Otis's Suit Epiphany (1 Viewer)

[Otis]

I recently hit up the Men's Wearhouse for one of those two-for-one deals, and then Burlington Coat Factory for a couple of suits off the rack at 100 or 200 bucks a pop. These are all fairly cheap suits. But the difference is I only bought the ones that fit me perfectly, flat front pants, well cut jacket, etc. A little tailoring and they look as good as my $1000 custom made suit. Better even. Bottom line? Who cares about the quality or the fabric -- if a suit fits perfectly, it will look good regardless. I'll no longer be buying expensive suits.

The other thing I've learned is in terms of tailoring -- the old dudes at Men's Wearhouse and places like it don't know squat about style. They'll try to convince you to buy something a size too big, because these guys are all convinced its still the 80's or 90's. Get something that fits snug, and have him tailor the pants shorter than he tries to, and the sleeves can be shorter than he thinks, because showing some cuff is a good look.

That's all I've got gents. Learn from my mistakes.

 

[wilked]

Absolutely get something slim fitting (as long as your body type can support it)

I picked up this at the end of the summer, only very minor altering was needed by my tailor

http://www.jcrew.com/mens_category/suiting...16564/16564.jsp

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Ive been meaning to stop in one of their stores at some point, but I wasn't sure about the quality. Now that they have the Otis stamp of approval, all my reservations are gone.

 

[TwinTurbo]

There is nothing worse than a cheap, poorly fitted suit which is what you will almost certainly find at the Men's Wearhouse or Burlington Coat Factory.

Seriously Otis, you live in NYC and this is where you shop for suits? When you crave some Italian food in your new "designed in Italy but made in China" suit, do you head down to the Times Square Olive Garden?

There is no such thing as a $100 dollar twofer suit that looks as good as a $1000 suit. It doesn't exist. But starting in the $300-$500 range, yes you can find some good quality, off the rack apparel.

 

[Sammy3469]

Otis, you don't have your Shanghai tailor on speeddial?

 

[BobbyLayne]

Its amazing what you can rationalize when you have one in the oven.

 

[The Big Guy]

Having worked at Burlington Coat in what seems like a former life, I can tell you that many of the suits in that store are not of the $100-200 level, but much higher level, priced at overstock pricing. Not saying that you are getting $1000 suits in there, but many of the suits are above average level, if you take proper time to look thru the dreck and find the diamonds in the racks.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

There is no such thing as a $100 dollar twofer suit that looks as good as a $1000 suit. It doesn't exist. But starting in the $300-$500 range, yes you can find some good quality, off the rack apparel.

Loving the fact that I can go to my job in $35 LL Bean jeans and a collared shirt.

 

[Tiger Fan]

Specifically with men's fashion, there are certain things that will always remain in style. Flat front suits, khaki (and similar color) pants, button down shirts, polo shirts, etc.....pretty much everything in the "conservative, preppy" arena. If that's not your style, then so be it....but if its your wheelhouse, then no need to not buy super expensive stuff. I typically buy all name brand, but at heavily discounted places.

 

[Dope]

Joseph A Bank.

Going on interviews in NYC and I bought a couple of suits there...had them tailored by their on-site Russian tailor. It was during their "buy a $500 suit, get one free". Got a nice solid and a great looking pinstripe.

They look great on me and when I was wearing one while sitting in Bryant Park during lunch...I felt as well dressed as any other person in the whole park.

(and killed in the 1st face to face. I was told by by my recruiter that they dismissed the other candidates. One more where I meet the North American VP and the gig is mine.)

