Buying a suit (locations)

So I already discussed color and fit for buying your first basic suit. Now it is time for, where to buy your suit.
I understand not everyone has wads of cash to blow but definitely set a price range, but let's not get too cheap. A nice suit will start at 350 (not sale price) and go on from there. So what I am saying is avoid JC Penny, Sears, and Target. Pretty much avoid anywhere that doesn't have trained employees who know suiting and things of that nature. Basically I am going to break down the basic locations to buy a new suit, the target customer and the rough price range.

Men's Wearhouse-200.00-800.00-For the everyday man. Styles of all sorts and sizes. Make sure your sales person knows their stuff. (See my buddy Jeffrey in Brighton)

Suitsupply-400.00-1000.00-For the more contemporary gent who likes things a little more modern and slim. Many different fits and styles as well as a Made to Measure department!

Macys-300.00-900.00-Everyday man once again, but with a little more designer name behind it. Sales can be quite awesome, especially on their occasional 1 day sales!

Nordstrom-500.00-1200.00-For the higher class man who likes to spend more on his appearance. Granted, these suits are on the higher end of the line, and their sales team have years of experience.

Note Jos. A Banks is not on this list. That is because it is a terrible company with poorly made suits.

 In the end if you really wanna drop cash, go Made to Measure (custom made suits.) Very pricey, but you get a suit made exactly to your liking.

More to come, and I hope this helps.

-7daysuit

A guide to buying a suit. (The basic colors)

    In my last post I discussed how some men prefer loser fits as opposed to a more modern slimmer fit etc.  Today and throughout the week, I shall talk about the basics on buying a suit.  To start you will need to ask yourself a few questions yet again.

    First question being..Is this my first suit?  If so then it can make things a bit easier.  However if it is not your first suit, then ask yourself..What am I looking for in a new suit and what am I buying it for?  Practicality? Leisure?  Just because?

    If you are buying your first suit then here is what you need to know.  The 2 basic colors every man should own  are grey/charcoal, and navy.  Not black.  Black is used more for formal settings such as funerals, black tie events, performances if you are a performer.  The reason grey/charcoal and navy are the most basic is due to their timeless look and versatility.

    Now if you wanna change it up a bit, get the 2 basics but have one be solid and the other some form of pattern whether it be pinstripes, glen-check, windowpane or something of the sort.  However, if you choose to do that, make sure the pattern doesn't consume the suit itself.  Subtlety is better than a punch in the face.  Once you have the 2 basics or at least 1 of the basics, feel free to get a little adventurous.  Go for a seasonal color or fabric.  Maybe a little bit more bold pattern.  More on this later!

-7daysuit

Suits. Too tight? Too baggy? Just right.

    Hello everyone.  It has been a long time and I do apologize.  However I would like to start off this blog series with suits.  Yesterday as I was standing on the sidewalk, a man saw me an took it upon himself to tell me "your suit looks a little skimpy."  I merely and politely replied "Actually it fits just right."  He then came back at me with "No! it's too tight and doesn't fit!"  Because I was working (I am a Brand Ambassador for Suitsupply in Chicago) I once again replied "Nope, it fits me just fine", and that was the end of it.  Granted this man is entitled to his own opinion of how a suit should fit, as we all are, but who asked him in the first place and what gave him the inclination to tell me this gem of an insight?

    This got me thinking, how should a suit fit.  Most men over 40 think it should be roomy enough to it a second person or simply don't know or care, they just need to buy a suit.  Men under 28 and avid readers of GQ believe that suits should fit like saran wrap.  Here's the word that is huge in the world of clothing, politics and all sorts of things.  MODERATION!!  Each person has their preference and every brand has it's own cut.  A suit is made up of many different details that distinguish how it fits, feels, looks etc.  But what a man should know when buying a suit is this.  Does it fit in the shoulders and do the pants fit to where you can ask yourself "Can I sit in these even after eating a lot of food?" That's your basic goal. After that we can get into styles, cuts, patterns blah blah blah. 

    This concludes my first post of my re-launch.  Throughout the week I will discuss the different types of suits and how they fit and styles.  Tune in for more.

-7daysuit

Matthew Kosin: 7 days of suits.

Spring is here...which means there is much to be said about men's fashion.  Spring is a season of colors, patterns, and great combination of the two.  New posts and pictures will be up soon.