What went into the rankings? If a suit looks & feels B+, but it’s super cheap? Then it may rank higher than a much more expensive A+ looking/feeling suit. Cost, feel, fit, and availability all come into play, and final rankings are based on bang-for-buckitude (or, more simply, overall value). And know that we’re stickin’ with wool options here (not that a navy suit in cotton or linen is a bad idea) Leave any additions, agreements, or disagreements in the comments at the end of the post.
#10. Calvin Klein Navy Pindot Slim Fit Suit – $325 ($650)
That price reflects a half off cut, which is a bare minimum for Macy’s (which was where it was found). Doesn’t look like it’s available online right now, but check in store if you’re really wanting it. Besides, it’s more of an example of what you can get at Macy’s (or Lord & Taylor) if you’re in a pinch. Fabric is terrific. Shoulders are a little too strong and the armholes dip a little low, but you’re gonna find that on most $250 – $350 department store suits (like Alfani RED, Hilfiger, etc…). Pants are slim, but the jacket isn’t. That’s a size 38R shown above. Sleeve buttons are non-functioning and free of any accent stitching. Overall, #10 + $325 = There are much better options out there.
#9. Brooks Brothers BrooksCool Fitzgerald Fit – $698
But drops to $488.60 when 30% off. As outstanding as the main line of Brooks Brothers suits are, they’re just a bit too pricey for this list. They’re a great investment for those who are suited up every day, and can be had on occasion, for a discount, if you buy 2 or more. But for a one-off purchase, the Wool/Synthetic blend BrooksCool suit looks great, moves well, and really does breathe.
#8. J Crew Ludlow – $650 (Mid $400s on sale)
No, they didn’t make it that high up on this list. They’re hardly friggin’ EVER on sale. When they do get a markdown, whether by sale section + extra 30% off code (good luck there), or during a “private” Ludlow event (nope, not this time, but the navy wools did make it back in February), they drop to the mid $400s. Another couple strikes against them is the shorter jacket tail, skinny arm circumference, and too thin for some 2.5″ lapels. It also seems like J. Crew is making more and more of their suits with only a “slim” pant option, which is just too skinny for plenty. Yes, J. Crew is very popular. And many of us love their Ludlow sportcoats. But the suits? Especially in basic navy? Awfully pricey.
#7. Bonobos Foundation Suit – $560 – $685
Would absolutely be higher… but the price. That’s on the high end (if not out of reach) for what most of us probably consider “affordable”. Was just going for $560 during their recent tiered-code sale. Marzotto wool has a great drape and certainly feels like it’ll be durable (yet still very flexible). A little short in the jacket for those who want 100% butt coverage. Nice button stance, Bonobos Ninja service, and the pants have that Bonobos-anti-frump rear. Full review can be found this-a-way. Size shown is a 38R.
UPDATE: Word is these are now fully fused? See the comments. Damn. That wasn’t the case when we gave one away last year. If that’s true, skip it at this price.
#6. B.R. Tailored Fit Italian Wool Jacket & Pant – $303 w/ BRKICK
Could have ranked higher, but these things are hardly if ever on sale. Yet, they were on sale over the weekend (during the really odd no-exclusions sale) and they’re still 40% off with the 40% off $200+ / 35% off $150+ code BRKICK. This a new thing for BR? Skipping exclusions? Anyway, fused, but moves extremely well for a glued jacket. Good off the rack taper at the jacket waist. Plus, these are separates, so you can mix and match sizes of pants & jacket, instead of having to get the pants from a married suit-pair tailored. Sleeve buttons are non-functioning, but they’ve got some accent stitching around them. Size shown above is a 40R.
#5. Indochino Essential Navy – $449
Look, they’re polarizing and don’t often get the measurements (or, their customers may have measured wrong) right. But they’re now using a true, half canvas construction. The fabrics on their essential line feel great and move easily. Their shoulder pads are slim. Plus, there’s all the customization options. But you’re on the hook for returns, and there are just a lot of horror stories out there. Not cheap. Yes, you can apply for a refund up to $75 if you need work done by a local tailor, so that can factor into a lower cost, but their prices are sniffing Suitsupply level.
