Our son has asked for a “good” suit as a college graduation present from his grandma. We are not talking a bespoke custom-tailored suit here, but a step up from Mens Warehouse–thinking in the $500-$700 range. We are clueless about the best place to take him to choose this–I know he’d want something stylish and millennial-appropriate. Someone mentioned Joseph A Banks–we’ve never shopped there, but I always thought of them as a buy-one get one free type of place and not necessarily a place that would have high-quality suits. We live in the Washington DC area, if that helps. So my questions are: Is the price range we are thinking about a reasonable one? and Any suggestions where we should take him to pick out his suit? Thanks for all of your wisdom!
I don’t know if you have Nordstrom in DC but if you do just go there. Or whatever department store is the equivalent. If not, then Brooks Brothers.
They may not be " stylish" but they will be classic, timeless and elegant.
I agree, you can’t go wrong with Brooks brothers, and they are in that price range I believe. Jos A Banks is like Men’s wearhouse in terms of level (Not that I have anything against Men’s wearhouse, I bought several of their “travelling suits” that held up incredibly well).
Nordstroms should be your first stop. Excellent customer service and quality suits.
If your choice is between Jos A Bank and Men Warehouse, go with Men’s Warehouse as they carry more modern fits from Calvin Klein, etc.
Nordstroms is an amazing place to get a suit.
Also, check locally for an upscale mens clothing store. My son just got a suit from the brand name Byron and the fit is fantastic! Very James Bondish.
I agree that Nordstrom has the best selection and service for menswear.
My sons find Brooks Brothers too boxy and full cut for their slim/athletic builds…many young guys like a very close cut, almost tight fit, which you won’t find at Brooks Brothers. While I’m not crazy about the super tight European look, especially if the guy only has one suit, a too roomy suit looks awful on a young fit guy, and screams poor quality.
One brand to consider is Hugo Boss (in your price range and look for sales).
My H (former costumer and stylist) says pick your tailor first. If you don’t know of or have a reputable tailor, then go to a local department store that consistently hires good tailors. Where we live — that’s Nordstrom. Also, Nordstrom tends to shy away from trendy cuts. And that seems to be the direction that you want. (and congratulations!)
Another vote for Nordstrom and Hugo Boss! HB suits are slimmer cut, but do not have that ridiculously tight Euro look. And absolutely get the suit tailored to fit just right. Musica is correct about tailors. I take my clothes, even the ones I buy elsewhere, to Nordstrom for alterations, even though I have to pay for that. The quality of their work is amazing.
My S recently bought a Theory brand suit. It looks great on. I think it bridges the gap between a traditional cut and a euro cut. He bought his at a Theory store but I think some of the department stores carry the brand.
We have had little success with Nordstrom’s tailors. My S1 has a couple of Brooks Brothers suits (the 1600 line, I think) that are cut more for a young man’s silhouette, and my younger son swears by J Crew. He is tall, broad and very slim and the cut of the J Crew suits work better for him. He does have a Zegna suit (deep discount at a local retailer) that fits like a glove, but that was a function of the European styling and a good tailor. If you have a good tailor, the right suit will depend on how your son is built and what style he prefers.
Nordstrom and Hugo Boss have great options. You can also check Nordstrom Rack.
Jos A bank is owned by Men’s Wearhouse. Have never been able to find a decent suit in the Jos A Bank, where I am, yet, was able to find better options at Men’s wearhouse.
Congrats to the Young Man.
Gotta love a Young Man who wants a good suit for graduation!
+1 for Nordstrom. Not only do they have a good selection and range of prices, I’ve found their salespeople very good at helping to pull a tasteful look together with ties and shirts that work well with the suit. Even if you buy the suit elsewhere, you can bring it in and they’ll help by pulling together tie and shirt options.
We’ve also had luck with Bonobos for a younger look. They are an online presence but have Fit Shops in a few cities.
If there’s a Macy’s by you, try a Ralph Lauren suit. My son, currently a junior, has gotten a Ralph Lauren suit, and a jacket, from Macy’s. I’m sure other department stores also have Ralph Lauren suits.
All this discussion of Nordstrom prompted me to go to the website to look at their men’s suits. They look like they have a great selection and a lot of online tips for buying the right suit, so thanks for the heads up. But I did have to wonder who in his right mind would buy this one? Looks like it shrank in the washer (and $2500!) =))
I would balk at paying $2500 for a suit for a young person when I’m not sure if he may still grow (height or weight) and if we’re not sure how much he’ll actually wear it and for what occasions. Heck, I’ve never paid that much for any of my garments in my wardrobe!
@patsmom Oh my, thanks for posting that. I just had the biggest belly laugh. I can’t unsee that now. They call that a Trim Fit but there’s got to be a “better fitting” name for that style.
@HImom With the style in the link in post #14, you don’t have to worry about continued growth. It would be all the rage now and be oh so trendy. 
14 - LOL!!! My laugh of the day!!!
S1 was telling me about this clothing company for suits and I gotta say…their story intrigues me. I might be willing to take a $200 suit/ $250 tux risk. (assuming our tailor has to make adjustments) Anyone have any experience with this brand?
Nordstrom will be a much more pleasant and informative shopping experience although Nordstrom is not going to be the lowest cost option. If you have a men’s clothing store nearby that sells suits and finer clothing that might also be an option. We live in Naperville and “Dean’s Clothing” in our town fits that criteria. These kind of stores are locally owned and typically found in wealthier suburbs of major metropolitan areas. Consider also shoes - if he wants shoes that will last forever “Allen Edmonds” is a great brand, they can be resoled. For comfortable shoes that can be worn with a suit consider “Ecco” a European brand. Some good suit brands to consider: Hugo Boss, Hickey Freeman (pricey but beautiful), Loro Piana (either just the fabric or a suit), Canali, or Brooks Brothers.