Suits

Pepe LeFrits

Maybe it's the influence of tv/films like Mad Men and Inception (which is basically suit porn with a scifi plot thrown on top) but I'm developing a real fondness for wearing suits.

I like finding excuses to wear them outside of work. They don't really come up enough though, and it kind-of makes me wish I was born in the 50s or was in my 50s, so I could wear them more often without raising so many eyebrows.

I've often heard that wearing a suit on a night-out is 'try-hard' and I've started asking myself, what's wrong with looking like you've put in a bit of effort? Surely being comfortable enough to admit that is more 'manly' than attempting to blend in with the inevitable shoes/jeans/shirt combo? (not that every guy wearing jeans and a shirt is attempting to blend in, but some certainly are)

I find myself giving the bird to peer expectation more and more lately, and it feels good. I like looking sharp, as opposed to my usual scruffy. Anyone agree, or am I alone in my cumberbund*?






* Kidding. I don't wear a cumberbund. Just a top-hat.

Snowie

i dunno I know one thing I'm a bit like a transformer put me in a suit and change radically for the better

Emme

Pepe LeFrits wrote: »

Maybe it's the influence of tv/films like Mad Men and Inception (which is basically suit porn with a scifi plot thrown on top) but I'm developing a real fondness for wearing suits.

I like finding excuses to wear them outside of work. They don't really come up enough though, and it kind-of makes me wish I was born in the 50s or was in my 50s, so I could wear them more often without raising so many eyebrows.

I've often heard that wearing a suit on a night-out is 'try-hard' and I've started asking myself, what's wrong with looking like you've put in a bit of effort? Surely being comfortable enough to admit that is more 'manly' than attempting to blend in with the inevitable shoes/jeans/shirt combo? (not that every guy wearing jeans and a shirt is attempting to blend in, but some certainly are)

I find myself giving the bird to peer expectation more and more lately, and it feels good. I like looking sharp, as opposed to my usual scruffy. Anyone agree, or am I alone in my cumberbund*?


* Kidding. I don't wear a cumberbund. Just a top-hat.

It depends where you hang out but lots of women like a guy who has made an effort with his appearance and isn't blending in with the scruffy jeans/manky t-shirt herd. Gay men tend to have more appreciation for a man who takes care of his appearance and they're often more complimentary of women who dress well than straight men.

Some guys can make a suit look manky by wearing a poor quality suit that doesn't fit properly (trousers too long and dragging on the ground are my pet hate). Other guys can make jeans, a t-shirt and a blazer look really sharp.

But I get where you're coming from OP with the retro 50s look. Some women like to dress up when they go out as well, not to be pretentious, but to be expressive and creative. It can be hard to find like-minded people in Ireland as we don't like sticking our heads above the parapet but don't let that stop you. I hope more men follow your example. I think Don Draper is very sexy

Cicero

Usually associaate suits with work so tend to avoid them outside of those hours-always thought 1960s thin ties looked cool

Jaafa

Fcuk it. I'm 17 and I know when I'm older I'll be wearing suits at every possible opportunity and beyond.

You only live once OP. Who cares what anyone else thinks. Those that judge you are likely people you won't want to hang out with anyway.

Sugar Free

I generally wouldn't go out in a full suit but would regularly wear dark jeans, a suitable blazer and one of my better shirts. Oh, and shoes, has to be good shoes!

For extended family occasions such as my grandparents anniversary, I've started wearing a full suit out to the house or restaurant. I don't wear them for work so it's one of the few chances I get.

So by all means go for it. I find Irish people men very dismissive of any guy who bucks the trend at all. Almost as if being able to get into a venue in runners and a ten year old t-shirt is a source of pride or a sign of manliness

I_am_LOST

Guys ALWAYS look instantly hotter in a suit.

So I say go for it!

minidazzler

Sugar Free wrote: »

I generally wouldn't go out in a full suit but would regularly wear dark jeans, a suitable blazer and one of my better shirts. Oh, and shoes, has to be good shoes!

For extended family occasions such as my grandparents anniversary, I've started wearing a full suit out to the house or restaurant. I don't wear them for work so it's one of the few chances I get.

So by all means go for it. I find Irish people men very dismissive of any guy who bucks the trend at all. Almost as if being able to get into a venue in runners and a ten year old t-shirt is a source of pride or a sign of manliness

Regarding suits, that's very much an age thing now, slightly older 25-30's will take the piss for someone wearing a suit, but How I met your mother has brought wearing suits into style for alot of 18-22 year olds.

The downside is people in this age group have no clue how a suit should fit for the most part. They wear baggy pants, a jacket that is far too big for them so billows when they sit, and a bad shirt and tie combination, with the shirt tied badly. Don't even get me started on the shoes! Wearing "school" shoes while in a suit, which aren't even polished is just bad.

