Suit Shopping - J. Crew or Brooks Brothers
I have an event in September and I’d like to get a new charcoal suit to wear. I’d like to try to keep it under $800 if possible so I figure brooks brothers or J. Crew fit the circumstances well. I’ve never purchased a suit from either place before but I know that the Ludlow by J.Crew used to be very popular but fashion has moved away from slim cuts? The Brooks Brothers explorer collection looks nice to me and I’m wondering if there is anything I should need to know about that garment. Thanks!
15 Replies
Hi @mmmllrrr! The best way to get a good answer is to ask a great question.
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If you buy a suit at a big chain like jcrew or bbrothers the answer is very simple: try them on in store and see which one you like the most.
slim cuts can read as dated, though it is a matter of personal preference (as j.crew still sells the ludlow)
brooks brothers explorer is a good entry level suit IME; j.crew's kenmare is a fuller cut vs the ludlow but comparable in price but in both cases i would try them on in person
Buck Mason
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Thanks for this. I didn’t consider Buck Mason and I really like that it’s a cotton/linen blend. That would be well suited for a warm climate, correct? Would the charcoal herringbone pair well with a white (or light blue) ocbd, black oxfords and some type of neckwear (that I would have to figure out)?
Also not tied to black oxfords because I don’t have them so I would be open to an alternative
Just beware with the Buck Mason capitola jacket. If the sleeves don't fit you, they can't be altered.
yes to both in a vacuum
- linen-cotton blend typically is lighter weight vs wool; ultimately it depends on how hot or cold you run
- charcoal + white/light blue + whatever neckwear + black leather shoe is a fairly classic combo, even though there may be some difference in how each person defines charcoal or light blue
- your choice of leather shoe depends on preference as well; if you already have a black leather shoe in good condition it probably will work, but oxfords, derby shoes, loafers and even dress boots could all work (would encourage trying them on with the suit)
I just picked up this JCrew set for like 190 https://www.jcrew.com/p/mens/categories/clothing/suits-and-tuxedos/kenmare/kenmare-relaxed-fit-suit-jacket-in-english-fresco-wool/CF193?display=standard&fit=Classic&color_name=charcoal-grey&colorProductCode=CF193
J.Crew
Kenmare Relaxed-fit suit jacket in English fresco wool
Shop for the Kenmare Relaxed-fit suit jacket in English fresco wool for men. Find the best selection of men mens-categories-clothing-suits-and-tuxedos-kenmare available in-stores and on line.
Thanks for the heads up. Are you referring to sleeve length?
Yes. The jacket has surgeon cuffs this year, so you can't have a tailor alter the length.
My read on these measurements is that a size S is more like a M for a lot of other brands, is that correct ?
I am 5'10", 165 lbs, and usually a medium. For the Buck Mason blazer, medium was the right size for me (other than the sleeves being too long, as noted). I tried on a small and it almost fit, but was too tight in the belly and I couldn't button it.
I find that blazers are important to try on before buying, if at all possible.
Thanks for this. I don’t live close to a Buck Mason so I think I have to be careful.
I found this one at J.Crew and I am nervous to buy it because it’s final sale. Though, it seems like there is the option to have it better tailored? I suppose I could try on a different material at the store in the same size.
https://www.jcrew.com/p/CF193?mode=add&N=42/S&NUM_ITEMS=1&cartId=f5c4650a7d8df83c943e08c08e&color_name=charcoal-grey&selectedShipmentId=HOME
J.Crew
Kenmare Relaxed-fit suit jacket in English fresco wool
Shop for the Kenmare Relaxed-fit suit jacket in English fresco wool for men. Find the best selection of men mens-categories-clothing-suits-and-tuxedos-kenmare available in-stores and on line.
If anything, the J. Crew is more important to try on, and not just because of final sale. The J. Crew is more traditional tailoring, with a lining and some "structure" (canvassing, padding).
The Buck Mason blazer is very casual as blazers go, maybe even too casual for your needs, if you're looking for a proper suit for a wedding or something. Almost more like a chore coat than a suit jacket. It's unlined, and I think you can even machine wash it.
(Buck Mason does have some more typical suits though, I believe)
I appreciate the feedback, I think I will start a new thread broadening the search!