#4. Claiborne Sharkskin Suit Separates – $111.99 w/ SAVEHERE
DIRT. FRIGGIN’. CHEAP. Oddly roomy for the Claiborne brand (that’s a 40R… the smallest size they had in store, but they get as small as 34 online) so consider sizing down. All wool fabric has a slight, & nice, texture to it. And it’s lined in acetate? Not stuffy/scratchy polyester? Nice. Sleeve buttons are non-functioning and free of accent stitching. Button stance is perfect. Lapels are just fine for width. Jacket tail doesn’t seem like it’s been shortened. A really, really solid surprise… although, I suppose we shouldn’t be that surprised. An incredible value. Extra 20% off since it’s north of $100 w/ the code SAVEHERE
#3. Joseph Abboud for Men’s Wearhouse – $495
Up there in price, but it’s hard to argue with half-canvas and made in the USA. Just know that most are going to need some tailoring at the sides post-purchase if you order the “modern” fit. Fabric is nice though. Lapels are timeless in width. Button stance is good as well. Buttons, while kinda cheap looking, are non-functioning at the sleeve cuffs for easy tailoring. Size shown here is a 39R in their “modern” fit. Full review over this way.
#2. JCF Wool Thompson Jacket & Pant – $256.20 w/ SHOPSHOP
From J. Crew Factory, this is the Goldilocks Porridge of navy suits. Not too expensive, yet you don’t have to sacrifice a ton in fit, details, and build either. Modeled after the (much more) expensive Ludlow line, the button stance is slung low and the lapels are a slim 2.5″. Some might want beefier lapels, and that’s understandable, but they’re not Sherlock slim either. In recent months, the Thompson suiting line has been excluded from most JCF codes, but not the extra 30% off everything SHOPSHOP code that’s running through tomorrow (7/15). $250 is a decent price. These used to dip to $200 if not under a year or so ago, but haven’t done so in recent months.
#1. Suitsupply Napoli – $499
Still the champ. Yes, you could get three Claiborne suits for the price of one Suitsupply, but man, the Napoli is just something else. They’ve been getting rave reviews since they burst on the (Western Hemisphere) scene a few years back, and for good reason. The construction is terrific (half-canvas at this price point), the fabrics are soft smooth and strong, they come in a ton of sizes (short & long too), and they ship and return free. The one knock to some is that the button stance on the Napoli could be a touch lower, but it’s not awkwardly high either. Finger’s crossed that these make a return to their $399 price point. Full review over here, with a size 38R above right (and at the top of the post).
Your turn guys. Any suits get snubbed? Would you reorder some of these rankings? Remember, it’s not a “best looking” suit competition. It’s a best, all around, take-price-into-consideration too deal. Leave it all below.
Nice list. The deals and the splurges are well represented. Although, I have to say I am surprised the Stafford Super 100s in their slim fit don’t get much play around here. Usually “on sale” around $180, plus whatever coupon JCP has. I picked up a Navy and a Grey as beater suits, for about $115 each during a “doorbuster” sale on a Friday afternoon. They have high arm holes, lined in acetate, minimal shoulder pads, and are a true slim fit.
Mens Wearhouse is running a promotion all July. If you donated a gently used suit, they will give you half off your next suit purchase. I don’t know if there are any exclusions but it might be worth checking out to get one of those Joseph Abbouds for $250. Also, the donated suits are given to men entering the workforce that can’t afford new clothing.
Are there any stipulations to this promotion? Could I run to the thrift store and pick up a $10 suit and donate that and still get the discount?
You’re right – the Stafford suits looked great at JCP recently and I wanted to get one, but…I found the fit to be weird. Maybe it was just me. I don’t know exactly what it was, but it wasn’t comfortable. I actually picked up the Claiborne Sharkskin suit instead for the same price. Like Joe mentioned, great value. Very happy with it. Not slim, but fits maybe more like a “tailored” or “modern” cut. Jacket needed a little tailoring but definitely not boxy off the rack.