 

[Alex P Keaton]

I recently hit up the Men's Wearhouse for one of those two-for-one deals, and then Burlington Coat Factory for a couple of suits off the rack at 100 or 200 bucks a pop. These are all fairly cheap suits. But the difference is I only bought the ones that fit me perfectly, flat front pants, well cut jacket, etc. A little tailoring and they look as good as my $1000 custom made suit. Better even. Bottom line? Who cares about the quality or the fabric -- if a suit fits perfectly, it will look good regardless. I'll no longer be buying expensive suits.The other thing I've learned is in terms of tailoring -- the old dudes at Men's Wearhouse and places like it don't know squat about style. They'll try to convince you to buy something a size too big, because these guys are all convinced its still the 80's or 90's. Get something that fits snug, and have him tailor the pants shorter than he tries to, and the sleeves can be shorter than he thinks, because showing some cuff is a good look.That's all I've got gents. Learn from my mistakes.

Wow. The old Otis is dead. This is sad to witness.

 

[Rohn Jambo]

Wow. The old Otis is dead. This is sad to witness.

When one have extra disposable income, it is easy to overspend on too many things. It took me a long time to learn that it's better to splurge on what truly makes you happier. Clearly being a fashion icon means less to Otis today.

 

[TwinTurbo]

I recently hit up the Men's Wearhouse for one of those two-for-one deals, and then Burlington Coat Factory for a couple of suits off the rack at 100 or 200 bucks a pop. These are all fairly cheap suits. But the difference is I only bought the ones that fit me perfectly, flat front pants, well cut jacket, etc. A little tailoring and they look as good as my $1000 custom made suit. Better even. Bottom line? Who cares about the quality or the fabric -- if a suit fits perfectly, it will look good regardless. I'll no longer be buying expensive suits.The other thing I've learned is in terms of tailoring -- the old dudes at Men's Wearhouse and places like it don't know squat about style. They'll try to convince you to buy something a size too big, because these guys are all convinced its still the 80's or 90's. Get something that fits snug, and have him tailor the pants shorter than he tries to, and the sleeves can be shorter than he thinks, because showing some cuff is a good look.That's all I've got gents. Learn from my mistakes.

Wow. The old Otis is dead. This is sad to witness.

It's like a former championship racehorse on it's way to the glue factory. A once proud steed, now reduced to a tasty paste eaten by kindergartners.

 

[GroveDiesel]

I guarantee that the slim fit look will be out within 2 years.

 

[El Floppo]

Its amazing what you can rationalize when you have one in the oven.

Otis has changed.

But I definitely prefer cheap Otis to angry white guy Otis.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

Wow. The old Otis is dead. This is sad to witness.

When one have extra disposable income, it is easy to overspend on too many things. It took me a long time to learn that it's better to splurge on what truly makes you happier. Clearly being a fashion icon means less to Otis today.

If this was the situation, I would be right there with you. But that isn't what has happened....go back and read the OP. No, this Otis hasn't said "I shun materialism and will instead focus on stuff that makes me truly happy." Rather, Otis is saying "Men's Warehouse suits are almost as good as Armani, so why spend the extra cash?" He has entered that dangerous realm known as "adult rationalization." This is when you start saying things like "New Year's Eve isn't even really a fun time to party. I'd rather just be home with the wife, watching re-runs of Everybody Loves Raymond."

 

[El Floppo]

Oh!

A very GB of mine's kid is in the same school as one of George Zimmer's and I guess they got a little close. Went on a trip with them on his private jet or something... sorry, those details are a little fuzzy... the detail that stands out was the amount, and quality, of pot Zimmer smokes (according to my friend).

 

[the moops]

I guarantee that the slim fit look will be out within 2 years.

It's got at least 10 years.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

I guarantee that the slim fit look will be out within 2 years.

Highly doubt it. Are we going back to super baggy so soon?

 

[desert rose]

I guarantee that the slim fit look will be out within 2 years.

It's got at least 10 years.

Very few men stay that slim for 10 years.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

I guarantee that the slim fit look will be out within 2 years.

It's got at least 10 years.

Very few men stay that slim for 10 years.

A lot fewer women do.

 

[PIK95]

So how often are these gonna get cleaned gb?

 

[desert rose]

I guarantee that the slim fit look will be out within 2 years.

