It is currently Tue Feb 07, 2012 11:16 pm




   Post new topic Reply to topic      [ 84 posts ]  Bookmark and Share Oldest Best Reply Go to page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5  Next
Author Message
  2 button suit vs. 3 button suit [#permalink]
New postPosted: Thu Aug 14, 2008 7:52 pm 
Offline
SVP
SVP
User avatar

Joined: Tue Mar 11, 2008
Posts: 1750
Location: Southern California
Schools: Chicago (dinged), Tuck (November), Columbia (RD)
Followers: 6

Kudos (?): 159 (0), given: 0

GMAT Tests User
Alright, I'll admit, I don't regularly wear a suit to work and I'm not very familiar with the details of how a high quality suit should be worn or constructed. That said, I'm currently in the process of buying my first bespoke suit. I got measured today by my tailor and he has way too many options for me to even think about. If there are any more fashion conscious individuals on the board, I would love to hear your input. I am deciding between the following options:

1) 2-button vs. 3-button suit. I am 5'11" and my tailor told me that I should stick with a 2-button. He mentioned that only people above 6'3" should have a 3-button suit, especially in Finance/Wall Street. I've always felt more comfortable with 3 button suits, but he was strongly discouraging me from getting a 3 button. His 2-button suits seem to place the buttons a little bit higher, similar to a Zegna or Canali. Which one is more appropriate for business school/interviewing purposes?

2) Navy vs. Charcoal solid. I'm almost dead set on Navy. I have a charcoal pinstriped suit already that is off-the-rack, and it is decent.

3) 2 Side Vents vs. 1 Center Vent. Now we're getting to the part where it is too granular for me to even distinguish or care between some features. What are the purposes of each and which looks better? My tailor recommended 2 side vents.

4) Stitching on the lapel. My tailor recommended that I get a subtle stitching on the front lapel, and mentioned that it looks classy. I've never seen this and was a little bit hesitant. Is this gaudy?

_________________
Check out the new Career Forum
http://gmatclub.com/forum/133


  Profile  
 
  Re: 2 button suit vs. 3 button suit [#permalink]
New postPosted: Fri Aug 15, 2008 5:03 am 
Offline
SVP
SVP
User avatar

Joined: Thu Aug 24, 2006
Posts: 2197
Followers: 2

Kudos (?): 69 (0), given: 0

GMAT Tests User
Look at the picture below you and dress just like him, shades included. You won't look creepy. Not at all.


  Profile  
 
  Re: 2 button suit vs. 3 button suit [#permalink]
New postPosted: Fri Aug 15, 2008 5:08 am 
Offline
SVP
SVP
User avatar

Joined: Thu Aug 24, 2006
Posts: 2197
Followers: 2

Kudos (?): 69 (0), given: 0

GMAT Tests User
There's an old post regarding this stuff for aaudetat's sig other, but here's my take:

terp06 wrote:
1) 2-button vs. 3-button suit.

2 button = classic
3 button = modern

terp06 wrote:
2) Navy vs. Charcoal solid. I'm almost dead set on Navy. I have a charcoal pinstriped suit already that is off-the-rack, and it is decent.

navy = youthful
charcoal = older

terp06 wrote:
3) 2 Side Vents vs. 1 Center Vent. Now we're getting to the part where it is too granular for me to even distinguish or care between some features. What are the purposes of each and which looks better? My tailor recommended 2 side vents.

2 side vents = man of action
1 center vent = man of less action

terp06 wrote:
4) Stitching on the lapel. My tailor recommended that I get a subtle stitching on the front lapel, and mentioned that it looks classy. I've never seen this and was a little bit hesitant. Is this gaudy?

huh?

Your tailor seems quite pushy. I'd go 3 button navy w/center vent and hold the bells and whistles.


  Profile  
 
  Re: 2 button suit vs. 3 button suit [#permalink]
New postPosted: Fri Aug 15, 2008 5:17 am 
Offline
SVP
SVP

Joined: Sun Aug 05, 2007
Posts: 1509
Schools: NYU Stern '11
Followers: 13

Kudos (?): 202 (0), given: 22

GMAT Tests User
"Action" eh - I guess now I know what I've been doing wrong. It's obviously the lack of 2 side vents in my wardrobe ensemble.

kidderek wrote:
2 side vents = man of action
1 center vent = man of less action


  Profile  
 
  Re: 2 button suit vs. 3 button suit [#permalink]
New postPosted: Fri Aug 15, 2008 8:14 am 
Offline
Current Student

Joined: Thu Feb 28, 2008
Posts: 64
Followers: 1

Kudos (?): 15 (0), given: 0

Either button configuration should work at your height. I'm fairly certain that extremely tall men should avoid 3-button suits due to the enormous amount of cloth that covers the torso (see the nba draft for some examples of this). You can also consider the 3/2 button roll where the suit has three buttons but the top button is a part of the lapel roll and is not meant to be buttoned.