So I would say, maybe 20% of lads in my age group who wear suits on a semi-regular basis know how to put together their suits well, but the vast majority could use some lessons.

OP, if you are gonna wear a suit out, wear it right, look up how to tie a tie, how to properly polish shoes and iron everything. If needs be get it tailored, suits last forever if you wear them right.

Maggie The Cat

A man raises his attractiveness tenfold by wearing a suit out on a night out. I met my husband in a club and he was wearing a suit . he easily was the most attractive man in the room, and when he made a beeline my way i had already decided he was the one. 5 months later i married him.

3hn2givr7mx1sc

I can't wait to get a suit. They're savage.

Princess Peach

Love a man in a suit Even when you see a guy you already know in a suit, he instantly looks a lot hotter.

I have in the past found myself unknowingly stroking the lapels of men in suits :eek:

epgc3fyqirnbsx

Great thread, I'm buying three suits tomorrow

I have a nice black pinstripe suit but it's amazing how quickly the styles change, this one is only a couple of years old but I was looking at new ones and the fit is now a lot skinnier as are the lapels.
I'm told that if you are wearing suits for work all the time, and wanna look good, you buy three a year and ditch the old ones (this is if you are working in a large corporate enviroment as opposed to a small engineering office or whatnit)

I'm broke but Remus Uomo look well affordable and good quality. Anyone any advice on affordable brands? Also, has anyone had experiences of Eddie Murphy's in Ballyhaunis because I've only heard good things

Logical Fallacy

To be honest, nothing looks worse on a man than an ill fitting suit.

Also, never believe a lady when she says she loves in a man in a suit...she loves THE man in the suit.

The man makes the suit, not vice versa.

Princess Peach

Logical Fallacy wrote: »

To be honest, nothing looks worse on a man than an ill fitting suit.

Also, never believe a lady when she says she loves in a man in a suit...she loves THE man in the suit.

The man makes the suit, not vice versa.

When I said I love a man in a suit, I really meant I ogle men in suits :pac:

wnolan1992

Princess Peach wrote: »

Love a man in a suit Even when you see a guy you already know in a suit, he instantly looks a lot hotter.

I have in the past found myself unknowingly stroking the lapels of men in suits :eek:

I'm heading straight to the nearest shop and getting me 7 suits, one for every day of the week.

Pepe LeFrits

minidazzler wrote: »

Regarding suits, that's very much an age thing now, slightly older 25-30's will take the piss for someone wearing a suit, but How I met your mother has brought wearing suits into style for alot of 18-22 year olds.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbAgmD3Mo90

minidazzler wrote: »

OP, if you are gonna wear a suit out, wear it right, look up how to tie a tie, how to properly polish shoes and iron everything. If needs be get it tailored, suits last forever if you wear them right.

I find the St Andrew knot meets my needs!

I'm no expert on wearing suits though I have been educating myself a bit lately, learning about shirt collar type (match it to your face shape - google shirt collar face type!), things like that, it makes a difference. I've bought a couple of suits recently, 1 tailored and 2 slim-fit jobs off the rack which need minor adjustments but generally fit pretty well.

Judging by the ladies' responses... I might just carry on so!

minidazzler

wnolan1992 wrote: »

I'm heading straight to the nearest shop and getting me 7 suits, one for every day of the week.

2 maybe 3 suits is what you need, with lots of different shirts and ties if it's for work. You change the shirt and tie and the suit will look completely different, beware, this can be for the better or worse. But you can suit all situations with different combinations in the same suit.

Personally, when going out if I am wearing a suit, it's all black from head to toe, including shirt and tie, because I look really well in black. I generally am not a fan of light colours on my shirts. But can wear light or boldly coloured ties. Last time it was All black except for an exceptionally boldly gold tie, and I think I rocked it well. When my suit came off the rack though it fit like a dream, didn't need a single alteration, though if I did, or ever do, I won't hesitate to get it.

One of my pet peeves when it comes to people who wear suits (I have alot of these pet peeves actually...) They have to wear the right colour socks! Dark blue suit - Dark Blue socks, Black - Black. Stop breaking the outline of your leg!

I do judge people alot on how they dress if they choose to wear a suit more than any other item of clothing, simply because if someone is looking sloppy in a suit, I can't take them seriously. But if you look sloppy in jeans and t-shirt, then you look like me on average!

J_E

If you're feeling uncomfortable about wearing a full suit, mix it up and make it a bit more casual. A blazer with a shirt and either dark jeans or trousers. Doesn't have to be the full blown thing.

I do agree though, suits are very snazzy, I always feel really nice when wearing one.