It's got at least 10 years.

Very few men stay that slim for 10 years.

A lot fewer women do.

True. But then men don't have to give birth.

 

[El Floppo]

I guarantee that the slim fit look will be out within 2 years.

Highly doubt it. Are we going back to super baggy so soon?

maybe, maybe not. but it's a guarantee that the slim fit will be something that will look dated- like the 3 button blazer, or anything else in fashion- sooner than later.

 

[El Floppo]

I guarantee that the slim fit look will be out within 2 years.

It's got at least 10 years.

icon bet?

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

I guarantee that the slim fit look will be out within 2 years.

It's got at least 10 years.

Very few men stay that slim for 10 years.

A lot fewer women do.

True. But then men don't have to give birth.

Thems the breaks, toots.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

I guarantee that the slim fit look will be out within 2 years.

It's got at least 10 years.

icon bet?

Again, what look is next? Bellbottoms?Baggy isn't coming back for awhile. Everything was tight/slim from about 1970-1990.

 

[desert rose]

I guarantee that the slim fit look will be out within 2 years.

It's got at least 10 years.

icon bet?

Again, what look is next? Bellbottoms?Baggy isn't coming back for awhile. Everything was tight/slim from about 1970-1990.

The leisure suit and Miami Vice suit?

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

I guarantee that the slim fit look will be out within 2 years.

It's got at least 10 years.

icon bet?

Again, what look is next? Bellbottoms?Baggy isn't coming back for awhile. Everything was tight/slim from about 1970-1990.

The leisure suit and Miami Vice suit?

:crossesfingers:

 

[El Floppo]

I guarantee that the slim fit look will be out within 2 years.

It's got at least 10 years.

icon bet?

Again, what look is next? Bellbottoms?Baggy isn't coming back for awhile. Everything was tight/slim from about 1970-1990.

Dunno.But there's more options than "slim-fit" and "baggy". And fwiw, I have been seeing more looser fit things from the super-fashiony people around my hood- but slim is definitely still king.Feels like I had this kind of conversation in here a couple of years ago about slim, high-water style pants and got a lot of "no way I'd ever wear that". It's freaking fashion. They're changing styles every few months.

 

[KGB]

I guarantee that the slim fit look will be out within 2 years.

It's got at least 10 years.

icon bet?

Again, what look is next? Bellbottoms?Baggy isn't coming back for awhile. Everything was tight/slim from about 1970-1990.

Bell Bottoms already came back and went again. Think womens jeans.

 

[Judge Smails]

I've done both, and am leaning back to the quality side. The best suit I ever owned was one I got at a Bernini warehouse in Beverly Hills. It was $600 at 70% off. The lining and fabric on that suit was unbelievable. Any suit needs to be tailored well and has to fit correctly. That is a given. But quality does matter. The high end suit (for them) I got from MW doesn't feel remotely close to the Bernini..

 

[gianmarco]

I guarantee that the slim fit look will be out within 2 years.

It's got at least 10 years.

Very few men stay that slim for 10 years.

A lot fewer women do.

True. But then men don't have to give birth.

Yes, but at least we thank the women when they do. Both before and after.

 

[Rohn Jambo]

Wow. The old Otis is dead. This is sad to witness.

When one have extra disposable income, it is easy to overspend on too many things. It took me a long time to learn that it's better to splurge on what truly makes you happier. Clearly being a fashion icon means less to Otis today.

If this was the situation, I would be right there with you. But that isn't what has happened....go back and read the OP. No, this Otis hasn't said "I shun materialism and will instead focus on stuff that makes me truly happy." Rather, Otis is saying "Men's Warehouse suits are almost as good as Armani, so why spend the extra cash?" He has entered that dangerous realm known as "adult rationalization." This is when you start saying things like "New Year's Eve isn't even really a fun time to party. I'd rather just be home with the wife, watching re-runs of Everybody Loves Raymond."