Both navy and charcoal are classic colours. If you already have a charcoal suit then get a navy one.

Dual vents are considered more functional (less bunching when you sit down) but centre and ventless jackets are acceptable as well depending on your body type.

I don't know what you mean by "stitching on the front lapel." Do you mean hand-stitching on the lapel buttonhole?


  Profile  
 
  Re: 2 button suit vs. 3 button suit [#permalink]
New postPosted: Fri Aug 15, 2008 10:14 am 
Offline
Current Student
User avatar

Joined: Wed Mar 26, 2008
Posts: 630
Schools: Duke 2012
Followers: 8

Kudos (?): 98 (0), given: 16

GMAT Tests User
I would go with your tailor, he sounds right to me.

By the way, a center vent always makes me think of a butler.

I also really don't like navy, I'm a classic black fan. I would skip the stitching though.

_________________
"Egotism is the anesthetic that dulls the pain of stupidity." - Frank Leahy


  Profile  
 
  Re: 2 button suit vs. 3 button suit [#permalink]
New postPosted: Fri Aug 15, 2008 11:33 am 
Offline
SVP
SVP
User avatar

Joined: Tue Mar 11, 2008
Posts: 1750
Location: Southern California
Schools: Chicago (dinged), Tuck (November), Columbia (RD)
Followers: 6

Kudos (?): 159 (0), given: 0

GMAT Tests User
highhopes wrote:
I would go with your tailor, he sounds right to me.

By the way, a center vent always makes me think of a butler.

I also really don't like navy, I'm a classic black fan. I would skip the stitching though.


Isn't black reserved for funerals and posher events held at night?

_________________
Check out the new Career Forum
http://gmatclub.com/forum/133


  Profile  
 
  Re: 2 button suit vs. 3 button suit [#permalink]
New postPosted: Fri Aug 15, 2008 2:25 pm 
Offline
Senior Manager
Senior Manager
User avatar

Joined: Mon Jul 30, 2007
Posts: 385
Location: Europe
Schools: St. Gallen '09
Followers: 4

Kudos (?): 54 (0), given: 5

GMAT Tests User
I know this is obvious advice, but you really need to go with what looks the best on you. Try on different types/styles of suits and different colors. Bring an audience to solicit their opinions. For example, I have found that with my skin complexion that charcoal gray and any shade of brown looks great on me. There's nothing worse than having an awesome, well-cut, expensive suit, but the color looks horrible on you.


  Profile  
 
  Re: 2 button suit vs. 3 button suit [#permalink]
New postPosted: Fri Aug 15, 2008 4:42 pm 
Offline
SVP
SVP
User avatar

Joined: Tue Dec 04, 2007
Posts: 1696
Schools: Kellogg '11
Followers: 11

Kudos (?): 168 (0), given: 31

GMAT Tests User
terp06 wrote:
highhopes wrote:
I would go with your tailor, he sounds right to me.

By the way, a center vent always makes me think of a butler.

I also really don't like navy, I'm a classic black fan. I would skip the stitching though.


Isn't black reserved for funerals and posher events held at night?


I thought it was only in the UK where black suits were considered funeral suits?

for women at least, black suits have been fine for work-wear...could be diff for guys :wink:


  Profile  
 
  Re: 2 button suit vs. 3 button suit [#permalink]
New postPosted: Fri Aug 15, 2008 8:51 pm 
Offline
VP
VP
User avatar

Joined: Tue Jan 09, 2007
Posts: 1048
Location: New York, NY
Schools: Chicago Booth Class of 2010
Followers: 8

Kudos (?): 154 (0), given: 3

GMAT Tests User
I Always go with 3.

_________________
Rhyme´s guide to interviewing
http://www.gmatclub.com/forum/t55030

Kwam's Profile
111-t57360


  Profile  
 
  Re: 2 button suit vs. 3 button suit [#permalink]
New postPosted: Fri Aug 15, 2008 11:39 pm 
Offline
SVP
SVP
User avatar

Joined: Mon Jul 31, 2006
Posts: 2318
Schools: Darden
Followers: 20

Kudos (?): 374 (0), given: 0

GMAT Tests User
Black suits are really not considered business attire - they do make you look like morticians and G-men.

