Style Battle: Macy’s Affordable Slim Fit Suiting – Use code GIFTS for 20% off
Alfani RED and Tommy Hilfiger Trim Fit. Thanks to Macy’s, they’re two of the most widely available athletic cut suits out there. Each of which can be yours for between $200 – $250 if you catch them on sale. They’re what an in-shape style conscious guy will most likely end up buying if he’s at Macy’s looking for a new suit.
Both are 100% wool, claim to have a trim or athletic cut, and can be purchased as suit-separates. Meaning, you’re not tied to a certain pant when you find a jacket that fits. Grab a few jackets in your size range, your usual pant size, and head to the fitting room. Here’s a few observations that quickly surfaced during an in person fitting for each.
Methodology: Tried on the same jacket & pant size (38R, 32×32) of each suit right after the other. Measured arm hole circumference with a tape measure around the armpit/shoulder seam that joins the sleeve to the jacket.
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Alfani Red Two Button Charcoal Grey Peak Lapel – $195.98 (reg. $450)
Arm Hole Circumference: 21.5″
Made in: China
Pros: Price, peak lapel (if you prefer that), availability, decently trim through sides, versatile color
Cons: Arm holes could be higher, shoulder pads are slightly strong, a little flimsy feeling
There’s been a lot of talk about “arm hole height” recently. And for good reason. The lower the arm hole dips down onto the torso of the jacket, the more likely you are to feel a tug on the jacket when you move your arms around. The highest arm holes feel like they’re right up in your pits. You don’t get that with the Alfani RED. The sides are tapered but still need tailoring. The pants fit great, the fabric feels decent, but there’s that noticeable tug when your arms do anything more than a handshake motion. The shoulder pads are also a little strong for a true modern cut.
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Tommy Hilfiger Trim Fit Two Button Grey Pinstripe Notch Lapel – $224.98 (reg. $495)
Arm Hole Circumference: 20 7/8″
Made in: Mexico
Pros: Fabric Feel, arm hole height, construction is decent, notch lapel, great value
Cons: Jacket runs a little long, doesn’t go on sale as often as the Alfani RED
No wonder these cost a little more. As soon as you put the jacket on you can feel the difference in the arm hole height. It might only be a half inch or so, but it’s much easier to move your arms. There’s still some tug at the contoured sides, but not as much. The pant is much more trim and might be too trim for some. The length of the jacket on the other hand is longer than you’d expect. Be prepared to size down to a Short if you’re under 5’10”.
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The Winner: Tommy Hilfiger Trim Fit
The issues with the Hilfiger Trim Fit are much easier to manage than the Alfani Red. Not everyone is a peak lapel guy (I’m not), and the shoulder padding is less noticeable on the Hilfiger. You can’t re-tailor those things. Also, the higher armhole (albeit slightly) is something for many that will be worth the extra cash.
When Macy’s debuted their Alfani RED brand, it was a huge step forward for one of the world’s largest retailers. But with a suit like the Hilfiger Trim fit sitting on the racks right next to the Alfani RED, it’s time for Macy’s to upgrade their in-house line. Alfani RED Suits are a good affordable option. Manageable. But not as good as the Hilfiger.
Thanks to Pepe who mentioned in the comments section that the sale is actually a bit larger than originally though. Use the code GIFTS (merrier might work too?) for 20% off plus free shipping on purchases over $99.
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The sale seems to be even steeper online. $210 for the Alfani which includes 20% off with a $99 men’s purchase. And $238 for the Hilfiger. Plus code “merrier” for free shipping!
I only wish there were Hilfiger Trim Fit’s without the pinstripes. Or are there? I haven’t found any that I can recall. Ah well, trivial, I suppose since Macy’s doesn’t ship up north 🙁
Cheers,
Ben
I originally saw the Alfani Red at Macy’s around 5-6 months ago and knew that I wanted it to be my first suit. I had to hold off though because I really didn’t need it and couldn’t afford to just drop $200 on it. Fast forward 4 months and I’m in Macy’s with my girlfriend and it’s on sale for 20% off, plus an additional 10% if I open a Macy’s card. Against my better judgement I try it on, it fits great and looks really sharp. A store credit card opening later and I walk out of there finally owning my first suit.
I can’t compare it to the Hilfiger, but I would definitely recommend the Red. For someone who doesn’t wear a suit that often and is looking for a stylish and affordable suit, you’d be hard pressed to find one better.
Now I just need to find a reason to wear it! It’s been two months and it’s still hanging in my closet!
I 2nd joel on the Alfani..that suit is great for a more athletic to slim guy who has never had a suit. The tapering on it is great and a good option for weddings and/or job interviews, things of the sort. I think the Hilfiger is a little too long, since I’m more into the tapered short suits and even the short has too small sleeves. The peak lapel also does it for me. So I guess they’re pretty equal, its just about your personal taste when it comes to the details.
@ Joe:
Actually, I’m discovering something called US proxies… us Canadians can get an official US address, which is actually through a service that will ship up here. Interesting.
Anyhow, what would you say.. the Hilfiger Slim Fit in Sharkskin, as featured on your last one day sale Macy’s post, or the Indochino Ultimate Grey?
Cheers,
Ben
I think Joe is understating the horribleness of the armholes on the Alfani RED. There’s just no reason for them to be so low and restrict your movement so much, and it really annoys me that I failed to notice that before I bought the navy version earlier this year. I can only recommend it if it’s on sale and you don’t have time to wait for Indochino or something else that’s better.
@Ben: Honestly? I’d say the Indochino Ultimate gray. You can use their advanced options to get higher arm holes and more natural shoulders if you want. That’s what I’d do. Ticket pockets are available too if you’re into that kinda thing. Just my two cents. (But that hilfiger sharkskin is nice)
Thanks Joe. That’s the way I’m leaning. My stance on the ticket pocket is that it’s awesome, but I don’t want the suit to look dated by next year. Personally, since it’s a classic look I don’t think it would, but I seem to flip-flop back and forth every day as to whether I would pull the trigger on it.
Thanks for the help!
Cheers,
Ben
I have two Alfani (main line) suits that I had altered by a popular local tailor. Most people tell me the suits look great but there is that armhole problem… but for the money I don’t have complaints. Looking around when I see people dressed I don’t think I’ve ever seen a guy wearing a high armhole suit so really if you just figure you’re not going to be playing basketball or mountain climbing in your suit, just shrug your overly padded shoulders and move on with your day… ballin’ on a budget, it is what it is. IMHO.
As a guy who ruins many a shirt by sweating through them, and who also finds sweaty armpits uncomfortable, I don’t want high arm holes.