True. It's what happens when one becomes a husband an a daddy. Maybe Otis ought to change his alias to Raymond?

 

[Otis]

I will admit that my custom suit is nice. And the quality is nice. But what does quality of a fabric mean? If it means longer lasting, then I suppose that's good. Does it also mean nicer to touch? If so, why do I care? People aren't sampling me. All that matters is how good it looks. I got a Pery Ellis suit off the rack at Mens Wearhouse for a few undred bucks and it fits like a glove. Just looks awesome on me. I wish they made it in more patterns, I'd literally buy 4 more. All for the price of one expensive suit. And somehow fits me every bit as well as the custom.

Onthe custom side, I also really dig the fact that you can get a conservative looking suit with a really bad ### lining (bright pink, lime green, purple, etc). But this is not about custom vs. rack.

And yeah, I suppose part of this is coming to grips with money. I worked a good job through my single years and splurged on booze, women, partying, cars, gambling, and all the rest. Having done all that (and foolishly saved nothing in the process) I'm now at a point where Ive learned that certain things are worth spending extra on, but certain things aren't. This is one of the latter. Yeah, part of this is gettin older, but getting married and having a kid on the way speeds some relizations up too.

The real point? Hey, stop looking at me. Otis doesn't have much to offer to the FFA these days...

 

[Rohn Jambo]

Yep, it's amazing how much $$$$ one can save when one no long chase tail.

 

[Koya]

No way a cheap suit can match something with better craftsmanship. For one, the better material will wear better - so you pay more now but have a considerably longer life of wear.

Second, the better material simply feels better, moves better (not to mention it DOES look better in almost all cases) and perhaps most of all, at least in my experience, the suit is crafted to fit the human form a lot better. Certainly the suit jacket. For example, I have a number of Polo jackets that just fit better than my others... was looking for a black velvet sport coat recently, unfortunately I tried on the one from Polo (maybe even purple label). God, it felt like the damn thing was tailored to me. Of course at 1400 I gladly went for the not quite as good fitting Banana Republic option (nearly 1200 less), but no way did it match the Polo.

In terms of where to buy so you don't go to Nordstroms and throw down 1400 bucks - or 800 bucks even:

SYMS. For those in the NY area, there is no better place to find a suit. They have some of the major labels off brands (like Lauren by Ralph Lauren) which are still decent, but you can find real gems there. I have a sweet Hickey Freeman that was 1500 bucks at Nordstrom (probably the previous season, but for men's suits it barely makes a difference, if at all) which I got for less than 400. A nice Hart Schaffner Marx that was 800-900 for about 300. Brought these to my local tailor (guy speaks italian better than english) and you have a great piece of craftsmanship that fits you like a glove and will last for years for a price that will rival the discount brands and in terms of value is considerably greater.

I am not at all a fan of Jos. A Bank. I was joking about this with my father a couple weeks back - the reason you can get three suits for the price of one is because they mark their #### up so much... its the discout price (a discount they seem to give every other week) that is the actual value, or close to it. Not a big fan personally. Nothing wrong, I just think they don't present nearly the value as you'd think.

Just my 2 cents.

GO TO SYMS!!! (PS, I could see getting a decent deal at Burlington if you found the right suit - not going to be a Hickey Freeman but you might get yourself a 400 buck suit for a lot less)

 

[eoMMan]

When it's tight enough to see your bulge, then you know you're doing it right.

 

[Koya]

When it's tight enough to see your bulge, then you know you're doing it right.

Some of us just can't help that. /bucking the stereotype

 

[Masked Vigilante]

A little piece of offdee just died.

 

[belljr]

Since I wear a suit once every 2 years, I've never bought an expensive suit.... My suit is probably back in style that's how old it is

 

[K8!]