Formal attire is something different. Yes black tie does call for black - but tuxedos rather than business suits. When events go super formal, attire shifts from black tie to white tie (coat and tails, and sometimes top hats and canes).

There's a well-known saying that you should never be remembered for what you wear in a business setting. You don't want to be wearing something so shabby that you stick out in a crowd; but you also don't want to be wearing stuff that is so expensive that the people recruiting you take note (I always leave the Rolex at home for recruiting events). In a recruiting setting, leave everything flashy at home (including but not limited to bright/fancy colors, french cuffs, shoes with buckles, suits with highly defined patterns or stripes, flashy shirts, and so on). I'm really just talking about attire for men; women have a lot more flexibility.

Going back to the black suit, it could cause you to stand out at a recruiting event. Many people will not notice, but there are definitely people that do not regard black suits as proper business attire. You want to do everything in your power to avoid getting dinged before you even open your mouth. Remember, it is never good to be remembered for your clothes at a recruiting event, no matter how good it sounds to you right no.


  Profile  
 
  Re: 2 button suit vs. 3 button suit [#permalink]
New postPosted: Sat Aug 16, 2008 8:36 pm 
Offline
Manager
Manager

Status: Post MBA, working in the area of Development Finance
Joined: Mon Oct 09, 2006
Posts: 186
Location: Africa
Followers: 1

Kudos (?): 1 (0), given: 1

What are the accepted norms for vents?
I read that while single vent is more formal in USA, the double vent is more formal in UK! What about the suits without vent?

I was also wondering about the pleats on the pant. I prefer single pleat but read that, presently, only pleatless pants are formal!


  Profile  
 
  Re: 2 button suit vs. 3 button suit [#permalink]
New postPosted: Sun Aug 17, 2008 12:01 am 
Offline
Senior Manager
Senior Manager
User avatar

Joined: Mon Jul 30, 2007
Posts: 385
Location: Europe
Schools: St. Gallen '09
Followers: 4

Kudos (?): 54 (0), given: 5

GMAT Tests User
Artemov wrote:
What are the accepted norms for vents?
I read that while single vent is more formal in USA, the double vent is more formal in UK! What about the suits without vent?

I was also wondering about the pleats on the pant. I prefer single pleat but read that, presently, only pleatless pants are formal!


Pleats come down to a preference issue.

I think pleats look "grandpa-style" pants, but that's just my opinion.


  Profile  
 
  Re: 2 button suit vs. 3 button suit [#permalink]
New postPosted: Sun Aug 17, 2008 6:54 am 
Offline
VP
VP

Joined: Mon Dec 11, 2006
Posts: 1419
Location: New York, NY
Schools: NYU Stern 2009
Followers: 29

Kudos (?): 212 (0), given: 6

GMAT Tests User
I think a suit needs vents on the jacket, but I don't think the number matters. My suits are all 3 button, but my friend in the UK had the most awesome suit cut for him with 2 buttons (I want to get some, though the lining they insist on is floral and a bit... well... I don't really like it). No pleats on the pants though. Ever.

Try them on and see which suits best - it really doesn't matter between the two, more on which just looks best for you.


  Profile  
 
  Re: 2 button suit vs. 3 button suit [#permalink]
New postPosted: Sun Aug 17, 2008 9:17 am 
Offline
Senior Manager
Senior Manager
User avatar

Joined: Mon Jul 30, 2007
Posts: 385
Location: Europe
Schools: St. Gallen '09
Followers: 4

Kudos (?): 54 (0), given: 5

GMAT Tests User
3underscore wrote:
I think a suit needs vents on the jacket, but I don't think the number matters. My suits are all 3 button, but my friend in the UK had the most awesome suit cut for him with 2 buttons (I want to get some, though the lining they insist on is floral and a bit... well... I don't really like it). No pleats on the pants though. Ever.

Try them on and see which suits best - it really doesn't matter between the two, more on which just looks best for you.


It's all about the gorge!


  Profile  
 
  Re: 2 button suit vs. 3 button suit [#permalink]
New postPosted: Sun Aug 17, 2008 9:44 am 
Offline
VP
VP

Joined: Mon Dec 11, 2006
Posts: 1419
Location: New York, NY
Schools: NYU Stern 2009
Followers: 29

Kudos (?): 212 (0), given: 6

GMAT Tests User
I have three suits, and all I did all summer was wear the pants. No need for the jackets, or the ties. That should eliminate one bank from the set I could have been at (where apparently a light blue shirt, rather than white, might be OK. On a Friday).