Kiva.D

OP, I agree with most on this. A well dressed man in a handsome suit ensemble, who acts like a gentleman is simply irresistible...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNhbjTllZR4
^ trailer for the movie "Simply Irresistible"
the leading man wears a perfectly fitted suit throughout the film

folan

wear a suit to anything a bit posh, or invent something a bit posh to wear a suit to. For example, i have heard of people going to the bars in 4* hotels suited up. Fancy suit for fancy place.

I cant just wear a suit to the pub. i always feel like it would have been cheaper to just die my hair blue, cause itll get me the same amount of notice.

A bar, however.....

Pepe LeFrits

I bought a tie-bar yesterday... love it already.

Here's to retro fashion resurgences!

MIN2511

You should get a pocket watch!

Pepe LeFrits

I have one already!

I'd be afraid to take it out though, it's insanely ancient and belonged to my great-great... err, I need to ask who it belonged to again. Has my (his) initials on it though!

El Guapo!

I have a nice suit but it doesnt fit me 100% the way I'd like it to and I feel it takes the look away from it.
On average if I was to go to a tailor and get a good quality suit perfectly fitted, how much would I expect to pay?

MIN2511

Dean09 wrote: »

I have a nice suit but it doesnt fit me 100% the way I'd like it to and I feel it takes the look away from it.
On average if I was to go to a tailor and get a good quality suit perfectly fitted, how much would I expect to pay?

It depends on the tailor; and how much you want to spend...
dunno if they are many around, will you not go to a proper suit shop (a few on Dawson street and ask to be measured?)

Pepe LeFrits wrote: »

I have one already!

I'd be afraid to take it out though, it's insanely ancient and belonged to my great-great... err, I need to ask who it belonged to again. Has my (his) initials on it though!

Nice!

I bought one a while back; cheap but nice on ebay and I love it. Don't carry it around though as the first and only time I had it on me I was called ghey :pac:

Pepe LeFrits

Dean09 wrote: »

I have a nice suit but it doesnt fit me 100% the way I'd like it to and I feel it takes the look away from it.
On average if I was to go to a tailor and get a good quality suit perfectly fitted, how much would I expect to pay?

You could buy off the rack and get adjusted as necessary. I quite like it that way as it means I don't have to deal with a salesman...

I have two tailored suits, the problem is they're awkward as the sleeve arms are shorter than the standard length. It means I have to wear tailored shirts with them and I don't really fancy tailored shirts that much. I don't mind having slightly long sleeves on my rack suits as it allows me to just buy regular shirts from tm lewin or whatever and not have to worry about the cuffs being too prominent (or shy, just as bad!)

MadsL

Can we have a suit p0rn thead please??

I'll kick it off!! Here's my most "non-work" suit, a gold silk Hugo Boss number - it was my wedding 'going away' suit. I spotted recently Jack Dee owns one.


(mods/admin enable images please!!)

Pepe LeFrits

Images are enabled

The suits in Inception were particularly excellent.



Cillian Murphy's style in that film was unreal, don't think I could pull it off though!

MadsL

Dean09 wrote: »

I have a nice suit but it doesnt fit me 100% the way I'd like it to and I feel it takes the look away from it.
On average if I was to go to a tailor and get a good quality suit perfectly fitted, how much would I expect to pay?

Felt this was worthy of a mantip, so see the post in the Man Tips thread.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=72311657&postcount=85

MIN2511

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1159812/Meet-Joe-Grey-Brad-Pitt-shows-age-silver-goatee-beard.html



Three piece suits ftw :pac:
He's got the right shirt but the tie isn't knotted properly

AlmightyCushion

MIN2511 wrote: »

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1159812/Meet-Joe-Grey-Brad-Pitt-shows-age-silver-goatee-beard.html



Three piece suits ftw :pac:
He's got the right shirt but the tie isn't knotted properly

What's the point of a suit if you are going to ruin it by not doing the tie up properly.

MIN2511

Arm bands!

No one wears them



I promise I wouldn't comment again on this thread; as a child growing up my father taught me about suits e.t.c.

MadsL

Who needs a tie when the suit is this sharp...Love this one from oceans eleven:

Faith

I love men in suits. It's really sexy.

I have a couple of very retro Mad Men style dresses - the really flared ones. I'd love to wear them all the time, but in the same way as wearing suits, I know I'd get a load of weird looks. I wish I had the confidence to just wear them and not be bothered when people think I'm overdressed!

parker kent

Faith wrote: »

I have a couple of very retro Mad Men style dresses - the really flared ones. I'd love to wear them all the time, but in the same way as wearing suits, I know I'd get a load of weird looks. I wish I had the confidence to just wear them and not be bothered when people think I'm overdressed!

I LOVE girls dressed like that. It is just so cute and sexy.

I love wearing suits, not a fan of a suit without a tie though.

Will

I need to buy a suit, mate getting married in July in Russia! Never really had the need for one until now! >.<

Sky King

Great thread.

