Style police: Teach us!

[81MC]

Call me crazy, but a sport coat is never very ‘dressy’. Let’s not confuse blazers with sport coats.

[peter12]

What? Sport coats are definitely dressed up. I only own two suits. The rest of my business wardrobe is just sport coats. Yes, I will wear my navy blazer once a week.

[cam_wmh]

Pete, where you getting your corduroys from?

[peter12]

Brooks and I have a couple pairs of Norse Projects cords that I rotate in.

[Sliver]

Hey, I have to buy a suit for a funeral. I'm in my 40s and need something a bit more respectful than khakis and a button up shirt.

Is $350 an okay budget for this? Will need pants, jacket, tie. Thinking just black. Should I get stripes or anything? Could spend more if necessary.

Are suits hot? Seems nuts to layer up indoors as I run pretty hot as is.

Is Tip Top still a thing? Is that what I'm after? Or Moore's? Prefer a store in South Centre Mall.

Will I be able to wear this same suit for weddings? Maybe just with a different shirt and tie?

[you&me]

Originally Posted by Sliver

Hey, I have to buy a suit for a funeral. I'm in my 40s and need something a bit more respectful than khakis and a button up shirt.

Is $350 an okay budget for this? Will need pants, jacket, tie. Thinking just black. Should I get stripes or anything? Could spend more if necessary.

Are suits hot? Seems nuts to layer up indoors as I run pretty hot as is.

Is Tip Top still a thing? Is that what I'm after? Or Moore's? Prefer a store in South Centre Mall.

Will I be able to wear this same suit for weddings? Maybe just with a different shirt and tie?

Sorry for your loss.

I would suggest going straight black, without a pattern, stripes, etc. Thin socks and a light cotton shirt should help keep you cool(er).

The general rule of thumb is that a black suit isn't suitable (excuse the pun) for normal business attire, so if you care to follow that rule, you won't be wearing it much (hopefully)... Bearing that in mind, the budget and store are up to you and what you feel comfortable with dropping on something you won't wear much.

[Bring_Back_Shantz]

Originally Posted by Sliver

Hey, I have to buy a suit for a funeral. I'm in my 40s and need something a bit more respectful than khakis and a button up shirt.

Is $350 an okay budget for this? Will need pants, jacket, tie. Thinking just black. Should I get stripes or anything? Could spend more if necessary.

Are suits hot? Seems nuts to layer up indoors as I run pretty hot as is.

Is Tip Top still a thing? Is that what I'm after? Or Moore's? Prefer a store in South Centre Mall.

Will I be able to wear this same suit for weddings? Maybe just with a different shirt and tie?

Sorry to hear about the funeral.

For that budget I would recommend going to Indochino (they have a store in chinook), unfortunately, since it's for a funeral I assume the timeline won't work, as it'll be a few weeks to get the suit back from there.

For colour, I would stay away from black. Black suits aren't the most versatile.

Go with a dark/medium grey. It'll still be appropriate for a funeral, and you can wear it for other things without looking like you're going to a funeral.

[81MC]

You know, once you hit a certain age, a funeral suit is probably worth having. It’ll get used plenty, sadly. A black suit conveys an appropriate amount of respect, IMO.

I’m with you Sliver, I run hot. A nice wool actually is quite breathable and not bothersome.

Sorry for the funeral. But seriously, a funeral outfit will be put to use.

[SportsJunky]

I saw this thread bump and thought 4X4 was back!

[DoubleF]

Originally Posted by Sliver

Hey, I have to buy a suit for a funeral. I'm in my 40s and need something a bit more respectful than khakis and a button up shirt.

Is $350 an okay budget for this? Will need pants, jacket, tie. Thinking just black. Should I get stripes or anything? Could spend more if necessary.

Are suits hot? Seems nuts to layer up indoors as I run pretty hot as is.

Is Tip Top still a thing? Is that what I'm after? Or Moore's? Prefer a store in South Centre Mall.

Will I be able to wear this same suit for weddings? Maybe just with a different shirt and tie?

Sorry for your loss.