No clue. I just saw a commercial for it last night and haven’t investigated any further yet.
Only applies to regular-price, merchandise, not to sale or the “Exceptional Value” items such as the Abboud suits
I pounced on the JCF Thompson last year when the suit+jacket combo dipped to $180. It’s become a mainstay for me. The navy color has subtle tones that it give it a great look.
New guy here. I’m looking for a Napoli from suitsuopply, but the “model” I want isn’t available online in the size that I was recommended via the online size calculator (Napoli Blue Check, 38S). I’m 5’7″ (5’8″ with shoes), 44 inch chest, 38 upper waist, 36 lower waist (athletic build). The 38R IS available- based on your experience with the 38R, should I go for that and get it tailored just a tad? The 38 seems small for a 44in chest, but that’s what the calculator on the site said- any suitupply fans here able to weigh in on sizing?
The curse of being tall and thin: of the options above, only two (the Abboud and the Napoli) can be had in 38L… and at 6’2″ that buttoning point on the Suitsupply worries me.
Timely article, though; a navy suit is the only staple I’m still missing. Gotta fix that soon. It feels odd resorting to my peak-lapel dark gray wedding suit for funerals.
Thank you. Still seems like a worthy cause none the less.
I have a Stafford Linen/Cotton Blazer in a Classic fit 48L. I’ve found you have to play around with JCP suits and blazers. Try the Classic Fit and Slim Fit. The Regular, and Short or Long depending on height. Size up, Size down. I settled on the blazer mentioned above, but another blazer I needed a 46L. Sometimes I wear a Slim Fit. Once you find the one that works it’s usually an excellent value. A true Linen blend blazer (I think 55% linen, 45% cotton) with an acetate/poly lining for $45 due to a “doorbuster”
I love SuitSupply’s quality and cut for the price but find the button stances on almost all of their suits to be too high, leading to a somewhat unbalanced look. I purchased the London cut in navy because it had the lowest button stance of any style and found it to be perfect (sits at about my natural waist). I have a very similar height and build to you, Joe. Any thoughts?
I can’t imagine that’s going to work for you and I’d recommend directly contacting SuitSupply for advice. I have a 38R Napoli and it fit perfectly without tailoring the jacket or waist. 38.5″ chest, 33″ waist.
Solid list, but since this goes toward the higher $500+ end, I would add Hickey Freeman mainline from Neiman Marcus Last call. With their almost constantly 30% off sales, they dip down to $489.50. They’re made in USA, half-canvassed etc…so I would probably spend that amount of money on HF rather than Abboud for the similar price.
Sure you’ll need some tailoring but you’ll end up with a great product. Also, call me naive, but I don’t get the Bonobos suit love. Sure they look and probably fit amazingly but are they even half-canvassed? Could never get past the price point.
Internet high-five for the Sherlock reference!
Hi Jason – I bought a Napoli about a month and a half ago. I have an athletic build as well. I’m 5’9″, 39/40″ for chest and a 32/33 waist. As Ben W mentioned, there is no way a 38R is going to work for you. The 38R jacket is absolutely perfect on me without any tailoring but a 1/4 inch smaller anywhere and it likely would be too small.
I didn’t think the size recommendor tool on their site was very good and thought it pretty inconsistent. A better method is to look at the detailed specs for each suit as they actually list out all the measurements.
One final point about the Napoli. I was really bummed when I ordered the plain navy Napoli because the jacket fit so perfectly but the pants that it came with were a 32. I can sometimes wear a 32 but SS is a slim fit for my body. There is an extra inch or two that can be let out of the pants but they were tight in the leg too. I was going to take it to a tailor and see what they could do. But I found out that you can in fact get separates for the navy pinstripe and charcoal pinstripe models. They sell the pants separately in the pants section of their site. I returned the navy, ordered the navy pinstripe with an additional pair of pants (size 34) and then sent back the pair of 32s that came with the Napoli.
