Let’s be frank: suits are expensive - especially when they’re made to order.
While we’d all love to head to Savile Row or Jermyn Street for an expertly crafted two-piece, it's a luxury that comes with the price to match.
And, when every guy needs suiting to span varying occasions, who has the time to design each and every one from scratch? You’ll need one that’s wedding-appropriate, a classic black style for condolences and a tux for formal events, naturally – and that’s before we get to lighter options for the summer season or office-appropriate attire.
Thankfully, though, there is another option. There’s a great selection of off-the-rack tailoring from brands that are experts in the field which won’t put too much of a dent in your bank account. From suiting-focussed T.M.Lewin and Hawes & Curtis to high-street stalwarts M&S and Reiss, or even newer menswear labels like Percival, you can consider all of your sartorial needs covered by the comprehensive range on offer.
Our advice? When you’re not shopping custom-made, you still need to make sure your suit fits. Up top, your jacket should measure exactly across the shoulders and the buttons should close without any strain, while the sleeves should show off roughly half an inch of your shirt cuff. On the bottom, the trousers should be cut to a straight fit with a slight pool at the ankle – and it goes without saying that the waist should feel comfortable.
Once you’ve worked out the general fit across the shoulders and waist, if everything else isn’t exactly right, we’d recommend opting for an alteration. Some brands offer in-store services – Reiss and Marks & Spencer included. If they don’t, look up your nearest dry cleaner or needleworker who will most likely be able to help for a fraction of the price of the tailors in the heart of London.
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Reiss Silm Fit Double Breasted Belmont Suit
While Reiss now offers many smart-casual separates beyond suits, the brand’s beginnings lay in men’s tailoring. Known for its contemporary aesthetic and premium textiles, any of the British label’s designs are well worth the investment – including this double-breasted style which wouldn’t look out of place in the wardrobe of a young King Charles.
Buy now £526.00, Reiss
Charles Tyrwhitt Natural Stretch Twill Suit
Every man needs a traditional black suit at the ready. The good news? Charles Tyrwhitt has you covered. From the natural stretch to the half-lined trousers, the classic fit to the premium wool, it’s both straightforwardly smart and expensive-looking, not to mention exceptionally comfortable.
Buy now, Charles Tyrwhitt
T.M.Lewin Williams Italian Luxury Slim Denim Puppytooth Suit
Far away, this may look like your run-of-the-mill blue suit, but get a little closer and you’ll actually realise it’s an appealing micro-puppy tooth pattern – would you expect anything less from the heritage tailoring expert, T.M.Lewin? They do have over a century’s worth of experience, after all.
Buy now £500.00, T.M.Lewin
Moss Tailored Fit Port Flannel Suit
If you thought Moss was limited to conventional designs, we’re here to put that right. The high street store’s collections actually include many styles that are anything but boring. Featuring a merlot hue, double-breasted silhouette and tonal buttons, this suit’s a case in point.
Buy now £229.00, Moss
Hawes & Curtis 1913 Collection Stone Cotton Linen Slim Italian Suit
Wedding season is all year round. And if summer weddings call for one thing, it’s linen. Hawes & Curtis knows the brief – and have aptly designed this lightweight, stone two-piece using a premium fabric sourced from Italy. A suit Mr. Gatsby himself would be proud of.
Buy now £399.02, Hawes & Curtis
Mango Man Slim fit double-breasted suit
Buy now £179.98, Mango
Zara Wool Suit
Corporate Casual is the trend on everyone’s lips right now. If you want to jump on board, Zara’s grey wool suit is the answer. A relaxed Nineties silhouette, pair it with a white shirt and vintage tie for a look à la Brad Pitt in Meet Joe Black. Or, why not dress it down with a simple roll neck or polo instead?
Buy now £238.99, Zara
Arket Modern Hopsack Suit
When you’re choosing a suit, it’s great to invest in a style you can easily wear as separates, too. Arket’s hopsack design lends itself to just that. Whether you’d prefer to dress the jacket down with denim or wear a simple white T-shirt with the trousers, it’s an investment that will go beyond formal occasions alone.
Buy now £368.00, Arket
Topman modern fit suit in navy
A silhouette that’s not dissimilar to Paul Mescal’s BAFTAs Gucci ‘fit (minus the button, since Mescal’s was concealed on the inside of the jacket), if you’d like to channel the internet’s incumbent boyfriend himself, this Topman suit will certainly help. The padded shoulders and sharp lapels take it up a notch.
Buy now £110.00, ASOS
