Alfani RED vs. Hilfiger Trim Fit – Head to head review

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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