Suits

Overcoats depend on what you are doing for recruiting. I needed it when off campus for 2nd round interviews in cold climates. On campus I always changed at school but off campuse you will have to wear a suit from your apartment/hotel to the office. It can be damn cold in February in places like Chicago, NYC, Boston, etc.

If you want slim suits look at Italian brands, they tend to be narrower than american/english suits. Burberry are made by Hickey Freeman and actually aren't a very slim suit. Unfortunately Italian suits tend to be more expensive.

Your measurements by themselves aren't that out of the ordinary. When you buy a chest size 36 suit, it should be paired with a waist size 30 pants; and with a 38, you get a 32 pants. That's not going to be a problem.

It's probably the length of your arms that is causing you problems. Your cheapest solution is to find a brand whose 36L or 38L fits your arms, then stick with it. Otherwise MTM is probably your best bet. This is probably true for your shirts as well.

i have one at chicago... i find it necessary if i am wearing a suit jacket to a recruiting dinner and it is freezing cold

Thanks for the comments on the overcoat, guys. So it looks as though I will purchase an overcoat. Is there a particular length and color that is acceptable for recruiting? I realize it won't be worn in the interview, which might make it less important than a suit color.

I have a black one, light colors show dirt quicker and imo dont look as good with as many colors of suits as black. I would go with a longer one, no shorter than the top of the knee. If you shop at the right time of year you can usually find really good deals. I got a burberry like 75-80% off last summer.

Thanks, river!

Actually I disagree with your stated size based on your body size. A suit is properly sized by the shoulders and the length of the jacket. Nothing else. So for your shoulders you may need a 36 or 38. But for jacket length you are a REGULAR. A 'long' is usually for someone 6'2" or taller, otherwise it drapes down toward knees. THEN have sleeves tailored to your correct size. NEVER size your suits based on the sleeves.

I know from experience, I am an in-between size also. This advice will help you a lot, because a 38R is much much much easier to find. And it'll look better on you because it'll make your legs look more proportional to your jacket. Trust me, a 6 foot man should not wear a long.

I would go with black or charcoal for the overcoat. I don't know how it is in other cities, but walking around NYC in the winter just about everyone's coat is a dark color. Partially I think because like riverripper said, they don't show dirt as much, and partially because, like suits, darker colors are considered more conservative. My coat goes to about my knees - suit pants are not all that warm when it's cold and windy, so the longer coats protect more of your body from the cold. I don't remember exactly how much I paid for mine, but I bought it during the summer at Jos. A Bank, and think it was about $175.

Thanks I appreciate it. I always tried to size my jacket based on my arms (well I also looked at the chest, etc), and you are right it is impossible to find a 36 or 38 L. A 38R will be much easier to find.

heh, overcoats? why does anyone need an overcoat? (or suits, for that matter )

Or anything that is not made of hemp?

I went to Nordstrom today to check out their stock, in hopes of picking something up during their June 19 sale. Unfortunately, the options were limited in my size. The guy said the big sale is going to be in July (I believe it's the half yearly sale). I'm definitely going to order a BB Fitzgerald in charcoal, but want to pick up a third suit. If I will have a navy subtle pinstripe and a plain charcoal, would it be best to go plain navy or subtle stripe (or herringbone) charcoal for the third suit?

I sorta want to wait and see what Nordstrom has to offer in July, as it sounds like I might be able to find a Canali or Zegna for about $800-$1000. But, a Brooks Brothers 1818 suit at $500 seems like too good a deal to pass up.

Speaking of the Brooks Brothers suits, is the following cut okay for recruiting? It's very slender and has somewhat narrow lapels (would this be a 60s suit look?).
[url]
https://www.brooksbrothers.com/IWCatSect ... ion_Id=575[/url]

Does that Brooks Brothers sale start up soon? Seems like last year it was right about now...

I think it starts the 22nd but that seems like an odd day but that is what I was told.

It does start on the 22nd. I think each year the sale starts on the day after Father's Day, so the people shopping for gifts for Dad pay the higher prices.

I went to the store her in Houston today, and can safely report that the Brooks Brothers sale starts tomorrow (running for a week). All 1818 suits will be 50% off, which at my store is $898 to $449. A pretty good deal, and I think the Fitzgerald is great for banking. It fits me the best of any of their models. Although, one downside is that major alterations (from what I was told, anything involving the back or taking in the sides) costs extra. Shorting the sleeves is free. Not sure how much work you guys would need done to the suit, but it might run you an extra $100 or so.

I found that the Fitzgerald fit me best as well. I ordered a couple yesterday at the 50% discounted price. Hopefully we won't need significant alterations.