Thanks for your advice, and for AMG’s help below as well. I contacted SuitSupply via email directly and they gave me some size dimensons and said I should order a 42S. Based upon the table of dimensons, though, it looks like a 40S would fit. That seems much more in-line with previous suits I have. I should note- the waist measurement I gave was around my bellybutton. I wear a size 33 (34 in Dockers alpha khaki slim tapered) pant.
Yeah I went into the NYC shop thinking I was going to get Napoli in navy, but ended up going with the York in navy (not sure if it’s available online) because it had a lower button stance and was the same price before alterations. I would recommend getting fitted at the shop if you can, they really know what they are doing.
Bonobos has their navy seersucker in clearance with extra 25% off today, depending on the fit, it’s the mid to low $200s. . .
Walt, I think the York and London are the same suit, just read about it, think they are messing with the naming conventions or something.
http://us.suitsupply.com/en_US/suits/london-blue-plain/P2529E.html?start=15&cgid=Suits
Just a heads up, I was able to get the navy worsted wool ludlow for a tad under 400 this past week. Used the 30% private sale with the 15% student discount.
I’ve been looking for a good navy suit with a ticket pocket for awhile now. Does anybody have any recommendations? Any thoughts on the suitsupply sienna fit? I know it’s a little more expensive but it still looks good and seems to be made out of a little but better fabrics.
They keep on telling me that the wools are excluded from the private sale. How did you work that?
@dapperedsite:disqus, do you happen to recall what the vent situation is on the Claiborne jacket? It claims “single back vent” on the website, but the photo suggests side vents instead.
Pretty sure it was side vents, which is what the jcp site shows, visually. The can be oddly inaccurate in their descriptions.
If he wanted to donate a suit and get the deal but didn’t have another suit to donate I don’t see the issue. He is still donating a suit that is hopefully gently used. Not saying I would do it but what is the difference?
As you point out, the York or London should have a lower button stance. I really like the Napoli myself. It is higher in stance than a Ludlow, that’s for sure, but button stances drift like lapel widths expand and contract. I don’t think the Napoli is anything that’ll look out of place. But, that’s just me,
I wouldn’t do it either, I was simply asking a question. I am not in the market for a navy suit but I don’t see anything wrong with donating a thrift store suit. Just curious, what about it makes it wrong in your eyes?
Tried em’ on. Lapels were extra skinny (even slimmer than a Ludlow’s 2.5″? Perhaps?) and the shoulders weren’t as good as the CK, so, went with the SK at #10. They’re certainly an honorable mention though.
Yeah, I’m not seeing any wools in this private sale either.
Because that suit has already been donated…
You wouldnt go to an event where admittance required the donation of canned goods, and stop by a local food bank to get the canned goods to donate, would you? It just strikes me as wrong, but thats a personal interpretation.
Their golden fleece suits are on sale today for $333. IIRC those are their half canvassed suits.
Need to start reviewing other brands besides indochino like black lapel, dragon inside, my custom tailor, combat gent etc.
So many horror stories from indochino, and black lapel has been half canvassed the entire time and it was hands down my most complimented suits, even more than SS which is my personal fav.
Thanks for this list, Joe! I’m shopping around for new suit, and I’ve narrowed it down to a Suitsupply Napoli or possibly Black Lapel slim fit. I’ve only seen the Napoli in-person and tried on the jacket. I haven’t found much mention of Black Lapel on Dappered, outside of the forums. Was BL ever considered for this list, or does BL fall into the same dangers of online-MTM as Indochino? Can we look forward to any BL reviews in the future?
Same dangers of online-MTM. I’ve seen a few reviews on Threads as well, but ever since Suitsupply came around, unless someone has really odd proportions, I’d steer them in that direction (suitsupply) if they have that kind of coin (online MTM $$) to spend.
Not to be rude here, but would you say someone that buys donated items at a thrift store or goodwill and then sells them on eBay is acting unethically? They are profiting off of someone’s charity in a very similar way.
Pleasantly surprised as a shorter guy to see that the Claiborne and Suitsupply suits both come in small sizes. Thanks for this list.
