I bought a cheap suit with the intention of making it look good through tailoring, but I don’t know how to actually get that done. The local stores don’t have websites and haven’t picked up when I called, should I just walk in with the suit? Do I need an appointment? Also, how much should I expect to pay? (California)
I live a fair drive from the local alternation/tailor shops (rural life), so I figured I’d try to ask before making the drive out just to make a fool of myself.
Maybe this will be unpopular, but it’s probably not worth it if it’s a really cheap suit. If you’re buying a suit, make sure it’s 100% wool (yes, even a summer suit). My top recommendation for affordable suits is Suit Supply, if you have one around you. I believe they will do many or most simple adjustments for free, which makes the price tag pretty hard to beat for a good quality suit. Regardless of what you get, a high quality suit will last much longer and be more cost efficient in the long run.
Edit: I’ve heard mixed things about Indochino and never shopped with them, so I can’t comment, but that is another option.
It’s also important to buy a fit that you like. Some people think tailoring will fix anything, but it can’t. If you want a slim fit, don’t buy a classic fit suit.
Unless it’s a really nice tailor, you shouldn’t need an appointment.
Great advice but unfortunately don’t have time to replace the suit. It’s a Uniqlo suit, synthetic materials.
This is also unfortunately boots theory for suits realized. I am already pushing my budget buying a cheap suit 😞. I also don’t have formal shoes, nice belt, so it’s a lot to buy at the same time already (I’m transgender so I have to start from scratch). My next suit hopefully I’ll have more money for something nice.
Everyone’s gotta start somewhere. I do know that it’s not easy for trans men to get a well-fitting suit. I’m familiar with one case where the tailor sent the suit back without any alterations, because they thought the body proportions given by the shop were a mistake. That was rather infuriating to see, but it worked out in the end. I guess what I’m saying is that you should give yourself plenty of time in advance to get your next suit. It may not be the “come back in a week for pickup” that most men are used to.
Hell, I know a cis guy who had to visit 8 different places to find a suit that fit him. He’s a normal looking guy, but the proportions between his hips and waist was somehow an outlier for 99% of the pants he tried on.
When you’re at the tailor, have him take your measurements. You can use those to order your next suit from indochino. They do nice, made-to-measure suits on a budget.
TBF, the shoes and the belt are simpler than you might assume, though there are aspects that you do not want to skimp on with the shoes. For the belt, just be sure to match black or brown to the tone of the suit (and the same with the shoes; belt and shoes should be the same color, traditionally).
The shoes, and this is clutch, should be comfortable and insoles are your friend there, so dropping $20+ on a pair of supportive insoles will save you hours of discomfort if you’re planning on wearing those shoes during the whole workday. Lastly, you can generally find understated-yet-fashionable formal footwear on Alibaba for super cheap — as a stop-gap until you can afford to shop around.
Feel free to reply or DM, I’m happy to help any way I can, neighbor. 🤓🤘🏽
Thanks for the advice! 👍🏻
I have a dark grey suit and planning to wear it over a colorful floral shirt, my feeling was black shoes but wondering what you’d think?
Look for reversible belts. Most are not expensive but should last a fair while, and you only need to buy one.
I used them a lot when traveling for business; it let me pack one fewer item.
Decent masculine dress shoes come through thrift stores quite a bit at least around where I live and they usually don’t sell for much.
Yeah, maybeeeee the sole will fall off if you get unlucky, but usually the dress shoes are so cheap even in that case you are still saving money by going back and getting another pair instead of buying new. Also you can get the sole replaced on a nice masculine dress shoe if you really like the shoe.
Just don’t take the first pair that kinda looks ok, look through a decent amount and when you find a dress shoe where the sole is in good condition (the heel isn’t super worn down or anything) and appears to be from a good quality brand, nab it if it is comfortable.
Love it! I enjoy similar ensembles myself, in fact! I’d say that black/dark shoes and matching belt would be the easiest start, and branching out from there into warmer tones that support/echo hues in the chosen shirt — best if similar is done with other accessories, too (eyeglasses, jewelry, pocket squares, shoe laces, belt buckle, etc ) and you’ll be turning heads & hearts in no time! 🤩✨
I like Uniqlo for basics, but I wouldn’t trust them for suiting tbh. They do some basic alterations free in store though. I’d check that out before a tailor, just to save a few bucks
even a cheap suit will benefit from tailoring, but, I suppose it’s possible for a suit to be so cheap that it’s better to just get a better and better fitting suit instead.
an expensive suit that’s poorly tailored says “slob”, and is never a good look. You’ll also be more comfortable wearing the suit; and that means you’ll look better in it.
I’ll second the advice on wool, though. it’s by far the most comfortable material.