Affordable Navy/Black Suit Recommendation

Sodium on 03/11/2023 - 13:03
Last edited 03/11/2023 - 13:03

Hey Everyone,

Got a grad role in the finance department, am just wanting to buy one suit (either navy or black in colour) for the time being.

Not looking to spend too much just yet, I do want to see what everyone is wearing for a few weeks to get a good idea of the dress code and then go from there.

MJ Bale seems the go to but it is about $650 for one suit. I’ll be avoiding YD, Tarocash, Connor etc as per the advice I have seen on here.

I did want to get everyone’s thoughts on Oxford’s suit quality as I could not find any recent feedback on them. They have suits that I could get around the $350 mark from there.

Another one would be Van Heusen.

Any other opinions would be highly appreciated. Currently based in Victoria, if that helps with any other recommendations.

Thank you!

Fashion & Apparel Clothing Suit

Comments

  • djkelly69 on 03/11/2023 - 13:17
    +4

    I would definitely go navy over black.

    From memory feedback on here has been that Oxford wear fast, and that has been my experience too.

    IMO Van Heusen will be fine for a grad (or higher) role, as will just about any pure wool or wool-rich suit. Just remember to leave some money in the budget for alterations - how the suit fits on you is going to be a lot more noticeable than the brand.

    Also I would be looking at getting separates and getting at least two pairs of matching pants if you are going to be wearing it often.

    • Sodium on 03/11/2023 - 16:03

      Appreciate it, thank you very much!

  • mskeggs on 03/11/2023 - 13:23
    +2

    Wool strongly recommended, as is navy or dark grey. Save the black for the bouncers or footballers in court.

    Very strong chance the dress code will be trousers, dress shirt and jumper/coat with a suit only needed on occasion.
    If you are wearing a suit daily, worth a trip to Vietnam to get a bunch made - you'll get a better fitting suit and a holiday paid for with the savings.

    • Sodium on 03/11/2023 - 16:03

      Will go for navy. Yup got it, thank you :)

    • bargain huntress on 19/11/2023 - 20:13

      What place in Vietnam would you recommend?

      • mskeggs on 19/11/2023 - 20:14
        +1

        Hoi an

        • bargain huntress on 19/11/2023 - 20:21

          Thank you. Is there a tailor in particular?

          • mskeggs on 19/11/2023 - 20:32
            +1

            @bargain huntress: There are dozens of tailors in that city. I haven’t been there since 2016, so can’t really recommend.

  • DJR9000 on 03/11/2023 - 13:24

    I have a recent oxford blazer and it's fine… as long as it fits as their sizing definitely is super slim - i'm 78kg and medium to large t-shirt in most brands and in their blazers i'm XL! Fit is important…

    most businesses nowadays unless you are in some kinda really formal setup i reckon you could just get away with a decent shirt, blazer, chinos/moleskins and smart sneakers or leather boots, definitely a lot more comfortable than a suit. Chuck in a pocket square to make it a little more dressy

    • Sodium on 03/11/2023 - 16:04

      Yup that's why I only just wanted to buy one to see what the dress code would be. Appreciate your response, thank you!

  • Hellfire on 03/11/2023 - 13:44
    +1

    I have a few oxford suits and they are good value when purchased on sale. Good modern cut so you wont look out of place.

    Purchase extra pants as they wear faster than the jacket.

    • Sodium on 03/11/2023 - 16:05

      Appreciate it, thank you!

  • Protractor on 03/11/2023 - 13:45
    +1

    Go to an op shop or ten first. You might score the suit brand and colour you want el cheapo.

    • Sodium on 03/11/2023 - 16:06
      +1

      Good idea, was planning to go there to see if I could find any decent ties. Few I looked at were $40 each online lol.

  • mreddie on 03/11/2023 - 13:46

    Van Huesen is pretty good

    • Sodium on 03/11/2023 - 16:06

      Appreciate it, thank you!

  • Kongzi on 03/11/2023 - 13:59

    WFH era is more smart casual. If you really need it, get a cheapie for now. Won't use it much

    • Sodium on 03/11/2023 - 16:06

      Yup was thinking the same. Thank you!

    • Shoocat on 03/11/2023 - 15:09

      Peter Jacksons look good new, but wear fast. Their light material weight is good for summer though.

      • Sodium on 03/11/2023 - 16:06

        Appreciate it, thank you!

  • Benoffie on 03/11/2023 - 18:51

    Go to DFO and Harbourtown. See if Hugo Boss are chucking out suits still (they were doing them for $179). If you're a size 54 or under, they can fit you.

    Were you told to wear suits? Are you front or customer facing? Attending court?

    If not, this is what I did for my kid:

    Boss - French Navy chino style work pants (Kaito1)
    Selection of chinos from MJ Bale (blues, browns, camels, greens etc)
    Shirts from CK, MJ Bale (they have good summer options), VH and Boss

    He has a few blazers (RMW, Sportscraft etc) that I picked up cheap. I mean, sub $150. He never, ever used them.

    Look for throw out Peacoats for next season. Stick to traditional styles. You'll want one in Melbourne.

    Shoes, keep them simple. I scored mine RMWs on throw out and he wears them religiously.

    Want something casual for casual Fridays (without looking like a slob?) - Polo bundles from Rodd and Gunn.

    • This all depends on your style, taste, figure etc.
    • Start with basics, build a capsule wardrobe
    • If it doesn't mix n match, don't buy it
    • Don't spend big until you see what everyone else is wearing. My kid turned out to be the best dressed in the entire office. Apparently comic tshirts and ripped shorts were acceptable (your tax dollars at work….)
    • Cheaper chinos are available at Target (and just as good)
    • Check Myer and DJs always for throw outs
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