Bonobos Ninjas told me they were at the time of that review (last year’s reader appreciation week)… would they have changed construction and kept the price that high?
I think this is an interesting discussion and I dont think you have been rude at all.
My personal interpretation is that these things are different because of the spirit or intent of the gesture. If you buy something, you have the right to do with it as you please. This includes buying something at a thrift store and donating it to Mens Wearhouse for a discount. My personal view is that it would go against the spirit of the promotion as you are not adding anything of value. At the end of this, there isnt an additional suit available for a person in need, you have simply taken an already donated item and re-donated it. It just seems that your role in the charity process would be as an accounting trick.
Again, I can only speak for myself and someone else may have a completely different perspective, but I wouldnt be comfortable doing this.
That J.Crew suit, though pricey, looks so effin’ good.
I did it in store. Didnt realize they’re excluded but she ran it through.
Oh interesting, thanks for letting me know! Yeah that looks like the suit I got, not sure if they are doing away with one of the names or something.
Man, I was really planning to head down to Chicago to try on and buy that navy Napoli from suitsupply, but the Claiborne is just too tempting…That JCP discount code is good for today only.
If you are 34S I recently tried both Suitsupply Napoli and JCF Thompson. The Napoli is much bigger – chest, length. The JCF was perfect fit – even the sleeves!
Any thoughts on eHaberdasher’s Benjamin suits? They hit about the same price point as the Suitsupply with a few more features and pretty solid reviews.
http://www.ehaberdasher.com/servlet/the-Suits/Categories
The BR Tailored Fit is a dynamite suit. The fabric is light but I get away with wearing it year round. It’s a perfect snugness in a 38R and the pants are trim without being constrictive. I found the jacket at a Goodwill and managed to find a full suit at an auction for $90. I rock the jacket as a dressy blazer with jeans. My favorite and I only wish they had it in more colors.
The Brooks Brothers 30% off sale referenced above expired in June.
The regular fit is around $180.
I’d order both and return the one that doesn’t fit as well. Returns with Suitsupply are fast and easy, and I’ve always had them refund within the week.
Yes. Didn’t mean to imply that it was still going on. They run a couple 30% off codes a year it seems like (that can be applicable to those specific suits)
What about the Grant Suit from Club Monaco?
http://www.clubmonaco.com/product/index.jsp?productId=21343886&prodFindSrc=paramNav
I’ve found mistakes multiple times. The worst part is, their customer service can’t even determine whether the listings are right or wrong. Luckily for me, ship-to-store allows me to avoid shipping costs so I can gamble without repercussion.
I have a Sienna and have a friend who has one too. He loves it. I love mine, but personally don’t see ticket pockets being as timeless as regular-old-flap-pockets. Still, it’s a heck of a suit (yes, the material and drape are amazing to me) and I just HAD to have mine. But does it come in Navy? I think it comes in a blue that’s not quite Navy, so if that’s a requirement for you I’m not sure if it will be exact.
There will be another 15 or 20% off tomorrow. JCP ALWAYS has a code.
I agree with the spirit of what Robert is saying, i.e., I wouldn’t feel comfortable buying something as cheap as possible at a thrift store in order to get a new, discounted suit for myself. The whole purpose of the charity is to give less fortunate men the ability to look sharp as they walk into a job interview as they try to better themselves. I think the objection stems from the idea that a $10 thrift store suit would look dated and unprofessional, and therefore goes against the spirit of what Men’s Wearhouse is trying to do. If you donate something that actually looks presentable, that’s fine, but hopefully the managers at brick and mortars are able to use their discretion as to whether or not the discount will apply if someone is trying to abuse the system.
Any tall and thin guys out there have a go to place for suits/blazers? By tall and thin I mean measuring 6’5” while weighing 170 lbs (15.25-15.5 neck, 37” sleeves, 38-39” chest). I haven’t had a job where I’ve needed a suit, but I’m moving up the ladder in my company and will be needing to “step up my game” in the wardrobe area in the somewhat near future.
