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In Person: The $77 Cotton Summer Suit

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Perry Ellis Micro Twill City Fit Suit Jacket – $53.99 ($175) & Pant – $23.99 ($69.50)

Use the code PETAKE40 at checkout to get 40% off clearance items, and thus, this price.  Exp. 4/30/12

Some of you can’t even fill up your gas tank for under $80.  It’s rare to find not just a blazer, but an entire suit in the Best Bets for $75 or less ballpark.  They’re technically suit separates, but they’re matched for sure.  Already on sale and the extra 40% off code PETAKE40 drops the jacket and pants to under $80, and they even ship free thanks to the Perry Ellis policy of picking up shipping at $50.  Returns are $6.00 via a provided label.

The Good
  • The Off the Rack Fit:  This is the “City Fit” from Perry Ellis.  That’s their most modern.  Soemtimes Perry Ellis makes stuff that’s pretty friggin’ big.  Not here.  That’s a size 40R, and it’s slim enough in the arms that a 38R wouldn’t be a good idea for my frame.  Plenty won’t need additional tailoring at the sides.
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  • The Fabric:  Sure, it’s not the most expensive fabric in the world, but it’s soft, it moves well, and it’s not stiff like some other cotton suits out there.  100% cotton.  Not an ultra casual thicker chino, but not wispy thin either.  In-between.  Not super pressed looking.  See a closeup of the fabric here.
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  • It’s Barely Lined:  Sleeves are lined and there’s a bit of lining around the upper back and shoulders.  That’s it.  Probably going to be as cool as a 100% cotton suit can be in the heat.
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  • The Shoulder Pads:  They’re there, and they can show themselves if you’re really twisting around a lot, but they’re soft and squishy.  No hard edges on this thing.
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  • It feels durable:  At this price you think it’d feel like it could tear or melt away any second.  That’s not the case.  The construction feels strong.  Like you could use it as a go-to summer air travel suit or something.
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  • The Price:  Goes without saying, yet worth repeating.
The Bad
  • The sleeves run long and the buttons are functional:  From shoulder seam to cuff, the sleeves on a 40R are 26″ long.  That risks being a touch too long if you’re under 6 foot with average or shorter arms.  And since the sleeve buttons are functional (on a now $80 suit?) trimming them up ain’t gonna be easy, if even possible.
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  • There’s no breast pocket:  It’s a real modern look, keeping the lines that clean, but if you prefer to add a pocket square, you can’t.  No flaps on the lower pockets either.
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  • The pant waist is a little generous:  While the jackets are trim, the pant waists seem to be a little roomy.  Consider sizing down if you’re on the fence.  The legs themselves seem to be a not too bulky straight fit.
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  • Armholes could be a little higher:  They aren’t low… but they aren’t real high either.  They pull a little.
The Bottom Line:

If it wasn’t for the functioning buttons and slightly long sleeves, this set would be worth doing cartwheels over.  Eighty bucks.  Unreal.  It feels great, fits surprisingly well off the rack, and if you’re good with putting up with the longer sleeves (or, you just have long arms) then it’s hard to believe anything better will be coming along at this price.  A few nips by a tailor to dial it in and it could look excellent.  If you get it, wear the hell out of it.  Anywhere and everywhere.  It’s the kind of suit you can really enjoy because it’s so cheap, if something happens to it, you won’t really care.

PETAKE40 takes 40% off clearance, and PEFF36 takes 36% off their entire site as well.  Both codes expires 4/30/12.

Comments

  5. So I’ve got a graduation to attend,girl friend’s graduation, and a Las Vegas trip,with out the girl friend.(both in May) I really like this get up. Do ya think it can work for both? I’ve got a Alfani suit jacket that is a 38L,feels a hair long,would 38s be ok? I’ve got a long lenky body.

  6. Ah – our currencies have converged, but gas prices are still a point of separation – very few of us on this side of the Pacific could fill our tanks for less than $80 – my small diesel-fueled car cost me $85 to almost fill yesterday, but there was over $200 on the pump when I pulled up – presumably a big SUV!

