There is some good information in this thread. Thanks for everyone who contributed. It is a diplomatic position and business casual is not an option (although I wish.) I will definitely check out some of the places mentioned in this thread. Does anyone have experience with Jos. A. Bank? I went to the one in the Woodlands and they had some exceptional deals on their "Traveler Suits." Four of them were close to 900$ including the alterations. I was wondering about their quality.
I've owned 2. The quality is fine. I never liked their fitment, its a bit "old school", and even though they now offer a "tailored-fit" slim option, I bet that one is also a little boxy. However, I think their style would work really well for a diplomatic position -- regal and traditional as opposed to modern and/or flashy. Jos A. Bank suits aren't bad and its an easy process to purchase from them.
"You must spread some reputation before giving it to Ziggy again." Good to know. I work out a lot and I'm pretty broad in the chest and shoulders 44R but in the waist I'm slim 32-34. I definitely don't want the boxy and need a tailored look but I agree that conservative is the best way to go.
Try their slim-fit option, it might work out. J.Crew is the middle ground. When I see Jesse Palmer on College Gameday it looks like he's wearing a Jos. A. Bank suit to me.
LOL, he wears bad ass E. Zegna suits. Jos A. Bank are for people who dislike suits but need them for work.
You will get the most bang for your buck at Burlington Coat Factory (they are still in Houston?). Most of their stores have a huge selection. Don't expect any assistance as there will be very little to no sales or fitting help. You will need to be confident in your own sense of style and quality or bring a friend ( a woman maybe) and just pick the nicest suit (or suits) where the coat fits you well, and then go to a seamstress (check dry cleaners) to fit the pants for you. Macy's is a guaranteed low hassle good quality and stylish way to go and you will get all the assistance in sizing and style selection you need at a pretty good price. I would check out JC Penney as well. I've gotten some super, though not particular high style suits there at a rock bottom price when they are having clearance sales.
Also, I for one think that cuffs slacks are an eyesore. Whatever you do don't cuff your pants leg. It was a stupid trend.
I bought a suit from Men's Wearhouse a couple months ago and I was impressed with their service. If you don't know what you are doing when it comes to picking out suits (like me), going to a place like that (or Jos A Bank I presume is similar) makes it easy. Not sure what the prices vs quality are like overall, though. I went fairly low end (about $300) since it was only for occasional wear. They have buy one get one free pretty often though, so you could walk out with four $700-800 suits for under $2000.
Truly bespoke...or Made to Measure (there is a difference). Most people don't have the $4,000 laying around for a truly bespoke suit (but if you do, they are incredible). I had mine done at Henry Poole (took 3 visits, 2 in London, and the final fitting in New York). http://www.henrypoole.com I actually like Hartshaffner Marx for off the rack. Get them on sale at Macy's or Dillard's for around $350.
Men's Warehouse isn't bad and you can get some good deals...they do have some good quality there but you will obviously pay more. Never been a fan of Jos A Banks personally although it is inexpensive Macy's will have great sales...last weekend I got a $650 suit for $220. Nordstrams, of course, you can never go wrong. Dillards will also have pretty good sales as well
if you want to look fly and have a durable suit made in Egypt, I suggest you go to Banana Republic at any outlet. you can probably get 4-5 suits for 1500. cheers
Off 5th Saks is great place to buy good suits for a nice price. They always have sales on top of sales; buy 1 get one free suits that are already marked 30%-50% off. I would NEVER go to Jos A. Bank or Men's Wearhouse; better suits can be had for the same price. I've had 2 bad experiences going to these establishments before I knew how to buy a suit. If you do go there, make sure you know exactly what you want (fit, price, color); do not leave it up to one of those sales associates because they are really just trying to get you in any sack suit and their commission. If you want that conservative suit just buy a Hickey Freeman
I'm jealous and will one day have a Henry Poole suit. Check out this blog: http://www.bownsbespoke.com/ I find this guy absolutely hilarious.
i thought it was with a "y" and i heard it was closed, first place i think everytime also when i was in high school dillards in gulf gate (which isn't there anymore) converted into an outlet. they used to have ralph lauren, suits, perry ellis, nautica, everything for 75% off