I’m guessing I’m stuck in the world of MTM but thought some other gangly guys might have a suggestion/savior.
Thanks Joe, although I’m very confused now. I just chatted with a Ninja who said their suits were “fully fused.” 🙁 I wish they would make it simpler to find that information.
And regarding price, sadly BR’s monogram line is pricier and they are definitely not half-canvassed from what I understand.
Thanks for the tip, Timbo. I think I’ll order a 40 and 42 and see which fits best. I know I’ll need some work done on it since the suit isn’t offered in a short size, but I want to get the fit as close as I can OTR
Thanks AMG- I emailed them and got back a response saying I should get a 42S. I’m going to order a 42 and 40 and return the one that doesn’t fit as well
Seconded on interest in BL and/or Dragon Inside reviews.
As an oddly proportioned guy, you can make some of the SS line work (Napoli, in my case).
They’re nice and if you can get them on sale they’re a great value. Only problem is they’re extremely trim. I had to return one in 38S because my tailor couldn’t let out the jacket enough. For reference, I’m a 36S in every suit/jacket I own. That includes Jcrew.
Interesting list, definitely some serious liberties taken with the word “affordable” but I guess that makes sense.
Very surprised to see no mention of Combatant Gentleman (reviewed on site and half canvassed, super 140’s at $160) or Stafford (with discounting are very solid).
This may just be an LA thing, but has anyone here ever checked out the Hollywood Suit Outlet? Great place to take advantage of their 3 suits for $199, $299, or $399 sale (including dress shirt, tie, belt, socks, and pocket square!). Even though they are Angelo Rossi, can’t really beat that can you? You can order online too. Never had it shipped to me, but it is 7 day shipping free. The sizing can be a bit odd though, you may have to look around a bit.
http://www.hollywoodsuits.com/
Just because they were reviewed on the site, doesn’t mean it was an endorsement. http://dappered.com/2013/12/combat-gent-suit-review-in-person/
And I seriously doubt the “super 140’s” claim of their wool. Talk about “serious liberties taken”.
I’d go with the Claiborne over CG myself. And I didn’t run into the Stafford while out scouting for this thing. Saw the claiborne and was glad to see they went with a navy option.
Take a look at the Thompson suit in 40L. I tried on a sportcoat at the outlet a couple of weeks ago and snapped some pictures for the “how does this fit” thread on the forum (look to the bottom of the page).
http://threads.dappered.com/showthread.php/4882-Official-quot-How-Does-This-Fit-quot-Thread/page219
The sleeves were definitely too long for me, but apparently I have little T-rex arms (my shirts are 15.5/35). Also, I said 42 in the post, but I know the regular was a 40, and I’m pretty sure the long was, too.
The real question is going to be whether there’s enough material inside hem of the pants to let them out to an appropriate length.
LJS – I’m new to MTM myself (and suits in general, really…recently started a new banking job where shirt & tie is required, so I decided why not step it up to full suits). I’ve now ordered 2 online MTM suits. 1 Cobalt Blue Birdseye suit from Indochino and 1 Solid Light Charcoal Blue suit from Black Lapel. The IC suit wasn’t perfect at first, but after a remake it now fits great. I only received the BL suit a few days ago, so haven’t had a chance to make an appointment with the BL tailor yet. The first try wasn’t perfect either, but it fits much better out of the box than the IC suit.
One big advantage BL has is their office in NYC, where you can get measured and see all the fabrics in person (unlike IC which is only in town for traveling tailor events). They also perform their own alterations, if needed, once your suit comes in. They’ve been great to deal with, both in person and over email. I’m confident this new light charcoal blue will soon become my new favorite suit. I’ve read quite a few favorable BL reviews on other sites. And I also enjoy their weekly Compass newsletter.
P.S. Although I’ve been happy with my MTM experiences so far, I’m planning on trying out Suit Supply for my next suit. Too many rave reviews here on Dappered to ignore!
Are you able to use your student discount online, or is it only in store?