  Profile  
 
  Re: 2 button suit vs. 3 button suit [#permalink]
New postPosted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 10:31 am 
Offline
SVP
SVP
User avatar

Joined: Tue Mar 11, 2008
Posts: 1750
Location: Southern California
Schools: Chicago (dinged), Tuck (November), Columbia (RD)
Followers: 6

Kudos (?): 159 (0), given: 0

GMAT Tests User
Thanks for all of the tips everyone. I am going to go ahead and follow my tailors advice - Solid Navy, 2 buttons, 2 side vents.

I already have a 3 button in the closet, so it'll be nice to diversify a touch.

_________________
Check out the new Career Forum
http://gmatclub.com/forum/133


  Profile  
 
  Re: 2 button suit vs. 3 button suit [#permalink]
New postPosted: Mon Sep 01, 2008 1:14 pm 
Offline
SVP
SVP
User avatar

Joined: Tue Mar 11, 2008
Posts: 1750
Location: Southern California
Schools: Chicago (dinged), Tuck (November), Columbia (RD)
Followers: 6

Kudos (?): 159 (0), given: 0

GMAT Tests User
Does anyone have any pictures highlighting the difference between a pinstripe and a chalk stripe?

_________________
Check out the new Career Forum
http://gmatclub.com/forum/133


  Profile  
 
  Re: 2 button suit vs. 3 button suit [#permalink]
New postPosted: Tue Sep 02, 2008 1:29 pm 
Offline
Director
Director
User avatar

Joined: Sat Jun 10, 2006
Posts: 624
Followers: 3

Kudos (?): 49 (0), given: 0

GMAT Tests User
terp06 wrote:
Does anyone have any pictures highlighting the difference between a pinstripe and a chalk stripe?


Don't get either.

Just got my new suit. Solid charcoal Zegna. Will wear with white shirt and red hermes power tie. Looks sharp as hell


  Profile  
 
  Re: 2 button suit vs. 3 button suit [#permalink]
New postPosted: Tue Sep 02, 2008 1:42 pm 
Offline
SVP
SVP
User avatar

Joined: Tue Mar 11, 2008
Posts: 1750
Location: Southern California
Schools: Chicago (dinged), Tuck (November), Columbia (RD)
Followers: 6

Kudos (?): 159 (0), given: 0

GMAT Tests User
IHateTheGMAT wrote:
terp06 wrote:
Does anyone have any pictures highlighting the difference between a pinstripe and a chalk stripe?


Don't get either.

Just got my new suit. Solid charcoal Zegna. Will wear with white shirt and red hermes power tie. Looks sharp as hell


I really like the fit of Zegna as well. I am a huge fan of the Hermes/Ferragamo/Vineyard Vines ties as well, but aren't they considered flashy for interviews? At least the ones with the animal/critter prints and what not?

I'm having a tough time deciding whether or not I want to go with a Zegna/Canali or a bespoke for my next suit. Regardless, I may personally just hold off on all of this until I get into a school and buy 3-4 suits prior to arriving on campus. The cheap Kenneth Cole may have to last one more season - at least it fits alright, I suppose.

_________________
Check out the new Career Forum
http://gmatclub.com/forum/133


  Profile  
 
Online
gmatclubot
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  

Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 84 posts ]  Go to page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5  Next

 Similar topics   Author   Replies   Views   Last post 
Suits

in The B-School Application

irishspring

93

6534

Tue Dec 23, 2008 11:20 am

suit for interview

in The B-School Application

drucker_fan

188

5835

Wed Mar 07, 2007 5:28 pm

Travelling with a Suit

in The B-School Application

IHateTheGMAT

22

984

Mon Sep 22, 2008 11:46 am

Odd/Hot-button EC

in Ask MBA Apply

GoPanthers

3

539

Thu May 28, 2009 4:19 pm





Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 0 guests


Search for:
Jump to:




GMAT Club MBA Forum Home | About | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions | GMAT Club Rules | Contact | Sitemap
Powered by phpBB © phpBB Group and phpBB SEO
Kindly note that GMAT (C) is a registered trademark of the Graduate Management Admission Council, and this site has neither been reviewed nor endorsed by GMAC.