I *love* suits. I have a really slick new grey one which looks the shiz.

I wish I had a reason to wear it more often though.

The fit is absolutely essential. If you're slim / tall, you should take advantage of that with a suit that is snugly fitted. Three buttons are quite formal and tend to be thought of as a bit passé these days. Two buttons are the norm and one button is a bit more risky

What are your opinions on waistcoats? I think they are poxy.

Otis Driftwood

I think a well fitted waistcoat can really finish a suit off,thats my personal preference though.

MadsL

Will wrote: »

I need to buy a suit, mate getting married in July in Russia! Never really had the need for one until now! >.<

In soviet russia, suit wear you!!

Magic Eight Ball

Three-piece suits are my favorite.


+ Only the lucky few can pull off a hat with a suit. 9 times outta 10 it looks stupid but when it works it works!

Marsden

Pepe LeFrits wrote: »

I like finding excuses to wear them outside of work. They don't really come up enough though, and it kind-of makes me wish I was born in the 50s or was in my 50s, so I could wear them more often without raising so many eyebrows.

I've often heard that wearing a suit on a night-out is 'try-hard' and I've started asking myself, what's wrong with looking like you've put in a bit of effort? Surely being comfortable enough to admit that is more 'manly' than attempting to blend in with the inevitable shoes/jeans/shirt combo? (not that every guy wearing jeans and a shirt is attempting to blend in, but some certainly are)

I know exactly where your coming from, I was trying the same thing a few years ago and you end up with that trying too hard feeling. People even asked me was I coming straight from work.

I haven't worn a suit in years thanks to changing jobs but reading this thread reminds me how much I miss them. I still have 5 hanging in the wardrobe, I'll have to start wearing them again for the sake of it.

Pepe LeFrits

AlmightyCushion wrote: »

What's the point of a suit if you are going to ruin it by not doing the tie up properly.

He's a rockstar, maaaaaan!

Pepe LeFrits

kilkenny flyer wrote: »

What are your opinions on waistcoats? I think they are poxy.

I like em. Don't have any, been meaning to get a 3 piece though... I feel like I've bought enough suits recently.

Dord

MIN2511 wrote: »

Three piece suits ftw :pac:
He's got the right shirt but the tie isn't knotted properly

Nice suit, but I noticed the gaff with the tie also. It's a pity, if it was done up correctly it would look excellent.

MadsL

Magic Eight Ball wrote: »

Three-piece suits are my favorite.


+ Only the lucky few can pull off a hat with a suit. 9 times outta 10 it looks stupid but when it works it works!

Tie bar with a three piece? Really? Kind of redundant isn't it?

Pepe LeFrits

It is a bit alright, although these days the tie bar is probably as much ornamental as it is functional. You'll regularly see it peeping out just above the jacket, when practically speaking it should be lower down.

Pepe LeFrits

Can anyone recommend a good place in Dublin to get a tux? Obviously you get what you pay for, but I'm still not really looking to spend a fortune on something I will very rarely wear. I can generally get away with off the rack with just a few minor alterations. I'd say ball park €400 for the suit, shirt & bow-tie.

I'm thinking I'll check out Black Tie...

OldGoat

I got a tux in Clearys last year for €300 in a sale but they had various priced above and beneath that too.

A wing shirt cost me €35.00 but only as it was one of four shirts I was buying in a sale in TM Lewins. Full price for a wing shirt is around €80 I believe. Price up a set of shirt studs too.

Bow ties are to be found everywhere but like everything else you get what you pay for. Avoid the pre-tied ones at all costs.

Pepe LeFrits

Shirt studs! aaagh, another new suit expense (that I'll grow to love, I'm sure )

I'll have to learn how to tie a bow-tie too. For years I've been making do with an elastic jobbie that damn near strangled me, but that won't cut it any longer!

hightower1

I say go for it OP.
My new years resolution was to wear a suit every time I go out (When I know Im heading out that is and not some spontanious thing).

Its great, just get a nice casual well cut collection of suits, open collar and some GOOD shoes. You'll be the best dressed dude there and feel great cause of it.

Go with my personal fav , grey fitted suit, white shirt, open colar, black boots under .... Tom Cruise from collateral'ish.

Other benefits include not freezing your arse off when you leave the club.
The way I saw it was girls get done up and wear clothes they normally wouldnt going out so why not men? Its not even a hassle to throw on a suit like. Was sick of the same old sat night routine / places but when your in a suit it feels like an ocassion eve thugh you may only be in the same old watering hole.

OldGoat

Pepe LeFrits wrote: »

I'll have to learn how to tie a bow-tie too.

Tieing the tie is as easy as tieing your shoelace. The difficult bit is the subsequent 30 minutes of preening and adjusting the knot to get it just right.