Whoops. I forgot to mention that I’m 6’5″ and 170 lbs. Other than the arms, we should be pretty similar in terms of what fits.
What’s the drop from jacket to waist size for the suit supply suits?
Thanks for the heads up on the Thompson line.
Oddly enough, I happened to order (and completely forgot about — I stashed it away to get tailored) a Thompson Corded Cotton suit jacket when they had 40L’s left. Trying it on again — the sleeves are a bit short for my ginormous wingspan, but it’s likely as close as I’m gonna get OTR.
I’ll probably throw up a pic in Threads and see what kind of feedback I get pre-tailoring.
Thanks for the feedback, Angel. I would love to hit up a BL tailor or spend some more time in the Suitsupply store, but I live in Austin, the closest SS store is ~3 hrs away in Houston.
I can also confirm that after discussions with employees that the suits are fused. At that price point why not go with Suitsupply or a Ludlow?
only in store
Thanks, Joe! I’m definitely leaning toward SS. But the only reason why I considered BL was because of the cost of alterations on an SS OTR versus getting an online-MTM and allowing extra time for ~free remaking/alteration. I have pretty standard proportions, so MTM is not a must-have by any means.
Hey Joe and others that have/have tried on both – assuming the negligible difference in price is a non-issue, would you rather spend your dollars on the JCF or the JCP? Lets assume that it would be a standard work suit that could and probably would see occasional use in social settings. Thoughts?!
I had a really positive experience with black lapel’s navy suit. http://www.blacklapel.com/suits/solid-navy.html
The quality of the wool–super 110’s–is solid for the price. The lapels and fit are classic (although there are trendy options) and the pants broke perfectly.
The suit did require some additional tailoring, however. I went and got measured at the new york office to make sure everything would be perfect to their specifications,but it was still a tad loose fitting.
However Black Lapel provides $75 in credit to get alterations made and that was more than enough to have my tailor taper it to fit perfect. I had lost some weight during the 3 weeks it took to arrive, so more my fault than theirs.
While you can find better prices for similar quality from time to time on sale, those with a really common size (good luck getting a normal navy suit in 40R from j.crew’s sale rack, although it’s a great place to pick up summer or non-traditional fabric suiting) or an extremely odd size should explore this option.
Definitely side vents. I wore it today.
Sounds just like the Indochino formula (alterations credit = totally key and a huge bonus). But just like Indochino, it also sounds like you’re on the hook for returns.
That all said, it seems like Black Lapel gets more love than Indochino.
J Crew Factory. I like the JCP, but I really like the Thompson suit separates. Shoulders are much better for me, and even though it’s fused, it moves quite well.
Good luck!
Great article, as usual, Joe — first time poster and longtime lurker, and I am definitely looking into getting a navy suit.
With the advice from this site, I recently bought a 38S Suitsupply Napoli in “Antra” — their charcoal equivalent — and I like it… but I can’t LOVE it. My right arm is slightly longer than my left (prompting my brother to call me a human fiddler crab), which forced their tailor to lengthen the right sleeve from the cuff end. Alas, with their functional buttons, there now is a noticeable 0.5 inch disparity in the distance between the cuff and first button in right vs. left sleeves. The sales guy said it’s no big deal, of course, but now I can’t stop thinking about it.
I am eyeing the Suitsupply London in navy. But I am afraid to get it for fear of having the same sleeve alteration experience. And it seems that lengthening from the shoulder would be too major of an operation…
Anyone else have this issue with Suitsupply? How did you deal with it? Or is it truly “no big deal”?
That’s good enough for me. Thanks Joe! Keep up the good work!
Thanks for the essential reading. I’m giving the Claiborne a spin (44R jacket. 35 pants) owing to the many endorsements and the shock-the-conscience price. #fingerscrossed
Awesome! Now can we get a list of Top 10 Affordable Gray Suits? Please?
For the love of God, no, man. There’s a distinct reason why those suits are that cheap. I may or may not have done a 3-suit deal there many, many moons ago. They sit in 100% rayon/polyester blend/fused shame in the back of my closet now.