$350 will be fine. Closer to $500 might be more versatile and comfortable depending on what sales pop up. I think the vast majority of the cost over $350 will be paid to a tailor. You're probably thinking more about the suit jacket, but IMO it's the pants and the dress shirt that are better indicators of your comfort than the suit jacket itself.

You could do Tip Top/Moores, but I think it's worth looking at Saks on Fifth and Nordstrom Rack to see if there's anything slightly more premium for a jacket/shirt/tie that meets your needs for a similar price due to crazy clothing discounts that might be offered.

If you decide to look at Nordstrom Rack/Saks on Fifth for the other parts, pants wise, I'd suggest contemplating Lululemon ABC pants (Anti ball crusher). No one is really going to notice different brands combined together unless the colors/designs are way off. These pants will vent well, are durable and are comfortable enough to literally do Yoga in.

Heat wise, I usually find that it's the dress shirt that's the bigger indicator of heat. If the dress shirt isn't venting well, even if I tug off the jacket indoors, I'm still boiling. Usually you're aiming for cotton over polyester though for heat dissipation.

You only mentioned pants, jacket and tie so I don't know if you need to acquire a dress shirt as well.


Extra: Premium pocket tissue.

https://www.amazon.ca/Morcte-Facial-...X6ZMF44HB2NAWX

Consider keeping 2 packs on your body at all times. Maybe even keep the extras in a car or somewhat nearby. This is what I do. People always forget tissues or run out for weddings and funerals. The extra pack is so that you can give the tissue to someone who might need the full pack/most of a pack while still leaving some for you. I've handed my extra pack to a best man on a few occasions as a just in case groom and/or bride needs it.

Don't cheap out. These things are usually multiple for a buck each even for the premium ones. The reason for the premium ones is that these might just used for sweat just as often as tears. No one needs crappy tissue that leaves crap all over your face. The Amazon link is way overkill and it's $22 for 120 packs of 4 ply facial tissue. Regular tissue boxes are like 2-3 ply.

London drugs is usually a good place for these in smaller quantities if you don't need 120 packs. I often give away these tissues though, so I find I replenish the 20-30 pack pocket tissues more frequently than I expect.

[DionTheDman]

Originally Posted by Bring_Back_Shantz

.
Go with a dark/medium grey. It'll still be appropriate for a funeral, and you can wear it for other things without looking like you're going to a funeral.

Agree. Especially if he doesn't have other options for suits (which seems to be the case). A charcoal suit would be versatile enough for anything from a funeral to a wedding to a job interview.

Wool SOUNDS like it'd be warm, but it breathes much better than the alternatives. If you are truly worried about being warm, linen would be a good option, but that would A) limit it to warm months B) probably look pretty casual and C) be more difficult to care for.

If you do go wool and are worried about being hot, you should try to see how heavy the wool is, measured in ounces or grams. The lighter the weight, the lighter the wool, essentially. Here's a guide I found in a quick google search that might be useful.

If you are ok with purchasing online, Spier & Mackay offer good value/quality.

[VladtheImpaler]

Originally Posted by Sliver

Hey, I have to buy a suit for a funeral. I'm in my 40s and need something a bit more respectful than khakis and a button up shirt.

Is $350 an okay budget for this? Will need pants, jacket, tie. Thinking just black. Should I get stripes or anything? Could spend more if necessary.

Are suits hot? Seems nuts to layer up indoors as I run pretty hot as is.

Is Tip Top still a thing? Is that what I'm after? Or Moore's? Prefer a store in South Centre Mall.

Will I be able to wear this same suit for weddings? Maybe just with a different shirt and tie?

To some extent, the answer to your question depends on your body shape. If you have "standard" proportions, I would just get an off the rack CK from the Bay. There is always some sort of a sale going on and you might be able to grab it as cheap as $150. I got myself a navy and a black, knowing I will basically never wear suits, and saw no reason to spend real money. They fit perfect off the rack and they are certainly more than good enough quality wise. Certainly better than other "cheap" suits I have come accross.
To your second question, I would say, yes, you can wear black to a wedding - just partner it with a "happy" tie. By the same token, I think you can wear navy to the funeral with a "somber" tie. I would go with whichever looks better on you.

