notherner

Greetings from a longtime lurker who has a new username after changing computers. DS has just graduated and moved to NYC to start work in finance. We seek suggestions for good places for him to shop for conservative business suits. Advice about colours and styles also appreciated. He is average height but quite thin and and I think he would would have a hard time finding a professional looking suit off the rack so would need alterations. He hates shopping and does not care or know much about clothing styles. He has been to Brooks Brothers but did not like the atmosphere and thought the prices high. He is living in Manhattan but willing to travel (no car). Thanks!

HarrietMWelsch

Rothman's, at Union Square.

ingerp

If he has time, eBay is wonderful for clothing. He should become familiar with the designers that tend to fit him (more American cut vs. more European) and what size suit will be closest. He'll most likely need a trip to a tailor, but I've gotten some wonderful things at incredible prices. Really the only downside is that it won't happen overnight. (And he can check in every week or two and search on designers/sizes. There are new listings all the time.)

Booklady

Syms, at Park and 54th. They have less expensive suits and excellent discounts.

2boysima

Another vote for Syms. Every size and style imaginable and it's easy to find your size. Sometimes the staff has an attitude (very different from the Brooks Bros. attitude, though!)

I know people who have been successful buying suits at Macy's , but I find it difficult to shop there.

crazed

Syms. Great variety and price. They do alterations on the premises.

One problem we had with our sons is finding the right size to fit thin young men that are too tall for boys and too narrow in the shoulders for the men's smallest size, a 34. Youngest got away with a boys 21 (they sell size 21 in the boys dept too) and had the waist taken out a bit), other, older, taller son could not wear boys, too short in the sleeves, and the smallest mens size was way too wide for him. No luck at expensive private stores either.

Brooks Brothers boys blazers run big so a size 20 may be OK, or 18 if he is shorter. Both my boys can wear their clothes. Look on ebay. Brooks Bros non-iron shirts (button-downs) are great. No ironing needed out of the dryer. Ebay for them too.

notherner

Thanks very much for the responses--very helpful. Sounds like Syms and Rothman's are the places to try as he does not have enough time for ebay now and has the narrow shoulders issue. I will let you know how it turns out.

hmom5

If he is working in finance as in he has a front office job with an investment bank or PE firm, he needs to invest in good suits. Paul Stuart is currently having a sale and Barneys may be too. Unfortunately, clothes matter a lot on Wall Street, you dress for your boss's job.

thumper1

Syms...great selection and they also will do alterations for a nominal fee.

oldfort

If he is thin, Brooks Brother wouldn't be a good fit for him. He would be better off with European fit. Tell you son not to over look the right color for shirts, ties, or nice belt and shoes. Paul Stuart is a good store. Salespeople there probably could help/educate him with all the accessories. As mentioned by hmom5, clothes matter in a front office job. It's better to have 2 nice suits than 5 so-so suits.

I shop discount, but it's only after many years of buying retail. He should try to figure out what brands/cut fit him first, then look for discount for those brands later.

MommaJ

I wouldn't seek fashion advice from anyone at Rothmans's or Syms--probably best to go there when you already know what you're looking for. Try Jos. A Bank's Manhattan store. (See their website for an idea of their offerings.) They have a wide range of prices, including reasonable ones for someone just starting out in life, will do the needed alterations, can give good advice to your son about what constitutes a proper wardrobe and can outfit him with shirts and ties that pull his look together. They have been running some "buy one suit get one free" promotions on and off for the last few months--it'd be great if he could take advantage of one of those. I think your son would pass out if he saw the prices at Paul Stuart, even with a sale. That level of clothing can wait a few years.

mousegray

Agree with MommaJ ^^^. Also, American brands tend to be cut too large for thin types, tell him to look for "European" or "Italian" cuts in suits and shirts. Sometimes they are called "trim", or "metro" or some such.

tega

Centry 21 opposite world trade center.

futurenyustudent

I bought mine at the Gap à la carte. The regular suits you find at Filene's, etc. make me look fat. If worst comes to worst, you could try Woodbury Commons Outlets- http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=7 (there's a CoachUSA bus from Manhattan) or Macy's. I prefer the more slim-fit look as well (it fits me better too), which is the reason I didn't buy an actual suit.

But then, seriously. Define "suit". It's pants, a shirt, and a jacket. Whether you buy them separately or together is irrelevant.

There is something weird about buying clothes online-especially ebay.

mafool

Our thin son did not find suits to fit at Jos Banks. He needed a 38L and couldn't find it there.