    And now – back to the clothing…

  7. I can’t get it in my size in the taupe color, but I can get it in “Castle Rock.” Looks like a light charcoal. Not an optimal color for a cotton summer suit, but for 80 bucks? I think I’ll roll the dice. 

  8. What are the shoulder measurements on the 38R? If the sleeves are thin and long I’m curious to see what the shoulders are before I buy.

  9. Joe, if I’m between sizes would you suggest to size up? I find that a 44 fits me best in slim fit suits (J Crew Ludlow), but a 42 fits me best in trim fit. 

  10. I think this fits pretty close to a ludlow.  Key word:  think.  Like I said in the post, This is a 40R, and a 38 would most likely be a no go for me through the shoulders.

  11. One of you stole the pants right out of my basket!   Thanks for the great find.  I got it in my basket and before I could get the site my credit card number the last of the pants in my size were stolen out from under me.  Hopefully I can make the shorter leg I got work.

  14. Just picked up both the Sandbar & Castlerock pants and jacket, along with the brown Dobby separates for a steal, $247 total! With returns at only $6.00, too hard to pass up.

    If they all work out, I will definitely be suited up for the summer. 

  17. I’d go with white bucks or white/tan saddles shoes during the day, if you re going to wear it into the evening then maybe a tan to light brown brogue.

  22. I’m holding off on any suit buying.. Next spring, I’m going to India, and I’m gonna stock up.

  28. Too bad I couldn’t pick up the sandbar color, but I did get the darker grey – hopefully it’s not too dark. Can’t be too picky at this price and with $6 return shipping…

  29. Perry Ellis should go ahead and just list the pants that are available, since they’re moving so fast.

  31.  It’s not.  Plenty of room.  Probably could even come in a bit by the tailor.  Got at least an inch and a half or two inches off my rib cage on either side when my arms are laying relaxed.  I can easily get a fist in between the button and my torso without it straining too badly.

    Blame the angle, hands in the pockets, a person in a suit inside a still frame on a website which all adds up to people picking something apart… etc… :)

  34. Joe,

    Thanks to you (and the fact I work the night shift and read this article at like 6am EST) I was able to secure the pants and jacket in my size in the same color as you.  What shirt and tie are you wearing in the pictures?  Love the entire look down to the cuff links…which I should really pick up too.  

    Also, mentioned above at what would be appropriate footwear for this someone mentioned white bucks…would the red soled version be nice with this?  Been eyeing a pair by Bass the last week or so….if this is a good outfit for them I may have to pull the trigger on them.

  35. I don’t know if the red soled version would go well with a black tie, because that’s what that is.  I’m a firm believer that black and khaki do in fact go together.  Now, it’s a knit tie, and I think that’s real key.  Kinda on the wide side too.  3″ or more.  Got it during a massive Bonobos sale with a code, which they don’t do anymore.

    Shirt is my favorite Nordstrom Slim Fit non iron french cuff.  Doesn’t look like they have any right now.  Just the regular button cuffs.  Knots are via Gilt, a long way back.  Got a set of 15 or something for cheap.  TheTieBar, Macy’s (club room) and Brooks Brothers carry a wide variety of these.

    For the shoes, I’m wearing a pair of black loafers with a wingtip styling to them, but no perforations.  Laid back with a slim shape and a not too blunt toe.  Ted Baker.  And I don’t think they make those anymore either…

    Sorry sir, wish I could be of more help.  

  36. Slightly disappointed in myself for not checking for site updates until late at night… I’ve missed this deal in my size AND the linen suits from a few days ago. I just want a summer suit darn it!

  38. Can’t get over how weird the stitch lines on the hem and cuffs look. If this was a little more traditional in style and in linen I would’ve been all over it..