It would probably end up being almost the same as this list.
I love CM’s Grant Fit. They’re probably a touch more slim than the Ludlows, but the lapels are wider, which I appreciate. Only problem is that they rarely go on sale.
My only experience with the ticket pocket comes from my tailor. I order custom suits and he typically adds them. That being said, the cost for a custom suit including alterations is in the $1000ish range. If you only need a jacket (which lives around $500-600 for a custom job) and are in the Philadelphia area, head to Distante. Tell Charlie that Brian sent you and you’ll be taken care of 🙂
Thanks! I went ahead and bit today and ordered two sizes of the Claiborne jacket and pants (found a 15% off code: FUNDEAL). I can report back on fit if anyone is interested.
I went to both SS and BL for a light grey suit. Tried on SS’ Sienna and Napoli fit in 38S, loved them both. Minor tailoring would have made it a perfect fit. But the price was $500-$600, so I held off on it.
I had a similar experience with BL. I initially passed up BL because I was a bit skeptical of their site and the measuring process. Found out they had a store so I went in. Got measured in person and picked out exactly what I wanted (a 3-inch lapel but still slim fit, without hugging my balls). Suit came back almost perfect, had to made some minor adjustments with a tailor BL contracted with (a store in Midtown). Total turnaround was about 5 weeks, just over $500. Plan to go back for a second suit. Not bespoke quality, but pretty close for fraction of the price.
Just wanted to chime in regarding Indochino. For whatever reason, they seem to get a lot of hate on this forum, but my experience has been nothing but great. To date, I have two suits and a tux from them (including the essential navy) as well as some shirts. The quality and build on everything is top-notch.
I understand that a lot of guys have concerns about taking their own measurements, or worries about being stuck with an unwearable suit. So here’s my experience. First time I got a suit from them I got measured at one of their traveling tailor pop-up stores, where their people take your measurements and fit you. Takes all the worry about amateur-hour measurements out of the equation. Then I get my suit. Looks great, except the sleeves are about 2 inches too short. Solution? Remake. Didn’t have to send anything back. Just sent them a photo of me wearing it, and a new suit was at my door in a couple weeks. Oh, did I mention that I only got around to asking for the remake 3 months after I got it? Yes, they still did it. And no, I never did end up shipping the original back, so the entire remake was free. (Yes, I’m a lazy bastard).
Both of the next two suits were spot-on and fit like a glove.
I can only speak for my own experience, but I hate to see them get trashed and/or ignored in favor of off-the-rack stuff that’s more expensive and needs significant tailoring on top of that. Just my 2 cents.
OK, I tried to post a while ago but somehow failed. In any event, I haven’t heard much about Theory suits. They seem fairly nice and I believe are claimed to be (half?) canvassed. Retail is a bit spendy, $700 ish, but they are frequently on sale at the end of the season or at high end outlets for $350-$500. Does anyone have any experience (good or bad) with these?
thanks….
The Claiborne is a great value. Just received my order today. The 36R fits true to size, as do the pants in 30×32.
I couldn’t agree more with this post. I have one Indochino suit. I was also measured at one of their traveling tailor pop-up stores. However, when it arrived it fit perfectly. No alterations. I looked at my measurements as entered by the tailor and they are far off from my expectations–I think there is something to do be said for having a proper tailor do your measurements.
I also purchased a SuitSupply Roma suit when their clearance store was open a year ago and got it for an amazing price. The sleeve length was perfect off the rack (never happens to me), but the pants needed to be hemmed.
I am torn between getting a Indochino Essential navy or a Suitsupply Napoli navy for my next purchase. Suitsupply will be approximately $50 more, but I think I would give the fit edge a tad to Indochino.
This could all be helped if their clearance website opens again.
Try looking at Lazio cut at SS. Similar to Napoli but with a lower button stance, softer shoulders and slightly slimmer trousers. I bought the blue plain in 38S for $469 and went back and got the grey plain (also $469.) Amazing suit; 38S fits me perfect without any alterations.