I will admit that my custom suit is nice. And the quality is nice. But what does quality of a fabric mean? If it means longer lasting, then I suppose that's good. Does it also mean nicer to touch? If so, why do I care? People aren't sampling me. All that matters is how good it looks. I got a Pery Ellis suit off the rack at Mens Wearhouse for a few undred bucks and it fits like a glove. Just looks awesome on me. I wish they made it in more patterns, I'd literally buy 4 more. All for the price of one expensive suit. And somehow fits me every bit as well as the custom.

Onthe custom side, I also really dig the fact that you can get a conservative looking suit with a really bad ### lining (bright pink, lime green, purple, etc). But this is not about custom vs. rack.

And yeah, I suppose part of this is coming to grips with money. I worked a good job through my single years and splurged on booze, women, partying, cars, gambling, and all the rest. Having done all that I'm now at a point where Ive learned that certain things are with spending extra on. Certain things aren't. This is one of the latter. Yeah, part of this is gettin older, but getting married and having a kid on the way speeds some relizations up too.

The real point? Hey, stop looking at me. Otis doesn't have much to offer to the FFA these days...

A look at me post to say you are not worth looking at. Only Otis.

BTW, you will also find that Smirnoff makes as nice a vodka as the pricier brands.

 

[culdeus]

jos a bank = tmw

hth

I will agree that 75% of what makes a suit look good is the tailor job. 25% is the style+fabric.

 

[K8!]

A good tailor can make you look fantastic in a suit he has stitched together from kelp and burlap.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

A good tailor could make you look great in a suit made from oily rags in your garage.

 

[Rohn Jambo]

Men with good physique have much more fashion choices. Fatties are automatically disqualified.

 

[Cunk]

I will admit that my custom suit is nice. And the quality is nice. But what does quality of a fabric mean? If it means longer lasting, then I suppose that's good. Does it also mean nicer to touch? If so, why do I care? People aren't sampling me. All that matters is how good it looks. I got a Pery Ellis suit off the rack at Mens Wearhouse for a few undred bucks and it fits like a glove. Just looks awesome on me. I wish they made it in more patterns, I'd literally buy 4 more. All for the price of one expensive suit. And somehow fits me every bit as well as the custom. Onthe custom side, I also really dig the fact that you can get a conservative looking suit with a really bad ### lining (bright pink, lime green, purple, etc). But this is not about custom vs. rack. And yeah, I suppose part of this is coming to grips with money. I worked a good job through my single years and splurged on booze, women, partying, cars, gambling, and all the rest. Having done all that (and foolishly saved nothing in the process) I'm now at a point where Ive learned that certain things are worth spending extra on, but certain things aren't. This is one of the latter. Yeah, part of this is gettin older, but getting married and having a kid on the way speeds some relizations up too. The real point? Hey, stop looking at me. Otis doesn't have much to offer to the FFA these days...

Well, I for one am going to enjoy your childlike enthusiasm in the near future as you start to realize certain things like "Wow! Smirnoff at $16.00 is just as good as Grey Goose!" And "This watch I just got at T.J. Maxx for $35.00 looks every bit as good and works just as well as that $500 watch I had!". Also the "Hey, this 2 year old iMac does everything I need it to do. I don't need a new one!" Is a real money saver. It's kind of fun to be in the "know" about what are ripoffs and what you really need.

 

[offdee]

A little piece of offdee just died.

 

[Otis]

Another new discovery today: gilt.com

My wife is on their daily mailing list and is always buying stuff. Each day they have ridiculously good fashion deals. Well, I had to buy her a bag for Christmas off there, so I signed up myself. They then started sending me the daily e-mails. I yesterday got roped in -- they had some Hilfiger suit sale they announced starting at noon. Well I log in at noon, and they have some decent looking, modern-fit, flat-front suits starting at $248 a pop. They had my size, so I rolled the dice on two. Got them in today, the jackets fit perfectly. A little tailoring with the pants and these should be huge WIN for Otis. All at $248 a pop. Why was I buying $1,000 custom suits again????

 

[El Floppo]

Gilt