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by DoubleF

Sorry for your loss.

$350 will be fine. Closer to $500 might be more versatile and comfortable depending on what sales pop up. I think the vast majority of the cost over $350 will be paid to a tailor. You're probably thinking more about the suit jacket, but IMO it's the pants and the dress shirt that are better indicators of your comfort than the suit jacket itself.

You could do Tip Top/Moores, but I think it's worth looking at Saks on Fifth and Nordstrom Rack to see if there's anything slightly more premium for a jacket/shirt/tie that meets your needs for a similar price due to crazy clothing discounts that might be offered.

If you decide to look at Nordstrom Rack/Saks on Fifth for the other parts, pants wise, I'd suggest contemplating Lululemon ABC pants (Anti ball crusher). No one is really going to notice different brands combined together unless the colors/designs are way off. These pants will vent well, are durable and are comfortable enough to literally do Yoga in.

Heat wise, I usually find that it's the dress shirt that's the bigger indicator of heat. If the dress shirt isn't venting well, even if I tug off the jacket indoors, I'm still boiling. Usually you're aiming for cotton over polyester though for heat dissipation.

You only mentioned pants, jacket and tie so I don't know if you need to acquire a dress shirt as well.


Extra: Premium pocket tissue.

https://www.amazon.ca/Morcte-Facial-...X6ZMF44HB2NAWX

Consider keeping 2 packs on your body at all times. Maybe even keep the extras in a car or somewhat nearby. This is what I do. People always forget tissues or run out for weddings and funerals. The extra pack is so that you can give the tissue to someone who might need the full pack/most of a pack while still leaving some for you. I've handed my extra pack to a best man on a few occasions as a just in case groom and/or bride needs it.

Don't cheap out. These things are usually multiple for a buck each even for the premium ones. The reason for the premium ones is that these might just used for sweat just as often as tears. No one needs crappy tissue that leaves crap all over your face. The Amazon link is way overkill and it's $22 for 120 packs of 4 ply facial tissue. Regular tissue boxes are like 2-3 ply.

London drugs is usually a good place for these in smaller quantities if you don't need 120 packs. I often give away these tissues though, so I find I replenish the 20-30 pack pocket tissues more frequently than I expect.

Nordstrom Rack in Deerfoot Meadows sells suits? I'll check that out, too. Hopefully they have an onsite tailor

Tailoring will be mandatory, I'm pretty sure. Don't really have a standard body. Quite tall with giant bulging muscles.

I will need a dress shirt as well so I'll be sure to mention that to the salesperson. Wool is totally counter intuitive, but I'm sold on it.

I have a feeling I'll be attending more funerals coming up here than weddings, but I am leaning toward the charcoal grey.

Good news that $350 isn't a too-low budget. I don't want to look like I'm in a cheap suit. Guess I'll start at Nordstrom since they're close to me.

Thanks a lot guys. I appreciate the condolences - this is somebody I don't know well, but my wife was close to her growing up and she sounds special so it's definitely a loss.

[firebug]

Originally Posted by Sliver

Nordstrom Rack in Deerfoot Meadows sells suits? I'll check that out, too. Hopefully they have an onsite tailor

Tailoring will be mandatory, I'm pretty sure. Don't really have a standard body. Quite tall with giant bulging muscles.

I will need a dress shirt as well so I'll be sure to mention that to the salesperson. Wool is totally counter intuitive, but I'm sold on it.

I have a feeling I'll be attending more funerals coming up here than weddings, but I am leaning toward the charcoal grey.

Good news that $350 isn't a too-low budget. I don't want to look like I'm in a cheap suit. Guess I'll start at Nordstrom since they're close to me.

Thanks a lot guys. I appreciate the condolences - this is somebody I don't know well, but my wife was close to her growing up and she sounds special so it's definitely a loss.

A few recommendations:

1. Let me re-iterate... don't buy a black suit (unless you are working as a waiter). Not only is it generally tacky, but black actually doesn't look all that complementary to most complexions.
   
