Friday, May 2, 2008

Points to consider when buying a suit

When shopping for a suit, consider fabric, style and cut, color, and having the suit fitted properly. You should also consider the accessories you'll need with a suit, such as a dress shirt, a tie, a belt, and a good pair of shoes. Keep those items in mind and mention them to your salesperson when considering your budget.

Although retailers often recommend buying the best suit one can afford, when it comes to first-time suits, it may be wiser to hold back. This is especially true for trans men who have just started testosterone as their bodies will probably go through some major changes (much like any man experiences going through puberty) . It would be a shame to grow out of an expensive suit in less than a year! This is not to say that you should buy the cheapest suit off the rack-- you should still look for quality and a good fit whenever possible. Discuss your budget constraints with your salesperson, and have him or her guide you to your best options within that range.

A note for those on a very strict budget: You might want to visit a menswear store to have your measurements taken and to get a general education on fabric, cut, and how a good suit should look and feel on your body. Then you can take this information and visit a thrift store to find a suit that fits reasonably well, and spend a little money to have it fitted properly by a tailor. Thrift stores may have a decent selection of good wool suits (some worn only a few times) at very reasonable prices.

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