  40. I am normally between a 42 and a 44.  Usually go for a 44 but have to shorten the sleeves.  Hopefully the 42 works out, especially since the 44 was sold out.  If not, $6 return isn’t too bad and I might like the pants as separates anyways.  Good looking out Joe!

  41. @ Mrdeep2001 – I also received a cancellation email for my dobby pants. I ordered an 36X32, but was told they are actually out, so called the 800 nunber on the email and had them confirm the cancellation.
    I ended up with 38X32, so I am hoping with a little tailoring, they can still work, seeing as I did get the jacket to match.

  42. Both of my items were cancelled…Well if any of you guys wants to get rid of a 42 jacket and a 34 or 36 waist pants, let me know…

  43. I wish this wouldnt have been posted on the day the sale expired. Because those of us who are a day late are out of luck :/

  44. me too. really upset. was looking foward. ah well. ill live. curious if ordering a 38 instead of a 32 will ruin the rise completely

  45. terrible customer service. Cancelled the order (even though they put it through), emailed me that the order was cancelled AFTER the code expired, and when i called to have them reapply that code for me, wouldn’t give me free shipping (that i had originally) because they had already shipped the jacket. Unbelievable. have to see if this jacket is worth keeping as a blazer…sigh…still in the market for a summer suit. :)

  46. Just got mine.  The pants are a bit long, but the jacket fits fine.  I am pumped to where my summer suit in DC next week. 

  47. Not sure if you’ll see this or not…but I just got mine in and tried it on.  The waist is definitely way bigger than it should be, but the thighs are tight when I sit down.  I’ve never had pants tailored, but looking at the inside of the legs there doesn’t seem to be much, if ANY, extra fabric to widen these at the thighs…if you look at yours would agree that they can’t be widened?  From previous posts I’ve seen it mentioned you have thick thighs….you don’t have any problem sitting down in these?  I’m surprised too bc the waist is too big so I was at least hoping it would be a bit looser in the thighs.  When I sit they are literally skin tight if I go to put one leg over the other.

  48. Tried on a cheap navy linen suit from H&M the other day. Fit so well I couldn’t resist. Might do in a pinch if you’re desperate – all the new stock was in. Now I’m ready while on the hunt for something better.

  49. I don’t have a problem sitting down in these.  They’re certainly a bit trim (the city fit) but I’m a “straight fit” over “slim fit” in chinos/jeans so I’m more sensitive to the tight pants thing than most.  But no, can’t say I had any issue with then.

    Your Mileage May Vary.  Sometimes pants come from the factory differently, people are shaped differently, etc…

  50. lol, anyone want to sell me their castle rock pants 34×30? jacket just came and looks niiice.

  51. Careful. 

    I bought a blazer (not the aforementioned one) and it was much smaller than expected.  Figuring I’d take the $6 return hit, I inquired on how I could go about doing a size exchange.  Apparently, they’re not equipped to handle such “difficult” tasks.  As a result, they wanted me to return the initial blazer (pay the $6) and purchase the new size.  In addition, they wouldn’t honor the price I received with the 40% sale for the purchase of the new sized blazer.  In essence, a simple exchange would cost me over $25 because of their deficiencies.

    While it’s not necessarily that big of a deal, I’m rather surprised that a relatively ‘name brand’ company is not equipped to handle exchanges or have the ability to honor the initial purchase price.  Feels like I’m back in 1998.

  52. Alright, I managed to get the sandbar suit and it came in and looks great. Question is this: I have a wedding I need to attend in a couple of weeks. Any suggestions on what would make this suit really pop?

  53. ehh. just got mine in the mail, 38R/30×32 [im usually 38s/30×30] and im swimming in it — sleeves, chest, legs, it would just take way too much to reconstruct it via my tailor. the cotton was really nice though…

  54. ehh. just got mine in the mail, 38R/30×32 [im usually 38s/30×30] and im swimming in it — sleeves, chest, legs, it would just take way too much to reconstruct it via my tailor. the cotton was really nice though…

  56. You should have taken a picture with your hands not in your pocket, because it really does look a size too small.