   
   I'd suggest colour: navy (ie really dark blue) or charcoal; style: single breasted 2-button; pattern: 'nailhead,' 'pinhead' or 'birds-eye' as your most versatile option. A faint pin-stripe would also be acceptable but avoid checks, plaids or chalk-stripes for your first/only suit.
   These recommended patterns will give you the most flexibility - with solid white shirt for funerals etc. but also a great base for a more bold shirt, tie or shoe when you want to look more relaxed.
   
   
2. Be careful at Rack and other 'fashion' oriented stores right now - they will likely have selection and/availability for the trendy 'short' pant & jacket fashion currently running a muck. Avoid this if at all possible otherwise you'll have something that will look silly in 5 years time (some would say currently too lol)
   
   Try and find a cut that you could picture your dad wearing. Slim and a softer shoulder is fine but avoid the shrunk-in-the-wash look.
   
   
3. $350 will get you a cheap suit - that can't be changed... however by investing in superb tailoring you can still have something you'll look good in and be proud to wear. Plus it will be comfortable enough that you won't mind putting in on.
   
4. Avoid black shoes while you are at it too... a dark brown will look better and can be paired with more outfits (Let me know your size - I've got over 30 pairs on-hand right now)
   
   

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by firebug

A few recommendations:

1. Let me re-iterate... don't buy a black suit (unless you are working as a waiter). Not only is it generally tacky, but black actually doesn't look all that complementary to most complexions.
   
   
   I'd suggest colour: navy (ie really dark blue) or charcoal; style: single breasted 2-button; pattern: 'nailhead,' 'pinhead' or 'birds-eye' as your most versatile option. A faint pin-stripe would also be acceptable but avoid checks, plaids or chalk-stripes for your first/only suit.
   These recommended patterns will give you the most flexibility - with solid white shirt for funerals etc. but also a great base for a more bold shirt, tie or shoe when you want to look more relaxed.
   
   
2. Be careful at Rack and other 'fashion' oriented stores right now - they will likely have selection and/availability for the trendy 'short' pant & jacket fashion currently running a muck. Avoid this if at all possible otherwise you'll have something that will look silly in 5 years time (some would say currently too lol)
   
   Try and find a cut that you could picture your dad wearing. Slim and a softer shoulder is fine but avoid the shrunk-in-the-wash look.
   
   
3. $350 will get you a cheap suit - that can't be changed... however by investing in superb tailoring you can still have something you'll look good in and be proud to wear. Plus it will be comfortable enough that you won't mind putting in on.
   
4. Avoid black shoes while you are at it too... a dark brown will look better and can be paired with more outfits (Let me know your size - I've got over 30 pairs on-hand right now)
   

I'm size 15 shoe.

I went to Nordstrom Rack and it wasn't my scene. The suits were a bit too trendy. Plus, I think it'll be helpful to have a salesperson there helping me along. Maybe I'll bump my budget up to $550.

All the malls closed at 7 so I missed being able to check anywhere else tonight. I'm going to resume the search tomorrow afternoon.

Okay, black is off the table. I will try a charcoal and a navy.

White shirt for a funeral, eh? I would have gone dark - all my fashion instincts are wrong.

Do you work in this industry? Thanks so much for your input.

[CaptainYooh]

Sliver, go to Thomas Jeffery at Southcentre Mall. By far, one of the most underrated men's wear store in Calgary. There are two guys there, one old and one younger. Tell them your budget and they will dress you up tip to toe. $550 should be OK.

[firebug]

Originally Posted by Sliver

I'm size 15 shoe.

I went to Nordstrom Rack and it wasn't my scene. The suits were a bit too trendy. Plus, I think it'll be helpful to have a salesperson there helping me along. Maybe I'll bump my budget up to $550.

All the malls closed at 7 so I missed being able to check anywhere else tonight. I'm going to resume the search tomorrow afternoon.

Okay, black is off the table. I will try a charcoal and a navy.

White shirt for a funeral, eh? I would have gone dark - all my fashion instincts are wrong.

