-biz as well as driving 100mph. Unless you have the same, you might look like you’re trying a bit too hard.