Do you work in this industry? Thanks so much for your input.

Size 15? Crazy. I thrift, refurb and re-sell and, not-surprisingly, have yet to come across any 15s... but if i do i'll reach out ;-) Uninterestingly enough, I once found a pair of size 21 Nikes in a TJMaxx in Anaheim - they were unreal.

A dark suit, solid white shirt and subdued tie will get you through all but a Royal funeral in good stead.

Don't work in the industry (I'm a finance guy) but it's a fairly serious hobby. Pre-COVID was even considering working as a style consultant as a weekend side-hustle - so many guys could use help, lol. But do pick up a few hundred a month flipping on Poshmark/Ebay/Kijiji in the meantime.

A good philosphy:

Building A Basic Wardrobe
The basic suits in a wardrobe should be made from high quality fabrics in unremarkable colors and patterns. The suit is the most expensive garment a man wears during the day, and the purpose of conservative suitings is to minimize the number of suits required to realize a reasonable variety in his appearance.

Accessories let you achieve different looks with the same suits. A dark gray suit, for example, will be comfortable paired with a pink checked shirt, maroon necktie and dark brown shoes, and look different but equally appropriate with a wide spread collared blue twill shirt, dark green foulard necktie and black shoes the next wearing. The man who wears a suit infrequently, or is just beginning his wardrobe, should begin with suits in dark gray and navy. The navy is better for evenings and for more formal occasions such as a wedding. The gray is a basic daytime suit, appropriate for a job interview.

[firebug]

Originally Posted by Sliver

I'm size 15 shoe.

I went to Nordstrom Rack and it wasn't my scene. The suits were a bit too trendy. Plus, I think it'll be helpful to have a salesperson there helping me along. Maybe I'll bump my budget up to $550.

All the malls closed at 7 so I missed being able to check anywhere else tonight. I'm going to resume the search tomorrow afternoon.

Okay, black is off the table. I will try a charcoal and a navy.

White shirt for a funeral, eh? I would have gone dark - all my fashion instincts are wrong.

Do you work in this industry? Thanks so much for your input.

One more idea... Check out Man of Distinction consignment over in Avenida Bonavista (but close to where the Holiday Inn/car dealers are). For less than $500 they'll have dozens of high end suits - finding your size may be more of the challenge.

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by firebug

One more idea... Check out Man of Distinction consignment over in Avenida Bonavista (but close to where the Holiday Inn/car dealers are). For less than $500 they'll have all sorts of high end suits - finding your size may be more of the challenge.

Yeah, I love that store. Do a lot of shopping there. I'm not going to do the suit there, though. I will definitely need some hands on help with finding a suit. Probably shouldn't have said $350 - that was a bit arbitrary. I'll pay what's needed for the right suit and since I don't know what I'm looking for I'd rather not wing it, which is what I'd be doing there. In my orbit, I don't even see people in suits so I wouldn't know what to look for at all.

[DoubleF]

Originally Posted by Sliver

Yeah, I love that store. Do a lot of shopping there. I'm not going to do the suit there, though. I will definitely need some hands on help with finding a suit. Probably shouldn't have said $350 - that was a bit arbitrary. I'll pay what's needed for the right suit and since I don't know what I'm looking for I'd rather not wing it, which is what I'd be doing there. In my orbit, I don't even see people in suits so I wouldn't know what to look for at all.

It looks like Brooks Brothers is doing some pretty decent sales right now too and I do think they measure. It looks like some of the deals are in the 50% range. I'm just not sure whether they would have Sliver's size. It's worth checking out though. If you can find someone with a corporate discount card and it somehow stacks on these deal, it might almost be a no brainer.

https://www.brooksbrothers.com/Regen...os=8&cgid=sale

https://www.brooksbrothers.com/Fitzg...s=10&cgid=sale

https://www.brooksbrothers.com/Golde...s=16&cgid=sale

I don't generally go to Brooks Brothers myself because I find it pricey, but damn, these prices are pretty good. No idea what is available off the rack inside their stores vs online though.